Bigelow was secretary of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and then mayor of Boston.
From the description of John Prescott Bigelow papers, 1805-1896 (inclusive) 1814-1863 (bulk). (Harvard University). WorldCat record id: 612373200
From the guide to the John P. (John Prescott) Bigelow papers, 1805-1896 (inclusive) 1814-1863 (bulk)., (Houghton Library, Harvard College Library, Harvard University)