Asa Biggs

Asa Biggs (February 4, 1811 – March 6, 1878) was an American attorney, politician, and jurist who served as a member of both chambers of the United States Congress and as a United States district judge of the United States District Court for the Albemarle, Cape Fear and Pamptico Districts of North Carolina. Education and career Born on February 4, 1811, in Williamston, Martin County, North Carolina, Biggs attended the common schools and pursued classical studies, then read law in 1831. He was admitted to the bar and entered private practice in Williamston from 1831 to 1845, and from 1847 to 1854. In 1832, he married Martha Elizabeth Andrews; they had 10 children, 2 of which died in infancy. Biggs owned "several slaves" as a result of his marriage. He was a delegate to the North Carolina constitutional convention in 1835. He was a member of the North Carolina House of Commons (now the North Carolina House of Representatives) from 1840 to 1842. He was a member of the North Carolina Senate from 1844 to 1845.