"The Biggs Machine" by Tyler Boyd
For the first half of the 20th Century in Polk County, Tennessee, Sheriff Burch Biggs reigned supreme. From 1904 to 1948, the political machine of Biggs was built upon three pillars—election fraud, police brutality, and graft—and while it is true that Biggs was not the first (or last) American sheriff to permit “fee-grabbing”, take kickbacks, or stuff the ballot box, the duration and brutality of his tenure makes him exceptional. Biggs was elected sheriff eight times, and when he was out of office, one of his two sons served in his place. The Biggs Machine tells the story of Burch Biggs, his corrupt empire, and how it all came crashing down following World War II. Extensively researched, including interviews with Polk Countians who lived during the Biggs regime, The Biggs Machine presents the true story of how “absolute power corrupts absolutely”, and a cautionary tale to prevent history from repeating itself.
Tyler L. Boyd is an author, historian, and educator from Athens, TN. He works for McMinn Co. Schools. He serves as president of the McMinn Co. Historical Society, secretary of the McMinn Co. Library Board, Programs Committee member at the McMinn Co. Living Heritage Museum, and serves on the board of the Polk County Historical and Genealogical Society. He is also a member of the Hiwassee Chapter SAR. His first book, Tennessee Statesman Harry T. Burn, won several awards, including the East Tennessee Historical Society's Award of Distinction and the DAR's Historic Preservation Award. His second book, Nellie Kenyon: Trailblazing Tennessee Journalist, won the Project Excellence Award from the East Tennessee Historical Society. Today, he will be discussing his newest book, The Biggs Machine: Old Time Politics in Polk County, Tennessee, which is, in a lot of ways, a sequel to the Battle of Athens.
Access will be through GoToWebinar. Instructions and Connectivity Link will be forwarded via email to all registrants upon registration, six days prior and again 1 hour prior to the event. Making the connection is quick and easy only requiring a computer and Internet connectivity from wherever you chose to watch the event. Your questions help drive the meetings, and we will be there to help each other.
