Dr. Bigelow was Newton’s first superintendent of schools, appointed in 1859. He did not set out to be an educator. Instead, he trained as a medical doctor and graduated from Harvard in 1836. After practicing medicine for a short time in Maine, he settled in Newton Corner and became active in civic life. As superintendent, he was “deeply concerned in the religious improvement of the young,” according to a commemoration of his life held in Newton in 1866. “He loved all the children and took pleasure in visiting all schools” and “his presence in the classroom roused the dull and flagging spirits of the pupils.” Under his leadership, Newton created a 40 week school year.

Bigelow was also active in community life and a founding member of the Channing Unitarian Society. Newton Cemetery was established in 1855 with Dr. Bigelow one of the seven trustees. He served as president of the cemetery until his death in 1866. In his honor, philanthropist John Farlow (also known for Farlow Park) donated the funds for the Bigelow Mortuary Chapel at the cemetery. The building is no longer standing but Farlow’s tribute to Dr. Bigelow is engraved on the tablet above the entrance to the current chapel and reads in part: “To commemorate the virtues and unselfish labors of Dr. Henry Bigelow...The beautiful surroundings made it less a place of sorrow than of solemnity and peace.”

The Bigelow School in Newton Corner is currently a middle school; its first building dates back to at least the 1890s.