Shareholders, including Bigge's estate, were liable for its debts, and Bigge's son and heir Matthew was obliged to sell family properties in 1861 to meet the obligations of the estate.
Those who held shares, including Bigge's estate, were financially liable for the company's obligations. Consequently, Bigge's son and successor, Matthew, had to sell his family's assets in 1861 to fulfill the estate's financial responsibilities.