William Biggs 1858-1943

BIGGS, CALKINS, LITTLE

Posted By: Sharon Elijah (email)
Date: 12/29/2020 at 09:23:44

18 November 1943 - The Anamosa Journal

William E. Briggs was born on the farm, known as the Horace Barber farm, between Wyoming and Onslow, October 30, 1858, and died Monday, November 15, at his home in Minneapolis, Minn. He spent his boyhood years in Wyoming. He was the son of Moore and Hulda Oviatt Briggs, and numbered among his ancestors Clement Briggs and Peter Brown who came in the Mayflower, and William Phelps, one of the framers of the Connecticut Constitution. His education was received in the public schools of Wyoming, and Cornell college, Mount Vernon.

His entire business life was spent in banking, beginning as bookkeeper in the Valley National bank of Des Moines. After he had risen to the position of assistant cashier he went to Centerville, S.D., where he organized the bank of Centerville. Later he took charge of the Northwestern National bank of Aberdeen, S.D., then returned to Iowa, becoming interested in the Madrid State bank, Madrid, Iowa.

In 1901, representing Swift and Co., he perfected the organization of the St. Paul Cattle Loan Co., and a year later the Stockyards National bank of South St. Paul. He was vice-president of the latter for 13 years. In 1914 he went to the Northwestern National bank of Minneapolis as vice-president, which position he held until 1931, when he reached the retirement age. He had served as president of the Twin City Bankers club, was a 32nd degree Mason, and a former member of the Minneapolis club and Minneapolis Athletic club. On December 28, 1869, he was married to Elva T. Calkins, daughter of Dr. Martin H. Calkins, who served the Wyoming community for over 50 years. He is survived by his wife, his children, Martin C. Briggs, Walter C. Briggs, Mary C. Briggs and a grandchild, Katherine Briggs, all of Minneapolis, and a sister, Mrs. F. B. Little of Portland, Oregon.

Masonic lodge, Keystone chapter, No. 206, of Wyoming conducted the services at the grave, Wednesday, November 17, with the address by L. M. Sherrill. The obituary was read by Rev. E. G. Steinman, who also offered prayer.