Briggs, Gladys Evans 1897-1918

BRIGGS, EVANS

Posted By: Marilyn Holmes (email)
Date: 12/20/2010 at 08:30:51

Grinnell (IA) Herald; Dec. 10, 1918

MRS. BRIGGS DIES

Third Member of Evans Family Gives Holy Life in Cause of Mercy And Justice.

It is with extreme sadness that the Herald records the death Sunday night at ten o'clock of Mrs. Gladys Evans Briggs, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. C.T. Evans.

Mrs. Briggs was born in Grinnell Feb. 4, 1897, and at her death was 21 years, 10 months and 6 days old. She grew up here a pupil in the public schools and of the Sunday school, and became a member of the Church of Christ. April 3, 1918, she was united in marriage to Ward Briggs and they moved to Columbus, Neb. In July Mr. Briggs was called into service and September sailed for France. Mrs. Briggs returned to the home of her parents here and has remained with them since. Her health has not been of the best and perhaps on this account she became an easier victim of pneumonia.

April 4, 1914, she became a member of the Baptist church, remaining in it until 1918, when she put her letter into the Christian church of which she was a member at the time of her death. With the exception of the few months spent in Columbus, Gladys spent her whole life in Grinnell and was known and loved by many to whom her death comes as a great grief and a shock, following, as it does the death of her brother, Floyd, a member of the Grinnell S.A.T.C., who died November 27 and her only sister Elsie, who died December 5th, all within two weeks. The whole community will mourn with the bereaved husband who is somewhere in France and with the heartbroken parents, the little brother Donovan and the many relatives and friends.

The burial takes place this afternoon, where the third mound in a few days will tell of the desolate home of fond and loving parents. Services conducted by Rev. N.J. Peterson.

Elsie Evans, youngest daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Charles Evans, passed away Thursday afternoon of pneumonia after an illness of only a week.

Elsie was a member of the Grinnell high school and her teachers all speak of her in highest terms of commendation as a bright, happy and cheerful young girl. She was born in Grinnell Nov. 20, 1900, and so was 18 years, 1 month and 15 days old. She was a member of the M.E. Sunday school and also a member of the Standard Bearers. And also was an active and enthusiastic member of the high school Y.W.C.A. In all her work and play she was the personification of love and cheer, and only kind words are heard on every side.

A short service was held at the grave Saturday afternoon conducted by Rev. N.J. Peterson.