Wiggs, William A. 1827-1910

WIGGS, SMITH, HOUCHINS

Posted By: Paul Van Dyke-volunteer
Date: 6/13/2021 at 20:33:32

Source: Mapleton, Press (5-26-1910)

Born: February 16, 1825
Died: May 14, 1910

William A. Wiggs died at his home in Mapleton in Mapleton, Iowa, on Saturday, May 14, 1910 at the age of 63 years, 2 months and 28 days.

He was born in Tennessee February 16, 1827 and when a small boy moved with his parents to Union County, Ohio, and there grew to manhood. When the Mexican War broke out and volunteers were asked for, a boy of 19 years enlisted and went to the front to fight for his country. He was stricken with yellow fever and lay in the hospital, but recovered, while hundreds about him succumbed to the terrible disease. After his recovery he remained at the hospital as a nurse until the close of the war, when he returned to the home of his parents.

On January 16, 1851, he married Miss Catherine Smith. To this union five children were born, three sons and two daughters, of whom but two are living, Chas H. Wiggs of Bloomington, Illinois, and Mrs. Francis Street, whose last known address was Frankfort, Indiana. On July 16, 1862, his wife died, leaving him alone with the five little children, but on May 11, 1863, he was again married, this time to Miss Miranda Houchins, with whom he lived until his death. Eight children were born to them, four sons and four daughters. All are living except one daughter who died in infancy.

The children are Mrs. John Fritz, Mrs. C. H. Johns, Mrs. Ella Baker, A.C. Wiggs and Ora Wiggs, of Mapleton; L.L. Wiggs, Sioux City and W.F. Wiggs, address unknown.

In his early life Mr. Wiggs devoted his time to teaching school and was a great church worker. When quite young he united with the Methodist Episcopal Church and remained a faithful member until 1895, when he became a member of the Primitive Baptist Church, with which he remained until his death. Funeral services were held Sunday May 15, from the M.E. Church at 2:30 o’clock p.m. conducted by Reverend Ladd and the remains laid to rest in Mt. Hope Cemetery.