Edward S. Briggs (1863-1896)

BRIGGS

Posted By: Dorian Myhre (email)
Date: 5/23/2021 at 15:22:05

From Nevada Representative September 9, 1896 (page 1)

TIRED OF LIFE.

Edward S. Briggs Ends His Career at Minneapolis.

A dispatch from Minneapolis received Sunday afternoon, announced that Edward S. Briggs was dying. The message was sent by John Briggs, who, accompanied by his wife and child had taken in the G.A.R. excursion. Mr. and Mrs. Otis Briggs left for Minneapolis that evening at midnight, and returned last night, bringing the remains of their son. The story of the sad tragedy is thus told by a Minneapolis daily of September 7th:

"Edward S. Briggs, 33 years of age, a resident of Nevada, Ia., during the past week a visitor to this city, committed suicide yesterday by swallowing morphine in the room of his boarding house, 22 Twelfth street north. There is evidence that the deed was carefully premeditated. In the early hours he partook of the drug, and for 10 hours physicians worked over his prostate form, but were unable to stay the ravages of the poison. Death occurred at 8 o'clock last evening.

The act of self-destruction was undoubtedly prompted by ill-health and domestic unhappiness. That he was a victim to the former affliction his cousin, who is in the city so stated last evening. Concerning the latter there were papers in his clothing, evidently penned by his own hand.

Briggs came to this city to attend the carnival. He engaged board and room at 222 Twelfth street north Tuesday last. His relations with those about the house were cordial, and he seemed to be in excellent spirits. Saturday he made arrangements to visit Minnehaha park in company with others at the house. The party was to start early Sunday and Briggs left a call. The latter request was carried out. His bell was rung twice, but there was no response. The proprietor went personally to arouse him, but could get no answer to his calls and knocks, and procuring a chair looked in the room through the transom. Briggs was resting quietly but his unnatural pallor aroused suspicion. The police were called, Officer Pete Fox climbed through the transom and unlocked the door, when the nature of the deed was discovered.

A physician was summoned and worked over the man until 2 o'clock, when City Physician Weston was called. He remained until death occurred. By the side of the bed was found a small box marked "One-eighth grain morphine tablets." He had swallowed the contents. Not once after being found did he regain consciousness. Beneath his pillow rested one hand, which firmly grasped a 32 calibre revolver.

By the side of the bed, was sheet of foolscap upon which he had at intervals scribbled tender farewells to friends, mention of his will, directions for the care and disposal of his remains, and notes of his sensations as the drug effects stole over him.

Edward S. Briggs was born and reared in Nevada, and here began his business career as a furniture dealer and undertaker. His removal to Emmettsburg was followed by business prosperity, marriage to Miss Winnie Fifer of Jessup, and the establishing of a beautiful home. Severe illness two years ago was succeeded by brain trouble, a health seeking journey to California, and in his being an inmate of the Independence asylum for several months of last year. Not long ago he resumed residence at Emmettsburg, his wife and little two year old daughter being still at the paternal home in Jessup.

Old friends deeply regret the tragic end of a life in whose auspicious beginning they shared warm interest; and sympathize with the parental sorrow which the even has brought.

Funeral service will be conducted at two o'clock tomorrow, by Rev. Mrs. Gibb of Boone.