William Freeman Briggs (1855-1921)

BRIGGS, ALLEN, WELCH, DUTTON

Posted By: Dorian Myhre (email)
Date: 11/12/2021 at 15:36:20

From Nevada Representative December 29, 1921 (page 1)

SUDDEN DEATH OF NEVADA PIONEER TUESDAY NIGHT

Wm. F. Briggs Succumbs to Heart Disease at Nine O'clock Tuesday Eve.

William F. Briggs, in point of residence one of the oldest citizens of Nevada, died suddenly at his home just east of town early Tuesday evening. Heart disease was the cause of death. He had been unwell for several years, a sufferer from asthma, and in later years this ailment was complicated with an effection of the heart. Mr. Briggs had been up about during the last day of his life and had made his customary daily visit to the city. His passing away came about nine o'clock in the evening as he was about to retire for the night.

Mr. Brigg was born in Des Moines July 1, 1855 the son of Otis and Eliza Allen Briggs. He came to Nevada with his parents in 1857. His father was among the pioneer business men of Nevada and was the founder of the present Farmers Bank. The Briggs family were of the prominent and highly reputed people of their day in Story county.

Wm. F. Briggs was a merchant in Nevada in the earlier days and was the first owner of the City Drug Store. He was united in marriage to Miss Josephine E. Welch at Trumansburg, N. Y., August 25, 1897. He built a fine home just east of the city and in his home life was liberal, although to the public he was known for his conservatism.

Mr. Briggs had perhaps a wider acquaintance in Story county than any other individual. After retiring from the merchandise business he continued active in business in a personal way and was always about. His was a familiar face in the daily walks of life in this community and county. He was ever active in political or public affairs and his opinion was ever a positive one backed by a determined disposition to see it thru win or lose. While perhaps rarely holding to the majority of the community, a reversal to him was naught. The results mattered not. He was typical of the men who often lead a forlorn cause, never asking the odds. He had many characteristics which made him a part of the community and in his death there are many who will miss William Briggs.

Deceased is survived by his widow, a half sister, Mrs. J. G. Dutton of Nevada, and a half brother, Otis F. Briggs of Mountain View, Calif.

The funeral service will be held from the home at 2:30 o'clock Friday afternoon. Interment will be made in Nevada cemetery.