E. W. BRIGGS, who operated a large farm on section 3, Garden Grove Township [Decatur County, Iowa], met with gratifying success as a stock raiser. He was born in Bristol County, Massachusetts in June, 1846, a son of Andrew and Betsy (PECK) BRIGGS. The father died in the Bay State [Massachusetts] when our subject was but an infant and there the mother subsequently married J. A. PITTS. In 1852 they located in Illinois on what is now the present site of McLean, McLean County, of that State, where both lived until called to their last rest. They left two sons, one a resident of Bloomington, [illegible] and the other of California.

E. W. BRIGGS accompanied his step-father and mother to Illinois, when six years of age and continued to reside in the Prairie State until the spring of 1874, when he removed to Decatur County, Iowa, and bought one hundred and twenty acres of land. For a number of years he was associated with his brother, William T. BRIGGS, who, however, passed away in April, 1900. Mr. BRIGGS of this review has added to the original one hundred and twenty acres of find land which is well-improved. He erected a modern residence, barns and out-buildings and has taken pride in developing his farm. He raised a large number of cattle, horses and hogs and as his stock was of good grade he watched the market closely and derived a good profit from his business.

Mr. BRIGGS was a Democrat, but has never had the time nor the desire to take an active part in politics. Fraternally he was a member of the Garden Grove Lodge, No. 170, A.F. & A.M., and he attended the Presbyterian Church of Leroy, associations which indicated the rules which governed his conduct. He helped to build the new church edifice and contributed to the support of the work of the church. He has not only won a gratifying pleasure of financial success but has also gained the honor and esteem of all who have come in contact with him as his integrity and probity are unquestioned.

William T. BRIGGS, whose death occurred in 1900, was also a member of the Masonic Fraternity and was highly respected in his community. His widow who was in her maidenhood, Miss Fannie TEALE, survives and is a resident of McLean County, Illinois in which their two [illegible] now Mrs. Abe RHODE and has a son and daughter. Andrew is engaged in agricultural pursuits. He and his mother are members of the Methodist Church.

NOTE: Fannie (TEALE) BIGGS was the daughter of George W. TEALE of Ringgold County, Iowa.

Transcription and note by Sharon R. Becker, January of 2009