Biography - William Briggs
WILLIAM M. BRIGGS. Our subject is a man of more than average ability, and one who has made the most of his opportunities. He is a representative agriculturist and prominent citizen of Harvel Township, living upon his fine farm in section 8. Mr. Briggs was born in North Litchfield Township, Montgomery County, Ill., in 1847, September 24, being a son- of the late Judge Stephen R. Briggs, formerly an Associate Judge of Montgomery County. Judge Briggs was a native of Ohio and came to Illinois with his parents when but four years old; he resided for a short time in Bond County, and then removed with his parents to North Litchfield Township, Montgomery County, Ill., where he grew to manhood. He was Associate Judge for many years, discharging the duties of that office with distinguished ability. Until the war of 1861-1865 he was democrat, but the stupendous revolutions of those times resulted in his changing to the Republican party, in which he remained until his death in 1871. His devoted and faithful wife survived him ten years, passing away in 1881.
His marriage was a fruitful one; of the children the following survive: James, William M., Mrs. John Se ward, Thomas, Mrs. Wesley Davis, Douglas, Charles and W. M. Briggs.
Our subject grew to manhood amid the scenes incident to passing out of pioneer life into a modern farming region, well settled and with the appliances and comforts and the luxuries of modern civilization. The educational advantages of his youth were greatly inferior to those enjoyed by the farmers' sons of to-day; but such as they were he had to be content with them. He was married September 1, 1870, to Miss Louisa Smith, a native of Kentucky, who bore him three children: Charles W., Amelia and David. In 1881 'he settled upon his present farm, consisting of one hundred and sixty acres of raw prairie, which by hard work he has brought up to its fine condition. Although his educational advantages were few, he has been from his youth up a zealous reader and is well informed upon current and general history. He is a man who thinks for himself and is an independent in politics, insisting upon voting for principles and not for party. The Methodist Episcopal Church, of which he and his wife are members, elected him a Steward in that body, a position he still holds. He is a member of the Modern Woodmen at Raymond, Ill.
Extracted 12 Jan 2017 by Norma Hass from 1892 Portrait and Biographical Record of Montgomery and Bond Counties, Illinois, page 498.
