| Biographies Monmouth Briggs Fond du Lac County, Wisconsin | |
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From the 1880 Portrait and Biographical Album, Fond du Lac Co. WI page 526-527 *MONMOUTH BRIGGS*, a prominent and successful farmer of Eden Township, residing on section 4, was born in Scranton, Pa., Feb. 20, 1827, and is a son of Peleg and Hannah (Baldwin) Briggs. His father was born and reared in Dutchess County, N. Y., and his mother was a native of Canada. Peleg Briggs was one of the earliest settlers of Scranton, Pa.., and was a prominent and influential citizen of that community for a number of years. He followed the occupation of farming throughout the greater part of his life, and was a successful business man. The children born of his union with Hannah Baldwin, were four in number: Jeremiah, the eldest, is now engaged in farming in Oakfield Township; Marietta, who for seventy years has made her home in Scranton, Pa.., wedded Alvera Ellis, and after his death became the wife of Henry Griffin; Orpha, widow of Henry Taylor, is living in the city of Fond du Lac; and Monmouth completes the family. After the removal of our subject to this county, the parents emigrated to Wisconsin, and with him found a pleasant home until called from this life. The father died in 1867, and two years later the mother, who had been reared in the faith of the Society of Friends, passed away. They ranked among the best citizens of the community, and were held in high regard for their many excellent traits of character. Our subject received his education in the common schools of Scranton, Pa., where he made his home until 1850. Attracted by the more brilliant prospects of the new and growing West, he resolved to try his fortune on the frontier, and emigrated to Wisconsin. Determining to make Fond du Lac County his future home, he purchased ninety acres of land on section 4, Eden Township, which constitutes a part of his present farm. The first year after his arrival, he worked by the month as a farm hand, when he turned his attention to the cultivation of his land. On the 6th of April, 1851, he led to the marriage altar, Miss Charlotte Berry, the wedding ceremony being celebrated in Fond du Lac County. The lady is a native of Putnam County, N. Y., and a daughter of John and Menerva (Hyatt) Berry, who were also born in the same county. In 1849, accompanied by his family, Mr. Berry left his Eastern home and came to Wisconsin. On reaching Sheboygan, he engaged passage in the stage to Fond du Lac, but as it was spring time, and the roads were very muddy, they had to walk a great part of the distance, and often had to help extricate the coach from the mire. At length reaching their destination, Mr. Berry purchased a farm in the town of Empire, then known as Taycheedah, a name which caused much merriment among the pioneers by the efforts of the new-comers to pronounce it. The family numbered seven children, but only four are now living. Two died prior to the removal of the family of Wisconsin, and Green, who was head manager of Barnum’s Show, was killed in a railroad disaster in Iowa. Those living are John, who resides in Huron Dak.; Oscar, a resident of Eden, Wis.; Theron, who is living on the old homestead in the town of Empire; and Mrs. Briggs. The death of the father of this family occurred July 31, 1880, the good wife surviving until Oct. 9, 1881. Both were active and consistent members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and were instrumental in the organization of the church in the community where they made their home. For many years Mr. Berry held the office of Class-Leader. He toiled early and late in the work of the Master, and gave freely of his means for the upbuilding of the cause. In their death, the church lost two of its most useful members, who cheerfully did what they could that the Redeemer’s cause might prosper. When the final summons came, they willingly responded to the call, and passed to their final rest respected by all who knew them. Mr and Mrs Briggs began their domestic life in a most picturesque log cabin known as the “Abbey.” The little cottage was well built and prettily ornamented with rustic porches, seats, lattice, work, etc., and overrun with ivy, honeysuckle and bitter sweet. There the happy couple made their home home until 1858, when it was swept away by fire. With that energy which characterizes all his actions, Mr. Briggs at once replaced the “Abbey” by his present substantial farm residence, which was erected upon a natural building site, and overlooks one of the most beautiful landscapes in the surrounding county. Around it are the hills and valleys of Eden Township, and no more desirable location could have been found. Although the farm is more elevated than the surrounding country, it has a never failing spring, which remains unfrozen through he coldest winter weather; the buildings are all that are necessary of a well-regulated farm, and everything indicates thrift and industry. Mr. and Mrs. Briggs are parents of five children: Albert L. dealer in agricultural implements, and one of the leading business men of Fond du lac, married to Miss Mattie Foster, daughter of Hon. Egbert Foster, one of the prominent pioneers of the county, and to them have been born three children–Wilford, Berry, and Leland; the second child died in infancy; Lottie died at the age of nine years; Eugene T., who wedded Miss Carrie Patrick, by whom he has one child, Lottie May, is a resident farmer of the town of Empire; Frank O. married Miss Estella Cottrel, a native of Putnam county, N.Y. The children have been liberally educated and are there fore fitted to fill any position in life. Reared in a Christian home, Mrs Briggs has endeavoured to follow the loving counsels of her parents, and is a consistent member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, in the work of which she takes an active part. Although not a member of any religious organization, Mr. Briggs has always given liberally in support of moral and church enterprises, and all interests which are calculated to elevate mankind. On the formation of the Republican party, his views being in accordance with its principles, he joined that organization, and has since numbered among its warm advocates. He has been honoured by his fellow -townsmen with various offices of trust , which he has filled with credit to himself, and satisfaction to his constituents. For the long period of almost forty years, he has been a resident of this county, and has witnessed its entire growth and development . On his arrival, everything was in a wild state, few improvements has been made, and the future with its brightness could never have been dreamed of much less realized. In the work of transformation, he has borne his part, and as a citizen is held in the highest esteem by all. His beautiful farm, well stocked with a good grade of cattle, sheep and horses, is the result of an industrious frugal life, and the success which he has achieved is well merited. Transcribed from Portrait and Biographical Album page 526 and 527 | |
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last modified: 11 Jul 2004 Return to 
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Disclaimer | Privacy Statement These electronic pages may not be reproduced in this format for profit or presentation by any other organization or persons without the permission of WIGenWeb ** Ruth Shaw Worthing, The History of Fond du Lac County, as told by its Place-Names, 1976. ** The History of Fond du Lac County, Wisconsin, Chicago: Western Historical Company, 1880. ** Portrait and Biographical Album of Fond du Lac County, Wisconsin, Chicago: Acme Publishing Company, 1889. ** A. T. Glaze, Incidents and Anecdotes of Early Days and History of Business in the City and County of Fond du Lac from Early Times to the Present, Fond du Lac: P. B. Haber Printing Company, 1905. ** Maurice McKenna, ed., History of Fond du Lac County, Chicago: S. J. Clarke Publishing Company, 1912. ** Wisconsin Volunteers: War of the Rebellion 1861-1865 ** Plat Book of Fond du Lac County, Wisconsin, C. M. Foote & Co. 1893 |