|
Page 84 |
|
was ham, coffee, and corn bread. Briggs furnished the ham and coffee. Uncle John Green furnished the bride and corn bread. In the spring of 1875 C. C. Vance told Briggs that steps had been taken by the Attorney General to collect school bonds and that the tax would be 40 per cent; so one morning at day break Briggs pulled out with ail his effects that were moveable, for Walnut Creek, where he took a claim and remained for some years until after the bond election was settled. Briggs built his residence in Norton in 1879; the same building is now occupied by Mrs. Kennedy as a millinery store and residence. About the same time he took up some land in Furnas county, Nebraska, on the Sappa, where he would reside in summer and come to Norton in winter until 1884. Briggs was an eccentric character and had an extensive acquaintance all over Western Kansas. His generosity cost him a great deal of money and no end of worry and trouble, as unprincipled people learned of his magnanimity they would impose on him by having him sign bonds and notes for them until he nearly ruined himself financially. His quaint stories and peculiar manner of relating incidents made him an interesting conversationist (sic). In politics he was an independent but usually voted the Republican ticket. In 1868 he became a member of Harmony Lodge K. of P. at Philadelphia, Pa., and in 1870 he joined the Minnewa Wigwam, order of Red Men. Mr. and Mrs. Briggs had one child, Clara Ray, born at Maternity Hospital, Philadelphia; Sept. 19, 1881, the day President Garfield died. She died at Troy, Kansas of diptheric croup October 30, 1889. During the child's lifetime she was the controlling force with Briggs; he was very devoted to her and would not suffer her to be out of his sight if he could prevent it; and when she died his mind which had been affected for some time, completely left him. He died at his home in Troy, November 23, 1890. Mrs. Briggs received the degree of order of Mary or Brother Hiram in New York in 1865; and the order of Eastern Star in Pennsylvania in 1871. She was the pioneer physician and surgeon in this county and too much praise cannot be given her for the hardships and privations she endured. The darkest nights and severest blizzards had no terror for her. She often went fifty miles to see patients at times when she knew that they were unable to pay her a cent. One secret of her great success was that she was a good nurse and would go and stay for days with patients when their case was critical. She has been practicing at Troy, Kansas, since leaving here in 1884. She still owns property in Norton county and comes here annually to look after her interests. A great many incidents of importance in our early history is yet to be written: the name of Mr. and Mrs. Briggs will appear often in connection with them. Amon Butler was born in Dresden, Muskingham county, Ohio September 24, 1839; went to Illinois with his parents in 1841. At that time Illinois was a wilderness. He lived there until he enlisted in the army. He went in as a private in company E 11th Missouri volunteer infantry, September 16, 1861; was discharged January 1, 1864; reinlisted same day for three years or during the war; was again discharged- November 30, 1865 as first sergeant by reason of general order number 155 disbanding the army. He was in the battles of Columbus, Kentucky, New Madrid, Missouri, Island number 10, Fredricktown, siege of Corinth and Iuka, Port Gibson, Edmunds Station, Raymond, Jackson, Champion Hill, Vicksburg, Blue Hill, Tupelo, Nashville and numerous small engagements and skirmishes. He was wounded at Corinth, also at Nashville. At the close of the war he |
|
Page 84 |