My Genealogy Hound

J. L. BRIGGS, agent of the St. Louis & San Francisco Railroad, Joplin, was born in Adrian, Mich., January 3, 1847. His father, Clark Briggs, is a native of the Bay State, born in 1817. His mother, Eunice (Symonds) Briggs, was born in New York in 1819. They now reside in Vancouver, W. T. At the time of the subject’s birth his father was engaged in the state survey of Michigan. In 1848 the family returned to New York, and the father engaged in the lumber business in Allegheny county. There our subject grew to manhood, receiving a liberal education at Wellsville high school, which he attended for a number of years. In December, 1863, he enlisted in Morgan’s battery, Second New York Artillery, Captain Bern commanding, and served until the close of the war. He participated in the battles of the Wilderness, Spottsylvania Court-house, Cold Harbor, Petersburgh, Hatcher’s Run, Five Forks, and numerous others of lesser importance; was also present at Lee’s surrender at Appomattox Court-house. He was wounded by a bursting shell in front of Petersburgh, and at Cold Harbor was promoted to quartermaster-sergeant; was mustered out at Washington, D. C., July 12, 1865, and returned to New York. Soon after he commenced the study of dentistry at Wellsville, that state, and continued two years. He then entered the Lewisville College, Lewisville, Pa., which he attended for some years. After quitting college he came west to Kansas, and engaged several months with a government surveying party; then went to Lawrence and engaged as book-keeper for the railroad contractors and builders then at work constructing the St. Louis, Lawrence & Denver Railroad, and remained in that position until the completion of the road. In 1871 he began to learn the art of telegraphy at Lawrence, and being an accountant of considerable experience, was rapidly promoted, taking charge of the station at Lawrence in July, 1872, and continued until January, 1874. He then went to Marshfield, Mo., and accepted a similar position, where he remained until August, 1879, and then went to Girard, Kan., and took charge of an office there for two months. He came to Joplin September 28, 1879, and accepted the position which he now holds. Mr. Briggs was married in Marshfield, Mo., Oct. 5, 1881, to Miss Adah Goss, of Marshfield. Mrs. B. was born in Webster county, Mo., Nov. 5, 1860. She is a graduate of the Mt. Holyoke Seminary, in Massachusetts; she belongs to the Congregational Church. Mr. Briggs is a member of the Masonic order, at present recorder of American Commandery, No. 39, K. T.