Jacob Riggs

Other Events:

• Residence: 1832, Clay Township, Gallia County, Ohio, United States; in Eureka
• Census: 1850, Clay Township, Gallia County, Ohio, United States; as Jacob Riggs, farmer, head of household
• Newspaper: 20 Jan 1853; Gallipolis Journal (Gallipolis, Ohio), 20 January 1853, p3: Petition
• Census: 1860, Clay Township, Gallia County, Ohio, United States; as Jacob Riggs, farmer, head of household
• Newspaper: 21 Feb 1867; Gallipolis Journal (Gallipolis, Ohio), 21 February 1867, p4
• Census: 1870, Clay Township, Gallia County, Ohio, United States; as Jacob Riggs, farmer, head of household
• Occupation: Between 1877 and 1882; Commissioner of Gallia County, Ohio
• Census: 1880, Clay Township, Gallia County, Ohio, United States; as Jacob Riggs, farmer, head of household
• History / Bio: 1882; History of Gallia County (Chicago and Todelo: H. H. Hardesty & Co., 1882), p28
• Newspaper: 28 Mar 1898; The Gallipolis Daily Tribune (Gallipolis, Ohio), 28 March 1898, p2: Golden Anniversary
• Census: 1900, Clay Township, Gallia County, Ohio, United States; as Jacob Riggs, farmer, head of household
• Census: 1910, Clay Township, Gallia County, Ohio, United States; as Jacob Riggs, own income, head of household
• Obituary: 20 Dec 1915; The Gallipolis Daily Tribune
• Obituary: 21 Dec 1915; The Gallipolis Daily Tribune, December 21, 1915
• Newspaper: 15 Feb 1916; The Gallipolis Daily Tribune (Gallipolis, Ohio), 15 February 1916, p1

Notes:

Obituary:

Jacob Riggs Dead
One of Oldest and Best Loved Residents of County Passes.
Hon. Jacob Riggs, one of the most venerable and best loved men in Gallia County, passed away at his home at Clay Chapel in Clay township Monday after a week's illness. He had been in failing health for several years. The funeral services will be held Wednesday at Clay Chapel at 2 p.m. Eastern time, conducted by Rev. J. R. Fields, the interment following in the church cemetery.
Mr. Riggs was born in Monroe County, this state on Jan. 22, 1824, and moved to Gallia County with his parents, James and Mary Riggs when about eight years of age. His parents were among the pioneer settlers in that section, and the rugged physique, honest purpose and upright life which they led was passed on in full measure to their son.
On March 4, 1848, almost 68 years ago, Mr. Riggs was united in marriage with Miss Elizabeth Guthrie of Clay township, and who survives him with the following children: Misses Rose and Mary Riggs, Mrs. B. H. Ingels, Mr. Edward Riggs, and Mr. Ernest Riggs, the latter now of Marietta. One brother, Harvey Riggs, located in the west, and a sister, Mrs. Mary Hall of Bloomington, Ill., survive him, both at great age.

Newspaper:

ROAD NOTICE.
Notice is hereby given that a petition was presented and filed with the Commissioners of Gallia county, at their regular session in December, A.D. 1852, praying for an alteration in the State road leading from Sample's Landing to Gallipolis, commencing at or near the Forge in Ohio township, running back to the foot of the river hill, through lands owned by different individuals, to Teen's run in Clay township; thence the best route across said run; thence back from the river near the foot of the river hiss the most practicable route for a good road through lands owned by Phillip and Andrew Cubbage, Jas. McClelland, James Riggs, R. Hay, Jas. Flack, Samuel Cole, B. W. Riggs, Robert Dye, W. Sheets, Truman Guthrie and Wm. F. Goolden, to Raccoon creek at a place called Rocky Ford; thence across said creek through lands owned by M. Lowry, Jacob Riggs, James Gatewood, Grasson Davis, Jno. Morton, Geo. Pool, Thos. Willey, heirs of Jas. Coffman, John Nesbit, Nahum Ward, Travis Brown, Mary, Anselm T. and A. N. Lasley, to a bridge across Long Run; thence to a bridge across Mud Run: thence across said bridge to the left at the foot of the river hills, through lands owned by Aburn's heirs, Wm. Walker, to a creek near the Gallia Furnace Landing; thence to the left of A. Bentley's house and crib, through lands owned by Bentley, Thompson & Co., Wm. Walker and Charles Creuzet, to the west end of a bridge recently erected across Chicamoga creek on the Portsmouth road in Gallipolis township; and that at the March session, A D. 1853, said petition will be read and the legal proceedings taken for a survey and establishing of said road.

Newspaper:

FARM FOR SALE
The subscriber wishes to sell his farm known as the Bear Run Farm, situated in Clay township, on Raccoon Creek, and about two miles from the Ohio River. It contains 300 acres; 170 acres cleared,—the balance well timbered. Has on it tolerable good dwelling house and barn, is well watered, and a good young orchard in bearing. The farm is well adapted for a stock farm. For particulars enquire of the subscriber living at the Mouth of Raccoon Creek.
Jacob Riggs.

History / Bio:

JACOB RIGGS—came to Eureka, Clay township, in 1832, with his parents, James and Mary (Bare) Riggs; the former died July 14, 1870, the latter lives with her son, Jacob. He is a farmer, and was born in Monroe county, Ohio, Jan. 23, 1824. On Mar. 28, 1848, in Gallia county, he was united in marriage with Elizabeth Mary, daughter of Truman and Hannah (Knowles) Guthrie. They moved to this township in 1834. His wife was born in Washington county, Ohio, August 24, 1828. He has been commissioner of Gallia county from 1877 to 1882. He still resides in Eureka, Clay township. They have eight children, all living in Gallia county: Laura F., born May 20, 1849; Edward A., Dec. 28, 1851; Mary H. Nov. 11, 1854; Rosa B., Aug. 3, 1857; James T., Dec. 7, 1859; Jessie F., April 11, 1860; Celia E., Aug. 1864; Ernest J., June 19, 1873. Postoffice address, Eureka, Gallia County, Ohio.

Newspaper:

A Golden Wedding
Today, March 28, '98, is the 50th anniversary of the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Jacob Riggs, of Raccoon Island, two prominent citizens of this county. Mr. Riggs was aged 28 and Mrs. Riggs 26 when they were married. They were married on the Guthrie farm adjoining their own. Mrs. Riggs' maiden name was Elizabeth Guthrie. She was a daughter of the late Truman and Hannah Guthrie. Mr. Riggs was the son of James Riggs, all prominent people. They became the parents of eight children—Edward, Mary Rozella, Mrs. Lizzie Ingels, Ernest all living, and Laura, Jessie and James dead. When they went to housekeeping Mr. Guthrie gave the bride a kicking cow that was worthless and Mr. Riggs had a horse. This was their entire capital. They went in debt for a farm and by industry and good management secured enough of this world's goods for themselves and children. Mr. Riggs is now among the largest tax-payers in the county. They had thought about celebrating their golden wedding day, but their recent bereavement of their son caused them to give up the idea of it. While their life has not been void of cares and heartaches common to life, they have had much to enjoy and transmit to others. Both have generally had the best of health, which is a great blessing of itself. Their many friends will wish them many returns of their wedding anniversary and that their lives may run smoothly to the end of all things. Mr. Riggs received a fall from a haymow about eight feet to the ground, Sunday morning, and sustained some bruises to his head and shoulder, from which he is suffering, but it is not thought of as serious.

Obituary:

In Memory
Jacob Riggs was born in Monroe county, Ohio, January 22, 1824, and departed this life December 20, 1915, at the advanced age of 91 years, 10 months and 28 days.
He was married to Miss Elizabeth M. Guthrie, March 28, 1848. To them were born eight children, five of whom are living. Three children, James, Mrs. W. D. Graham and Mrs. George Gilman have preceded their father to the home beyond.
Mr. Riggs was converted and united with the Methodist Episcopal church at Clay Chapel when he was only a boy and retained his membership here until he became a member of the church triumphant. He was an industrious hard working man and by industry, frugality and honest and careful business methods was able not only to accumulate considerable property, but to occupy an enviable position in the community. The fact that he occupied such a position never led him to use it to gain a single advantage of any fellowman no matter how humble that man's place. His situation rather deepened his sense of responsibility and gave him the conviction that he was his brother's keeper, and no one who knew his life, doubts for a moment that his life was dominated largely by that conviction.
While the business side of his life was marked and prominent it was the religious side that made him the man that everybody knew and loved. He had great faith in God, a faith that was childlike in its simplicity. God and Heaven were realities to him. He lived in the constant companionship of the one and in the full expectation of the enjoyment of the other.
While his life was deeply religious it was intensely practical. He believed that religion is a thing for this --- and that it is for every day; that --- --- life is under its control. He heard his Master say: "In as much as ye did unto one of the least of these ye did it unto me." So no cry of need ever went unheeded. No one was ever turned hungry from his door. No one could complain of dishonest or unfair treatment at his hand.
The great rule laid down by the Christ for the regulation of or conduct toward one another, was the Golden Rule of his life. His deep interest in the church has been life long. Not only by his means and by his active participation in all church enterprises, but by the unconscious influence of a great and noble life has he presented the Christ of Calvary to needy men. No pastor has gone from Clay Chapel in more than half a century without good reason to thank God for Jacob Riggs.
For several years his health has been failing. For all this time he has moved about in his quiet way as though waiting for the end. It has finally come. A long life is ended. A life's work is done. A journey is finished and at Home, he can rest. After an acquaintance of more than ten years and after hearing expressions from the lips of many people from various walks of life, we believe we can truthfully say:"None knew him but to love him or named him but to praise."
He leaves to mourn their loss an aged and devoted wife, two sons, three daughters, seven grandchildren, five great-grandchildren and a circle of relatives and friends as large as his acquaintance. [Source: Gallipolis paper, December 20, 1915, Transcribed by Maxine Marshall]

Obituary:

Jacob Riggs Dead
One of Gallia's Oldest and Best Citizens Passes
Jacob Riggs, one of Gallia county's most prominent old citizens, passed away at his home near Raccoon Island at a little after the noon hour Monday, December 20, 1915. Mr. Riggs was born in Monroe county, O., January 22, 1824, the son of James and Mary Riggs, and came to this county when quite young. He was county commissioner for a number of years in Gallia county. He was an industrious man, kind and generous with all he came in contact with and esteemed by many friends and considered one of Gallia county's best citizens.
Mr. Riggs is survived by his widow Mrs. Elizabeth Riggs, daughters, Misses Rose and Mary, Mrs. Bert Ingels and sons, Edward and Ernest and numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren.
The funeral will be conducted by Rev. J.R. Fields at Clay Chapel Wednesday at 2 P.M., eastern time, interment to follow at the chapel cemetery under direction of Wetherholt.
Mr. and Mrs. Riggs celebrated their sixty-eight year of wedded life some time ago.
In the palmy days of the White Collar Line boats Jacob Riggs was one of the biggest cattle shippers that went to the Cincinnati market. He is said to have made possible the building of Clay Chapel a Methodist
place of worship. The fine big bell on Clay Chapel formerly on the big sidewheel packet of St. Lawrence of 25 years back was presented to Mr. Riggs who placed the bell in the belfry of Clay Chapel where it has performed services for many years. [Note: He served as a 1st Sergeant in the Squirrel Hunters.] [Source: Gallipolis Daily Tribune, December 21, 1915, Transcribed by Henny Evans http://www.galliagenealogy.org/Civil%20War/CW_obits/cwobits_r-s.htm]

Newspaper:

MR. AND MRS. JACOB RIGGS
A Former Pastor of Theirs Writes of Their Characters.
Writing to us from Albany, NY, the Rev. Joseph Clarke, who was pastor at Clay Chapel in 1889, says among other things of the late Mr. and Mrs. Jacob Riggs.
To fully appreciate the characters of Jacob and Elizabeth Riggs, one must have touched them in their prime must have come into contact with them when they were active factors in the life of the community, before the "keepers of the house trembled," before the shoulders were bowed, before steps became wearied and slow, before physical vigor waned.
The real Jacob and Elizabeth Riggs were unknown to the present generation. Their years were extended into it, but to today's Gallia County citizenship Mr. and Mrs. Riggs were simply relics of "days long gone by" — mere shadows of what they once were in industry and community activity. Honored have been the young people of the past decade who have been privileged to touch this aged couple in their declining years (as one is honored to greet patriarchs as they pass out), but privileged indeed have been those who knew Jacob and Elizabeth Riggs at their physical, mental and spiritual best, when they moved simply and unostentatiously among neighbors with strength and with a benign influence of which they seemed wholly unconscious.
I remember an occasion when Mr. Riggs walked three miles through the mud over the hills to examine some hogs a certain farmer was anxious to sell. The market was down and the purchase price was necessarily low. Taxes were due and the man needed the money Mr. Riggs knew that if the farmer could hold the hogs for a month he could sell them at a much higher rate. Did Mr. Riggs buy them? No! He voluntarily loaned the farmer enough cash to pay the pressing taxes, and in a month bought the hogs, paying for them the higher market price. In other words he walked six miles, lost a half a day, and loaned a distressed neighbor $200 tax money, without interest, in order to help him out of a hole, and make it possible to tide over a season of depressed prices until the hog market was better. The huge thing about the transaction was this, Mr. Riggs was glad to do it, for he lived by the Golden Rule.
Mrs. Riggs was a real missionary to the needy. Hundreds of people will recall her deeds of mercy. The poor and the sick and the unfortunate always found in her a friend. And her bounty and ministry were done so quietly that even her left hand knew not what her right hand had done. Such people cannot live 75 years in a community without uplifting.

Died:


OBITUARY

Jacob married Elizabeth Mary Guthrie on 28 Mar 1848 in Gallia County, Ohio, United States. Elizabeth was born on 24 Aug 1828 in Newbury, Washington County, Ohio, United States; died on 11 Jan 1916 in Clay Township, Gallia County, Ohio, United States; was buried on 13 Jan 1916 in Clay Township, Gallia County, Ohio, United States. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events:

• Census: 1860, Clay Township, Gallia County, Ohio, United States; as Laura Riggs, in the household of Jacob Riggs
• Census: 1870, Clay Township, Gallia County, Ohio, United States; as Laura F. Riggs, in the household of Jacob Riggs

Laura married William David Graham on 19 Nov 1872 in Clay Township, Gallia County, Ohio, United States. William was born on 18 Oct 1839 in Eureka, Gallia County, Ohio, United States; died on 18 Mar 1917 in Clay Township, Gallia County, Ohio, United States; was buried on 21 Mar 1917 in Gallia County, Ohio, United States. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events:

• Census: 1860, Clay Township, Gallia County, Ohio, United States; as Edward Riggs, in the household of Jacob Riggs
• Census: 1870, Clay Township, Gallia County, Ohio, United States; as Edward A Riggs, works on farm, in the household of Jacob Riggs
• Census: 1880, Clay Township, Gallia County, Ohio, United States; as Edward H. Riggs, son, farmer, in the household of Jacob Riggs
• Census: 1900, Clay Township, Gallia County, Ohio, United States; as Edward A. Riggs, son, in the household of Jacob Riggs
• Census: 1910, Clay Township, Gallia County, Ohio, United States; as Edward A. Riggs, son, manager of home farm, in the household of Jacob Riggs

Other Events:

• Census: 1860, Clay Township, Gallia County, Ohio, United States; as Mary Riggs, in the household of Jacob Riggs
• Census: 1870, Clay Township, Gallia County, Ohio, United States; as Mary H. Riggs, in the household of Jacob Riggs
• Census: 1880, Clay Township, Gallia County, Ohio, United States; as Mary S. Riggs, daughter, in the household of Jacob Riggs
• Census: 1900, Clay Township, Gallia County, Ohio, United States; as Mary H. Riggs, daughter, in the household of Jacob Riggs

Other Events:

• Name: Rose B. Riggs
• Census: 1860, Clay Township, Gallia County, Ohio, United States; as Rosa Riggs, in the household of Jacob Riggs
• Census: 1870, Clay Township, Gallia County, Ohio, United States; as Rosella B. Riggs, in the household of Jacob Riggs
• Census: 1880, Clay Township, Gallia County, Ohio, United States; as Rose B. Riggs, daughter, in the household of Jacob Riggs
• Census: 1900, Clay Township, Gallia County, Ohio, United States; as Rose Riggs, daughter, in the household of Jacob Riggs
• Census: 1910, Clay Township, Gallia County, Ohio, United States; as Rosa Riggs, daughter, in the household of Jacob Riggs

Notes:

Died:

OBITUARY
Miss Rose Riggs Dead
Miss Rose Riggs passed away suddenly Saturday morning, May 14 1927 at the home of her brother-in-law, Mr. Bert Ingels, where she had been staying while her sister, [cannot read] Ingels, is in Columbus with her daughter, Mrs. Frances Ingels Brown. Miss Riggs complained of feeling badly to her niece, Miss Mildred Ingels, and a doctor was summoned but she died before medical aid could reach her.
Miss Riggs was aged 69 years, a daughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. Jacob Riggs. She leaves a brother, Mr. Ernest J. Riggs,and two sisters, Mrs. B. H. Ingels and Miss Mary Riggs.
Funeral services were held Monday afternoon at Clay Chapel, conducted by Rev. J. R. Fields of [cannot read] and Rev. Ernest Champer of Charleston. Interment was made in the Chapel cemetery.
[Note: Dates on tombstone read 1857-1927]
Gallipolis paper, 1927, Transcribed by Maxine Marshall

Other Events:

• Census: 1860, Clay Township, Gallia County, Ohio, United States; as James Riggs, age 6mo., in the household of Jacob Riggs
• Census: 1870, Clay Township, Gallia County, Ohio, United States; as James T. Riggs, in the household of Jacob Riggs
• Census: 1880, Clay Township, Gallia County, Ohio, United States; as James T. Riggs, son, in the household of Jacob Riggs

James married Mary A. McCormick on 13 Oct 1886 in Gallia County, Ohio, United States. Mary was born in Mar 1864 in Ohio, United States; and died. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events:

• Census: 1870, Clay Township, Gallia County, Ohio, United States; as Jessie F. Riggs, in the household of Jacob Riggs
• Census: 1880, Clay Township, Gallia County, Ohio, United States; Jessie T. Riggs, daughter, in the household of Jacob Riggs

Notes:

OBITUARY
.....Jessie F. Riggs-Gilman, daughter of Jacob and Elizabeth Riggs, was born April 11, 1862. She was converted and joined the M. E. Church when she was eleven years old, and lived a devoted Christian life. She was a woman of strong mind and was well educated. She was married to George W. Gilman, No. 4, 1883, and of this union two children were born -- Sheldon and bertha, who, with her husband, survive her. Her disease was consumption from which she has been suffering for two years or more. Some three months age, with the hope of improving her health, she went south to Marietta, Ga., where she remained until Dec. th, when all hope of recovery was abandoned, and in company with her brother and sister, E. E., and Mary Riggs, she started for home, reaching Cincinnati Friday evening at 5:20 P. M. where she boarded the steamer Telegraph, but her strength was exhausted and she died on board the Telegraph at 8:30 P. M., Dec. 11, 1891. Her funeral was preached at Clay Chapel, Sunday, Dec. 13, 1891. The large congregation that was at her funeral proved that she was loved and esteemed by many. Here are a few of her last words: "They are coming--grand! Oh, such music--Ed, don't you see him?" "Who, Jessie?" "Jesus: oh, how beautiful! Tell George I tried so hard to get home. Now he must come to me and bring Sheldon and Bertha. Heaven!" And at last, with a face illuminated, she exclaimed, "Jesus," and sunk peacefully to rest --P. Henry [Gallipolis Journal, Wednesday, December 23, 1891]

Jessie married George Washington Gilman on 4 Nov 1883 in Gallia County, Ohio, United States. George was born on 7 Mar 1852 in Gallipolis, Gallia County, Ohio, United States; died on 2 Jan 1929 in Marietta, Washington County, Ohio, United States; was buried on 4 Jan 1929. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events:

• Name: Lizzie Riggs
• Census: 1870, Clay Township, Gallia County, Ohio, United States; as Selissa Riggs, in the household of Jacob Riggs
• Census: 1880, Clay Township, Gallia County, Ohio, United States; as Lizzie Riggs, daughter, in the household of Jacob Riggs
• Census: 1910, Clay Township, Gallia County, Ohio, United States; as Celicia E. ingels, wife, 4 children/4 living, in the household of Berton H. Ingels

Cecelia married Berton Hamilton Ingels on 6 Aug 1890 in Gallia County, Ohio, United States. Berton (son of Jesse Thomas Ingels and Mary Ann Waddell) was born on 11 Jan 1865 in Harrison Township, Gallia County, Ohio, United States; died on 6 Jun 1955 in Batavia, Clermont County, Ohio, United States; was buried on 8 Jun 1955 in Gallipolis, Gallia County, Ohio, United States. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events:

• Census: 1880, Clay Township, Gallia County, Ohio, United States; as Earnest A. Riggs, son, in the household of Jacob Riggs
• Census: 1910, Clay Township, Gallia County, Ohio, United States; as Earnest J. Riggs, son, retail merchant of building material, in the household of Jacob Riggs
• Physical Description: 12 Sep 1918; medium height, medium build, blue eyes, light brown hair
• Military: 12 Sep 1918, Gallipolis, Gallia County, Ohio, United States; registered for the WWI Draft
• Occupation: 12 Sep 1918, Gallipolis, Gallia County, Ohio, United States; farmer
• Residence: 12 Sep 1918, Gallipolis, Gallia County, Ohio, United States; Address:
  716 2nd Ave.

Other Events:

• Census: 1900, Clay Township, Gallia County, Ohio, United States; as Sheldon Gilman, grandson, farm laborer, in the household of Jacob Riggs

Other Events:

• Census: 1900, Clay Township, Gallia County, Ohio, United States; as Bertha M. Gilman, grand daughter, in the household of Jacob Riggs