Ruth Dyer

Ruth married Benjamin Paull about 1705. Benjamin (son of William Paull and Mary Richmond) was born in 1681 in Taunton, Bristol County, Massachusetts; died on 12 Jan 1757 in Berkley, Bristol County, Massachusetts; was buried in Berkley Common Cemetery, Berkley, Bristol County, Massachusetts. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Christopher married Experience Briggs on 26 Jun 1735 in Berkley, Bristol County, Massachusetts. Experience (daughter of John Briggs and Abigail Packard) was born on 6 Nov 1709 in Berkley, Bristol County, Massachusetts; died on 26 Nov 1791 in Berkley, Bristol County, Massachusetts; was buried in Berkley Common Cemetery, Berkley, Bristol County, Massachusetts. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Rebeckah married Thomas Pool about 1730. Thomas (son of Joseph Pool and Experience White) was born on 27 Oct 1707 in Weymouth, Norfolk County, Massachusetts. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Bathsheba married Captain Jedediah Briggs on 21 Dec 1769 in Berkley, Bristol County, Massachusetts. Jedediah (son of Seth Briggs and Ann Whitmarsh) was born on 21 Apr 1738 in Berkley, Bristol County, Massachusetts; died on 6 Mar 1826 in Berkley, Bristol County, Massachusetts; was buried in Berkley Common Cemetery, Berkley, Bristol County, Massachusetts. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Dyer married Abiel Briggs on 16 Jan 1776 in Berkley, Bristol County, Massachusetts. Abiel (son of Thomas Briggs and Thankful Axtell) was born on 16 Dec 1752 in Berkley, Bristol County, Massachusetts; died on 11 Jul 1805 in Berkley, Bristol County, Massachusetts. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Died of Typus

Enoch married Abigail Cooper on 16 Jan 1804 in Mansfield, Bristol County, Massachusetts. Abigail (daughter of Noah Cooper and Sarah Parmenter) was born on 16 Feb 1786 in Attleboro, Bristol County, Massachusetts; died on 8 Feb 1860 in Eagle, Clinton County, Michigan; was buried in North Eagle Cemetery, Eagle, Clinton County, Michigan. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Died:
Dropsy

Experience married Samuel Wilbur on 29 Sep 1816 in Berkley, Bristol County, Massachusetts. Samuel was born in 1753 in Bristol County, Massachusetts; died on 2 Feb 1832 in Raynham, Bristol County, Massachusetts; was buried in Hall and Dean Cemetery, Raynham, Bristol County, Massachusetts. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Bathsheba married Josiah Wilbur on 17 Dec 1791 in Raynham, Bristol County, Massachusetts. Josiah was born on 23 Aug 1769 in Raynham, Bristol County, Massachusetts; died on 03 Mar 1848 in Raynham, Bristol County, Massachusetts; was buried in Pleasant Street Cemetery, Raynham, Bristol County, Massachusetts. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Buried:
https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/40296132/olive-phillips

Olive married Darius Phillips in 1799. Darius was born in Feb 1767; died on 21 Dec 1857 in Berkley, Bristol County, Massachusetts; was buried in Phillips Cemetery, Berkley, Bristol County, Massachusetts. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Family/Spouse: Daniel Wilbur. Daniel (son of Simeon Wilbur and Elizabeth White) was born in 1779 in Raynham, Bristol County, Massachusetts; died on 20 Apr 1823 in Raynham, Bristol County, Massachusetts; was buried in Pleasant Street Cemetery, Raynham, Bristol County, Massachusetts. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Family/Spouse: John Gilmore. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Military Service: Abt 1812; War of 1812 (US) Sea Captain - Prisoner, taken to England

Notes:

Jedediah was Captain of the Sloop Nancy and the Schooner Columbia from about 1806 until his ship was captured by the British some time during the War of 1812, he was taken captive to England. The log for the ship survived. There are no entries from Aug 1814 until Dec 1845, when it appears he is residing in Honeoye,NY---all the names are those of Honeoye residence of the era, who he apparently did work for and it is a listing of income from them(Artemas Briggs, John G. Briggs, Benjamin Briggs, Levi Noble, Jedediah Briggs, Jacob Shaw, Alinor More). He died unmarried in Honeoye,NY.

Nathaniel married Mary A. Winslow on 15 Apr 1805 in Berkley, Bristol County, Massachusetts. Mary (daughter of Joseph Winslow and Mary Crane) was born on 1 Jan 1785 in Freetown, Bristol County, Massachusetts; died on 6 Sep 1859 in Berkley, Bristol County, Massachusetts. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Buried:
https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/31835989/sylvia-hathaway

Sylvia married Captain Stephen Hathaway on 21 Oct 1804. Stephen was born on 28 sept 1771 in Middleborough, Plymouth County, Massachusetts; died on 24 Dec 1854 in Dighton, Bristol County, Massachusetts; was buried in Hathaway Burying Cemetery, Taunton, Bristol County, Massachusetts. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Military Service: 27 Sep 1812, Ontario County, New York; War of 1812 (US) Capt Elizur Hills' Co., Brig Gen Daniel Miller's Brigade Service at Manchester(Niagara Falls,NY) Paid from 27Sep1812-3Nov1812

Notes:

Buried:
https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/50334641/artemas-briggs

Artemas married Fanny Gregg on 17 Nov 1809 in Bristol, Ontario County, New York. Fanny (daughter of John Gregg, Jr. and Mary Bennett) was born on 14 Sep 1789 in Colrain, Franklin County, Massachusetts; died on 10 Jan 1858 in Honeoye, Ontario County, New York; was buried in Lakeview Cemetery, Honeoye, Ontario County, New York. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Artemas married Abigail B. Smith on 11 Aug 1859 in Canandaigua, Ontario County, New York. Abigail (daughter of Doctor Ebenezer Smith and Elizabeth) was born in 1799 in Connecticut; died on 8 Aug 1881 in Geneva, Ontario County, New York; was buried in Washington Street Cemetery, Geneva, Ontario County, New York. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Bethiah married Herman Swift on 5 Jun 1828 in Berkley, Bristol County, Massachusetts. Herman was born on 4 Jun 1780 in Sandwich, Barnstable County, Massachusetts; died on 30 Sep 1855 in Fall River, Bristol County, Massachusetts; was buried in Berkley Common Cemetery, Berkley, Bristol County, Massachusetts. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Family/Spouse: Abiel Nichols. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Alinda married Benjamin Crane on 18 May 1799. Benjamin (son of Bernice Crane and Joanna Axtell) was born on 11 Sep 1769. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Family/Spouse: Abigail Hathaway. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Hannah married William Crane on 31 Mar 1808. William (son of Bernice Crane and Joanna Axtell) was born on 17 Feb 1781. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Family/Spouse: Abigail Gregg. Abigail (daughter of John Gregg, Jr. and Mary Bennett) was born on 27 Oct 1795 in Colrain, Franklin County, Massachusetts; died on 27 Jun 1837 in Ohio; was buried in Sharon Center Cemetery, Sharon, Medina County, Ohio. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Family/Spouse: Abigail. Abigail was born in 1792; died on 7 Jan 1871 in Ohio; was buried in Sharon Center Cemetery, Sharon, Medina County, Ohio. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Nancy Briggs, wife of William Briggs, died in Bristol on the 16th inst, aged 81 years. Mrs. Briggs had lived in Bristol nearly all of her life, being the daughter of Caleb (Enoch) Briggs. She leaves an aged husband, three sons, Elihu and George of Bristol, and Elnathan of Lima, and one daughter, Mrs. Ruth Hitchcock of Bristol. Three daughters had died previous. She had thirteen grandchildren, nine greatgrandchildren, and one great great grandchild. She was a member of She Baptist church. The Rev. Mr. Day officiated at her funeral. She was a cousin of the late Jedediah and Cyrus Briggs of Honeoye. Allen's Hill, April 21.
(The Gazette, Livonia, New York, Friday, April 24, 1896)

Nancy married William Wallace Briggs on 13 Nov 1834 in Bristol, Ontario County, New York. William (son of Elihu Briggs and Ruth S. Pool) was born on 20 Sep 1811 in Bristol, Ontario County, New York; died on 23 Nov 1897 in Lima, Livingston County, New York; was buried in Evergreen Cemetery, Bristol, Ontario County, New York. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

BRIGGS, Cyrus, farmer; P.O. Nicolaus; was born in Massachusetts in 1816; when about four years of age, his parents removed to the State of New York, where he lived for about 18 years, when he moved to Michigan; in 1850 he came across the plains to this State and engaged in mining in the northern mines for about three years when he returned east. In 1853 he returned to California with his family and settled in El Dorado County; but afterwards moved, in 1865, to Sacramento County, where he remained until 1872, when he settled in Sutter County, where he has ever since resided - section 22, township 12 north, range 4 east; he owns 320 acres. Mr. B. has three children living, one son, and two daughters.
(History of Sutter County, California, Thompson & West, 1879)

Cyrus married Betsey about 1836. Betsey died about 1853. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Cyrus married Telitha Elvina about 1854 in Natomas, Sacramento County, California. Telitha was born on 5 Jun 1828 in Tennessee; died on 19 Jun 1913 in Sutter County, California; was buried in Fremont Center Cemetery, Fremont, Steuben County, New York. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Family/Spouse: Caroline R. Tyler. Caroline (daughter of Dean Merrill Tyler and Phebe Post) was born on 11 Apr 1825; died on 22 Nov 1908 in Eagle, Clinton County, Michigan; was buried in North Eagle Cemetery, Eagle, Clinton County, Michigan. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

had eight children

Artemas married Sarah W. about 1847. Sarah was born on 29 Sep 1827; died on 29 Apr 1852 in Eagle, Clinton County, Michigan; was buried in North Eagle Cemetery, Eagle, Clinton County, Michigan. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Artemas married Emmer Jane Gibbs about 1855. Emmer was born about 1834; died on 18 Apr 1884; was buried in North Eagle Cemetery, Eagle, Clinton County, Michigan. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Artemas married Caroline A. Griggs about 1885. Caroline was born on 25 Dec 1843 in Ohio; died on 20 Feb 1904 in Eagle, Clinton County, Michigan; was buried in North Eagle Cemetery, Eagle, Clinton County, Michigan. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

From The Naples Record 17 June 1876
In the town of Richmond, Ont. Co., NY, on the 11th inst., Leonidas Wilbur, died of pneumonia after a short illness. Mr. Wilbur was born in the town of Berkley, Bristol, Co., MA. Nov 15th, 1798. His parents were Josiah and Bathsheba Wilbur, his mother's maiden name being Briggs. While quite young he moved with his parents to Windham Co., VT, where he received his education. When twenty he came to Western NY to the town where he died, to visit an Uncle Artemas Briggs, a brother of his mother, where he remained one year. On his return he went to Bristol Co., MA, and spent several years farming. In 1891 he was married to Abigail Cornell of Berkley, MA, and settled in Londondery Windham Co., VT, where they had six children born — one son, Dr. Wilbur of Honeoye, and five daughters, of whom all have survived him but Nettie, the youngest, by whose side he was laid so peacefully. In 1851 he moved from Londondery, having sold his farm, to Richmond, Ont. Co., where he resided until his death. He was a man of sterling' integrity, industry and frugality, and has left a memory that will not only be cherished by near relatives, but by all who knew him. He was a kind husband, an indulgent and loving father, a good citizen and neighbor. Loving hands administered to his wants during his sickness, and loved ones sorrow for their dead; but not as those without a hope of a blessed resurrection. His funeral was attended from his home by a large concourse of people. Rev. S. M. Day gave some very impressive thoughts from the text, "Your fathers, where are they?"

Leonidas married Abigail Briggs Cornell on 14 Apr 1831. Abigail (daughter of Doctor William Uriah Cornell and Abigail Briggs) was born on 10 Apr 1806 in Berkley, Bristol County, Massachusetts; died on 08 Apr 1894 in Richmond, Ontario County, New York; was buried in Lakeview Cemetery, Honeoye, Ontario County, New York. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Buried:
https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/40296189/darius-phillips

Notes:

Buried:
https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/80471059/betsey-cudworth

Family/Spouse: Captain Luther Cudworth. Luther was born on 22 Aug 1805 in Freetown, Bristol County, Massachusetts; died on 9 Apr 1865 in Assonet, Bristol County, Massachusetts; was buried in Assonet Burying Ground, Freetown, Bristol County, Massachusetts. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Joseph married Betsey Dean on 4 Feb 1852 in Taunton, Bristol County, Massachusetts. Betsey (daughter of Zephaniah Dean and Milly) was born in 1819 in Taunton, Bristol County, Massachusetts. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Artemas married Susan Shaw Williams in 1834. Susan was born on 21 Aug 1812 in Bristol County, Massachusetts; died on 5 Feb 1895 in Taunton, Bristol County, Massachusetts; was buried in Mount Pleasant Cemetery, Taunton, Bristol County, Massachusetts. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Family/Spouse: Mary Kelley. Mary was born in 1823; died in 1904; was buried in Mayflower Hill Cemetery, Taunton, Bristol County, Massachusetts. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

John married Nancy Pennell on 30 Jun 1833. Nancy (daughter of John Pennell and Martha Tenney) was born in ca 1812; died on 31 Dec 1851 in Richmond, Ontario County, New York; was buried in Lakeview Cemetery, Honeoye, Ontario County, New York. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

John married Eveline M. Wells about 1852. Eveline (daughter of Pascal Paoli Wells and Anna Munson) was born on 6 Jul 1820 in Manchester, Bennington County, Vermont; died on 20 Dec 1894 in Richmond, Ontario County, New York; was buried in Lakeview Cemetery, Honeoye, Ontario County, New York. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Jedediah married Elizabeth S. Brown about 1845. Elizabeth (daughter of Warren Brown and Elizabeth Allen) was born on 15 Aug 1822 in Bristol, Ontario County, New York; died on 15 Jan 1892 in Richmond, Ontario County, New York; was buried in Lakeview Cemetery, Honeoye, Ontario County, New York. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Fanny married John Frederick Thayer on 4 Dec 1837 in Honeoye, Ontario County, New York. John was born on 23 Jan 1812 in New York; died on 2 Mar 1840 in Honeoye, Ontario County, New York; was buried in Lakeview Cemetery, Honeoye, Ontario County, New York. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Cyrus, was born in 1820 in the house now occupied by his son, which was built by the father of Cyrus, Artemas, in 1817. The latter was born in 1786 in Dighton, Mass., and came on foot to Bristol, Ontario county, in 1806. In 1809 he married in Bristol, Fanny Gregg, born in 1789. His father, Jedediah, was born in 1738. He had thirteen children, several of whom came to this county. Artemas traded his farm in Bristol for one here, whither he removed in 1814. He served in the War of 1812, and fought in several of the battles on the Niagara frontier. He settled on the west side of Honeoye Lake, and owned land south of Main street in Honeoye. He and his son, Jedediah, each gave half the land for the original cemetery and he gave the land for the First Methodist church. He was one of the founders of the church here. The edifice stood on the site of Mrs. Phillips's house on Lake street. His children were: John G., born in 1811; Jedediah, born in 1815; Fanny, born in 1818; Cyrus, born in 1820, and Mary, born in 1823. Cyrus was educated at East Bloomfield Academy, and was a farmer. He married first Emeline McMichael, daughter of Thomas McMichael, a tanner here, and they had two sons: Zachary J., born in 1849, and John C. He married second Cynthia E. Hadley, by whom he had no children. He died in 1888. John C. married in 1878 Minnie A., daughter of John Van Buren. She was born November 8, 1857. They have had two children; Fred J., born in 1885, died in 1889, and Hattie F., born May 26 1889. Mr. Briggs farms the old original homestead first taken up by Abel Short and later owned by Artemas Briggs. Jedediah, brother of Artemas Briggs, was born in 1779 and was a sea captain. During the War of 1812 he was captured by the English and taken to England, returning after the war. Enoch, the oldest brother, born in 1770, came after Artemas, and settled in Bristol, where his descendants may be found at the present time. The ancestry of the family dates back to Sir Robert Briggs of England, who lived about thirteen generations back.
(History of Ontario County; compiled by Lewis Cass Aldrich; edited by George S. Conover; 1893)




Cyrus Briggs, one of the old residents of Honeoye, died at Rochester last Saturday night, aged 68. Mr. Briggs had been in poor health for about a year, and went to the house of his brother-in-law, Mr. McCrossen, of Rochester, the 6tb of last December, in the hope that a change would benefit him, Mr. Briggs was born at Honeoye, and always made that place his home. He leaves two sons Zachary and John both of whom live at Honeoye. Also, one brother and one sister—Mrs. Henry Huff of Jonesville, Mich. The funeral was held Wednesday. The appreciative obituary notice will be found in another column.

THE LATE CYRUS BRIGGS.
Cyrus Briggs of Honeoye died at the residence of his brother-in-law, R. D. McCrossen, of Rochester, on Saturday evening, Dec 29th. Though all feared there was no hope of recovery, when the news of his death reached his native place it came with a shock that was almost startling. Cyrus Briggs was a man loved by his friends and respected by all. Born at the old homestead Nov. 18th, 1890, sixty-eight years later he was carried and placed by loving hands in the very room that saw his birth. He was the youngest son of the late Artemus Briggs, who removed from Bristol to Richmond in 1814. Of his immediate relatives, a brother, Jedediah, of this place, and a sister, Mrs, Mary B. Huff, of Jonesville, Mich., survive him. His sons, Zachary and John, are residents of Honeoye, the latter occupying the old home on the farm that has been in possession of the Briggs family for seventy-four years. Mr. Briggs was twice married. His first wife, Miss Emeline McMichael of Naples, died in '66, and he married Miss M. E. Hadley of Brooklyn in '67. He leaves a successful competence gained by honesty, industry and strict attention to his own affairs. The funeral services, conducted by Rev. S. M. Day, were held from the Congregational church on Wednesday, the 2d, at 11 o'clock, the burial taking place while en route to the church, in Lake View cemetery, and which was once included in the original deed to the old farm.
(Livonia Gazette, January 4, 1889)

Buried:
https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/64555425/cyrus-briggs

Cyrus married Emeline A. McMichael about 1848 in Honeoye, Ontario County, New York. Emeline (daughter of Thomas McMichael and Lucinda Fisher) was born on 28 Sep 1828 in Bushnells Basin, Monroe County, New York; died on 28 Apr 1866 in Honeoye, Ontario County, New York; was buried in Lakeview Cemetery, Honeoye, Ontario County, New York. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Cyrus married Minnie E. Hadley in 1868 in Honeoye, Ontario County, New York. Minnie (daughter of Doctor William Warriner Hadley and Caroline Roberts) was born in Oct 1843 in Akron, Summit County, Ohio; died on 4 Dec 1925 in Honeoye, Ontario County, New York; was buried in Lakeview Cemetery, Honeoye, Ontario County, New York. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Buried:
https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/41893523/mary-huff

Mary married Henry Huff in 1851. Henry (son of John Huff and Rachel Allen) was born on 29 Jul 1817 in New Jersey; died on 26 Nov 1877 in Fayette Twp, Hillsdale County, Michigan; was buried in Somerset View Cemetery, Jonesville, Hillsdale County, Michigan. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Family/Spouse: George Washington Crane. George (son of Barnabas Crane and Hannah Crane) was born on 13 Mar 1809 in Berkley, Bristol County, Massachusetts; died on 20 Jan 1884 in Sharon Twp, Medina County, Ohio. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Alinda Briggs was born on November 12, 1816, in Bristol, New York. She and her older sister Louisa were both married on June 29, 1834, in a double ceremony in East Bloomfield, Ontario, New York. Alinda married Barnabas Crane, and Louisa married Barnabas' brother, George Washington Crane.

Within months, the newlyweds and the rest of Alinda's family including her parents Thomas and Abigail Briggs moved to Sharon, Ohio. Alinda and Barnabas had four children on their 192-acre farm in Sharon. The youngest child was only three when Barnabas died on November 11, 1856. Two years later, on July 13, 1858, D.G. Briggs officiated at the marriage of
Alinda and the widower Ira Totman of Bristol, Ontario County, New York. Ira's son Seneca "Nick" Samuel Totman was about 13 at the time of their marriage. Alinda and Ira had a child together, Irene Imogene Totman, in 1860. In 1867, Alinda's daughter Lucy Clara Crane married her stepbrother
Seneca Totman.

Alinda's children were all still living in Sharon when she died of breast cancer on July 30, 1880. She and Barnabas Crane share a monument in the Sharon Center Cemetery.

Alinda married Barnabas Crane, Jr. in 1834. Barnabas (son of Barnabas Crane and Hannah Crane) was born on 14 Jul 1806 in Massachusetts; died on 11 Nov 1856 in Ohio; was buried in Sharon Center Cemetery, Sharon, Medina County, Ohio. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Alinda married Ira Totman on 13 Jul 1858 in Medina County, Ohio. Ira (son of Samuel Totman and Naomi McCartney) was born on 7 Nov 1810 in Warren County, New York; died on 3 Mar 1900 in West Bloomfield, Ontario County, New York; was buried in Evergreen Cemetery, Bristol, Ontario County, New York. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Family/Spouse: Rhoda Ann Pratt. Rhoda was born on 27 Jun 1817; died on 25 Jan 1898; was buried in Sharon Center Cemetery, Sharon, Medina County, Ohio. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Family/Spouse: Harriet C. Dinsmore. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Family/Spouse: Angeline Lake. Angeline was born on 10 Jan 1826; died on 13 Nov 1907 in Medina County, Ohio; was buried in Sharon Center Cemetery, Sharon, Medina County, Ohio. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

George G. Briggs, the pioneer fruit man of California, in 1861 became the owner of the Rancho Santa Paula y Saticoy, in Ventura County, and said rancho was subdivided and thrown open for settlement by him.

Notes:

There are three men most responsible for the development of the Crescenta-Canada Valley: Dr. Jacob Lanterman, Dr. Benjamin Briggs, and Senator Frank P. Flint.

DR. BENJAMIN BRIGGS

Benjamin Bennett Briggs was in terrible shape when he arrived here in 1881. Years earlier he?d been shot through the lung -- the bullet still lodged in his chest, leaving him in constant pain. He was among the very first to head west for the Gold Rush, leaving the East Coast in March of 1849.

Near Salt Lake City, he and his brothers befriended some local Indians. While showing off their marksmanship, the 22-year-old accidentally stepped in front of his brother?s target.

The bullet ripped through his right lung and imbedded in his spine, the tip just visible under the skin. His journal entry for the day reveals a stoic personality. After describing the terrain and location he merely adds, ?Got accidentally wounded.?

In keeping with the medical practice of the time, he was bled. This complicated his condition, producing terrible sweats, fevers and chills. After a eight days the caravan moved on, leaving his brothers to tend to him.

Fearing they wouldn?t make the Sierras by winter, the Briggs brothers had no choice but to continue west and if need be bury him along the way. When they arrived in California, to their utter amazement, young Benjamin stood up.

His brothers worked the gold mines while he recuperated. With little to do but stare at the ground -- he became convinced that California?s soil would be perfect for growing citrus.

After some serious cajoling, he persuaded his brothers to collect the proper cuttings. This required not only the arduous journey back to the east coast -- but ocean voyages to South America and Spain, the latter in which to learn the raisin business.

Through painful trial and error -- and years of perseverance -- the Briggs brothers pioneered California?s fruit industry -- the first to plant citrus in the Sacramento Valley. George Briggs became one of the state?s first millionaires.

The Mission Padres had experimented with fruit growing before, but never on a large scale. The Briggs ranch in Santa Paula was so vast that visitors were cautioned to carry guns as flares since many a worker got lost overnight in the endless maze of fruit trees.

But a cloud followed young Benjamin. His wife Abby died of tuberculosis. Heart-broken and still suffering from his own lung injury, he abandoned the fruit industry for medicine.

He became obsessed with finding a cure for tuberculosis and other lung diseases. Over the years he earned seven medical degrees including one from the Heidelberg Academy in Germany which at the time led the world in tuberculosis research.

Despite a successful medical practice in Indiana, Brigg?s longed for a healthier climate. With his new bride (his wife?s sister) and his daughter Irene, he traveled extensively throughout Europe and America in search of the perfect climate. He found it in Rancho La Canada.

Tall, angular and bearded, Briggs reminded locals of the late President Lincoln and they took to calling him Old Abe. After moving here, Brigg?s health immediately improved.

Brigg?s purchased the entire western half of Rancho La Canada from Lanterman and Williams. He had the land surveyed and divided into ten-acre lots for sale as ranches. This included the future site of Montrose.

From his perch atop Pickens canyon, the mountains made crescent shapes -- so he named the area La Crescenta. Before that it had been called simply ?The Big Rocks?.

Brigg?s started the first school in the valley, the first town center, the first church, the first public park, and the first full-time medical practice. He also planted thousands and thousands of trees.

Briggs? daughter Irene had married the Reverend Lawrence Ward. For over 20 years, they were missionaries in the Islamic country of Persia, part of modern-day Iran. While on furlough, Briggs asked them start the first church in the valley. They formed the First Presbyterian church in Dr. Brigg?s home.

The church would later move to this cement structure on Foothill. A rare commodity in those days, Brigg?s bought the cement after it had been used as ballast on a ship from Germany. It was said to be the first cement structure in all of Southern California. The church would eventually move to its present location on Montrose Avenue.

Briggs accomplished all this in less than 12 years. When he was 66 he decided to have the bullet removed from his chest. It had been lodged against his spine for 44 years. Shortly after doctors extracted the lead ball, Benjamin Briggs died.

Col. Pickens and Dr. Briggs lived on the same piece of land for roughly the same amount of time -- during which the former chopped down an entire forest, damned up the canyon and forced others to pay him for the water -- while the latter planted thousands of trees, established a new town, and paved the way for future generations to move here.

All that honors the memory of this extraordinary man is the name of the street which once led up to his home.



Buried:
Although Benjamin Bennett Briggs, M.D. has a grave marker in Sharon Center Ohio, he was cremated by Rosedale Cemetery, Los Angeles. His ashes were not claimed and they were interred there without record.

Family/Spouse: Abigail Crane. Abigail was born on 7 Oct 1824 in Chatham, Barnstable County, Massachusetts; died on 13 Jul 1862 in Santa Paula, Ventura County, California; was buried in Sharon Center Cemetery, Sharon, Medina County, Ohio. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Family/Spouse: Edwin Haskell. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

JOSEPH W. BRIGGS, deceased. The subject of this sketch was born in New York in 1832. He was the son of Thomas Briggs, of New York. In his childhood his father removed to Medina County, Ohio, where our subject was reared and schooled, obtaining such education as the schools of that date afforded. He early learned the details of the work on his father's farm in assisting in its management.

He made the overland journey to California, and upon his arrival joined his brother, who resided near Marysville, the two entering into extensive fruit-cultivation, thus becoming pioneers of that industry in this State. He continued in k until 1854, when he returned to Ohio, and there married, in that year, Miss Mary J. Oldes, the daughter of Albert and Mary (Bennett) Oldes, who resided in Medina County, Ohio. After a two years' stay in Ohio, he went to Franklin County, Kansas, where he purchased land and established himself as a farmer and stock-raiser. There he made his home for several years, in fact until, in 1862, he returned to this State, and, with his brother, John G., and his brother-in-law, Edward Haskell, entered largely into fruit-culture. His family joined him in his new home in 1863. Mr. Briggs eventually bought out the interests of his partners, and for a time managed these orchards, of hundreds of acres in extent, without other assistance than that of hired help. In 1873 he sold out these interests and came to Santa Clara County, where he bought a tract of 120 acres on the Trimble road, on Coyote Creek, in the Midway School District. He immediately began the work of planting extensive orchards and small-fruit vines, and succeeded before his death in producing a splendid farm, upon which his widow now resides. Fifty acres were devoted to the raising of plums and prunes, twenty acres to pears, ten acres to apples, twelve acres to cherries, and the remainder to pasturage. Six acres of raspberries, and five of strawberries, were cultivated among the fruit-trees. Plenty of water is supplied by five artesian wells, each of which furnishes an average flow of water. These lands, being in a high state of cultivation and very productive, testify to Mr. Briggs' skill in horticulture. In addition to the supervision of this large farm, Mr. Briggs engaged largely in fruit-raising near Visalia, purchasing in 1881, 200 acres of land. His son, Frank T., bought 160 acres near this property, and in 1885 Mr. Briggs also acquired that tract by purchase. His design was the conversion of the whole into orchards, but his plans were destroyed by the hand of death, which occurred April 19, 1887.

He left three children: Frank T., married and living in San Francisco ; John G., who married Miss Lizzie Adams, of Alviso, now a resident of San Jose; and Albert L., residing on the old homestead. He also left, besides a devoted family, f friends, by whom his loss was deeply felt. He was a man of great strength of character, of untiring energy, as the magnitude of his enterprises proves. He was well versed in the business affairs of life, and was thus able to bring to a successful issue his many plans.

His worth in social circles was thoroughly appreciated, and by his death many secret organizations mourned the loss of a most useful member. He was a member of the Masonic fraternity, being a Knight Templar, and was also connected with tcan Legion of Honor, Chosen Friends, Knights of Honor, and Ancient Order of United Workmen.


Pen Pictures From The Garden of the World or Santa Clara County, California, Illustrated. - Edited by H. S. Foote.- Chicago: The Lewis Publishing Company, 1888.
Pg. 572

Joseph married Mary J. Oldes in 1854. Mary was born about 1835. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

From the HISTORY OF ONTARIO COUNTY; compiled by Lewis Cass Aldrich; edited by George S. Conover; 1893;
Briggs, E. Elihu, Bristol, was born in Bristol September 25, 1835, reared on a farm and educated in East Bloomfield Academy. At the age of seventeen he engaged in teaching for five years in connection with farming, since which time he has followed farming exclusively. He owns sixty-three and one-half acres, which he purchased in 1867. Mr. Briggs has been thrice married. First, in 1854 to Emeline, daughter of Rev. Abner Reed. They had four children: William, Frank, Helen and Elnathan. Mrs. Briggs died in 1868, and in 1870 Mr. Briggs married Mary Ann Johnson, daughter of Phineas Johnson. By his second wife Mr. Briggs had two children: Ina E. and Lewis B. Mrs. Mary Ann Briggs died in 1884 and in 1886 Mr. Briggs married Lucrecia Kingsbury, daughter of Hampton Kingsbury, with whom he is still living. Mr. Briggs is a member of the People's party. He is now serving his third year as president of the Farmers' and Mechanics' Hop-growers" Association of Bristol. He is a member of Bristol Grange of which he has been secretary for fifteen years, and is a member of the Farmers' Alliance, and also secretary of that organization. He and family attend the Universalist Church at Bristol. E. Elihu Briggs is a son of William Briggs, a son of Elihu, a son of Zenas, who was a native of Massachusetts. William W. Briggs, father of the subject, was born in Bristol September 20, 1811. In 1861 he purchased fifty-four acres of land, and spent his last active days as a farmer. In 1879 he came to Bristol Hill and has since lived a retired life. November 13, 1834, he married Nancy Briggs of Massachusetts, born November 8, 1814, a daughter of Enoch and Abigail Briggs. William W. Briggs and wife had six children: E. Elihu, George W., Melvina A., Elnathan G., Ruth S. and Nannie L.

Elihu was the eldest child of William Wallace and Nancy Briggs. Like his father, he became a farmer and remained in Bristol for most of his life.
He married for the first time on November 8, 1855 in Bristol to Emeline Reed. The couple were living in East Bloomfield, New York in 1860 with the first of their five children. Emeline passed away in 1869 leaving Elihu with their children ages thirteen to two.
The second marriage took place on June 13, 1870 to Mary Ann Johnson. Elihu had returned to Bristol by then and he and Mary Ann added three more children to the family. When Mary Ann died in 1884 two of her children were alive and aged ten and thirteen. Their daughter Ina married Wilbur L. Tiffany, son of George and Lucretia Tiffany.
Elihu's third and final marriage took place in Bristol to a widow Lucretia Kingsbury Tiffany. There were no children from their union. This was (?future) mother-in-law to Elihu's daughter Ina.

Enoch married Emeline Reed in 1854. Emeline (daughter of Reverand Abner Reed and Lorania Case) was born on 11 Aug 1837 in Bristol, Ontario County, New York; died on 28 Aug 1869 in Bristol, Ontario County, New York; was buried in Evergreen Cemetery, Bristol, Ontario County, New York. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Enoch married Mary Ann Johnson in 1870. Mary (daughter of Phineas Johnson and Catherine) was born in 1837 in New York; died on 16 Apr 1884 in Bristol, Ontario County, New York; was buried in Evergreen Cemetery, Bristol, Ontario County, New York. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Enoch married Lucretia Kingsbury on 5 Apr 1886 in Bristol, Ontario County, New York. Lucretia (daughter of Hampton Kingsbury and Lyndia Totman) was born on 12 Apr 1845; died on 27 Aug 1919 in Bristol, Ontario County, New York; was buried in Evergreen Cemetery, Bristol, Ontario County, New York. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

George married Priscilla Jones about 1865 in Bristol, Ontario County, New York. Priscilla (daughter of Ephraim Jones and Elizabeth) was born on 11 Oct 1844 in Bristol, Ontario County, New York; died on 1 Jul 1928 in Canandaigua, Ontario County, New York. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Her body was interred 1893 Bristol, New York, Andrews Cemetery.
Picture of grave taken She married George Aldrich Andrews Bristol, New
York, June 13, 1866. ONTARIO COUNTY TIMES Wednesday June 20, 1866 PAGE
3 COL 2 MARRIED At the residence of William Briggs Esq., June 13th by
the Rev. T. Spencer Harrison, Mr. George A. Andrews and Miss Malvina
A. Briggs, all of Bristol. (George Aldrich Andrews is #1664.)
George was born Bristol, New York October 27, 1823. George was the son
of Royal Aldrich Andrews and Hannah Evarts. George died January 07,
1889 Bristol, New York, at 65 years of age. Newspaper had his death as
January 8, 1889.
His body was interred 1889 Bristol, New York, Andrews Cemetery.
Picture of grave taken
At 44 years of age George became the father of William Royal Andrews
Bristol, New York, November 03, 1867. At 46 years of age George became
the father of Lenora D. Andrews Bristol, New York, September 04, 1870.
At 49 years of age George became the father of Cora Dorcas Andrews
Bristol, New York, March 15, 1873. (See George Aldrich Andrews for the
continuation of this line.)
At 27 years of age Malvina became the mother of William Royal Andrews
Bristol, New York, November 03, 1867. At 30 years of age Malvina
became the mother of Lenora D. Andrews Bristol, New York, September
04, 1870. At 33 years of age Malvina became the mother of Cora Dorcas
Andrews Bristol, New York, March 15, 1873.

Malvina married George Aldrich Andrews on 13 Jun 1866. George (son of Royal Aldrich Andrews and Hannah Evarts) was born on 27 Oct 1823 in Bristol, Ontario County, New York; died on 7 Jan 1889 in Bristol, Ontario County, New York. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Elnathan married Sarah Emma Davis on 23 Oct 1870. Sarah (daughter of Solomon G. Davis and Maria Jane Barrett) was born on 21 Aug 1845 in Bristol, Ontario County, New York; died on 12 May 1915 in Lima, Livingston County, New York; was buried in Evergreen Cemetery, Bristol, Ontario County, New York. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Ruth married Curtis Hitchcock on 30 Nov 1865 in Bristol, Ontario County, New York. Curtis was born in 1838 in Connecticut; died in 1920 in East Bloomfield, Ontario County, New York; was buried in East Bloomfield Cemetery, East Bloomfield, Ontario County, New York. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Family/Spouse: Unknown. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Family/Spouse: Mr. Hinman. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Family/Spouse: Unknown. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Family/Spouse: Ella May. Ella was born in 1858; died in 1946; was buried in North Eagle Cemetery, Eagle, Clinton County, Michigan. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Family/Spouse: Caroline Frances Martin. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Sarah married Lucius Leach Pierpont in 1858. Lucius was born on 17 Mar 1835 in Richmond, Ontario County, New York; died on 18 Apr 1894 in Allen's Hill, Ontario County, New York; was buried in Lakeview Cemetery, Honeoye, Ontario County, New York. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Family/Spouse: Francis Alonzo Ashley. Francis (son of Noah Ashley and Minerva Tisdale) was born on 3 Oct 1842; died on 16 Jan 1895; was buried in Lakeview Cemetery, Honeoye, Ontario County, New York. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Annette married Horace C. Gilbert on 7 Feb 1861. Horace was born on 6 Jul 1838; died on 30 Jan 1915 in Richmond, Ontario County, New York; was buried in Richmond Center Cemetery, Richmond, Ontario County, New York. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Family/Spouse: Unknown. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Artemas married Matilda Fifield about 1874. Matilda was born on 21 Nov 1853 in Honeoye Falls, Monroe County, New York; died on 15 Apr 1939 in Canandaigua, Ontario County, New York; was buried in Lakeview Cemetery, Honeoye, Ontario County, New York. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Died:
died of cardiac dilation

Fannie married Frederick Leonard Ashley on 16 Mar 1876 in Honeoye, Ontario County, New York. Frederick (son of Noah Ashley and Minerva Tisdale) was born on 25 Mar 1845 in Richmond, Ontario County, New York; died on 16 Jun 1922 in Richmond, Ontario County, New York; was buried in Lakeview Cemetery, Honeoye, Ontario County, New York. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Jedediah married Mary A. Beardsley on 7 Jul 1874. Mary was born in 1858; died on 13 Sep 1880 in Richmond, Ontario County, New York; was buried in Lakeview Cemetery, Honeoye, Ontario County, New York. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Zachary was educated at Canandaigua Academy and at Lima Seminary. He always followed farming. He built his residence in 1883 a half mile south of the old homestead and commands a fine view of the lake and rural scenery(even today).

Zacariah Briggs passed, away at his home on the corner of Briggs and Lake Streets Friday afternoon. Mr. Briggs had been in poor health for the past year but had gradually grown worse for the last few weeks. He was the son of Cyrus and Emeline McMichael Briggs and was born in Honeoye February 13, 1849. Mr. Briggs was married to Analiza Sleight of East Richmond in Detroit October 25. 1871. Mr. and Mrs. Briggs lived the early part of their married life on a farm on the west side of Honeoye Lake, which was still owned by Mr. Briggs and occupied by his son, Harry, and family. Mr. Briggs retired from farm several years ago and moved to the village to live and a few years ago purchased the George Ashley house, where he passed away. Besides the widow he is survived by two sons, Irving of Rochester and Harry of Honeoye, and two grandchildren. The funeral was held from the home Sunday afternoon at two o'clock. The Rev. G. E. Henshaw officiated, and interment was in Lake View cemetery. Honeoye, Dec 24, 1924***
(The Livonia Gazette, Livonia, NY, Friday, December 26,1924)

Zachary married Ann Eliza Sleight on 25 Oct 1871 in Honeoye, Ontario County, New York. Ann (daughter of Theodore Martin Sleight and Julia Ann Pool) was born on 15 Aug 1851 in Canandaigua, Ontario County, New York; died on 7 May 1941 in Honeoye, Ontario County, New York; was buried in Lakeview Cemetery, Honeoye, Ontario County, New York. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

John C. Briggs, Richmond, was born September 21, 1853. His father, Cyrus, was born in 1820 in the house now occupied by his son, which was built by the father of Cyrus, Artemas, in 1817. The latter was born in 1786 in Dighton, Mass., and came on foot to Bristol, Ontario county, in 1806. In 1809 he married in Bristol, Fanny Gregg, born in 1789. His father, Jedediah, was born in 1738. He had thirteen children, several of whom came to this county. Artemas traded his farm in Bristol for one here, whither he removed in 1814. He served in the War of 1812, and fought in several of the battles on the Niagara frontier. He settled on the west side of Honeoye Lake, and owned land south of Main street in Honeoye. He and his son, Jedediah, each gave half the land for the original cemetery and he gave the land for the First Methodist church. He was one of the founders of the church here. The edifice stood on the site of Mrs. Phillips's house on Lake street. His children were: John G., born in 1811; Jedediah, born in 1815; Fanny, born in 1818; Cyrus, born in 1820, and Mary, born in 1823. Cyrus was educated at East Bloomfield Academy, and was a farmer. He married first Emeline McMichael, daughter of Thomas McMichael, a tanner here, and they had two sons: Zachary J., born in 1849, and John C. He married second Cynthia E. Hadley, by whom he had no children. He died in 1888. John C. married in 1878 Minnie A., daughter of John Van Buren. She was born November 8, 1857. They have had two children; Fred J., born in 1885, died in 1889, and Hattie F., born May 26 1889. Mr. Briggs farms the old original homestead first taken up by Abel Short and later owned by Artemas Briggs. Jedediah, brother of Artemas Briggs, was born in 1779 and was a sea captain. During the War of 1812 he was captured by the English and taken to England, returning after the war. Enoch, the oldest brother, born in 1770, came after Artemas, and settled in Bristol, where his descendants may be found at the present time. The ancestry of the family dates back to Sir Robert Briggs of England, who lived about thirteen generations back.
(History of Ontario County, New York; compiled by Lewis Cass Aldrich; edited by George S. Conover; 1893)

John married Minnie A. Van Buren in 1878. Minnie (daughter of John Van Buren and Mary J. Pratt) was born on 8 Nov 1857; died in 1928 in Honeoye, Ontario County, New York. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Buried:
https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/114830063/fannie_annette-cramton

Family/Spouse: Abel Dudley Cramton. Abel (son of Abel Cramton, Jr. and Olive Dudley) was born on 21 Dec 1852 in Jonesville, Hillsdale County, Michigan; died on 27 May 1909 in Kalamazoo, Kalamazoo County, Michigan; was buried in Oak Grove Cemetery, Hillsdale, Hillsdale County, Michigan. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Buried:
https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/252816201/eva_w-dugan

Eva married Walter Eugene Dugan on 26 Dec 1878 in Jonesville, Hillsdale County, Michigan. Walter was born on 17 Jun 1856 in Ohio; died on 23 Dec 1912 in Jackson, Jackson County, Michigan; was buried in Somerset View Cemetery, Jonesville, Hillsdale County, Michigan. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

1931 57 N.Monroe St.,Coldwater,MI

Buried:
https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/41893539/mary_belle-schmedlen

Family/Spouse: William Henry Schmedlen. William was born on 13 Aug 1857 in Brooklyn, Jackson County, Michigan; died on 26 Sep 1944 in Coldwater, Branch County, Michigan; was buried in Somerset View Cemetery, Jonesville, Hillsdale County, Michigan. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

In pursuit of that occupation to which he became accustomed in
earliest youth in Ohio, Mr. Crane, in 1883, settled in Ventura County,
where he has realized many of his ambitious expectations. He was born
in Sharon Township, Medina County, Ohio, July 7, 1835. His paternal
ancestors were all born and reared in or near Deighton, Mass., where
the original ancestor, from England, one Henry Crane, settled in 1654.
On the maternal side, Louisa (Briggs) Crane was born in Ontario
County, N. Y., in 1815, a daughter of Thomas Briggs, also a native of
Massachusetts. Her brother, George G. Briggs, the pioneer fruit man of
California, in 1861 became the owner of the Rancho Santa Paula y
Saticoy, in Ventura County, and said rancho was subdivided and thrown
open for settlement by him. In 1855 Mr. Crane came to California and
assisted his uncle, George G. Briggs, in putting out two hundred acres
of orchard, in addition to the already large orchard then just
bearing, near Marysville. He also assisted him in putting out an
orchard of one hundred acres near Oroville, and one of two hundred
acres on the Sacramento river near Knights Landing. Remaining in
California something over three years, he then returned to his native
place in Ohio, married and purchased a farm upon which he resided for
ten years, when, selling his farm, he removed to Cass county, Mo. Six
years later he removed to Denver, Colo., where he engaged in the
wholesale fruit business, shipping from forty to fifty carloads a year
from Marysville and Sacramento.
The drought in California of 1877 decided him to quit the fruit
business and go to the Black Hills of Dakota, the then new mining
region. There, in company with others, he was successful in locating
and developing what is known as the Trojan group of mines, near
Deadwood, which he and his partners sold in 1883 for $10o,000. In the
same year he removed with his family to Saticoy, Ventura County,
purchased and settled upon the ranch he now (1902) occupies. This land
was at once utilized for the raising of lima beans and the setting out
of walnut trees. Today there is a fine bearing orchard of Santa
Barbara soft shell walnuts covering fifty acres. Some apricots also
are raised on the ranch.
No one has shown more enthusiasm than Mr. Crane in promoting the
interests of his neighborhood. To further the cause of the walnut
growers he assisted in the organization of the Saticoy Walnut Growers'
Association. He was one of tile first stockholders in the People's
Lumber Company, and has also been vitally interested in the subject of
water supply. In addition to his home ranch he owns eighty acres of
land west of Pasadena, which can be developed into grape land.
Although a Democrat in politics and a stanch upholder of his party, he
has never cared for office and has never been a candidate but once,
when he was nominated for supervisor. His kindly and agreeable
personality has won for him many friends throughout Ventura county. In
1859 he married Adalina Huntley, who was born in Granger township,
Medina County, Ohio, in 1836. They are the parents of two children,
namely: Amy, who is the wife of E. E. Huntley, of Saticoy; and Abbie,
wife of L. W. Andrews, an attorney of Los Angeles.

Lucy married Seneca Totman in 1867. Seneca (son of Ira Totman and Nancy Gregg) was born in 1845; died in 1887; was buried in Sharon Center Cemetery, Sharon, Medina County, Ohio. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Emma married Henry Clay Trafton about 1876. Henry (son of John W. Trafton and Eliza A. Totman) was born on 17 Mar 1849 in Bristol, Ontario County, New York; died on 7 Jun 1917 in Canandaigua, Ontario County, New York; was buried in Woodlawn Cemetery, Canandaigua, Ontario County, New York. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Family/Spouse: Mary Crane. Mary (daughter of Joseph Warren Crane and Olive Chatfield) was born on 23 Feb 1844 in Sharon Twp, Medina County, Ohio; died on 11 Nov 1923 in Sharon Twp, Medina County, Ohio; was buried in Sharon Center Cemetery, Sharon, Medina County, Ohio. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Family/Spouse: Elmer E. Chatfield. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

JOHN G. BRIGGS, was born in Franklin County, Kansas, December 3, 1858. He is the son of Joseph W. Briggs (whose sketch appears in this connection) and Mary J. (Oldes) Briggs, a native of Ohio. When but five years of age he was brought by his parents to this State. During his youthful days, when not in school, he was employed in his father's large orchards, and thus at an early age he had become familiar with all the details of orchard culture. In his boyhood, his father had the care of
extensive fruit interests near Marysville, but in 1873 he came to this county and purchased 120 acres of land near the Trimble road. He eventually improved 100 acres of this tract, setting that portion to fruit-trees. In this work he was most ably assisted by our subject, who, as young as he was, managed this extensive property, and in time came to have sole control of it, as for many years previous to his death, in 1887, his father was occupied in the care of his large interests near Visalia.

This magnificent orchard contains about 10,000 trees, and is known far and wide as one of the finest and most productive in the county. This is due to Mr. Briggs' thorough, practical knowledge of the business to which he was trained, ande and attention which he has devoted to the production of these telling results. Mr. Briggs is now living at San Jose, where he is engaged in settling the affairs of his father's extensive estate.

In 1882 he was united in marriage with Miss Lizzie Adams, the daughter of William Francis and Mary Ann Adams, who were natives and residents of England. Mr. and Mrs. Briggs have one daughter, Edith Violet.


Pen Pictures From The Garden of the World or Santa Clara County, California, Illustrated. - Edited by H. S. Foote.- Chicago: The Lewis Publishing Company, 1888.
Pg. 572-573



Born in Kansas, December 3, 1858, and came with his parents to California in 1861. On arrival the family proceeded to Marysville, where they resided until 1873, when J. W. Briggs, the father of our subject, purchased the property on which they now reside. This, one of the finest orchards in Santa Clara county, contains about ten thousand fruit trees in all, there being some three thousand pear, two thousand plum, fourrteen hundred cherry, fifteen hundred apple, seven hundred peach, and the balance apricot trees. No pains has bee spared by J. G. Briggs, who manages for his father, in conducting this orchard, whilehe includes in his cultivation the rarest varieties of blackberries, raspberries and strawberries. There are althogether one hundred and twenty acress on the farm, twenty of which are devoted to pasturage, and the remainder to fruit culture.

History of Santa Clara County, California San Francisco: Alley, Bowen & Co., 1881, 838 pgs.page 562

Notes:

ONTARIO COUNTY TIMES JOURNAL September 2, 1932 PAGE 4 COL 1
BRIGGS - The death of William Abner Briggs, formerly of Canandaigua, occurred at his home in Moundsville, W. Virginia Saturday. Mr. Briggs was born in Canandaigua town September 8, 1856 the son of Elihu E. and Emeline Reed Briggs. On January 10, 1877 he married Mary Jane Ferrin who died in 1907. In 1909 he married Priscilla Jane Cunningham of Viola W. Virginia. Besides his widow he leaves three children, Roy A. Briggs of Shortsville, Mrs. Adah J. Carter and Charles F. Briggs of this city, 8 grand children, a brother Elnathan Briggs of E. Bloomfield, a half brother Louis Briggs, and a half sister, Mrs. Ina Fogarty of this city. Funeral services were held from the home of his daughter Mrs. T. S. Carter, Adelaide Avenue, Tues. PM. Interred in Woodlawn Cemetery.

William married Mary Jane Ferrin on 10 Jan 1877. Mary (daughter of Henry Harrison Ferrin and Jane O. Francis) was born in Aug 1860 in West Bloomfield, Ontario County, New York; died on 4 Nov 1907 in Canandaigua, Ontario County, New York; was buried in Woodlawn Cemetery, Canandaigua, Ontario County, New York. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

William married Priscilla Jane Cunningam in 1909. Priscilla was born about 1860 in West Virginia. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Helen married Constant Simmons on 8 Dec 1877 in Shortsville, Ontario County, New York. Constant (son of Henry Pettis Simmons and Julia A. Dake) was born in 1856; died on 30 Mar 1915 in Canandaigua, Ontario County, New York. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Family/Spouse: Addie Dunham. Addie (daughter of Charles E. Dunham and Mary Lorette Wilson) was born in 1864; died on 5 Mar 1954 in Canandaigua, Ontario County, New York; was buried in Evergreen Cemetery, Bristol, Ontario County, New York. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Elnathan was the son of Elihu and Emeline (Reed) Briggs. Elnathan's mother died when he was only two years old. He does not appear in either the 1870 or 1880 Census with his father and siblings. He was living with Philetus and Jerusha Smith in Bristol, in 1880 he was listed with the surname Smith and listed as "son." It appears he was adopted by the Smith's after his mother's death but except for 1880 retained the Briggs surname.

Around 1897 Elnathan was wed to Adalaide Garlinghouse, the couple had three sons. They remained in Bristol, New York on their farm.

Elnathan married Adelaide Garlinghouse in 1897. Adelaide was born on 23 Jun 1865 in Allen's Hill, Ontario County, New York; died on 22 Dec 1930 in Ontario County, New York; was buried in Evergreen Cemetery, Bristol, Ontario County, New York. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Ina married Wilbur L. Tiffany about 1890. Wilbur (son of George Tiffany and Lucretia Kingsbury) was born on 17 Jul 1867 in Bristol, Ontario County, New York; died in 1912 in Bristol, Ontario County, New York; was buried in Woodlawn Cemetery, Canandaigua, Ontario County, New York. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Family/Spouse: Eva Squires. Eva was born in 1880 in Michigan; died on 19 Jan 1963. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Family/Spouse: Unknown. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Family/Spouse: Grace Somers Tompkins. Grace (daughter of John I. Tompkins and Matilda Carson) was born on 12 Oct 1881 in Tarrytown, Westchester County, New York; died on 16 Aug 1916 in Syracuse, Onondaga County, New York; was buried in Oakwood Cemetery, Syracuse, Onondaga County, New York. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Lena married Elihu Kirby Calkins on 18 Mar 1891 in Bristol, Ontario County, New York. Elihu (son of Samuel U. Calkins and Mary E. Kirby) was born on 18 Feb 1866 in Henrietta, Monroe County, New York. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Lena married James Charles MacGreevey on 4 Feb 1902 in Allen's Hill, Ontario County, New York. James was born on 23 Oct 1857 in Allen's Hill, Ontario County, New York; died in 1940; was buried in East Bloomfield Cemetery, East Bloomfield, Ontario County, New York. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

George married Ada L. about 1902. Ada was born about 1882. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Family/Spouse: Charles Christian Miller. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Mrs. D. M, Estee died at her home in Buffalo on Saturday from influenza. She was a former resident of Canisteo; her husband having been principal of Canisteo Academy for a number of years. She leaves her husband and an adopted daughter.
(The Times, Canisteo,NY, Wednesday, November 13, 1918)

Family/Spouse: Daniel Maxson Estee. Daniel was born on 1 May 1853 in Petersburg, Rensselaer County, New York; died on 7 Mar 1926 in Buffalo, Erie County, New York; was buried in Forest Lawn Cemetery, Buffalo, Erie County, New York. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

School Superintendent in Gore Falls, OH in 1900

Frank married Clara Helena Gray on 28 Dec 1892 in Geneseo, Livingston County, New York. Clara (daughter of Richard Gray and Mary Wells) was born on 13 Nov 1866 in Groveland, Livingston County, New York; died on 30 Sep 1952 in Geneseo, Livingston County, New York; was buried in Temple Hill Cemetery, Geneseo, Livingston County, New York. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Mark married Lillie Mae Buckalew on 14 Jun 1899 in Bristol, Ontario County, New York. Lillie (daughter of William Henry Buckalew and Euseba Helena Ferrin) was born on 31 Jan 1877 in Richmond, Ontario County, New York; died on 13 Aug 1970 in Richmond, Ontario County, New York. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Family/Spouse: Roy Washington Reed. Roy (son of Henry Harrison Reed and Elizabeth Gooding) was born on 4 Dec 1879 in Richmond, Ontario County, New York; died on 11 May 1952 in Rochester, Monroe County, New York; was buried in Lakeview Cemetery, Honeoye, Ontario County, New York. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Family/Spouse: Ira Alger. Ira was born in 1872; died in 1953; was buried in Lakeview Cemetery, Honeoye, Ontario County, New York. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

HONEOYE - Mrs. Bessie B. Wood, 80, East Lake Road, died yesterday (July 11, 1967) in Canandaigua. Born in Honeoye Falls, she was a member of the Honeoye Congregational Church and the Honeoye Home Bureau. Survivors are a daughter, Mrs. Gerald Reynolds, Rochester, and two grandchildren. Friends may call 7 to 9 today and 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 tomorrow at the Moore Funeral Home in Naples. Services will be 2 p.m. Friday from the Honeoye Congregational Church. Rev. Bardell Swett officiating. Burial in Lakeview Cemetery, Honeoye.
(Democrat and Chronicle, Rochester, NY, Wednesday, July 12, 1967)

Family/Spouse: Dana Wilbur Wood. Dana was born on 13 Jun 1885 in South Bristol, Ontario County, New York; died on 15 May 1964 in Honeoye, Ontario County, New York; was buried in Lakeview Cemetery, Honeoye, Ontario County, New York. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Removed to Oak Park,Ill before 1920.

Greenwich - Mrs. Edith Briggs Stevens, 70, died Monday night at the home of her son, Robert Stevens, Church Street. Mrs. Stevens had resided with her son for the past five years and had been ill for some time. She was born in Honeoye. The only survivors are the son mentioned above and two grandchildren. Funeral services will be conducted at 11AM today at the Kinnin Funeral Home. The Rev. Paul R. Shaub, [pastor of the Baptist Church, will officiate. Cremation will take place at the Gardener-Earl Memorial Crematory in Troy.
(The Post-Star, Glens Falls, New York, Wednesday, May 16, 1945)

Edith married George E. McWhorter on 19 Nov 1901 in Chicago, Cook County, Illinois. George (son of George W. McWhorter and Living) was born in Mar 1873 in Bristol, Ontario County, New York; died before 1910. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Edith married Wirt Allen Stevens on 21 Sep 1918 in Cook County, Illinois. Wirt (son of Doctor Walter Augustus Stevens and Elnora V. Richards) was born on 25 Mar 1878 in Chicago, Cook County, Illinois; died in 1941; was buried in Oak Woods Cemetery, Chicago, Cook County, Illinois. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Robert Bacon Jr., assault second degree, consisting of blows with a pop bottle on Irving C. Briggs' head at Honeoye, December 2d; not guilty, bail $500.
(ONTABIO REPOSITORY-MESSENGER, FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 1904)

Honeoye — Irving Briggs. 78, former resident here, and a brother of Harry Briggs, died at the home of his stepdaughter, Miss Elizabeth P. Swan. In Buffalo Feb. 2. His body was brought to Honeoye where services were held Sunday at the Congregational Church. Burial will be made in Lakeview cemetery.
(VICTOR HERALD, VICTOR, N.Y., FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 1951)

Irving married Jennie Dunham in 1912 in Ontario County, New York. Jennie (daughter of Charles E. Dunham and Mary Lorette Wilson) was born on 20 Nov 1869 in New York; died on 16 Dec 1948 in Richmond, Ontario County, New York; was buried in Lakeview Cemetery, Honeoye, Ontario County, New York. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

The Flower Fadeth - So faded and perished by the dread disease, pneumonia, Fannie, only daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Z. Briggs, on Thursday, March 29th, aged twelve and one half years. Seldom have the hearts of the people gone out in deeper sympathy than to this afflicted family, who are now bereft of their only and well-be-loved daughter. Not alone will her place in the union and Sunday school be vacant, but all will miss the bright face and sunny smile of Fannie Briggs. Clothed in white and lying in a casket of purest white, amid flowers (fit emblems of immortality), Fannie was laid to rest in the cemetery at Lake View. Her funeral heald at the Congregational Church on Saturday, was attended by a large concourse of people.
(Livonia Gazette, April 6, 1888)

"Come not again, dear child. If thou - By and chance couldst break that vow - Of silence at thy last hour made; - If to this grim life unafraid - Thou couldst return, and melt the frost - Wherein thy bright limo's power was lost, - Still would I whisper since so fair - This silent comradeship we share - Yes, whisper ' mid the unbidden rain - Of tears: 'Come not, come not again!'"

Died:
Died of Acute Typhoid Pneumonia after 10 days.

Notes:

Harry Franklin Briggs, lifelong resident of Honeoye, passed away at Rochester on Nov. 16. Mr. Briggs was born in the town of Richmond, May 20, 1877, a son of Zachary and Anne 'Eliza Sleight Briggs, and his entire life has been spent in that town. During the past three years he has made his home with his daughter, Mrs. Edward Haynes of Arkport. His wife was the late Lillian M. Staley Briggs. Funeral services were held at the Brown Funeral Home at Honeoye, on Saturday at 2pm. with Masonic services on Friday at 8pm. Mr. Briggs was a charter member of Honeoye Valley Grange, and of the Honeoye Masonic Lodge of which he was also past master. Burial was in the family lot in Lake View Cemetery. The Rev. Luther Cross, pastor of Arkport Presbyterian Church, officiated. Besides his daughter, Mrs. Edward Haynes of Arkport. he leaves one son, Charles Briggs of Rochester, and four grandchildren.
(THE LIVONIA GAZETTE. LIVONIA. N. Y., THURSDAY. NOVEMBER 24, 1955)

Buried:
https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/98775927/harry_franklin-briggs

Harry married Lillian Mae Staley on 3 Jul 1901 in Wayland, Steuben County, New York. Lillian (daughter of Isaac W. Staley and Rebecca E. Sanford) was born on 08 Sep 1871 in Kingsbourgh, Fulton County, New York; died on 3 Apr 1953 in North Hornell, Steuben County, New York; was buried in Lakeview Cemetery, Honeoye, Ontario County, New York. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Mrs. Cyrus Briggs has returned from a visit to Hopewell, Rochester, etc. She was called home by news of the death
of Freddie Briggs.
Freddie, only son of Mr. and Mrs. John Briggs, died of peritonetis on Wednesday last, aged nearly five years. The funeral services were held on Friday, Rev. Mr. Day officiating.
(The Naples Record, Wednesday, September 25, 1889)

Notes:

Died:
Died of Epilepsy

Notes:

Buried:
https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/115176172/altha_belle-ward

Altha married Perley Franklin Ward on 7 Sep 1920 in Wood County, Ohio. Perley was born on 3 Jan 1873 in Michigan; died on 22 Dec 1954 in Michigan; was buried in Oak Grove Cemetery, Hillsdale, Hillsdale County, Michigan. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Buried:
https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/46214640/bernard_henry-dugan

Notes:

Occupation: Salesman for James Heddon's Sons of Dowagiac, Michigan,
makers of the finest fishing tackle. He retired in July 1960

Buried:
https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/110986250/henry_ehrle-schmedlen

Family/Spouse: Lulu Kramer. Lulu (daughter of William R. Kramer and Almina A. Geisel) was born on 9 Mar 1886 in Delphos, Van Wert County, Ohio; died on 7 Feb 1968 in Coldwater, Branch County, Michigan; was buried in Oak Grove Cemetery, Coldwater, Branch County, Michigan. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Minnie married Raymond S. Lee in 1902. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Ada married James Hugh Cameron on 29 Oct 1902 in Canandaigua, Ontario County, New York. James was born in 1873; died in 1945 in Canandaigua, Ontario County, New York. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

1920 living in Farmington,NY as a farmer. and Highway Supt.

Roy married Lillian Elizabeth Wass about 1900. Lillian was born on 5 Nov 1882; died in Aug 1967 in Victor, Ontario County, New York. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Ada married Tipton Carter on 24 Jun 1903 in Canandaigua, Ontario County, New York. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

1920 working as a lineman for the NY Telephone Co. in Rochester.
Living 108 West Ave., Cananadaigua

Charles married Jennie Goff on 21 Oct 1913. Jennie (daughter of Albert Goff and Laura L. Barrett) was born on 21 Oct 1890; died in Jan 1966; was buried in West Avenue Cemetery, Canandaigua, Ontario County, New York. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Family/Spouse: Esther Caulkins. Esther was born in 1900; died in 1993; was buried in Evergreen Cemetery, Bristol, Ontario County, New York. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Family/Spouse: William Augustus Ryan. William was born on 5 Feb 1889; died in 1955 in Ontario County, New York; was buried in Woodlawn Cemetery, Canandaigua, Ontario County, New York. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Family/Spouse: Fred Cramer. Fred was born on 29 Jun 1878; died on 26 May 1966; was buried in Woodlawn Cemetery, Canandaigua, Ontario County, New York. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Family/Spouse: Leah Supple. Leah was born in 1902; died on 6 Dec 1984; was buried in Evergreen Cemetery, Bristol, Ontario County, New York. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Family/Spouse: Unknown. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

living with grandmother, Ruth S. (Briggs) Hitchcock, on the 1910 E. Bloomfield census AND with her mother & step-father, James C. McGreevey, on the Richmond, NY 1910 census

*She and her father are mentioned in a probate article in the Rochester D&C, Dec. 21, 1904.

Victor Herald Obit Index, October 17, 1895, page 7 gave her birth and death dates as shown above.

George married Alma Lillian Allen on 7 Dec 1937. Alma (daughter of Frank H. Allen and Beatrice Elaine) was born in ca 1914 in Elmira, Chemung County, New York; died on 7 Mar 1972; was buried in Woodlawn Cemetery, Elmira, Chemung County, New York. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Alice married James Hezekiah Allen on 7 Jul 1926 in Geneseo, Livingston County, New York. James (son of James Henry Allen and Margaret Harriet Cornelia Gray) was born on 19 Apr 1888 in Kenton, Hardin County, Ohio; died on 17 Sep 1975; was buried in Temple Hill Cemetery, Geneseo, Livingston County, New York. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Beulah married Burton Herbert Duell about 1928. Burton was born on 2 Mar 1902; died on 6 Oct 1996. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Family/Spouse: Gertrude Isabella Sabin. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Family/Spouse: Unknown. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

1910 he is living with Helen J. Kenyon in Chicago as an adopted son. 1920 he is with his mother and stepfather and goes by the surname Stevens from then on.

Robert married Leona Gaskin in 1938. Leona was born on 4 Aug 1909 in Marshall, Dane County, Wisconsin; died on 22 Feb 1998 in Greenwich, Washington County, New York; was buried in Greenwich Cemetery, Greenwich, Washington County, New York. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

School teacher for many years - graduated from Geneseo Normal School. Taught primarily at Arkport school.

Buried:
https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/74512173/fannie_eliza-haynes

Fannie married Edward Christian Haynes on 19 Apr 1930 in Honeoye, Ontario County, New York. Edward (son of Lloyd Jesse Haynes and Ella Caroline Lander) was born on 12 Aug 1905 in Dansville, Steuben County, New York; was christened on 2 Dec 1906 in Perkinsville, Steuben County, New York; died on 13 May 1984 in North Hornell, Steuben County, New York; was buried in Heritage Hill Cemetery, Arkport, Steuben County, New York. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Charles was a general forman at Eastman Kodak Company. He was also a member of the Honeoye Masonic Lodge.

Charles married Letah Louise Flood on 25 Aug 1928 in Honeoye, Ontario County, New York. Letah (daughter of Thomas Downing Flood and Carrie Adelia Belcher) was born on 12 Apr 1909 in Richmond, Ontario County, New York; died on 23 Jun 2005 in Rochester, Monroe County, New York; was buried in Lakeview Cemetery, Honeoye, Ontario County, New York. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Buried:
https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/113658287/mary_adelaide-olsen

Mary married Roy William Olsen on 12 Oct 1940 in Coldwater, Branch County, Michigan. Roy was born on 13 Aug 1913 in Copenhagen, Denmark; died on 8 Feb 1978 in Coldwater, Branch County, Michigan; was buried in Oak Grove Cemetery, Coldwater, Branch County, Michigan. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Family/Spouse: Ruth Walker. Ruth (daughter of George Walker and Ruth Schwab) was born on 4 Jun 1916. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]