The Carthage Republican
Carthage, Illinois
Wednesday
March 27, 1940
Page 6
Column 1

COUNTY PIONEER
PASSED AWAY
ON MARCH 21

Services Held Saturday
For Mrs. Jane Riggins
At Oak Grove

Martha Jane, daughter of James and Mary (Dale) Riggins, was born in Hancock township, Hancock County, April 2, 1855, and passed away March 21, 1940 in the home to which she came as the bride of William M. Riggins Dec. 19, 1872.  Her childhood home in Oak Grove had been only two miles away, and in these two homes she spent her entire life.

Mrs. Riggins was the mother of four children, Homer G., of Tennessee, Ill., John S., of Kirkwood, Ill. and Cleveland at home.  A daughter, Mrs. Birdie L. King, died Jan. 15, 1903.  Besides her sons she is survived by five grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.  There are two sisters, living, Mrs. Clara Duan of Good Hope, and Mrs. Fannie Decker of Missouri.  Mr. Riggins died several years ago.

Each of Mrs. Riggins three sons lost his wife by death and young children were left motherless.  The devoted grandmother took four of these little ones into her heart and home and raised them: Annie, Mrs. Everett Kinyoun of Nauvoo and Leo, children of Homer Riggins; Minor, son of John Riggins and Edward, son of Cleveland Riggins. Cleveland and his son Edward remained in the home and cared for Mrs. Riggins.  Two other grandchildren are Arold Riggins and Mrs. Pearl McAdams, both of Peoria.  There are also two grandchildren, Floyd and Dorothy, whose mother is Mrs. Kinyoun.  Leo Riggins died some time ago, and Minor has a position in an airport in Galesburg.  The family spent Christmas in the old home and all of them were with Mrs. Riggins during the week of illness which closed her life.  Her sister Mrs. Clara Duan was among the number who ministered to her.

Mrs. Riggins was a member of the Oak  Grove Christian church which stood so near her home, her connection with the church having continued through many years.  She was a home lover, contented the life under her own roof tree where she welcomed friends with generous hospitality throughout her life.  Her home was open to all and her courtesy and warm heartedness never failed.  A great happiness was the association with her motherless grandchildren to whom she gave the tenderest care and love was wonderfully rewarded in her declining years by the returned love of her children and grandchildren.  Aunt Jane, as she was familiarly called, led a useful life and one full of friendship for others as well as many kind deeds.  A true Mother in Israel, it could have been said of her in the words of sacred scripture:

    "She looketh well to the ways of
her household, and eateth not the
bread of idleness."
    "Her children rise up and call her
blessed."

Funeral services for Mrs. Riggins were held in Oak Grove Christian church Saturday afternoon, March 23, at 2:00 o'clock p. m., Rev. Fred Nichols officiating.  Mrs. Earl Calhoun sang the  hymns, "What a friend we have in Jesus" and "Just as I am."  Interment was in Oak Grove cemetery.

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