The Carthage Republican
Carthage, Illinois
Wednesday
January 17, 1917
Page 1
Columns 1 & 2Monroe Riggens.
William M. Riggens was born in Hancock township, Hancock Co., Ill., Feb. 14, 1848, and died Jan. 13, 1917, at the age of 68 years, 10 months and 30 days.
He was the oldest son of Jesse and Sally Ann Riggens. His father's family consisted of nine children, three sons and six daughters. Of these, three daughters, Melvina, Mrs. Rebecca Mosley, Mrs. Amanda Thompson and one son, Joseph Lee, have answered the summons of the death angel. The living are, Mrs. Sarah Gillenwater, Mrs. Mary Ruddell, Mrs. Martha Maynard and Samuel Sylvester.
The subject of this sketch grew up in the immediate vicinity of his birthplace, attending the public school at Oak Grove.
On Dec. 19, 1872, he was united in marriage to Martha J. Gibson. To them were born three sons and one daughter. The daughter, Birdie L., departed this life Jan. 15, 1903. The sons, Homer G., of Joetta; John S., of Roseville and Minor C. at home, are left with the widow to mourn the loss of a kind and loving husband and father.
Shortly after their marriage Mr. Riggens and wife settled on a piece of land almost within a stone's throw of the place of his birth, where he has resided continuously until his death. He built a log house, cleared the land and by perseverance and industry became one of the prosperous men of Hancock township. The log house has long since been replaced by one more substantial and modern. He built a blacksmith shop on his farm, where he did the work for farmers for miles around, leaving the management of the farm to the sons. He was a good workman, devoted to his trade, and made many sacrifices for others, especially patrons of his shop.
The home of Mr. and Mrs. Riggens was noted for its hospitality, a place where friends and neighbors were ever welcome, where the table was spread to accommodate all who happened to come at meal time.
Mr. Riggens filled several township offices with credit. He was a friend to the old soldiers and was instrumental in securing pensions for a number of them. He was a well-read man and lived a useful life. He confessed his Saviour in early life, uniting with the Oak Grove church of which he was an elder for a number of years, also filling the office of Sunday school superintendent.
He leaves a hot of friend to mourn his departure and a place in the community is vacant which will be hard to fill.
