The Riggs Family

In 1916 Charles W. Riggs sold his farm near Hamler and bought a farm in Harrison Twp. Now he was back near the place of his birth. He moved his family to the old "Glass Farm" on Fifteen Road. All of his children went to the "Glass School" about one-half mile from the farm.

For nine years Charles W. and his sons farmed this farm. The sons were now grown. The two oldest sons, Leroy and Orley, were married. Leroy had married Hazel Saul and Orley had married Leila (Louella) Mohler. Charles W. wanted his sons to stay on the farm. He, with always a look to the future, took a Civil Service examination for superintendent of the Henry County Home. He was appointed superintendent by the County Commissioners and took office on March 1, 1925.

Here he served faithfully and well. His farming experience helped in supervising the farming of 240 acres. His humanitarian qualities helped make life happier for the inmates. In 1934 the old County Home was destroyed by fire. A new building was built and on November 1, 1936, the new building was dedicated.

After 19 years of service, Charles W. resigned his position. He and his wife moved to Napoleon. They lived there until Charles' death in 1949 and Wilhelmines' death in 1952.

Charles W. brothers, Emerson, James Alonzo, and his sister Mary Ellen Riggs Hashbarger preceded him in death. His brother Gale lived several years longer. Three of his sons, Orley, Arnold, and Charles Jr., are deceased. Vitre Riggs Clay lives in Toledo, and Beatrice Riggs Kline lives near Swanton.

It is Leroy C. Riggs, the direct decendant of John Rigg, who now resides in Henry County. He and his wife Hazel Saul Riggs live on a farm near Liberty Center, Ohio. Two daughters, Arlene Riggs Adams and Rita Riggs Kryder, live in Henry County. Three other daughters, Jean Riggs Kirian, Gerry Riggs Cline and Mary Riggs Beilharz and a son Norman Charles live in Ohio but outside of Henry County. The eldest daughter, Norma Lee Riggs Ingle is deceased.

There are many descendents of that brave widowed Mary Ellen Riggs, (Mrs. John Posey Riggs) who are Ohio born and reside in Ohio but perhaps will never be Henry County residents. In the cemeteries of Shunk and Forest Hill sleep most of the descendents of John Posey Riggs who began this lineage of Riggs in Ohio. It was the wish of many who left Henry County that they be brought back to finish their last rest in the soil of Henry County.

Submitted by Beatrice Riggs Kline