ZENAS E. BRIGGS
Sheriff from 1875-1876
Zenas E. Briggs was born October 1834 in Medina, Ohio to Benjamin and Sally Shaw Briggs. He came to Montcalm County and settled in Pine Township about 1862 where he engaged in lumbering and later farming. Zenas' father was one of the founders of the Briggs family in America. The family was formerly of England and Ireland and the descendants came from New York to Michigan about 1837. Zenas married the former Mary Jennie Lang, daughter of Daniel Lang. On November 7, 1874 Zenas was elected sheriff of Montcalm County on the Democratic ticket and served two years. He served as Pine Township supervisor for the years 1872-74, treasurer of Pine Township for the years 1878-79 and as supervisor for Montcalm County representing Stanton's Second Ward for the years 1896 and 1898. Zenas was involved in the hotel business. He managed the Stanton Bailey House for a period of time. He also established a hotel in Langston and Allegan. Zenas' obituary appeared in the Stanton Clipper-Herald on Friday, March 19, 1915. He died in Langston March 16, 1915 at the age of 80 years, 3 months and 29 days.
FORMER RESIDENT DEAD
Zenas E. Briggs passed away Tuesday night at the home of his nephew, Fred D. Briggs, at Langston in his eightieth year. Mr. Briggs was born at Handy, Livingston County, Michigan (not correct according to other sources). The Briggs brothers, Nathan, Zenas and Ben, came to Langston in the early sixties, where they engaged in the lumber business until the timber was cut off. Nate and Zenas married daughters of Daniel Lang, Nate marrying Hannah and Zenas marrying Jennie, sisters of Asa Lang. One son was born to Zenas, D.H., who resides in Minneapolis. Early in the 70s Zenas was elected sheriff of the county on the Democratic ticket. After a time he left Langston and engaged in the hotel business in Stanton where he managed the Bailey House for a number of years. Later he engaged in the same business at Allegan. After spending some time in the west he returned to this city for a second time and again engaged in the hotel business. Joel Briggs, a brother, and Mrs. Lamereaux, a sister, survives him. The Briggs family was an important factor in the early settlement and development of the Langston territory. Funeral services were held at the residence of Fred D. Briggs at Langston yesterday afternoon. A number of Masons from this city attended.
(Sources: Histories of Ionia and Montcalm County, Michigan, by John S. Schenck; History of Montcalm County, Michigan, by John Dasef; Stanton Clipper-Herald) |
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