Hello List, If anyone has documented evidence as to the birth and parentage, and marriage of Stephen Riggs, please contact me. David Harrison Riggs DHRiggsLondon@aol.com Portrait and Biographical Album of Des Moines, Iowa. Published 1888 Stephen Riggs, deceased, one of the very earliest pioneers of Des Moines County, Iowa, was a native of Maryland. and when but a small child went with his parents to Kentucky, where his early life was spent upon a farm. In that state he was united in marriage with Elizabeth Riggs, a distant relative, who was a native of Kentucky, and daughter of William Riggs. In 1836, they left that state and emigrated to Des Moines County, Iowa, settling in Franklin Township, where Mr. Riggs purchased land and developed a fine farm. Here they endured all the trials of pioneer life, for at the time of their settlement the country was an unbroken wilderness, deer and wild game were to be seen on the prairies, bands of Indians were often in the neighborhood, and the dreaded howl of wolves were frequently heard at night. Mr. Riggs was prominent among those who helped to build up Des Moines County. He was one of the surveyors of Burlington, and his energy and enterprise aided largely in all public interests, and in the progress and development of the county he was prominent among the foremost workers. He resided upon his farm in Franklin Township, until about 1848, when he removed to Sullivan County, Missouri, where his death occurred about 1867. His wife died about one year later. Both were members of the Christian Church. Mr. and Mrs. Riggs reared a family of 14 children, all of whom were honorable men and women. Only two now reside in this state-- Martha Ann, wife of George Ibbotson, and Lutitia, wife of a. Dillon, of New London, Iowa. In early life, he was a member of the Whig Party. He always opposed slavery. At the first organization of the Republican Party joined its ranks. He was a resolute and conservative man, and highly respected in the community where he resided. Children of Stephen and Eliabeth Riggs: (Data submitted by Cleda Bass, descendant, of Pasco, Washington. She lived many years in Missouri before moving to Washington. She is the consultant for this family.)