This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Surnames: Riggs Classification: Query Message Board URL: http://boards.ancestry.com/mbexec/msg/an/HSDBAIB/1479 Message Board Post: I'm hoping sombody out there might be able to help me - we recently uncovered (what is left) of the headstone of Jeremiah Riggs (1778 - 1858). He came to Michigan in the 1820's, settling first in Grand Blanc, then moving to Fenton (both Genesee Co.) He was pretty proiminant and instrumental in regional government and politics, including the formation of the first Michigan State Constitution. I have the following information from a genealogy here on Ancestry: "He settles at Avon, NY where he built a grist and saw mill, with cloth dressing and carding works attached. In this venture he prospered for a good number of years.In the War of 1812 he was commisary for Ball's regiment of mounted volunteers. He was next appointed Judge of the Court of Common Pleas by Gov. Daniel D. Tompkins. In 1838 he moved to Detroit, Mich and was appointed Master in Chancery by Gov. Lewis Cass and for a time he was an overseer of Indian affairs in that territory. He was a good writter on political questions and a popular public speaker and was generally designated as "Judge Riggs". He make his residence at Fenton, Mich and died there and was buried with Masonic honors" He married 3 times: 1. Lucy Peck; 2. Grace Bishop; 3. Mabel Kellog What I am trying to determine is whether or not Jeremiah served in the War of 1812. There is the reference above saying he served as the Commisary in Ball's Mounted Regiment. I also have a comment in the obituary of a grand-son which states he was a 'Colonel' during the war of 1812. My suspicions are that, if he served, it was with a NY unit. However, I have not been able to find any "official" records that match up. In fact, they only Jeremiah Riggs I've found in the war of 1812 is from Massachusetts. If anybody can give me any thoughts or suggestions, I would greatly appreciate it. If Ican prove his service, I plan to order a military headstone for him from the VA. Thanks! Matt Adair