Briggs, Philander and Emeline

Philander T. Briggs
Oakwood Cemetery
(Photo by Jacqueline Klapproth Nelson.  Copyright October 2011)

Emeline Briggs
Oakwood Cemetery
(Source:  Jacqueline Klapproth Nelson.  Copyright October 2011)

Philander T. Briggs
P.T. Briggs was a farmer in Section 12 of Somers Township.  He was born in Vermont in 1814, came to Wisconsin in 1850, built a home in 1851, and moved his family in 1852 into the house he built the previous year.  He engaged in farming, which he followed until he enlisted in the 4th Wisconsin Vol. Infantry on July 2, 1861.  This regiment was afterward transferred to 4th Wisconsin Calvary.  He served three years and one month, participating in nearly all battles in which the regiment was engaged, and was mustered out of service in August, 1864.
He married, in Erie Co., New York, February 22, 1838, Miss Emeline Harris, a native of Massachusetts.
The Briggs had five children: Lyden W., Ione M., Edward, James P., and Emma R.
Lyden W. enlisted in the 7th Wis. Battery, and served three years; James P. enlisted in 1st Wis. Vol. Infantry; was wounded in the  Battle of Perryville, Kentucky, for which he was discharged, but afterward re-enlisted in the same regiment which was transferred to the 21st, serving in the latter regiment to the end of the war.  Mr. Philander T. Briggs is the owner of 116-1/2 acres of land, which he and his son Edward now cultivate.
(Source:  The History of Racine and Kenosha Counties, Wisconsin, Western Historical Company, 1879).