George D. Riggs Called By Death

Prominent Farmer and Stockman Passed Away Yesterday at Home on Normal Hill - Sufferer Since January With Paralysis.

At 11:45 yesterday forenoon at his home on Normal Hill, Lewiston, George D. Riggs, one of the best known farmers and stockmen of Nez Perce county, and esteemed by hundreds of friends during his residence in this section from early boyhood, passed away, death resulting from a paralytic stroke which he sustained on January 12 last, and since which time he had been confined to the house.

For some days past, family and friends have realized the end was approaching, but not until Friday last did Mr. Riggs entertain doubts as to his recovery. He at that time expressed a desire to see an absent sister, Mrs. Mary Madden, who has been sojourning in Portland. Mrs. Madden came from Portland and was with her brother during his last hours.

George Riggs, who was born in Kentucky, would on March 27 next be 56 years old. When 15 years old he came to Lewiston and to Waha with his father, Sylvester Riggs, who maintained for years the Lake House at Waha, and who was engaged also in the livestock business. George Riggs early in life entered the livestock business and later took up farming also, acquiring large holdings which he disposed of during the last year, determined to definitely retire from active business and to enjoy the closer companionship with his family, to whom he was devoted, as well as that of numerous close friends. A few days before his death he had accompanied members of the Eagles lodge on a fraternal visit to Grangeville and no member of the party added more to the jovial spirit of the occasion.

On October 1, 1887, Mr. Riggs was united in marriage in Lewiston with Miss Agnes Wheatcroft, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Wheatcroft, and member of a prominent pioneer family. Twenty years ago they moved from Waha and established their home in Lewiston. Eleven children were born to them and nine survive. The surviving children are; Sylvester, George, Thomas, Joe, Albert, Willis, Agnes Marie, Margaret and Annabell, all of Lewiston. Three sisters survive him - Mrs. Mary Madden, Mrs. Belle Mitchell and Mrs. William Griffin, all of Lewiston.

Mr. Riggs was a highly esteemed member of the Woodmen of the World and Eagles lodges.