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4. 
Samuel Hiram "Sam" GRIGGS (*) (~) was born on 10 September 1881 in La Grange Township, Monroe County, WI. (He was probably named after his mother's father, Samuel Hiram Griswold.) He appeared in the census in 1885 in La Grange Township, Monroe County, WI. He appeared in the census in 1895 in La Grange Township, Monroe County, WI. Sam appeared in the census in 1900 in La Grange Township, Monroe County, WI. He was living with his parents and his occupation was "Farm Laborer." In September 1904 he was a worker in a chair factory in St. Paul, St. Charles County, MN. Between April 1905 and 1906 he was a streetcar motorman in St. Paul, St. Charles County, MN. Gary Griggs has the pocket watch that Sam is wearing in a picture of him in his Streetcar Motorman's uniform. Sam appeared in the census in June 1905 in Minneapolis, Hennepin County, MN. He was a Boarder at 3137 Nicollet Avenue in the 8th Ward and his occupation was "St. R. Conductor." According to the Census, which was conducted on 5 June 1905, he had lived in the enumeration district for two months. In 1907 he was a driver in Huron, Beadle County, SD. The exact tenure of Sam's occupation(s) in Huron is not known. Gary Griggs has Sam's stamped, bronze "Hack License No.25, 1905 Huron" that was found in the home that Sam shared with Anne Clay after they married in 1924. With the date of 1905, it is possible that Sam lived in Huron at that time and was a "hack" (taxi cab) driver; it is also possible that all of the hack licenses had the same year stamped on them. He is believed to have been a streetcar motorman in St. Paul in 1905.
Gary has a postcard dated 4 April 1907 that was addressed to "Mr. S. H. Griggs, Huron, South Dakota" from an unknown sender in Cokato, Minn. The 1907 City Directory for Huron has a listing for Sam, showing that he was living at 1256 Third Street and his occupation was "Driver." The residence was a boarding house, because the directory indicates "RMS" (rooms) after his name and it lists several other single men who were living there. (That address cannot be located in the 1910 Census, but Gary found Third Street in a visit in October 2019. The building at 1256 was no longer there, and an open lot is in that location.)
Gary also has a postcard from Sam to "Miss Eva Root," dated 4 October 1907. He was living in Huron and she was in Tunnel City, WI. The postcard says: "Dear Eva, I will be home for sure a week from next Friday. I will tell you why I didn't come sooner when I get home Kid, and I will write to you tomorrow night. Yours, Sam."
On the front of the postcard is a picture of the "Episcopal & M.E. Churches, Huron, S.D." The "M. E. Church" is now the First United Methodist Church, and it is possible that Sam attended that church while living in Huron. Gary contacted the church in July 2008 and found that the church has no record of him having been a member, or of his son Glenn having been baptized there. Sam received a post card in Huron from his future wife, Eva Root, in which she writes: "Ethel and I left here last Sat eve on 58. Roy, she, Irvin and I were at Lulu's Sun. Are going to the fair together Thurs. Wish you were here. She sends her best. Write. Eva" He lived at his home in La Grange Township, Monroe County, WI between December 1907 and March 1909. A letter from one of his aunts, Florence Griggs Bigelow, who lived in LaGrange Township, dated 22 December 1907, mentions that "Sam is home and will work the farm next year."
He was in Monroe County when he married Eva in June 1908, and they were living in the Village of Tomah when their daughter Blanche was born in February 1909.
Then, the family apparently moved back to Huron in the Spring of 1909 because he was listed on the city's tax lists for 1909 and 1910. (Gary Griggs has copies of the lists.) Sam lived at his home in Huron, Beadle County, SD between March 1909 and 1911. Gary Griggs has a picture postcard of Eva and her daughter Blanche that Eva sent to Clarence and Carrie Griggs in December 1909 that says: "Dear Grandpa and Grandma: Mamma and I had our picture taken Dec. day. Come over and see me. Heard from Sam today. Don't know yet when we will go west--soon, I guess. From Blanche and Eva."
Sam was living and working in Huron, South Dakota, and Eva and Blanche apparently joined him there in early-1910, before Glenn was born.
Gary has several penny postcards to "Mr. S. H. Griggs, 1460 Custer Street, Huron, S.D." from various people. One of them is believed to have been from Sam's parents because it is addressed "Dear Folks;" it mentions their daughter, Blanche, and concludes with a note saying, "Don't forget to write Ben" (one of Sam's brothers). The card is dated 16 December, but the year is not clear; it appears to be 1909, when Blanche would have been ten months old. It is not known who owned the home at the Custer Street address, and the address cannot be located in the 1910 Census.
Sam's family is not listed anywhere in Beadle County, SD, (where Huron is located) in the 1910 Census (which was conducted in April 1910, just prior to Glenn's birth in May). It is not known where they were living during the Census, but they were probably living in a boarding house. (The 1400 block of Custer Street was in Enumeration District 0017 in the Second Ward, between Montana and Colorado streets. Custer Street has since been re-named First Street. The family at 1480 Custer Street is listed on Page 7 of the census for ED 0017. The family at 1475 Custer Street is listed on Page 13.)
Gary also has a copy of the "Tax List for the Year 1909" for Beadle County, indicating that "Samuel Griggs" was charged a School Poll Tax of $1.00. He also has a copy of the "Tax List for the Year 1910," indicating that "S. H. Griggs" was charged a Valuation of $.25, a Consolidated Tax of $1.84, and a School Poll Tax of $1.00. The Tax List indicates that Sam has "Unpaid Taxes which are a lien on land" of $1.00 from 1909, and the list does not indicate whether or when the accumulated taxes were paid.
Gary also has a Christmas post card that Eva apparently intended to send to her mother, "Mrs. I. J. Root, Tomah, Wisconsin," which says, "Dear folks, Rec'd Pa's letter. Got Blanche a coat like Russels with money you sent and me a head scarf and will get her a little bed with the rest. We are well. Expect Mr. Harrises here to dinner Xmas. Has been cold here since Sun. Left Blanche with a neighbor this a.m. Wishing you all a Merry Xmas and Happy New Year. Eva." The card has no stamp or postmark, so apparently it was never mailed. It was probably written in December 1909, before Glenn was born in May 1910. A "Merry Christmas" post card to Sam Griggs and believed to have been sent by his father said: "Dear Folks, I haven't much time ... but will write a few lines to you. Ma promises to write yesterday and didn't, so I have to. We packed a small box for you. It will go out this morning. The fellow said that you would get it Sat. p.m. I didn't put your full address on it. It isn't much, but all we could do. Feed Blanche some meat."
At the bottom of the card is a note stating: "Don't forget to write to Ben." Ben was one of Sam's younger brothers. He lived at his home on a farm that he rented in La Grange Township, Monroe County, WI between 1911 and 1918. According to the birth certificate of their son LaVerne, Sam and Eva were living in LaGrange Township when LaVerne was born in October 1917. In a post card with no postmark date or location (it may have been mailed in an envelope), Eva writes: "Dear Sam, Think you can look for me home Sun(day) at N(orth) Tomah. Can you meet me there? If anything changes my mind, will let you know later. Eva."
It is possible that she wrote the post card when she was released from the Mendota State Hospital in Madison, where she was treated for an emotional illness (probably depression). He lived on a farm that he rented in Tunnel City, Greenfield Township, Monroe County, WI about 1918. Sam lived on a farm that he rented in Wilton Township, Monroe County, WI between 1919 and 1921. There, he and his wife Eva began to raise their children. They lived on that farm until Eva passed away in December 1920.
Marita Root, one of Sam's wife's nieces, remembered him as a very outgoing, friendly person with an Irish-looking complexion and a medium build with broad shoulders. He appeared in the census in 1920 in Wilton Township, Monroe County, WI. His household consisted of Sam, age 39; his wife, Eva, age 36; their daughter Blanche, age 10; their son Glenn, age 9; and their son LaVerne, age 2. He was renting the farm and his occupation was "Farmer, Farm." He was working on his "Own Account," meaning that he was not a "wage or salary worker." He lived after the death of Eva with his three children in Tomah, Tomah Township, Monroe County, WI between 1921 and 1923. at the home of his father, Clarence, and his mother, Carrie, at 1308 Stoughton Avenue. Sam lived on the farm owned by his second wife, Anne Clay in Kirby, Lincoln Township, Monroe County, WI between 1924 and 1932. The home was on a portion of the farm owned by Anne's father, Frank Clay, and was later the home of the Lawrence Vandervort family.
Sam's children did not get along with their step-mother, so they lived mostly with Sam's parents in Tomah or with his sister Mattie and her husband, Rollie Vandervort, on their farm in LaGrange Township. According to Vern Griggs, Anne had been an unmarried school teacher for many years and was not accustomed to having children living in her home. She had many fine knick-knacks and other pieces of furniture, and she was concerned that the children would damage or break them, so they were not allowed to touch or play with them. He appeared in the census in 1930 in Lincoln Township, Monroe County, WI. His household on Town Road consisted of Sam and Anne. Sam's three children were not living with them. Nora A. Heaton, an aunt of Anne, was listed in the household as a "Servant" and Landel E. Richardson was a "Hired Hand." Sam and Anne were renting the farm, apparently from her mother, and Sam's occupation was listed as "Farmer, Dairy Farm." He died on 2 April 1932 at the age of 50 in Lincoln Township, Monroe County, WI. His Death Certificate indicates that he died at 8 P.M. and it listed his primary cause of death as "exhaustion" with a contributing secondary cause as "encephalitis--not epidemic." The certificate indicates that he evidenced these causes for "1 year and 6 months."
Family members believe that he may also have had a brain tumor, but there is no indication of such on the death certificate. He is said to have acted like he was in a stupor at times, and not coherent.
Obituary Notes: "Samuel H. Griggs, eldest son of Clarence and Carrie Griggs, was born September 10, 1881, in the Town of LaGrange, on the old home farm.
He was married to Eva Root, June 24, 1908, and to this union were born three children, Blanche, Glenn and LaVerne. Mrs. Griggs passed away in December, 1920. Later he was marred to Anne Clay.
He leaves to mourn his loss his wife, three children, an aged mother, two sisters, one brother, and a host of other relatives and friends. His father and two brothers preceded him in death.
He was a member of the Knights of Pythias, Mystic Workers, and Pythian Sisters lodges.
He had been in poor health the past year, but passed unexpectedly to the great beyond April 2, 1932.
Peacefully sleeping, resting at last,
The world's weary troubles and trials are past,
In silence he suffered, in patience he bore,
Till God called him home to suffer no more.
Funeral services were conducted from the Scheible chapel on Tuesday afternoon, the Rev. D. W. Davis officiating. Interment was made in Oak Grove Cemetery." Sam was buried on 5 April 1932 in Tomah, Tomah Township, Monroe County, WI. in the Oak Grove Cemetery (Original Plot, Block 2, Lot 70).
Eva Jane ROOT (*) (*+) and Samuel Hiram "Sam" GRIGGS (*) (~) were married on 24 June 1908 in Tomah Township, Monroe County, WI. Newspaper Article: "The suburban home of I. J. Root was the scene Wednesday evening of a pretty nuptial event, when Miss Eva, the second daughter, was given in marriage to Samuel H. Griggs, the worthy son of Mr. and Mrs. C. L. Griggs of LaGrange.
It was a beautiful summer evening, the month of flowers had reserved her choicest and most fragrant for our bride. By eight o'clock the paternal shelter, tastefully and significantly festooned in flowers and lover's bowers, was filled with merry guests.
The wedding processional from Lohengrin announced the bridal party. The bride and groom, attended by Irwin Root and Miss Mabel Griggs, entered the room where, under a bower of flowers, Rev. Henry of the Baptist church, received their vows and declared them one.
The bride comes of one of the oldest and best families in this part of the state and the groom is equally well bred. The young people enjoy the highest possible esteem of the entire community, and theirs will be a valuable addition to the many happy homes of our town. They will reside upon the C. L. Griggs farm north of town, where they are now at home to their friends. They were given a china shower by their friends Thursday evening."
Marita Root, one of her nieces, told Gary Griggs that Eva was described as being a beautiful woman with auburn or red hair, which was very common in the Root family. Harold Root, one of her nephews, mentioned that Eva was considered to be one of the most attractive young women in the area.
5. 
Eva Jane ROOT (*) (*+) was born on 21 April 1884 in Tomah Township, Monroe County, WI. (Her name was pronounced "Ehva" as opposed to "Eeva". She was probably named after one of her mother's sisters, Eva Jane Dewey.)
Gary Griggs has her Autograph Book, which was given to her by her grandmother Minerva Dewey on 25 December 1892, when Eva was 8 years old. The book has several autographs and messages from classmates, teachers and family members between 1892 and 1904. Family members who signed the book were Minerva Dewey (her maternal grandmother), Aurelius E. Dewey (a brother of her mother), Ira James Root (her father), Ella Jennings (a cousin), Edith Root (a sister), Lottie Root (a sister), Ira N. Dewey (a cousin), Jane Root (a sister of her father), Jason A. Dewey (a cousin), and "Aunt Jennie" (that may have been her cousin, Jennie Jennings, who family members referred to as "Aunt Jennie"). She appeared in the census in 1885 in Tomah Township, Monroe County, WI. She appeared in the census in 1895 in Tomah Township, Monroe County, WI. Eva wrote a letter to one of her sisters (not identified) that said the following: "Dear Sister, I have just been looking for that tatler in the big cupboard and in all the boxes, but didn't find it. But are you sure you havn't (sic) it out there some where? I looked for the Journals also but couldn't find the right date. You know they were printed there also. all I found in that red box was Education Journal that I thought you might want and I see there's nothing in that you want either.
Do we have to stand above 10 in every study or just average it in all. I must close now as it is getting late--almost school time. Write often. In haste, Eva. P.S., it's only half past 6. I that it was half past 7."
It is possible that the letter was written to Eva's sister Minnie, who was a teacher at the time in Grand Rapids Township, Wood County, WI. Eva appeared in the census in 1900 in Tomah Township, Monroe County, WI. After 1904 she was a school teacher in Monroe County, WI. An article in the Tomah Journal dated 26 October 1906 mentions that she was teaching school. Her obituary mentions that she "taught several years in the schools of Monroe County" prior to her marriage in June 1908.
She was an excellent writer, and in 1911 she wrote the following poem to her daughter, Blanche:
"As I sat by the window this evening alone,
Thinking of kind friends and the dear ones at home,
A message, received from dear little Blanche,
Twas 'Go bring mamma home to me,' perchance.
Little did grandma think it would bring tears to my eyes,
Although it did and caused her many a sigh.
Such a comfort you were to our home,
From it I hoped you never would roam,
Until you were called to the 'Heavenly Home' above,
Or someone worthy of you claimed your love.
When in school, strive to obey the teacher's rule,
Try to learn each lesson well--never to be called no one's fool.
No bad habits I would have you form,
All evil sin, you must surely scorn.
Full of pleasure I would have your life be,
Cheer our home with songs of glee.
Set your aim high and then try to reach it,
Never say 'fail' and when alone you sit.
Remember tis better to be alone than in bad company,
Form true friends, my dear, then of their love prove worthy.
A true companion I would have you be to Glenn,
No one can tell the love we have for you with tongue or pen.
Such high motives we have for you,
Hope you will always to your parents be true.
Look to 'our heavenly father', who is our true friend,
To love and keep you to life journey's end,
Is the best advice your mother can give,
And a life of happiness be your lot, as long as you live."
Gary Griggs has this hand-written poem from Eva to Blanche. She appeared in the census in 1905 in Tomah Township, Monroe County, WI. She was living with her parents and her occupation was "Teacher." She wrote a post card to Sam Griggs, in which she writes: "Ethel and I left here last Sat eve on 58. Roy, she, Irvin and I were at Lulu's Sun. Are going to the fair together Thurs. Wish you were here. She sends her best. Write. Eva"
Irvin is believed to have been her younger brother, but the identities of Ethel, Roy, and Lulu are not known. Her eventual husband, Sam, wrote a post card to her, saying: "Dear Eva, It has been 2 days since I got your letter, but didn't have time to write. Let's take a walk across the bridge ...(word illegible; possibly written in shorthand). I am OK. Hope you are the same. I will write soon. Yours, S.H.G."
It is possible that the reference to the "walk across the bridge" related to his hope that they would marry.
The post card was addressed to "Miss Eva Root, Tomah, Wis.," but it was forwarded on 2 September 1907 to her in Tunnel City, "c/o W. Hinds." It appears that she was then living with the family of William H. and Mary C. Hinds in Greenfield Township. Eva received a post card from Sam Griggs, in which he wrote: "Dear Eva, I will B home for sure a week from next Friday. I will tell you why I didn't come sooner when I get home, kid, and I will write to you tomorrow night. Yours, Sam." She was living in Tunnel City at the time. A post card from Sam to "Miss Eva Root" states: "Dear Eva, Sun night I take the (8:30 a.m.) train for Mpls (Minneapolis) Monday morning. And will be home soon, Girly. I am leaving many friends behind me. Sam"
The card was originally addressed to her in Tomah, but it was then forwarded on October 23rd to her "c/o Mr. Hinds" in Tunnel City. In a post card to "Mrs. S. H. Griggs, Tomah, Wis." from her younger brother, Ira Norman Root, he wrote: "Will send you a card ... you know I am working & working every day. Have go to work tomorrow & worked last Sun. Like the work pretty well ... as I like easy work. We have a good place to room. I am working inside now, running a barking machine. I suppose I can tell you what that is. It is a little dangerous but if I get laid up I get half my wages & doctor bill paid. Good bye, I.N.R." In a post card to "Mrs. Eva L. Griggs, Huron, South Dak," her 1st cousin Grace Randall wrote: "Dear cousin, How are yourself & baby Blanche? I think of you & baby so often & wonder if she is good & growing fat. Write sometime when you've time. Bye bye. Grace L. Randall"
Grace was a daughter of Eva Jane (Dewey) Randall, a sister of Eva's mother, Mary Minerva (Dewey) Root. Eva sent a "Merry Christmas" post card to her mother, in which she wrote: "Dear Folks, Rec'd Pa's letter. Got Blanche a coat like Russells with money you sent and me a head scarf and will get her a little bed with the rest. We are well. Expect Mr. Harrises here to dinner Xmas. Has been cold here since Sun. Left Blanche with a neighbor this a.m. Wishing you all a Merry Xmas and Happy New Year. Eva"
It is possible that the "Harrises" are Samuel and Mary Harris, who lived at 1559 Second Street in Huron during the 1910 Census. That home was very near to the address where Eva and Sam lived (1460 Custer Street), according to the mailing address that is listed on several post cards that they received. In a post card to Eva from her husband's youngest sister, Mabel: "Dear Sister Eva, How are you? Why don't you write to me? I have written to you so many times. Baby is so nice, he grows like a pig. Says Papa and Mama. Are going to send one of pictures. Write to me. Mabel." The post card was addressed to "Mrs. Eva Griggs, c/o Supt. Gorst, Mendota, Wis."
At the time, Eva was in the Mendota State Hospital under treatment for an emotional illness (probably depression). The baby that she referred to was Eva's oldest son, Glenn, who apparently was living with her husband, Sam, and his parents. A Monroe County Board notice said the following in the Tomah Journal: "To the Honorable County Board. Gentlemen: I herewith submit my report as District Attorney, covering all money that I have collected and that has come into my hands in fines, costs and for the poor and insane, and from any and all sources from Nov. 1, 1910 to Nov. 1, 1911. Collected for the poor and insane (included in the list of eighteen people is a listing for) Eva Root Griggs, Insane ... $64.40." Eva received a post card from her first cousin, Grace Randall, in which Grace wrote: "Dear Eva, Am enjoying this country and beginning to feel better since I came up here with friends to the Carver (?) Mountain School, a school established for the poor white children of this mountain country. The pay no tuition but 2 hours work each day is required in which they are taught carpentry, farming, etc., and the girls domestic science, sewing, etc. Went on mule back to visit a sick woman Sabbath afternoon. The mountain roads are gravel. Love to all your folks. Grace." In a post card to Eva from Ella Jennings, a first cousin: "I wonder if you and the children have recovered from your awful colds by this time. I left Tomah rather suddenly New Years night, but was glad I did, for I guess Mr. Sims expected me. Went to work Tuesday noon. I have marked the windows of our office with an X so you can see where I hold forth. I get plenty of exercise trotting from one end of the old building to the other and from garret to cellar on various errands. Arthur was here but I didn't see him. Ella."
The front of the post card contains a picture of the Normal School in Stevens Point, Wisconsin, which was a teachers' training school. "Arthur" is believed to have been Eva's oldest brother. In a post card from her uncle, Jason Root, to Eva: "Dear Sam and Eva, Arrived home safely and found all well and ... (unreadable word) visiting. Hope you all keep well. I will go to Oakes the 16th and to ... folks in Dickey County. Then 90 West about Oct 10th to 15th. Shall try to see Irvin. Dolly will be home Friday p.m. My love to you all from Uncle Jason."
Jason was the older brother of Eva's father, Ira Root. She wrote a post card to her mother, "Mrs. Ira J. Root," in which she wrote: "Dear Mother, I am pretty good. Next time you come, I'll be up. Tis too cold to get out in dining room much. Ask Pa if he likes the name James LaVerne for baby. Shall call him LaVerne always. Expect Minnie out today. Orson and L were here yesterday. Hope you're better. Eva"
Her son LaVerne was born on October 15th. "Orson" was a brother of Eva's, and "L" was Orson's wife, Lulu. Eva wrote the following letter to her father, in which her depression and her family's dire financial situation are very clear: "Dear Father. Sam and I had a visit with Mabel and Mr. and Mrs. Griggs yesterday. His father is bound to sell and didn't want to rent their farm back to us and didn't know of any Sam could get and we asked Mabel if he could store some machinery on her farm and about made up our mind to move to town and then Sam can rent and we can move again just as soon as he can find something. Either yet this spring or this fall. It will be hard to keep on, not knowing what he is going to do next and where we will live, and it costs so to move. I had hoped he could find a farm and avoid all that. Mr. Wruck advertises to rent his house & barn N. of the old VanLoon home and Sam is going to see him today to see if he can get that instead of renting in town. Then, of course, he could store machinery, grain, keep horses, stock and all there.
Sam said you felt offended because I said you wouldn't help us. Pa, I am sorry but it did seem hard to me to think you can drive out of our yard as you did once out of the Griggs yard and as you went away from here Sun, when both times I declared daylight would never see me living and you know we haven't one cent after our debts are paid to buy a cow and you refused once to even sign your name to Sam's note to help buy us a cow. You know we never can live this way. I asked you to come get & I would come home to live. You didn't offer to let me. We wanted to manage somehow to work for you & you & Ma or rent your farm. Sometimes, I think if you'd rent to us 2 years maybe then we could buy, but you won't say you will do that. If you could borrowed the money and let Sam and I return it to you to buy this farm. We only had to borrow 1,500. It has seemed as if every other father helps some but Sam's can't, I suppose. Sam isn't afraid of work if he had a chance anywhere.
I said I'd see if the children & I could take Lottie's place a year and let her go to work somewhere else, it would then get Lottie a chance to do something else and Sam could go to Glendive and try to get work and get a start.
When I married I'll never forget you said Eva, you want to help Sam now, not hinder him. I can't help with my mind all gone and I know no girl alive with 3 children and doing her own housework has got less mind. It kills me and I can't stand it to worry so. Some little thing has caused me to go nearly deaf. You have known that for 4 or 5 years. Do you think if you were me tending a baby too that, that very thing wouldn't make you lots of trouble. I can't hear him or anything that happens. I can't go anywhere because I can't hear and a person that suffers with melancholia as I do, needs to get away from it oftener than I have since I of lots of impossible things, but when you were thinging (sic) of selling to Wallace I hoped you could do that or something. If you owned a farm the same as Will Spooner where Sam & I could rent it and you live on it with us it would help us both so much you'd never have trouble with Sam. I know and I think it could be nice for us all that way.
Well, I must go. The mailman must be here soon, now. Sam is in town with straw today and we want to move right away that will give Sam a chance to get earning something and we must get to earning something. Don't expect to get to Tomah again myself until I come to stay, as I can find work and lots of it here. But come up. Lovingly, Eva."
In the letter, "Mabel" (Griggs) Koopman was the youngest sister of Sam. "Mr. and Mrs. Griggs" were Sam's parents, Clarence and Carrie Griggs. "Lottie" was Eva's older sister. Eva appeared in the census in February 1920 in Wilton Township, Monroe County, WI. Gary Griggs has a copy of a letter written by Eva to her father, Ira James Root, describing the very difficult financial times that she and Sam and their children suffered during their early marriage years. In the letter she laments that they are renting a farm and are unable to earn enough money to buy their own farm. She talked about perhaps having to "take in washing" or having to borrow money from one of her family members. The letter was written in March 1920, nine months before she died. In a letter to her mother, Eva wrote about the difficult financial times that she and her husband and children were experiencing: "Dear Mother. There really hasn't been much news over here, so I haven't answered your letter. Sam has his wood all hauled and is getting up a woodpile here at home. Next week, Mr. Edminster and Sam cut wood on Mr. Ludeking's. They get the wood on shares. He made $52 on that wood he sold and hauled to Tomah, or $4 each day. I wanted to come over to Tomah before he began work up on the Ridge, but I see we can't do it now this week.
I expect Mattie's over Sunday. She wants to bring Gladys Jenson, and I guess Adeline Fassler is coming down from the Ridge school house Fri. night to spend Sun. with us.
Our meat is going fast, I tell you. It was pretty fat so, of course, frys away lots. I made a cake for supper tonight without sugar. It was good. I put in one egg, one-half cup of cream filled up with water, one cup Karo spices, Baking power and 2 cups flour. I told Sam I made that cake without sugar and he asked where i got the receipt (sic), and when I told him 'out of my head,' he says 'well, you'll have to have an extra headband pretty soon.'
We can't get sugar enough to run us. It makes it so hard to put up lunches. My sauce, etc., is all gone. Guess it will be dry living here from now on. We are feeling pretty hard up. Sam puts his money in the bank and first we knew he was $82 behind. Our checks have amounted to about $10 to $12 a month just lately, and we are doing everything to get along at all. That's the way I got my washing machine and winter coat I wanted to buy.
Do your stoves smoke as bad as ever? Sam is going to Wilton tomorrow and he is going to buy a stovepipe extension to fit on the chimney on our kitchen. It isn't big enough, and has smoked something awful every (sic) since we came here. Some days, I couldn't stand it to even bake cake, it was so bad. And some folks wouldn't have stood it at all. Ma, do you use the same kind of lye to hull corn with as you do to soften water with? I want some hulled corn, and I'm going to have some. Suppose you will use all your popcorn, won't you? I'd like you to save me some for seed, and if you have any to spare, we might get some of yours, repaying you next year. Sam has great luck with hogs since he came here. He and Dan were trying to put one in the barn about 2 weeks ago and she went down on them. Don't know how she'll come out. She was to have little pigs in March.
Our time for one year will soon be up. Dan asked Sam the other day if we intended to stick. Sam said we did. Then he wanted to hire Sam next year at about $1,000 a year, and Dan wanted to be our hired man this summer furnish a team, have Sam help him some putting up a silo milk room hog houses getting out lumber timber next winter etc. etc. Sam told him he wouldn't agree to that at all. So I guess we work it the same way. Dan just got a new silo to put up here. We figured our checks up and they have came to about $1,100 in all. We think we don't do anything, but we paid out $850 in big checks since we came here. That excludes all household expenses. It includes money spent for car, horse, Floyd, back standing debts, money paid to Dan, cost of 1/2 share in young stock & hogs here, etc. Sam's lodge dues and the telephone amount to $50+ in a year, and they say phone dues are going up. Sam's folks have theirs out at the end of this month.
Blanche is doing fine in school. She's doing all the dishes while I do this. I washed this p.m. Got thru rubbing just 10:30 then finished & cleaned all up and had dinner 10 to 12. From then til supper time, I just cleaned. I cleaned all the windows downstairs and my pantry and cupboard is clean tonight.
Mrs. Edminster and Judd were here one day last week an afternoon and were here last Sun p.m. I like her and am so glad they intend to stay here another year.
Well, I must get LaVerne to bed. He is teasing for milk. That is his chief food yet, though he teases lots for berries & sauces. He was talking to himself today and he says Grandma and Grandpa coming to see Jimmie. Must go now. Lovingly, Eva."
"Mattie" was one of Sam's younger sisters, Mattie (Griggs) Vandervort. The identities of "Dan" and "Floyd" are not known. "Blanche" and "LaVerne" were her children. Eva sent a letter to her parents, in which she wrote the following about her family's dire financial situation: " Dear father and Mother, We are trying to decide what is best for us to do another year. April 1st is only a few days ahead, and we'll soon have to know. Sam said you asked him the other day if we intended to stay here, Pa. Dan asked Sam the same question about a week ago. And then asked us if we would work on a salary and commission basis. He said he'd pay us $1,000 a yr. and he'd stand all expenses like buying seed grain, replacing lost stock. In fact, his expenses include every expense concerning upkeep of the farm and he wanted to stay here and he and Sam always work for each other. Sam should help him in building silo, digging well, etc., and Dan would always help us in haying, harvesting, seeding, etc.
The more I think of it, I think, if Sam hired out to him we would be ahead. Next winter, Sam could earn outside money and it seems as we didn't earn much last year. Our 1/2 of checks amounted to about $500. Our checks and our hog money and 3 veal calves was really all we had for income taken from this farm last year.
When we came here we sold $150 of grain, a lot of hay, and we sold hogs that brought us $123.50 and those alone nearly paid Dan the $130 we paid him for 1/2 interest in 5 calves and 7 tons of hay. You see the money we spent since we came here wasn't all earned this year. We had $300 in cash last spring and this year we can't sell a load of hay, a bushel of grain, nor nothing.
So which do you think is best. Next year we want to pay a $300 debt. Well our butter will cost us $100 + 300 = 400. One thousand - $400 leaves $600 or $50 a month to live on and what can we hope to save to buy a farm of our own of that. We can't do it. It makes me so blue. When I think ahead I think we must save more and then I think--every year we buy less clothes. $5 you gave me and we are in debt for the other $5.
Our last 3 checks amounted to just 22.25 so you see we are awfully pinched for money. Sam has to buy about $100 of seed this year if we work this place on shares and where it's coming from I can't see. I can't have anything unless I earn it and I am going to put up a sign "Washings Wanted" and make the old machine earn us something besides food. We existed now for 6 years on food alone, and we sure have got to have clothes and things to work with or the worry of doing without every necessity as I have to, will kill me entirely. No one can work with 1 spider, 3 cups, 4 saucers, 8 plates and everything in comparison as I am doing and I find it is Hopkins (sic) choice. I can disgrace everybody by washing for a living, or leave my children and then what can I do? I never will do that; if we starve we'll starve under the same roof.
I thought maybe when Sam's father & you sold maybe you could help us borrow enough so we could buy a farm of our own. then all the profits wouldn't go to a landlord. Orson & Wallace have farms to sell and it seems as if Wallace could sell on easy terms to us. That is, give us plenty of time to pay him. Don't know how you feel about it. Other young men get their help from their parents and I'm going to write and ask his father what he can do about it anyway. That farm is a good place & Wallace bought it cheap, and maybe we could do it with a little help to get a foothold.
I wish you'd write to me, Pa, and tell me what you think is best, for us to do. In haste and with much love, Eva"
The identity of "Dan" is not known. "Orson" was probably her older brother, and "Wallace" was probably Wallace Taft, the husband of her sister, Minnie. She died on 26 December 1920 at the age of 36 in Wilton Township, Monroe County, WI. Obituary Notes: "Eva Jane Root, daughter of Mary M. and Ira J. Root, was born in the town of Tomah, April 21, 1884. She attended the Tomah High School and taught several years in the schools of Monroe County.
She was married June 24, 1908 to Sam H. Griggs of Tomah. Three children, Blanche, Glenn and James LaVerne, were born to this union.
She died at her farm home December 26 (1920). She leaves behind her husband, and father, mother, and children, three brothers, Arthur Root of Sparta; Orson of town of Adrian; Irvin of Redwater, Mont., and three sisters, Mrs. W. F. Taft, Tomah; Mrs. Robert Davis, Glendive, Mont.; and Mrs. Henry Gruetzmacher of Sterling, Ill.
Funeral services were held Thursday at the Methodist Church, Rev. G. H. Willett officiating.
Among those from away here to attend the funeral were: Mr. Dewey, Mather; Mrs. Millie Wilker and daughter, Sparta; Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Root and children, Sparta; Mrs. Robert Davis, Glendive, Mont.; Mrs. and Mrs. Henry Gruetzmacher, Sterling, Ill."
According to Virginia Griggs, the wife of Eva's oldest son Glenn who was 10 years old at the time, he remembered that Eva was expecting a baby when she died. He recalled that she and Sam were riding in a horse-drawn wagon one evening, and she became very ill and started to give birth. The next morning she died, and the baby was stillborn. That situation was not mentioned in her obituary. Her death certificate (in the possession of Gary Griggs) indicates that the cause of her death was "acute cellulitis (swelling of the internal tissues) of neck," which the certificate indicates that she had suffered for two days. The contributory (secondary) cause was listed as "acute dementia," which the certificate indicates that she had suffered for "1 month and 15 days."
(Her death certificate and her obituary list her date of death as 26 December 1920. Her husband's bible listed it as 24 December and her son Glenn told family members that he remembers that she died on Christmas Eve. Those latter sources were in error. Her death certificate, which was signed by her attending physician, indicates that she died at 11 p.m. on the 26th.)
She was buried on 30 December 1920 in Tomah, Tomah Township, Monroe County, WI. in the Oak Grove Cemetery (Original Plot, Block 2, Lot 70).
Children were:
i. |  Blanche Loretta GRIGGS (~) was born on 10 February 1909 in Tomah, Tomah Township, Monroe County, WI. Tomah Journal Article: "Born to Mr. and Mrs. Sam Griggs, on Feb 10th, a girl." In her autobiography that Blanche wrote in high school, she notes that, "The house in which I was born in was located in the center of the block, where the Church of God is located now." That was in the Village of Tomah. She and her parents could not be located in the 1910 Census. It is believed that they were living in Huron, South Dakota, where her brother Glenn was born in May 1910. After Glenn's birth, they lived in Huron for an unknown period, and then they moved back to the Tomah area. They may have lived with Eva's parents for a year or two, because later in her autobiography Blanche mentioned that, "Before I started school, I used to play with Alma Kuehl, who lived near us." Alma was a daughter of Otto and Gusta Kuehl, who owned a farm in Section 28 of Tomah Township, about 3 miles south of Tomah, just west of Highway 131--near the farm of Eva's father, Ira J. Root. Blanche later mentions that they lived in that home until "We moved to North Tomah and I started school"--which must have been in about 1913. It is believed that her father was renting a farm there, because she talked about helping with threshing and other farm chores. She mentioned that "Worden Shutter lived near us and he used to come over almost every day to play with Glen (her brother, Glenn)." Worden's parents owned a farm in Section 31 in the southwest corner of LaGrange Township. According to her brother LaVerne's birth certificate, they lived in LaGrange Township when he was born in October 1917. She then mentioned that, "We moved to Tar (actually, Tarr) Valley near Tunnel City where I went to school." That may have been in about early-1918 or so. Tunnel City is in Greenfield Township, about 4 miles northwest of Tomah. She then mentions that, "The next year we moved to a farm near Wilton. I lived there two years." The farm is believed to have been northeast of the intersection of Highway 131 and County Trunk "A." They probably lived there from about 1919 until just after her mother died in December 1920. According to the 1920 Census, it appears that her father rented a farm from either John O'Leary, James McGarvey or Leopold Von Haden in Section 3 or 10 of Wilton Township--about 5 miles south of Tomah. She appeared in the census in 1920 in Wilton Township, Monroe County, WI. She graduated in 1928 in Tomah, Tomah Township, Monroe County, WI. from Tomah High School. A detailed search of the 1930 Census failed to locate Blanche or her brothers Glenn and LaVerne, whom she would have been caring for. They were not listed in the census record for their father and step-mother on their farm in Kirby, or anywhere else in Wisconsin. They are believed to have been living at the home of their paternal grandparents, Clarence and Carrie Griggs at their home at 1308 Stoughton Avenue in Tomah. But that household was not listed in the census records. The census enumerator included neighboring homes in their block at 1312, 1314, 1316 and 1320, as well as homes across the street at 1301, 1303 and 1305. But, for some unknown reason (possibly an illness in the household), the enumerator did not include 1308. Blanche's daughter, Doris Mae (who was one year old at the time), was living with Tom Cassity and his first wife, Blanche Mary Street, in the village of Adams, 45 miles east of Tomah. She was listed as a "Boarder." Doris Mae was born in Adams, so Blanche apparently was living there at the time of her daughter's birth in February 1929. It is assumed that Blanche would have been living in the Adams area near her infant daughter at the time of the 1930 census, but she cannot be located in the census. About July 1928 Blanche was a school teacher in Monroe County, WI. It is not known how long she taught school, but it is believed that she taught between graduating from high school in June 1928 and the birth of her daughter, Doris Mae, in February 1929. with Vilas Frederick Roeder. They had a daughter, Doris Mae, but no record of their marriage can be located. She appeared in the census on 2 May 1940 in Adams, Adams Township, Adams County, WI. The census indicates that she lived in the same house in 1935, so she must have moved in with Tom Cassidy after his divorce from Blanche Street in 1934. In a post card to her husband, Tom, and her daughter, Doris Mae, in Adams she wrote: "Well, we are almost there (at Camp Livingston, to visit her brother Glenn, who was stationed in the Army). Drove all night. This is Wed(nesday). Had a flat and a $2 fine for speeding. Our speedometer broke and there is a speed limit of 25 + 30 mi. an hour here. and in Kentucky. We are getting cleaned up and will get to Camp in a couple of hours. Will write again soon. Mother." At the bottom of the post card, she wrote "We are here now. All OK." Gary Griggs has pictures of Blanche and Glenn at Camp Livingston. She was there with her nephew Gary, but it is not known who else was with them. She appeared in the census in 1950 in Adams, Adams Township, Adams County, WI. She was living with Tom and they were listed as married, although they divorced in 1948. Her occupation was "Char Woman, Household." Blanche died on 11 April 1971 at the age of 62 in Milwaukee, Milwaukee Township, Milwaukee County, WI. Gary Griggs remembers "Aunt Blanche" as a very friendly, outgoing person who really enjoyed life and had a good time with whatever she did. She particularly liked to get together with her extended family at parties, picnics, weddings, and other occasions. She especially liked children, and would spend hours with them playing cards and board games or putting together picture puzzles. Obituary Notes: "Blanche Loretta Cassidy was born in Tomah on February 10, 1909 and passed away (some months after suffering a Stroke) at the Three Fountains Nursing Home in Milwaukee on April 11, 1971 at the age of 62 years. She was preceded in death by her parents, Samuel Griggs and Eva (nee Root) Griggs and her husband, Tom. She is survived by one daughter, Mrs. John (Doris) Russ of Anchorage, AK, three grandchildren, two brothers (Glenn and LaVerne Griggs), and nieces and nephews. Funeral services were held from the First Methodist church in Tomah Thursday, Apr. 15. Stanley Wiese officiated and burial was in the Wood Cemetery." | |
ii. |  Lester Glenn GRIGGS (~) was born on 17 May 1910 in Huron, Beadle County, SD. (He was listed as "Lester Grigg" on his birth record and the same surname spelling was used for his father.)(His parents cannot be located in the 1910 Census, and it is not known exactly where they were living in Beadle County when Glenn was born. His World War II Draft Card states that he was born in Huron.) Glenn's maternal grandfather, Ira J. Root, wrote the following letter to his wife, Mary, while she was in South Dakota to be with their daughter, Eva, when she gave birth to Glenn: "Tomah, Wis. 5 -- 19th --10 Dear Wife & Folks at Huron,
In a letter written on 13 May 1911 by Clarence Griggs to Roxana Liscomb Griggs, the wife of his father's brother, Roswell, Glenn's grandfather Clarence states: "We have our grandson with us yet. His mother is in the hospital yet, but her health is improving rapidly. Expect her home soon." Sometime after that, Eva and Blanche returned to Monroe County from Huron and lived with Clarence and Carrie. Then, later in 1911, Sam returned and farmed on property that they rented in Monroe County. A detailed search of the 1930 Census failed to locate Glenn or his sister Blanche or his brother LaVerne. Blanche is believed to have been living in the Adams, WI, area because her 1-year-old daughter, Doris May, was living with Blanche's eventual husband, Tom Cassidy, and his first wife, Blanche (Street) Cassidy, in Adams. Glenn was working as a welder in South Dakota on a work crew that was building railroad lines. Letters from him in April 1930 list his address as Wolsey, Beadle County, SD, and those in July 1930 list it as Scotland, Bon Homme County, SD. It is possible that the work crew was not included in the census. LaVerne is believed to have been living at the home of his paternal grandparents, Clarence and Carrie Griggs at their home at 1308 Stoughton Avenue in Tomah. But that household was not listed on the census sheets. The census enumerator included neighboring homes in their block at 1312, 1314, 1316 and 1320, as well as homes across the street at 1301, 1303 and 1305 Stoughton. But, possibly because of Clarence's sickness, she did not enumerate 1308. In a post card from Glenn to his sister, Blanche, he wrote: "Just got a letter from LaVern, and he wants me to send him some money. Guess he needs it bad. I'll get along some, so if you will send him the three dollars instead of sending it to me. Send it to him so he will get it by the 2nd or as soon as possible. Remember, he is a long way from home and gets pretty lonesome, so try and send it to him if you can, please. May be seeing you pretty soon. Glenn Griggs" Many letters between the Glenn, Blanche and Vern mention sending a few dollars between the three of them at various times. It was the middle of the Depression, and they all were struggling financially. He appeared in the census in 1940 in Tomah, Tomah Township, Monroe County, WI. He was living with his brother and sister-in-law at 220 Superior Avenue in Tomah, his occupation was "Common Laborer, Steam Railroad" and his wages in 1939 were $450. Lester served in the military between 15 October 1940 and 1945. According to his World War II enlistment record he had completed "2 years of high school" and his Civil Occupation: was "semiskilled chauffers and drivers, bus, taxi, truck and tractor." He served as a Private in the Quartermaster Corps and was eventually stationed at Camp Livingston, Lousiana in early-1942, and then in the Fiji Islands. His daughter Judy has many letters that he wrote to his sister, Blanche, from Fiji. He wrote primarily about letters that he received from family members and about wishing that he was back in Wisconsin. He was a Corporal while in Fiji. Each envelope was stamped to indicate that it had been inspected and "Passed" by an "Army Examiner" before mailing. He registered for the World War II Draft on 29 October 1945 as a "returned veteran." He was listed as 5'9" tall, 165 pounds with Brown eyes, Brown hair and a "Ruddy" complexion. His residence was West Allis, WI and his next of kin was his brother, Laverne J. Griggs. He appeared in the census in 1950 in Milwaukee, Milwaukee Township, Milwaukee County, WI. His household was at 1024 Ogden Avenue, Apt. 205, and his occupation was "Iron Worker, Steel Erecting Co." He died on 12 September 1986 at the age of 76 in Milwaukee, Milwaukee Township, Milwaukee County, WI. Obituary Notes: "Glenn was born May 17, 1910 in Huron, SD to Samuel and Eva (Root) Griggs. He moved to Tomah as an infant and resided in Tomah until entering the service. He married Virginia Williams of Tomah on May 25, 1946. He was a World War II veteran of the 32nd Division of the Army. He was a lifetime member of the AMVETS Organization. He was an iron worker for Price Erecting until his retirement in 1972. Glenn died at the age of 76 at St. Joseph's Hospital, Milwaukee. His death was caused by respiratory failure due to a long illness from emphysema. His survivors include his wife, Virginia; four daughters: Judy, Janet and Jerri of Milwaukee, and Joan of Rhinelander, and their husbands and eight grandchildren; and sister-in-law Bernice (wife of the late Vern) Griggs of Tomah. He was preceded in death by one brother (Vern) and one sister (Blanche Cassidy)." Lester was buried on 15 September 1986 in Brookfield, Waukesha County, WI. in the Wisconsin Memorial Park. | |
2 | iii. | James LaVerne "Vern" GRIGGS (*) (~) (+) (*+). |