Biographical Sketch of T. E. Rigg, Knob Noster, Johnson County, Missouri >From "History of Johnson County, Missouri," by Ewing Cockrell, Historical Publishing Company, Topeka, Cleveland, 1918. ********************************************************************** T. E. Rigg, a pioneer of Johnson county of great worth and one of Knob Noster's most valued citizens, was born in Johnson county in 1857, the son of J. E. and Mary Jane (Vandiber) Rigg. J. E. Rigg is the son of Noah Rigg, who came to Missouri in the early days and located in Pettis and later Cooper counties. He resided for some time in Johnson county and here his son, J. E., was born. J. E. Rigg is a carpenter by trade, but he has engaged in farming practically all his life in Johnson county. He is the present justice of the peace at Higginsville, Miss- ouri, where he and his wife now reside. Mary Jane (Vandiber) Rigg is the daughter of Irvin Vandiber. J. E. and Mary Jane Rigg are the parents of three sons: Charles P., Higginsville, Missouri; Frank, of Higginsville, Missouri; and T. E., the subject of this review. T. E. Rigg received his education in the public schools of Knob Noster, Mo. In early manhood, he learned the painter's trade, which he followed for fifteen years. Even as a boy, he had often engaged in painting and has at different times been so employed practically all through life. Mr. Rigg conducted a restaurant and later a livery stable in Knob Noster for about ten years. In 1913, T. E. Rigg in partnership with T. W. Boyd entered the mercantile business in Knob Noster, opening a general store, which they still own and conduct. They carry a stock valued at seven thousand dollars, including a full and complete line of ready to wear clothing for both men and women. In 1881, T. E. Rigg was united in marriage with Lulu Chester, the daughter of "Uncle Billy" Chester, who at the time of his daughter's marriage, was postmaster at Knob Noster. To T. E. and Lulu (Chester) Rigg were born two children: an only son, who died in infancy; and Mrs. T. W. Boyd, whose husband is in partnership with her father in the mercantile business in Knob Noster. Mr. Rigg has built five different residences in Knob Noster and at the present is the owner of three. He is affiliated with the Odd Fellows, the Knights of Pythias, and the Mystic Workers. He is a member of the Baptist church. When Mr. Rigg came to Knob Noster, there was not one church in the town, no sidewalks, and no school house, but there were herds of deer, flocks of wild turkeys, and prairie chickens in abundance. His first school teacher was Mrs. Spurgeon. As a boy, he often attended church with his father and heard many of the pioneer preachers expound the doctrines of Christianity, one of whom was Rev. Spurgeon, a Baptist minister, who wore a bright red wool shirt at the time. Rolling up his sleeves, he would invariably begin by saying, "I am a little late." The observing lad in the audience received the impression that such was the only and proper way to begin an exhorta- tion. There being no church, services were often held in the homes and later in the school house. Mr. Rigg frequently attended an old fash- ioned Methodist camp meeting. Life in the early days in Johnson county was not always a humdrum existence for there were many bright days full of happy experiences, which it is a pleasure to recall. The history of the Rigg family, who have been so closely associated with the early history of Johnson county, would make as interesting story of pioneer life as has ever been written. Mr. Rigg is numbered among the county's most substantial and highly respected citizens. He is a member of the Baptist church. Mrs. Lulu (Chester) Rigg departed this life July 15, 1917 at the age of 56 years. She was a devout and deeply religious woman who was an ardent church worker, a kind mother to her children and a faithful and industrious helpmate. Her death came suddenly after a brief illness of eleven days. Her passing to her heavenly abode is sincerely mourned by the entire community of Knob Noster. The follow- ing is the local newspaper comment on the death of Mrs. Rigg: "Sunday afternoon between the hours of three and four o'clock, Mrs. Lulu Rigg, one of the best known and most highly respected and loved ladies of Knob Noster, gave a hard fight for live and passed away. Mrs. Rigg had been ill for about three weeks, and although she suffered much during this time, her condition was not thought to be dangerous until about midnight Saturday, when the family could see that her strength was failing. Once before, several years ago, Mrs. Rigg had been very sick and her life had been despaired of, but she rallied and this time it was hoped she would be able to be out in a few weeks. Mrs. Lulu Rigg was the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. William Chester. She was born in Old Town, Knob Noster, and lived here all her life with the exception of a few years spent in Chicago after she was married. In December, 1880, she was married to T. E. Rigg, two children being born to this union, one, Harry, having died in infancy. Mrs. Rigg was converted when quite young and her great faith in her Savior, taking the Lord into her daily life, was never shaken and she with her husband and daughter, joined the Baptist church, February 6, 1896. She is survived by her husband, daughter, Mrs. Lollie Boyd, and two sisters, Mrs. Jennie Mahan, of this place, and Mrs. Josie Swope, of Lamar, Colorado. She was a great work- er in the W.C.T.U., and work of other organizations, including the Baptist Home for Orphans and the Home for the Friendless. Mrs. Rigg always tried to do what she could to help others, and even during her last illness she asked that flowers, sent to her, be divided and part sent to others whom she though would appreciate them. In her death the whole community has lost a faithful friend whose loss will be keenly felt. Funeral services were held Tuesday afternoon at 4 o'clock at the Baptist church by Rev. Edward James, attended by one of the largest crowds ever attending a funeral here. The floral offerings were pro- fuse, showing the great esteem in which the deceased was held. Inter- ment was made at City cemetery. The following pallbearers: J. C. Winkler, H. C. Wills, O. F. Elliott, E. A. Shepherd, A. M. Craig and S. J. Dudley. Mr. Craig attended the funeral of Miss Rebecca Roberts and did not reach the house in time to act as pallbearer from there to the church, the vacancy being filled by A. Boyer. Mr. Craig was able to take his place at the church, however." - Gem. ==================================================================== USGENWEB NOTICE: In keeping with our policy of providing free information on the Internet, data may be used by non-commercial entities, as long as this message remains on all copied material. These electronic pages may NOT be reproduced in any format for profit or for presentation by other persons or organizations. Persons or organizations desiring to use this material for purposes other than stated above must obtain the written consent of the file contributor. This file was contributed for use in the USGenWeb Archives by: <> Penny Harrell ====================================================================