BIO: Edwin R. D. Briggs, Wyoming Conference, Methodist Episcopal Church, PA & NY

Contributed for use in the USGenWeb Archives by JRB & JO

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Chaffee, Amasa Franklin. History of the Wyoming 
Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church. 
New York: Eaton & Mains, 1904, page 289.
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  Briggs, E.R.D., was born in the town of Oxford, N.Y., September 30, 
1853, his parents soon after removing to a small farm in the town of 
Smithville, N.Y. Here school opportunities were very meager. The 
patents took great interest in their children acquiring an education, 
and special lessons were given evenings through the year. His first 
three terms of school away from home were obtained, the first at South 
Oxford, the others at the Oxford Academy, and all this received by 
"doing chores for board." Several terms were spent at the academy; one 
year followed in Colgate, at Hamilton, N.Y. Six winters were spent in 
teaching, one year being in Oxford. After completing his Conference 
course of study, he took up Chautauqua work, taking two years in the 
"Chautauqua School of Theology," and also the complete four years' 
"C.L.S.C." course.
  He was converted November 18, 1875, in the Baptist Church of Oxford, 
during a great revival conducted by Dr. and Mrs. Patterson, of 
Binghamton, and united with the Baptist Church. He joined the Methodist 
Episcopal Church in Oxford in 1877, and was soon after given a local 
preacher's license. In the spring of 1878 he joined Wyoming Conference.
  On October 16, 1878, he married Miss Laura H. Arnold, of McDonough, 
N.Y.
  His pastoral record is as follows: 1878-79, Park Place and Green 
Ridge, Scranton; 1880, North Fenton; 1881, Lisle; 1882-84, Berkshire; 
1885-87, Greene; 1888-90, Morris; 1891-95, Marathon and Killawog; 1896-
98, Whitney's Point; 1899-1900, Mount Upton; 1901-03, Unadilla.

1880 Fenton, Broome County, New York census -
Edwin D. Briggs, 26, minister, M.E. Church
Laura Briggs, 19