Norwich bulletin., 1912-02-19

Falls, where the company was then 10
Gated He continued his employment
with that concern and its successors
throughout his life, being employed in
various departments up to two and
ne-half years ago, when he gave up
factory work. having been engaged in
the gun and pistol business for a period
of 40 years.
He had always taken an active in
terest in public affairs and held a
number of Offices within the gift of the
people. He was an active supporter
Of the democratic party and took
prominent part in the local organiza-
tion, having been a member of the
town committee and for number OF
years was assistant registrar of voters
in the Second district.
In October 1902, he was elected third
selectman Of the town, and the follow
ing year he was elected second select
man. For several years he has been
a member of the town board of school
visitors. In June, 1910, he was elected
a member of the court Of common
council for a term Of two years and
as a, councilman was made member
of the board of water commissioners
and a police commissioner, which Of
fees he held at the time of his death
He was a member Of the volunteer fire
department here for many years and
was one Of the Wauregan Steam Fire
Engine company members who went To
the Boston fire when aid was asked
from this city. He was for a number
of years a member of Norwich coun-
ell. No. 100, r. A. but withdrew there
from several years ago.
The deceased was much interested in
mineralogy and geology and as the re-
suit had one of the largest private col
lections Of minerals in the state. In
the pursuit of his hobby he visited al
sections throughout this end of Con
nectieut and was probably as vel
posted as any one on the conditions
mineral deposits and Indian remains
throughout this vicinity. He was pres
ident of the Mt Pleasant Geological
and Scientific club during its existence
He had a wide acquaintance in thii
| part Of the state and his death will bt
learned with sincere regret by his
( many friends. He vas man OF gen
erous impulses, who considered 1t
pleasure to assist and befriend others
even to his own loss. His unselhsh ant
cheerful disposition made him a loya
friend and neighbor. AS citizen h,
was always interested in the welfare
of the city and town. public spirited
and broad minded, while as an officia
he was true to every trust imposed
upon him. He was devoted to his homt
and family and it was there his chic
interest was centered. He was an at
tendant at the Second Congregations
church.
Mr.. Briggs was united In marriage
| in this city Dec. II. 1878 with ].
Louisa Swan, the ceremony being per
| formed by Rev. William s. Palmer, d
d. He is survived by his wife and
two sons, Harvey Nj. Briggs Of this
city and Horace I. Briggs of ProYi'
dence. He also leaves his father anC
| stepmother. Mr. and Mrs. Horace A
! Briggs, and these brothers and sisters
| Miss Maria S Briggs, Mrs. Charles +
| Cross Mrs Leonard P. Church ant
| Edward Briggs Of this city Alvin ID
| Briggs of North Stonington and Mrs
| Henry Whiting Of Mansfield.
William Nelson.
William Nelson, a veteran OF thu
civil war. died at his home on Ho
bart avenue, early this (Monday
morning. following an extended i'll
| ress. Mr.. Nelson had made his hom
| in Norwich for many years and wa
we'll known here. He was a membe
of Sedgwick post, No l, G. A. r.
Anna Francis Ruby.
After an illness of over fou
months. with great suffering. born
with patience and Christian fortitudt
the life of Anna F. Ruby, widow o
| David S. Ruby, came to a peaceful
end early Sunday morning.
Born of revolutionary stock, she in
herited those traits Of character com
! mon to the well-bred New Englan
| woman of industry, integrity and
| high moral purpose in life.
Firm in her opinions OF right an
Justice. but gentle and kind in dis
position, she attracted and held i
| respect and love those who came i
close contact with her.
Stafford was her native home, an
she was the daughter of Alvah Fran
| els and Mary Ann Bardwell. She cam
| with her husband to Norwich in 1856
and has since lived on Laurel Hill.
Outside her home, her greatest &C
tivity was in connection with the Uni
versalist church, Of which she was
member and to which she gave a
answering devotion and love TO tn
end serving in every department an
always with the greatest JOY in tn
service.
Always a lover of Norwich she too
a keen interest in the citys growt
and success
She is survived by daughter, Mr.
George A. Keppler, two sisters, Mr
Martha f. Dwight of Stafford, Conn