USA > Iowa > Jackson County > Annals of Jackson county, Iowa, Vol 1-6 > Part 59
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Hon. J. W. Ellis, Maquoketa, Iowa.
Dear Sir :-- Your very kind invitation to the unveiling of the Brigg's monument has just reached me here. I would like to be present on the oc- casion but as our court will then be in session, it will not be possible. I
thank you for your kindness, and remain Yours truly, JOHN C SHERWIN.
Aurelia, Iowa, Aug. 9, 1909.
Hon. J. W. Ellis Maquoketa, lowa
Dear Sr :- I hasten to acknowledge receipt of your gracious invitation to be present at the Gov. Briggs' monument dedication. I thank you for the invitation and regret that I shall not be able to attend, but I trust you will have a good attendance of assembly members and a pleasant and profit- able time. I am Sincerely yours, W. P. DAWSON.
Canton, Iowa. Aug. 10, 1909.
Mr. James Ellis, Maquoketa, Iowa.
Dear Sir :- I beg to say that I will be present at Andrew on the date you mentioned. Thanking you for your courtesy, I am Yours very respectfully, LYMAN B PARSHALL.
Dyersville, Iowa, Aug. 10, 1909 Hon. J. W. Ellis, Maquoketa, Iowa.
Dear Friend :- Your kind invitation to the dedication of the monument to the first Governor of Iowa, Ansel Briggs, on Sept. 22cd, at hand. In reply will say I consider it an honor to be present on an occasion like that. I shall try to be there if nothing prevents. With best wishes to you and the Jackson Co. Historical Society, I am Yours truly,
HENRY TEGELER.
Philadelphia, Pa., Aug. 5, 1909. Mr. J. W. Ellis, Secretary, Maquoketa, Iowa.
. Dear Sir :- I wish it were possible for me to attend the dedicatory ex- ercises incident to the unveiling of the monument to Ansel Briggs, first Governor of Iowa. When I consider the growth and development of my
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. adopted state and the place she occupies in the sisterhood of states, I can scarcely realize that I was born during the incumbency of Iowa's first gov. ernor. I am glad the monument has been erected. The spirit of commer- cialism must not crush out the spirit of patriotism. Throughout our coun- try are many monuments erected from fifty to two hundred years ago, but I have not seen many erected during the period of our greatest prosperity. The appropriation, therefore, was wise though long delayed. Let the leg- isature be liberal lest the people of Iowa forget. Yours very truly, LESLIE M. SHAW.
Board of Control of State Institutions, Des Moines, Aug. 9, 1909. Hon. J. W. Ellis,
Dear Sir: - Your kind invitation to be present at the monument dedica- tion at Andrew, Iowa, on Sept. 22od, is at hand. In reply I beg to say that it is impossible for me to advise definitely whether I can be present on that occasion or not, but will endeavor to advise you later. I desire to congratulate you and the State of Iowa, that although long deferred, at last a monument is to be erected to the memory of the first gove nor of our great state, for which the citizens of lowa are indebted to you. With kind personal regards, I am Sincerely, I T. HAMILTON.
Iowa City, Iowa, Aug. 8 1909. Hon. J. W. Ellis, Secretary, Maquoketa Iowa.
My dear Sir :- Your very kind invitation to be present on Sept. 22nd at the public exercises attending the unveiling of a monument in memory of Gov. Briggs is received. It would give me great pleasure to be present on this interesting occasion, but the court will be in session at that time, and it will be impossible for me to attend.
Very truly yours,
EMLIN McCLAIN, Justice Supreme Court.
Sioux Center, Iowa Aug. 7, 1909.
J. W. Ellis,
Dear Sir :- Your kind invitation to attend the exercises at the unveiling of the monument erected at Andrew in honor of Ansel Briggs received, but am sorry to inform you that it will be impossible for me to attend as I ex- pect to be away from home at that time. Regretting that conditions will make it im ossible for me to be there. I remain
Very truly yours, NICHOLAS BALKEMA, Senator from 49th District.
Chariton, Iowa, Aug. 6, 1909. J. W. Ellis, Secretary, Maquoketa, Iowa.
My dear Sir :- I sincerely thank you for the honor of an invitation to be present at the unveiling of the monument erected to the memory of the -- first Governor of Iowa, Ansel Brigg. I also congratulate you in securing an appropriation from the State for that purpose. You people are not only recording, but you are making history which will be very creditable to the State, and especially to Jackson county. I fear I will not be in a situation to accept your kind invitation to be with you on so memorable an occasion.
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Please convey to your county society my regrets at not being with you, and my congratulations upon your success in so worthy an undertaking.
Very truly yours, WARREN S. DURGAN.
House of Representatives, Washington, D. C., Aug. 6, 1909. Mr. J. W. Ellis, Maquoketa, Iowa.
My dear Mr. Ellis :- I thank you for your kind invitation to be present at the event in Maquoketa, which is of historic interest, and I regret that it is impossible for me to accept it. I thank you very much for your kind- ness.
Very truly,
W. D. JAMESON, Eighth District Iowa. Des Moines, Iowa. Aug. 9, 1909.
HIon. J. W. Ellis, Maquoketa, Iowa.
Dear Mr. Ellis :- I have your invitation to attend your unveiling exer- cises of the Briggs monument on Sept. 22od Please accept my thanks for same. I am very sorry that I will not be able to be with you at that time as our court will be in session. Yours truly, JOHN B. SULLIVAN. Almont, Iowa, Aug. 9, 1909.
Hon. J. W. Ellis, Maquoketa, Iowa.
Dear Friend :- Your kind invitation to attend the monument dedica- tion at Andrew, Sept. 22nd, received. In reply will say I shall be pleased to accept, and will try and be with you. With kind personal regards, I am Very truly.
J. L. WILSON, Representative from Clinton Co. Birmingham, Iowa Aug. 9, 1909.
Hon. J. W. Ellis,
Dear Sir :- Your invitation to be present at the dedication of the Briggs monument received. Thanks, I will try to be present on that oc- casion. I wish to congratulate you on your success in the matter You surely did good work in bringing the stiff necked house around to your side.
Truly yours,
S. H. BAUMAN, Representative from Van Buren Co.
Davenport, Iowa, Aug. 10, 1909. Hon. J. W. Ellis. Maquoketa, lowa.
Friend Ellis :- Your invitation to attend the Briggs ceremonies Sept. 22nd, has been received, for which please accept my thanks. Unless some- thing turns up that will prevent I will be present. Yours very truly, AUGUST A. BALLUFF.
Adjutant-General's Dept , Des Moines, Aug. 9, 1909. Hlon. J. W. Ellis,
My dear Sir :- I am in receipt of your kind invitation to attend the ex- ercises connected with the unveiling of the monument erected to the mem- ory of Ansel Briggs, the first Governor of lowa, in the town of Andrew on Sept. 22nd, 1909. If I can make the neccessary arrangement to be absent from the work I have in hand here at that time, I shall be very glad to ac-
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cept your invitation, but I cannot at this time determine whether I will be able to be present on that occasion or not. I congratulate you on your efforts in securing the erection of the monument.
Yours very truly,
G. W. CROSLEY.
Hon. J. W. Ellis,
My dear Sir :- Your invitation to attend the unveiling of the monument erected to the memory of the first Governor of Iowa received. I will con- sider it an honor to be present, and will be there if I can arrange my busi- ness so I can get away. The appropriation for which you justly have the honor of securing was a very laudable act, and any man who would vote against it would certainly be an ingrate.
Very respectfully yours,
GEO. C. CALKINS, Representative 13th District Iowa.
Marblehead, Mass., Aug. 17, 1909.
Hon. J. W. Ellis,
My dear Sir :- I am obliged by ill health and old age to decline the in- vitation to join the exercises for the Gov. Briggs memorial. I am now in my 88th year, and passing the summer at the sea-side here, hoping to re- gain some lost strength, otherwise I should be glad to join in the testimon- lal to the first governor of our state. Thanking the committee for the honor of their invitation, I am Very truly yours, JOHN A. KASSON.
Danville, Iowa, Aug. 17, 1909.
Hon. J. W. Ellis
Dear Sir and Friend :- Your kind invitation to be present at the un- veiling of a monument to the memory of Io va's first governor received. In reply will say that I find it impossible to attend the ceremonies. I con- gratulate you on securing the appropriation for the monument and assure you that no work of mine in the 33rd General Assembly, gave me more pleasure than that of assisting you in this work. With kind personal re- gards, I remain Your friend, W. D. DODDS.
Lake City Iowa, Aug. 18, 1909.
Hon. J. W. Ellis,
My deir Friend : - Coming up the street this p. m., I met an old pio- neer, one of the very first to locate in this part of the county in the 50's and I was remind-d of your invitation to attend the dedication of the mon- ument to Gov. Ansel Briggs. I regret that it will be impossible for me to attend your exercises, but I congratulate you on the success that has at- tended your effort to bless the first Governor of Iowa with a final resting place in Iowa soil. I do not think that our people can be too grateful to the memory of the study pioneers who laid the corner stone for this state in territorial day., and locked atfer the interests of an infant common- wealth with jealous bravery, and what now seems an inspired faith in the greatress t'at bas come from humble beginnings. Content to do and dis- cover for others rather than to possess and keep for self the pioneer is worthy of our remembrance and emulation. With kindest personal regards, I remain Yours very truly, JOHN W. JACOBS
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Des Moines, Iowa, Aug. 19, 1909.
HIon. J. W. Ellis, Maquoketa, Iowa.
My dear Sir :- I am in receipt of your invitation to the dedication of the Ansel Briggs monument, Sept. 22nd, 1909. I thank you for this invita- tion and regret exceedingly that I cannot be present. A great many years ago I met and was introduced to Ansel Briggs in Omaha. I think he resid- ed in Omaha at the time. At any rate, I remember distinctly of meeting him. He looked to me like a grand and substantial man. I hope the weather may be favorable and that everything may pass off with enthusi- asm at the dedication. Sincerely yours, LAFAYETTE YOUNG, Pub. of The Des Moines Capitol.
Des Moines, lowa, Aug. 18, 1909.
Hon. J. W. Ellis,
My dear Sir :- I thank you very kindly for the invitation to attend the dedication of the monument erected to honor the memory of Ansel Briggs . the first Governor of Iowa, and would be pleased to do so but it will not be convenient. I was born in Van Buren county, lowa Territory, Feb. 21, 1842, making me nearly five years old when Gov. Briggs was inaugurated, and remember Hlon. Elisha Cutler, Secretary of State, 1846-48, and Hon. Josiah Bonney, Secretary of State, 1848-50, well, the latter for many years. Respect fully, V. P. TROMBLY.
New York, Aug. 16, 1909.
Hon. J. W. Ellis, Maquoketa, lowa.
Dear Sir :- 1 have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your kind in- vitation inviting me to be present at the unveiling of a monument erected in the town of Andrew, in honor of the memory of Ansel Briggs, the first Govenor of the State of Iowa, on the 22nd of September next. 1 beg to express to the Historical Society my appreciation of this invitation, and to state that it would give me great pleasure if it were possible to accept it, but age, distance and pre-engagements absolutely prevent my doing so. 1 avail myself of this occasion to state that Ansel Briggs, prior to his elec- tion as Governor, made his home in Davenport at the house of my father, and I remember him as well as is possible for a boy of ten or eleven years of age. It is a great pleasure to me to know that his memory is to be thus appropriately honored. With kindest regards, I am
Very sincerely, JOHN F. DILLON.
Ottumwa, Iowa, Aug. 17, 1909.
Hon. J. W. Ellis, Maquoketa Iowa.
Dear Sir :- I am io receipt of the invitation of the Jackson County His- torical Society to attend the exercises at the unveiling of the monument erected at Andrew, Jackson county, in memory of Ansel Briggs. I desire to thank you for the invitation and to assure you that if it is possible, I shall deem it a privilege to be present. Ycurs very truly,
EDWIN G. MOON.
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Delavan, Wis., Aug. 16, 1909.
Hon. J. W. Ellis,, Maquoketa Iowa.
Letter received. Will be with you Sept. 22nd. Sincerely, BEN VAN STEINBURG.
Adel, lowa, Ang. 17, 1909.
Hon. J. W. Ellis,
My dear Mr. Ellis: - I received some little time ago your invitation to be present on the occasion of the unveiling of the monument e ected to the memory of Gov. Briggs. I have delayed answering in order that I might determine, if possible, whether I could be present. We will have a term of court in session at the time of the unveiling, and with the business that has accumulated for us for the next term, it does not seem at all likely that I can get away. I regret that this is true, because it would afford me a great deal of pleasure to be with you on such an occasion.
Sincerely yours, G. W. CLARK.
Indianola, Iowa, Aug. 16, 1909.
Hon. J. W. Ellis, Maquoketa, Iowa.
Dear Sir :- Yours enclosing invitation to attend the dedicatory exercises of the Briggs monument, received. I think it will be impossible for me to be present at that time. Yours truly, A. V PROUDFOOT.
Keokuk, lowa. Aug. 15, 1909 Hon. J. W. Ellis, Secretary, Maquoketa, Iowa.
Dear Sir :- I thank you for your courteous invitation to be present at the unveiling of the monument to Hon. Ansel Briggs lowa's first Gover- nor, Sept. 22nd 1909. It would be a great pleasure to meet the people on that occasion. I think it will be impossible to gratify my wish. I am cer- tain the exercises of the 22ud will be full of interest.
Respectfully, J. M. SHAFFER.
Marion, Iowa, Aug. 14, 1909.
Hon. J. W. Ellis, Sec.
Dear Sir :- I most sincerely thank you for the cordial invitation you have honored me with to be present at the unveiling of the monument erected to the memory of the first Goverror of Iowa, Atsel Briggs I ap- preciate the patriotic society you speak for but also honor you for the suc- ces.ful effort on yo ir piro to have the State do a long neglected duty. Your name will be associated with this movement so long as duty well done is appreciated by a patriotic people 1 will be present it health permits.
Yours truly, Wm. G. THOMPSON.
Hancock, lowa, Ang. 12, 1909.
J. W. Ellis, Sec'y Maquoketa, Iowa.
Dear Sir :- Mr. Brandes is In Europe and it will be impossible for him to attend the exercises of the unveiling of the monument in honor of Ansel Briggs. Yours respectfully, MRS. H. C. BRANDES.
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Jessup, Iowa, Aug. 12, 1909.
Hon. Jas. Ellis, Maquoketa, Iowa.
My dear Sir :- I beg to acknowledge receipt of invitation to attend un- veiling of monument to Gov. Apsel Briggs at Andrew. Shall be present, if possible
Respectfully yours, B. F. STODDARD ..
Newton, Iowa, Aug. 14, 1909.
Hon. J. W. Ellis, Maquoketa, Iowa.
Dear Sir :- I am in receipt of your kind invitation to attend the un- veiling of a monument erected to the memory of Ansel Briggs, Iowa's first Governor. I regret that my time will be so occupied as to prevent my at- tendance. I have just returned from a trip to the west, and am somewhat behind with my work, and court is ap roaching. I am heartily in sym- pathy. however. in thus honoring the memory of Iowa's first governor, an honor that has been too long deferred. I trust that the occasion will be fitly commemorated, and redound to the credit of your society and the state. Very truly yours, W. K. COOPER.
Glenwood Springs, Colo., Aug. 13, 1909.
Mr. J. W. Ellis,
Dear Sir :- I am in receipt of your kind invitation to be present at the unveiling of the monument in memory of Gov. Ansel Briggs. I regret to say that it will be impossible for me to attend. I have been sick since the first of June, and am now in the mountains trying to recuperate, which I am doing slowly. Thanking you for your courtesy, I am
Truly, GRENVILLE M. DODGE.
State of lowa, Executive Department, Des Moines, Aug. 16, 1909. My dear Mr. Ellis :- I am in receipt of the invitation to attend the An- sel Briggs monument dedication the 22nd of September, and you may ex- pect me there unless something unavoidable prevents it.
Very truly yours, GOVERNOR B. F. CARROLL.
Muscatine, Iowa Aug. 14, 1909. Hon. J. W. Ellis Maquoketa, Iowa.
Dear Sir :- Your note of invitation to the unveiling of a monument to honor the memory of Ansel Briggs, the first Governor of the State of Iowa, is received. and I return you my thanks for the same But owing to my old age I may not be able to be with you, for I have seen more than eighty years I have reason to honor the old pioneers of our glorious lowa, be- cause my beloved wife's uncle, Robert Lucas, who had for two terms ser- ved as Governor of Ohio, was appointed by President Van Buren, the list Governor of Iowa Territory. Wishing you a pleasant time, I remain
Yours truly, SAMUEL MCNUTT.
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Indianola, Iowa, Aug. 24.
Hon. J. W. Ellis, Maquoketa, Iowa.
My dear Mr. Ellis :- Your kind invitation to me to attend the public exercises attending the unveiling of monument erected to honor the mem- ory of Ansel Briggs, first Governor of Iowa. duly received. I regret to say that I will not be able to be with you on the 22 id day of Sept., or at least it looks to me that way at the present time Will be very glad to at- tend should matters shape themselves so I can. You no doubt remember that I was one of your friend's in getting this appropriation, and it goes without saying I would be very glad to be with you on that day. With kind regards, I remain Yours very truly, J. H. DERROUGH.
World-Herald, Omaha, Nebr, Aug. 19, 1909. Hon. J. W. Ellis :
Dear Sir :- Please accept our thanks for your kind invitation to attend the unveiling of the monument to the memory of Gov. Ansel Briggs and our regrets that we shall be unable to attend. We trust that the event will be in attendance worthy of its high aim in perpetuating the remembrance of the great executive. Very sincerely,
MR. and MRS. SANDS F. WOODBRIDGE.
Davenport, Iowa, Aug. 21, 1909. Mr. J. W. Ellis, Maquoketa, Iowa.
Dear Sir :- Many thanks for your invitation to attend the Ansel Brigg's monument dedication at Andrew on the 22nd of Sept. It will be impossi- be for us to take part in the interesting ceremonies, but you will confer a favor by sending me a copy of the full program of exercises as soon as it is ready. With best wishes. Very truly yours
B. F. TILLINGHAST, Editor of Democrat.
Clarence, Iowa, Aug. 20, 1909. Hon. J. W. Ellis, Maquoketa, lowa.
Dear Sir :- I wish to acknowledge invitation to unveiling of monument to Governor Briggs, Sept. 22 id. 1909. I regret very much that I can not be present owing to other engagements about the same time. Yours resp ctfully, HIRAM DEWELL.
Sioux Ci y, Aug 20, 1909.
J. W. Ellis, Secretary, Maqucketa, lowa.
My dear Sir :- I regret to say I cannot be with you Sept. 22nd on the occasion of the unveiling of monument at Andrew in honor of Arsel Briggs, first Governor of Iowa. I appreciated the courtesy of your invita- tion. Yours truly, GEO. D. PERKINS.
Albia, lowa Aug. 18, 1809.
Mr. J. W. Ellis., Maquoketa, Iowa.
Dear Mr. Ellis :- I have just returned home after an absence of three weeks on vacation and find on my desk your invitation to attend the pub- lic exercises of the unveiling of a monument erected to honor the memory of Ansel Briggs. It affords me great pleasure to say that I hope to and will be in attendance on Sept. 2 nd, 1909, unless some matters unforeseen prevents. Very truly yours, JOHN T. CILARKSON.
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Omaha, Nebr., Aug. 28, 1909. Hon. J. W. Ellis, Secretary Jackson Co. Historical Society.
Dear Sir :- Your favor of 22nd inst. regarding the unveiling of Gov. Briggs' monument at hand. I will be unable to attend the exercises on ac- count of matters pending here. Thanking you for favors shown. I remain MRS. W. H. LAFFERTY.
Yours truly,
Burlington, lowa, Aug. 30, 1909.
My dear Mr. Ellis:
I thank you for the honor of an invitation to commemorate the first Governor of our State. Ansel Briggs and Philip B. Bradley were my early friends when I came to the territory in 1843 I know the territorial gov- ernors and have known all the state governors down to Gov. Cummins. What a noble state has come of their labors! The infirmities of age will prevent my leaving home. Very respectfully, WILLIAM SALTER.
Vancouver, B. C., Aug. 24, 1909.
J. W. Ellis Secretary.
Dear Sir :- Your invitation to attend the unveiling exercises of a monu- ment erected to the memory of the late Governor Briggs, Sept. 22nd, receiv- ed. I regret to say that it will be impossible for me to attend on account of previous business engagements. Thanking you for your kind invitation and hoping you will have nice weather for the unveiling. I am
Yours respectfully ANSEL S. BRIGGS.
Adair, Iowa, Sept. 4, 1909. Hon. J. W. Ellis, Maquoketa, Iowa.
Dear Sir: - I have yours of some time ago inviting me to attend the monument dedication this month. I regret that I will be unable to be present at that time on account of a meeting that I expect to attend in Kentucky during that week. You are to be congratulated upon the success you had in securing the appropriation from the Legislature last winter and hope in the future that more of these monuments may be erected in this state. Thanking you for your kind invitation. I am,
Yours truly, A. C. SAVAGE.
Dubuque, Iowa, Aug. 27, 1909. Hon. J. W. Ellis, Maquoketa, Iowa.
Dear Sir :- Absence from home prevented an earlier acknowledgement of the invitation of the Jackson Co. Historical Society to attend the un- veiling of the monument in memory of HIon. Ansel Birggs, the first Gov- ernor of the State of Iowa. I shall certainly be present unless matters, which I cannot control, prevent my attendnce. I knew Gov. Briggs very well. My partner, the late Judge Booth and myself attended to his legal business in Jackson county during the latter years of his life. I soon learn- ed to respect him for his sterling integrity, his strong common sense and sturdy independence of character. Hle certainly possessed in marked mea- sure that vigorous manhood which characterized so many of the early set- tiers of Iowa. It is most fitting that the county and state, to the develop- ment of which he gave the best years of his life, should thus honor his memory. Very truly yours, WILLIAM GRAHAM.
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Davenport, lowa, Sept. 3, 1909.
Hon J. W. Ellis.
My dear Mr. Ellis :- Your kind invitation to attend the unveiling of the Briggs' monument at Andrew the 22nd of Sept., is received. I sincerely re- gret my inability to be present at this occasion. I find that we have all been called to Des Moines on official business at that particular time. Yours very truly, F. J. SESSIONS.
Clinton, Iowa, Sept. 3., 1909.
1 J. W. Ellis.
Dear Sir: - J have received the invitation to be present at the dedica- tion of the monument of the Governor on the 22nd of this month. Many thanks for kind remembrance of the same. I will be there if possible. Will there be a conveyance to take me to Andrew? Let me know if possible. Truly yours, ELIZABETH HARDING.
Davenport, lowa, Sept. 3, 1909 J. W. Ellis. Secretary Jackson Co. Historical Society.
It is my intention at the present time to be with you on the occasion of the dedication of the Briggs' monument. I thank you for the invita- tion and should anything occur later to prevent my being present. I will communicate with you. Very truly you's, MARIA P. PECR.
The Cliff Hou e, Manitou, Colo., Sept. 2, 1909. Hon. J. W. Ellis, Maquoketa, lowa.
Dear Sir :- 1 have been in hopes I could be present at the ceremony in your county in September and will be if possible. I am glad your work has not been in vain for all Iowa feels great satisfaction in knowing that the remains of our first Governor will rest in Iowa, his native state, and coun- ty. And you are to be congratulated for having been able to be prime fac- or in creating interest along this line. Trusting that the ceremony will be all that an occasion of this kind should be. I am Yours truly, FRED LARABEE.
Des Moines, Iowa, Aug. 26, 1909. J. W. Ellis, Esq., Maquoketa, Iowa.
Dear Sir :- Your invitation to be present as a pioneer, at the public exercises attending the unveiling of the monument to be erected in mem- ory of Gov. Ansel Briggs on the 22nd of Sept. was received in due time. I regret, however, that the condition of my health, which is somewhat frail, will probably prevent my attendance. I was born in Des Moines county, Iowa, November, 1838, and well remembered as a child when Mr. Briggs was first elected Governor. I also afterwards met him a number of times while I was living in Council Bluffs and when he was a resident either of Council Bluffs or Omaha I believed thoroughly in honoring the pioneers who helped lay the foundation of our great state in which I reckon Gov. Briggs as one of the prominent actors, and am greatly rejoiced that his remains are to be finally interred in Iowa soil. Thanking you for the invitation and hoping that the program of exercises may be successfully carried out. I remain Very sincerely your . I. D. EDMUNDSON.
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