Stephen H. Briggs received his education in the common schools at the Courtland Academy, New York, after which he taught school in New York state for one year and then moved with his parents to Wisconsin, where Mr. Briggs engaged in the profession of a school teacher for three years. Moving to the state of Minnesota, Mr. Briggs continued in his duties as a school teacher for a short time after which, in 1860, he bought forty acres of land in section 12 , Traverse township, Nicollet County. On his farm Mr. Briggs built a frame house in 1862, which now serves as a part of his present residence which is today one of the best of the community. From time to time he has added to his acreage, until now he is the owner of nearly two hundred acres of land on which he engages in general farming and in the raising of live stock. Mr. Briggs specializes in life stock culture, now being the owner of a herd of about thirty cattle as well as twelve head of good grade horses. Mr. Briggs has been one of the organizers of the co-operative creamery at Traverse Station, a concern which Mr. Briggs managed for many years. About the year 1880 he built a grain elevator at Traverse Station which he managed until 1907, and he has been the promoter of other enterprises all of which have been notably successful.
Mr. Briggs has taken a conspicuous part in the political and official life of his community for many years. He started his political career om 1875, when he was elected to the office of county surveyor; he also has been the occupant of the offices as assessor. township treasurer for Traverse township, during a term of 15 years; clerk of the school board and member of the school board for many years. Mr. Briggs has served his township as supervisor and was postmaster of Traverse for some time.
History of Nicollet and LeSueur Counties
Volume 1
Gresham 1916