John Sandham "Sandy" Briggs

Notes:

The STRIFFLER-BENKELMAN BROADCAST, Volume 18, dated September 5, 1955, reported that John Sandham Briggs was a 1955 graduate of St. Johns, Michigan High School. He was set to attend the University of Michigan in the Fall. The 1961 issue further reported that he was set to report for two years of active duty with the U.S. Army as a Second Lieutenant in the Army Security Agency after completing his Masters Degree in Business Administration.

THE STRIFFLER-BENKELMAN BROADCAST-1961 reported that Michael Brandon was born to Mr. and Mrs. S. Briggs, a great-grandson of Mr. and Mrs. John Sandham. The 1965 issue of the Broadcast reported the birth of Kenneth on February 28, 1965 to John Sandham Briggs and wife Carole, of Mishawauka, Indiana.

OBITUARY

John Sandham "Sandy" Briggs of Jackson passed away peacefully at his home, under the loving care of his family Tuesday, October 14, 2008, age 70 years. He was the son of Roy and Pauline Briggs, born October 20, 1937 in Bad Axe, Michigan.

He is survived by his loving wife, Carole Briggs, of 48 years; five children, Lt. Col. Michael Briggs of Arlington, Virginia, Tom (Mari) Briggs, Sara (Bill) Benedetto of Jackson, Ken (Jennifer) Briggs of Kalamazoo, MI, and Jeff (Rita) Briggs of Portage, MI; 14 grandchildren, Amy, Alyson, Abby, Alec, Kohler, Kelcey, Carter, Dustin and Carmen Briggs, Sam Chimelewski, Lizzy, Michael, Tori and John Benedetto; brother, Ransom A. (Sue) Briggs; several other close relatives. He was preceded in death by his parents; grandson, Cooper Thomas Briggs.

John graduated from high school in St. John's, the University of Michigan with a Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering and an MBA. He served his country with the rank of Captain in the United States Army from 1961 to 1963, moving to Jackson in 1965. John worked for Sparton Electronics for ten years, then Saunders Real Estate, then founded Briggs Real Estate. He was a charter member of Jackson Eye Openers Lions Club with a perfect attendance of 27 years, charter member of Habitat for Humanity, member of First United Methodist Church, Jaycees, Jackson Area Land Lord Association, and many other community service groups. He coached church and little league programs, and helped organize the Appalachian Service Projects. According to his wishes, cremation has taken place.

John was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and uncle. He dearly loved spending quality time with his family and at the lake home. He loved life, traveling, and he never lost the thirst for knowledge. A grateful thank you to Allegiance Hospice for their loving and tender care. A Celebration of his life will be held at First United Methodist Church, 275 W. Michigan Ave, Sunday, October 19, at 3:00 p.m. Reverend Edward Ross and Susan Babb officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to First United Methodist Church, Michigan Parkinson Foundation, Bingham Office Center, 30400 Telegraph, Suite 150, Bingham Farms, MI 48025; or Allegiance Hospice, One Jackson Square, Suite 400, Jackson, MI 49201

The family received friends at the Watson Funeral Chapel, Saturday from 5 to 7 p.m. then at the church, Sunday October 19, 2008 from 2:00 p.m. until time of service at 3:00.

St. Johns Independent
http://miserybay.usanethosting.com/sjindy/obits/2008.shtml

John married Living [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

1. Living
2. Living
3. Living
4. Living
5. Living

Notes:

(Research):

Census Listings:

1920 Census
Michigan, Tuscola County, Akron Township, Akron Village
Enumerated January 5 and 6, 1920
SD 7 ED 169 Sheets 3A and 3B
69-97
Briggs, Jacob Jr Head M W 59 M Mich Mass Ireland English Farmer
Briggs, Jane Wf F W 44 M 1900 Na 1905 Canada English Canand English Canada English
Briggs, Roy Son M W 8 S Mich Mich Canada
Briggs, Bernadine Dtr F W 7 S Mich Mich Canada

1930 Census
Michigan, Huron, Bad Axe City
Enumerated 3 Apr 1930
ED 3 SD 11 Sheet 3B
Scott Street
70-77
Richardson, James W Head O 2400 M W 73 M 27 Canada English Ireland North Canada English 1868 Na None
Richardson, Anna Wf F W 68 m 22 Canada Ireland North Canada English 1882 Na None
Briggs, Roy F Boarder M W 19 S Mich Mich Canada English Bookkeeper Bank

Roy married Pauline Ahr Sandham after 1935. Pauline (daughter of John A. Sandham and Grace L. Striffler) was born on 27 Oct 1911 in Cass City, Tuscola County, Michigan; died on 21 Nov 1989 in Saint Johns, Clinton County, Michigan. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Cass City Chronicle
November 3, 1911

Mr. and Mrs. John A. Sandham are rejoicing over the arrival of a seven pound baby girl at their home Friday morning. Like her father, she has blue eyes and flaxen locks, but the prospects of an abundance of the latter are much more promising in the daughter. The young lady's name is Pauline Ahr.

Cass City Chronicle
Wednesday, November 29, 1989
Page 10, Obituaries

Pauline Briggs

Pauline Sandham Briggs, 78, died Nov. 21 in St. Johns, where she lived for 50 years.

She was born Oct. 27, 1911, in Cass City, the daughter of John A. and Grace (Striffler) Sandham. She graduated magna cum laude from Michigan State College in 1933.

She is survived by her husband, Roy F. Briggs; 2 sons, John Sandham Briggs and his wife, Carole, of Jackson, and Ransom Ahr Briggs and his wife, Susan, of St. Johns; one sister, Deloris Sandham Green and her husband, Raymond of Caseville; 8 grandchildren; 3 nieces, and 2 nephews.

She was preceded in death by a sister, Johanna J. Vallier.

(Transcribed by Melinda McLemore Strong, Summer 2007)

Notes:

Married:
Cass City Chronicle
September 27, 1935
Page Six
Locals

Mrs. Warn Jackson entertained a number of friends at a dinner on Monday evening at the home of her parents, Mr. and Mrs. G. A. Tindale, in honor of Miss Pauline Sandham, whose marriage to Mr. Roy Briggs of Bad Axe, will be an event of the near future. Tall white tapers and white flowers were the table decorations. Miss Margaret Heineman of Kingston and Miss Mabel Crandell of Caro were among the guests.


Cass City Chronicle
Friday, April 17, 1936

Mr. and Mrs. Roy Briggs of Bad Axe spent Sunday with the latter's parents, Mr. and Mrs. John A. Sandham.

Notes:

Cass City Chronicle
May 8, 1936
Page One
Sandham Is One of 175 Honor Salesman

J.A. Sandham, representative of the Lincoln National Life Insurance Co., has been notified that he is to attend his company's regional convention at Green Lake, Wis., Jun. 24, 25 and 26. He is one of 175 of the company's 1500 salesmen who won the right to attend by the large volume of business they have produced the past year.

Cass City Chronicle
Thursday, February 20, 1964
Pages One and Four

To Pay Final Respects Today to John Sandham

Cass City lost one of its pioneer businessmen and civic leaders Monday when John A. Sandham, 87, died at Hills and Dales General Hospital.

Mr. Sandham was active in the business and civic life of the community for over a half century. He was a familiar sight on country roads as he actively conducted his insurance business until he became ill about a month ago.

He served for 15 years as a member and president of the Cass City School Board. He was a member of the village council for 25 years.

Mr. Sandham was a member of the Cass City Rotary Club and served the organization so ably that he was honored at a special party given by fellow members in his honor. A moment of silence in his honor was observed by the club Tuesday.

Mr. Sandham and his wife were room-size contributors to Hills and Dales General Hospital. Each "room gift" required a donation of at least $5,000.

He was a life member of Tyler Lodge F&AM 317 and served as a director of the Cass City State Bank for 48 years.

Mr. Sandham married the former Grace L. Striffler in Detroit May 9, 1910. He was made his home in Cass City since his marriage. He was born in Telsonburg, Ont., Feb. 5, 1877, and moved to Argyle when a young man.

Surviving, besides his widow, are: three daughters, Mrs. Roy (Pauline) BRIGGS of St. Johns, Mrs. Raymond (Deloris) GREEN of Albion, and Mrs. A.E. (Johanna) VALLIER of Plymouth; a sister, Mrs. Mary HARTWICK of Detroit; five grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.

Final rites will be held Thursday at 2 p.m. at Little's Funeral Home. The Rev. James Braid, pastor of the First Methodist Church, will officiate. The Cass City Rotary Club members will act as pallbearers and honorary pallbearers at the funeral.

Burial will be in Elkland Cemetery.

(Transcribed by Melinda McLemore Strong, 2007 and 2008)

Granddaughter Mary reportes that the family lived at 6351 Main Street in Cass City, and also owened a farm east of the City. He was "the first Lincoln National Life agent in Michigan. He was known for helping non-college graduatefamilies save thru insurance policies to put their children through college. One of his biggest prides was all three of his daughters Pauline Sandham Briggs, Deloris Sandham Green of Bad Axe, and Johanna all graduated from Michigan State. They also were founders of the Case City Summer Home Club in Caseville"

John married Grace L. Striffler on 9 May 1910 in Detroit, Wayne County, Michigan. Grace (daughter of Samuel W. Striffler and Pauline Ahr) was born on 5 May 1885 in Elkland Township, Tuscola County, Michigan; died on 13 May 1969 in Lansing, Ingham County, Michigan; was buried on 15 May 1969 in Elkland Township Cemetery, Cass City, Tuscola County, Michigan. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Cass City Chronicle
Cass City, Michigan, Dec. 21, 1928
Page Five
Where they will spend Christmas

Mr. and Mrs. J.A. Sandham and daughters, Mr. and Mrs. Angus McPhail of Cass City, Mr. and Mrs. F.C. Striffler and children of Caro, Dr. and Mrs. Harry Striffler of Pontiac will spend Christmas Day with Mr. and Mrs. William MORETON in Detroit.

Cass City Chronicle
July 12, 1940
Local Items
Page 5

Mrs. John Sandham drove to Detroit on Tuesday to attend a bridal shower for her niece, Miss Leila Hartwick. Albert McPhail accompanied her to Detroit and returned to Cass City with her on Wednesday evening.

Cass City Chronicle
Thursday, May 15, 1969
Page 3

Final rites today for Mrs. Sandham

Funeral services will be held Thursday at 2 p.m. at the Trinity United Methodist Church for Mrs. Grace Sandham, 84, a lifelong member of the community.

Mrs. Sandham died Tuesday, May 13, at Sparrow General Hospital in Lansing.

She was born in Elkland township May 5, 1885, the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Striffler. She married the late John Sandham in Detroit May 9, 1910. They lived in Argyle before moving to Cass City.

Mr. Sandham died Feb. 17, 1964. The Sandhams were well-known public and business figures in the community.

They were one of several families to make room-size ($5,000 or more) donations to the Hills and Dales General Hospital.

Mrs. Sandham was a member of the Cass City (Trinity) United Methodist Church.

She is survived by three daughters, Mrs. Roy (Pauline) BRIGGS of St. Johns, Mrs. Raymond (Delores) GREEN of Albion and Mrs. A.E. (Johanna) VALLIER of Plymouth.

The Rev. Donald Turbin will officiate at the final rites.

Burial will be in Elkland Cemetery.

(Transcribed by Melinda McLemore Strong, 2007 and 2008)

(Research):
Census Information:

1920 Census
Michigan, Tuscola, Township of Elkland, Village of Cass City
Enumerated 7th January 1920
SD 7 ED 179 Sheet 2B
47-47
Sandham, John A. Hd M W 42 M 1880 Na 1905 Canada English Canada English Canada English Agent Life Insurance
Sandham, Grace L. Wf F W 34 M Mich NY Canada English
Sandham, Pauline A Dtr F W 8 S Mich Canada Mich
Sandham, Deloris Dtr 6 S Mich Canada English Mich
Sandham, Johanna J Dtr F W 3 11/12 S Mich Canada English Mich

Notes:

Cass City Chronicle
January 24, 1908
Local Items, page 4

Fred and Harry Striffler and a number of their young friends went to Argyle Friday evening and spent several housrs at the home of the boys' parents. The trip was made in a bob sleigh and the crowd had a happy time.

Cass City Chronicle
Friday, May 30, 1913

Ruth Striffler of Argyle was the guest of her sister, Mrs. J.A. Sandham, Friday.

Mr. and Mrs. S.W. Striffler of Argyle were callers at the home of J.A. Sandham Tuesday.


Cass City Chronicle
January 15, 1915

Mr. and Mrs. S. W. STRIFFLER and Mr. and Mrs. Angus McPHAIL of Argyle and Harry C. STRIFFLER of Ann Arbor were New Years guests at the home of J.A. SANDHAM

Cass City Chronicle
January 14, 1916

Mrs. Angus McPHAIL of Argyle is visiting her sister, Mrs. J.A. Sandham

Cass City Chronicle
October 05, 1923

Mr. and Mrs. W.H. Moreton of Detroit arrived in town Thursday last week and have been visiting Samuel Striffler, Mr. and Mrs. Angus McPhail and Mr. and Mrs. J.A. Sandham until Wednesday when they returned home. Mrs. Moreton's father, Samuel Striffler, returned with them to make a short stay.

Cass City Chronicle
June 18, 1926
Local Happenings, Page 8

Chas. Rommell of Sturgis is visiting his cousin, S. W. Striffler, and other relatives.

Cass City Chronicle
Friday, March 16, 1928

Former Argyle Merchant Is Dead

Samuel W. Striffler, who had been in poor health for several years, passed away at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Angus McPhail, on Tuesday afternoon at the age of 70 years.

He was born in Lancaster, New York, on Dec. 4, 1857. In 1863, the family moved to Sturgis, Michigan, and in 1877 they came to Cass City, settling on a farm in the northeastern part of Elkland township.

On May 9, 1882, Mr. Striffler was united in marriage with Miss Pauline Ahr and they commenced their married life on Mr. Striffler's farm in Greenleaf township, three miles east and one mile north of Cass City. Here their children were born and they remained there until December, 1891, when, owing to Mrs. Stiffler's failing health, they moved to Argyle, Sanilac county, where Mr. Striffler engaged in the mercantile business. As a merchant for 28 years in Argyle, Mr. Striffler became widely acquainted, and because of his honorable dealings with his customers and his public spirit in advancing the interests of his town, he was held in high esteem in that community. He was a regular attendant of the Argyle M.E. church and a staunch supporter of that society.

In the spring of 1920, Mr. Striffler sold his mercantile business at Argyle and bought a home in Cass City. Mrs. Striffler passed away on Nov. 4, 1920, and a son, Edward H., preceded his parents in death in 1903. Since Mrs. Striffler's death, Mr. Striffler has made his home with his daughter, Mrs. Angus McPhail.

Funeral services will be held in the Evangelical church in Cass City this (Friday) afternoon at two o'clock, conducted by Rev. George Hill, assisted by Rev. C.F. Smith, and interment will be made in Elkland cemetery.

Mrs. Striffler is survived by five children, Mrs. John A. Sandham and Mrs. Angus McPhail, both of Cass City, Mrs. Wm. Moreton of Detroit, Fred Striffler of Caro and Dr. Harry C. Striffler of Pontiac; two brothers, Wm. D. Striffler and Solomon C. Striffler, both of Cass City, and three sisters, Mrs. Chas. E. Patterson and Mrs. Edward Helwig, both of Cass City, and Mrs. Andrew McDermott of Alhambra, California.

(Transcribed by Melinda McLemore Strong, 2007)

(Research):Census Information:

1900 Census
Michigan, Sanilac, Argyle
Enumerated 22 Jun 1900
SD 7, ED 113, Sheet 10A, Stamped 10
HH 182-186
William and Elizabeth Striffler & Family
HH 184-188
Striffler, Samuel W M Dec 1857 42 M 18 Ny Germany Germany Dry Goods Merchant
Striffler, Pauline F Oct 1860 39 M18 6/6 Ct Germany Germany
Striffler, Edward H W M Jun 1882 17 S Mich NY Ct
Striffler, Grace L W F May 1885 15 S Mich NY Ct
Striffler, Lillian E W F Nov 1886 13 S Mich NY Ct
Striffler, Ruth M W F Apr 1888 12 S Mich NY Ct
Striffler, Fred W M Apr 1890 10 S Mich NY Ct
Striffler, Harry W M July 1891 9 Mich NY Ct

1910 Census
Michigan, Sanilac, Argyle Twp, ED 127
Enumerated 12 May 1910 by James Aute
SD 7 ED 127 Sheet 12 B
237-238
Striffler, Samuel W Hd M W 52 M1 28 NY France-German Germany-German Retail General Store
Striffler, Pauline Wife F W 49 M1 28 6/5 Connecticut Germany-German Germany-German
Striffler, Lilian Dtr F W 23 S Mich NY Ct Telephone Operator Central Office
Striffler, Fred C Son M W 20 S Mich NY Ct Clerk Retail General Store
Striffler, Grace L Dtr F w 25 S Mich NY Ct

1920 Census
Michigan, Sanilac County, Argyle
SD 7, ED 126 Sheet 1B
20-22
Striffler, Samuel W Hd M 62 M NY France/German Germany/German
Striffler, Pauline Wf F 59 M Oh Oh Oh
Vore, Gladys Servant F 17 F Canada Scotland/English Scotland/English

Samuel married Pauline Ahr on 9 May 1882 in Cass City, Tuscola County, Michigan. Pauline (daughter of Gottlieb Ahr and Johanna Friedericke Stoll) was born on 2 Oct 1860 in Bridgeport, Fairfield County, Connecticut; died on 4 Nov 1920 in Cass City, Tuscola County, Michigan; was buried in Elkland Township Cemetery, Cass City, Tuscola County, Michigan. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Cass City Chronicle
November 12, 1920
Page 1

Passing of Early Resident of Elkland Township

The Funeral of Mrs. Samuel W. Striffler was held Monday afternoon

Mrs. Samuel W. Striffler, for many years an invalid, passed away at her home on South Seeger St., Cass City, Thursday afternoon, Nov. 4, at the age of 60 years.

Pauline Ahr was born Oct. 2, 1860, in Bridgeport, Conn. At the age of eight years, she came to Cass City with her parents. Mr. and Mrs. G. Ahr. The family was among the first settlers in Elkland township, saw it pass through the ravages of two forest fires in '71 and '81 and witnessed the transformation from virgin forests to a rich agricultural section. Miss Ahr resided in Cass City until 1882 when on May 9 she was united in marriage with Samuel W. Striffler. They lived on a farm near Cass City, where their children were born, until December 1891 when the family moved to Argyle chiefly because of Mrs. Striffler's failing health. Here Mr. Striffler was engaged in the mercantile business for 28 years.

Mrs. Striffler was brought to Pleasant Home Hospital at Cass City last February where she remained several months. When Mr. and Mrs. Striffler purchased a home on South Seeger St. recently, she was moved there where her death occured last Thursday.

Funeral services were held Monday afternoon at the Evangelical church where Mrs. Striffler was a member previous to her residence at Argyle. Rev. J.A. Yeomans of Midland, a former pastor of the M.E. church at Argyle where Mrs. Striffler was a faithful member, officiated at the service, assisted by Rev. Wm. Richards, pastor of the local M.E. church, and Rev. Bowman, past of the Argyle church. Songs were touchingly rendered by Mrs. Grace Wilder Harris of Caro and floral offerings were many and of a rare beauty. A large number of friends of the family came from Argyle and Hay Creek and the church never had a larger audience at a similar service.

Rev. Yeomans spoke appreciatively of Mrs. Striffler's helpfulness and encouragement in the church work at Argyle where she served the congregation in several official capacities. Among a host of friends, she ranked always as a woman of refinement and sympathy, a kind neighbor, devoted mother and a true friend, and withal a woman of heroic mould in bravely meeting the disappointments of life incident to prolonged illness. Flowers not thorns, sunshine not shadow, did she scatter everywhere.

Besides her husband, she leaves five children, Mrs. J.A. Sandham and Mrs. Angus McPhail, both of Cass City, Mrs. Wm. Moreton of Detroit, Fred C. Striffler of Caro and Dr. Harry Striffler of Pontiac; three sisters, Mrs. C.O. Lenzner of Cass City; Mrs. Emma Gamble of Flind and Mrs. Lydia Royer of New York City; and one brother, T.H. Ahr of Ferrell, Idaho. One son, Edward H., preceded Mrs. Striffler in death in 1903.

Relatives and fireds from a distance in attendance at the funeral were Mr. and Mrs. Wm. Moreton of Detroit, Dr. and Mrs. Harry Striffler of Pontiac, Mr. and Mrs. F.C. Striffler, Mr. and Mrs. Howell and W.H. Cooper of Caro, Mrs. Lydia Royer of New York City, Mrs. Emma Gamble of Flint, Mr. and Mrs. Adolph Muellerweiss and daughter, Claudia, of Sebewaing, Mrs. Ida Held, Mrs. Henry Schust, Mrs. Sophia Housner and Mrs. Jos. Ackerman, all of Saginaw, Mr. and Mrs. Harry Lagden of Bay City and Mr. and Mrs. F.H Muck of Colwood.

(Transcribed by Melinda McLemore Strong, Fall 2007)

A copy of her actual Michigan Death Certificate can be seen online here:

http://seekingmichigan.org/

Indexed as Pauline Striffler. The The July/August 2011 issue of the Cass City Area Historical and Genealogy Society, Volume 16, Number 4, featured an article about the Ahr family, and referred to her as Perlinas instead of Pauline.

(Medical):See attached sources.