James Milton RIGGS, Congress, IL (1839-1933)

RIGGS James Milton , a Representative from Illinois; born on a farm near Winchester, Scott County, Ill., April 17, 1839; attended the common schools and Eureka (Ill.) College in 1862 and 1863; engaged in agricultural pursuits and taught school; sheriff of Scott County from December 1, 1864, to December 1, 1866; studied law; was admitted to the bar December 28, 1867, and commenced practice in Winchester, Scott County, Ill.; secretary of the Winchester School Board 1868-1884 and served as president 1889-1892; member of the State house of representatives in 1871 and 1872; State's attorney for Scott County 1872-1876; mayor of Winchester in 1876 and 1877; was elected as a Democrat to the Forty-eighth and Forty-ninth Congresses (March 4, 1883-March 3, 1887); was not a candidate for renomination in 1886; resumed the practice of law in Winchester, Ill.; president of the State bar association in 1891; delegate to several State conventions; was elected judge of Scott County in 1922; reelected in 1926 and served until 1930 when he retired from active pursuits; died in Winchester, Ill., November 18, 1933; interment in Winchester Cemetery.

Source: Biographical Directory of the United States Congress, 1771-Present