Law Practice

The Riggs family was interested in the welfare of the community around them. They encouraged their children to obtain an education that would enable them to contribute to their community. Although all of them were involved with ranching one way or another, they each pursued other interests. Two of the boys went to school in Valparaiso, Indiana, and became lawyers.

When he was old enough, James Jay attended the school we had started in Colorado near where we lived. He was 7 years old when the family headed south for Arizona. James J. was 11 years old when the school house was built at home ranch and a teacher hired so he completed the schooling available at the family school. Brannick Benjamin and James Jay were the first of our children to go away to school for higher education. They went to a school in San Diego, California for a year, J.J. staying there for two years. James Jay later joined his brothers at the Northern Indiana Normal School in Valparaiso, Indiana, where he studied Law.

He graduated in 1894 with an LLB degree. After Graduation he returned to Arizona, opened a Law office in Tombstone, AZ, where he practiced law for a short time.

He decided to leave the practice of law and ran for a political office. James J. served as a Representative in the 19th Territorial Legislature for one term. He served as Chairman of the Judiciary Committee, on the Printing Committee, also Public Buildings and Grounds.

After Arizona became a State and William was in the Senate, James helped him draft and pass the Arizona Livestock code.

After we settled in Arizona, John started school at the Home Ranch School. Upon completing all the education available at his home, John also attended school at the Northern Indiana Normal school in Valparaiso, Indiana. John and his brother, James Jay, were members of the Star Literary Society in 1893. In 1894 J.J. Riggs was President 1st term and John C. was Vocal Chorister. In his papers there is an invitation for a performance Saturday 11 Aug 1894. John C. graduated the first time in 1894, graduating in Civil Engineering.

In 1900 John attended a business school in San Francisco. After finishing school in California, in 1904 he went back to school again at Northern Indiana Normal School. This time his nephew, Charles Riggs, went with him. John studied Law and graduated in 1906.

Friday, 22 Sept 1905

John C. Riggs, of Willcox, was elected president of the 1906 Law Class, Valparaiso University, Valparaiso, Indiana, on Wednesday. This is a well-deserved complement to our fellow townsman, and is not only a tribute to his popularity at the University but is also a recognition of his marked ability. This is not the first time that Mr. Riggs' many accomplishments have been recognized at Valparaiso University; he has been prominent in the debating sections and his literary efforts are far above the average. Willcox should be as proud of him as his Uuniversity is.

14 June 1906 Bisbee Daily Review

Upon motion of Attorney Flannigan, J.C. Riggs was admitted to practice in the district court upon presenting a certificate from the Supreme Court of the State of Indiana.

State of Indiana,

County of Porter.} ss

Before me, Kate Corboy, a Notary Public, in and for said State and County aforesaid, personally appeared J.C. Riggs, known to me to be the person whose name is subscribed to the within annexed instrument, and being duly sworn, on oath, acknowledged that he executed the same as his free act and deed for the purpose and consideration therein expressed.

In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my notarial seal in the said State and County, this 22nd day of April, 1905.

(Seal) Kate Corboy,

Notary Public.

My commission expires July 11, 1908

July 18 1906 John moved to Tombstone

1906

. . . .John C. Riggs was an attorney in the law firm of Cunningham, Ellerbe and Riggs in Tombstone.

John served as Deputy County Attorney when the county seat was in Tombstone, Arizona.

John served in the Arizona State Senate of the Eleventh State Legislature

LAW PRACTICE