The collection is organized into three series, Elden L. Brigham, Brigham family, and township materials. Contents of each series are then organized alphabetically and by size.
Biography:
Elden Leslie Brigham (June 14, 1907-September 1, 1994) was the son of Guy H. and Anna J. (Elder) Brigham. He earned both an A.B., M. A., and Ph.D. from the University of Michigan. He taught at rural schools after attending Osceola County Normal School, and later taught at Eastern Michigan University, Wayne State University, and Syracuse (New York) University.
During World War II, Elden served in the Navy. Later, he did Veterans Counseling. The bulk of Elden’s career was spent at the University of Michigan as Supervisor of Employment, Assistant Personnel Officer, Plant Personnel Officer, and Supervisory of Apprenticeship Training.
After 1969, Elden lived on Emerald Lake (Mecosta County, Michigan) with his wife, Margaret. He was his family’s genealogist. The Clarke has three books by Elden: Emerald, History of a Pioneer Community; From Whence We Came: A History of the Thomas Brigham and Related Families; and A Supplement to From Whence We Came. Elden Leslie Brigham died on September 1, 1994 at the age of 87.
Elden was a descendant of Elisha A. Brigham, an early pioneer in Chippewa Township (Mecosta County, Michigan). Elisha was born in Vermont on December 21, 1821. After farming in New York (State), he moved to Michigan in 1867 to farm. On June 20, 1849, he married Celia Baxter (March 16, 1826-?), with whom he had four children: Rosa May (May 4, 1859-January 5, 1868); Ziba W. May 8, 1850-?); Elisha K. (December 23, 1851-?); and Edwin B. (October 1, 1857-?). Elden Brigham was the grandson of Ziba W. Brigham. (This information is from the collection. Elden’s birth and death dates is from the Social Security Death Index (SSDI).)