During the ten years that he has been practicing in this city Dr. Hiram B. Riggs has earned a position among the leading members of the medical fraternity in Gloversville and Fulton county. His practice has grown steadily as he has won the confidence of the public and the esteem of his colleagues, until he is now enjoying the success his skill merits.
Dr. Riggs is a comparatively young man to have attained so enviable a place in profession where advancement is proverbially slow. He was born in the town of Brown's Hollow, Montgomery county, New York, forty years ago, on the 5th of December, and is the son of Herbert W. and Hattie (Crosby) Riggs, who were likewise natives of that county. The mother was born in Sykers and the father in Mapleton. Mrs. Riggs was taken from her family by the hand of death when her little son, Hiram B. Riggs, was but four years old. Through his father Dr. Riggs traces his ancestry back in this country for thirteen generations and is justly proud to claim membership in a family that helped settle this country, sent its sons into the Continental army during the Revolution and has since contributed generously to the upbuilding of the mighty nation that is today known as the United States of America. Herbert W. Riggs, his father, is now residing in North Creek, Warren county, New York, where he is managing the New American Hotel. For many years he ran a farm in Montgomery county, but eventually left that occupation to resume the profession of teaching, in which he had formerly been engaged. He entered the hotel business in Schenectady, where he remained for several years, and from there went to North Creek, his present place of abode.
Hiram B. Riggs spent his boyhood and youth in Canajoharie, where he obtained his elementary and secondary education in the public and high schools, graduating from the latter in the class of 1905. The ensuing two years he taught school, one year at Stone Arabia and another at Glen, New York. Entering the Albany Medical College in 1907, he began the long preparation necessary for the practice of medicine and was awarded his M. D. degree by that institution in 1911. His interneship was spent at the Albany Hospital in 1911 and 1912, following which, in 1912 and 1913, he served as chief resident physician of that hospital. In 1913 he became assistant to Dr. Leo H. Newman of Albany, his work in association with this eminent physician adding considerable to his experience and knowledge in professional matters. In April of 1914 Dr. Riggs came to Gloversville to establish a practice of his own and has been thus engaged ever since. As a physician and surgeon he ranks high, while the size and importance of his practice indicates the esteem in which he is held by the people of the community.
On July 8, 1914, Dr. Riggs was married to Miss Ethel Maude Will of Huntington, Quebec, daughter of James and Mary Ann (McNaughton) Will, natives of that province. Her father, a contractor and builder by occupation, passed away in October, 1921. Her mother is living and makes her home in Huntington. Dr. and Mrs. Riggs have three children: Will Crosby Riggs, born July 23, 1915; James Herbert, born November 20, 1917; and Burdette Hiram, born May 1, 1921. The family is identified with the Presbyterian church, of which Dr. Riggs is a member. He is prominently connected with the Masonic order here as a member of the chapter, commandery, council and Cyprus Temple of Albany, and socially is a member of the Eccentric Club. Dr. Riggs' political allegiance is given to the republican party, but he has not taken an active part in public affairs, preferring to concentrate his efforts upon his profession, which is, of course, most exacting in its demands upon his time and energies. He keeps in touch with other men in the medical world through his membership in the American, New York State and Fulton County Medical Associations and by constant study and research work seeks to keep well abreast of the times in his branch of science, which is constantly making new discoveries to alleviate human suffering and prolong the span of life. The medical profession is one that is dedicated to the spirit of service, and that Dr. Riggs lives up to the high ideals of his calling is recognized by all who have known the man and his work.