Glen Briles (1895–1983)
Rooted in Kansas, Devoted to Family and Community
Early Life
Glen Briles was born on March 6, 1895, in Woodson County, Kansas, to Edward Grant Briles and Frances Artlissa (“Artie”) Ricketts Briles. He grew up in southeastern Kansas, where his family lived in Pleasant Township, Coffey County, as of the 1900 and 1905 state and federal censuses.
By 1910, the Briles family had settled in Liberty Township, Woodson County, where Glen was listed at age 15 alongside his parents and siblings: Edward O., Francis E., and Lulu B. The family lived a typical rural life, likely involved in farming and small-town affairs.
Adulthood and Marriage
In the early 20th century, Glen continued to live in Liberty Township. In 1915, at age 19, he was still residing with his family in Woodson County. On June 5, 1917, he registered for the World War I draft in Liberty (Dutro), though there’s no indication that he served in the military.
Shortly after the war, on April 18, 1919, Glen married Marcia Ruth Lynn in Madison, Greenwood County, Kansas. Ruth was born January 26, 1893, and like Glen, was a lifelong Kansan.
Together they made their home in Woodson County. By 1920, Glen and Ruth were living in Liberty Township and had begun their married life. In 1930, they were still in the same area, raising their daughter Mary Frances Briles, born December 25, 1922, in Vernon, Woodson County.
Career and Civic Involvement
In 1939, the family had relocated to Yates Center, the county seat of Woodson County. Glen worked for the City of Yates Center in the water and street department, a vital job during an era when many small towns were modernizing infrastructure.
He remained civically engaged and was listed in every federal census from 1940 through 1950 as a resident of Yates Center. He also registered for the World War II “Old Man’s Draft” in 1942, giving his address as 500 South Ridge.
In 1945, Glen was recorded attending the funeral of Darrel Smalling in Emporia, showing his ties to extended family or community friends. He continued to appear in newspaper records throughout the 1950s, and was a known and steady presence in the local community.
Later Years and Death
Glen’s wife, Ruth, passed away on October 5, 1972, at age 79. Glen lived on for more than a decade. He passed away on June 30, 1983, at the age of 88, in St. Anthony’s Hospital in Hays, Kansas, where his daughter resided.
His obituary, published in the Yates Center News, noted:
“He worked several years for the city of Yates Center in the water and street department. He was preceded in death by his parents and his wife. He is survived by his daughter, Mary Frances McNeil of Hays; two grandchildren, Marcia Pfeifer of St. Louis, MO, and Glen McNeil of Hays; two great-grandchildren, Nicole McNeil and Becky Pfeiffer; a sister, Lulu Cope of Yates Center; and other relatives and friends.”
Glen’s funeral was held on Saturday, July 2, 1983, at Campbell Funeral Home, officiated by Reverend Ronald L. Starr. He was buried in Crandall Cemetery in Coffey County, Kansas, beside his wife.
Family Legacy
Glen and Ruth’s only child, Mary Frances Briles, married Edgar Francis McNeil on August 14, 1948, in Manhattan, Kansas. Mary Frances passed away in 2011 in Hays, Kansas, leaving behind a legacy of grandchildren and great-grandchildren who continue the Briles family story.
Historical Context
Glen Briles’ life stretched across an extraordinary period in American history. He was born before the Wright brothers flew and lived to see a man walk on the moon. His lifetime spanned two world wars, the Great Depression, the Dust Bowl years that impacted Kansas agriculture, and the post-war era of rural electrification and community development.
Living most of his life in southeastern Kansas, Glen’s experience reflects the story of many Americans who remained tied to their local roots, contributing steadily to their communities through civil service and strong family values. His consistent presence in local records speaks to a life lived with quiet purpose, grounded in place and tradition.