A. J. Riggins was born July 17, 1834 in Montgomery County, the son of William and Thursa Chisman Riggins. William came from North Carolina and settled in New Providence where he died in 1875. He was a farmer and the father of nine children: Thomas, Charles, M.P., William, Mary, Sallie, Johnson, A.J. and G.P.

In 1856 A.J. married Mary Harris and had eight children: Annie, Ishy, Robert, Eddie, Lula, Claud, Calvin and Myrtle.

A. J. was raised on a farm and started out on his own in 1858. When the war broke out he hired a substitute to go in his place. He owned a large farm and was well-respected by all.

http://freepages.genealogy.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~nightshade/Folks_Families_1.html