Clare Briggs

Clare A. Briggs was born on August 5, 1875, in Reedsburg, Wisconsin, and died on January 3, 1930. He was an early American comic strip artist who gained prominence in 1904 with his strip *A. Piker Clerk*. Briggs is best remembered for his later comic strips, including *When a Feller Needs a Friend*, *Ain't It a Grand and Glorious Feeling?*, *The Days of Real Sport*, and *Mr. and Mrs.* His work often captured everyday humor and human relationships with a gentle, observant touch. Over his career, he contributed to publications such as *The Saturday Evening Post*, *Boys' Life*, and *The American Legion Weekly*, with his art appearing on 25 issues in our catalog. Briggs collaborated with various writers and editors, though his signature style remained consistent in its warmth and relatability. He co-created the strip *Oh Skin-nay!: The Days of Real Sport*, which celebrated youthful outdoor adventures. Later in life, Briggs continued to produce comic work until his death, leaving a legacy as a pioneer of the American comic strip. While major awards were less common in his era, his influence is seen in the enduring appeal of his slice-of-life humor.