BIO: John Hanna BRIGGS, Dauphin County, PA

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Commemorative Biographical Encyclopedia of Dauphin County, 
Containing Sketches of Representative Citizens, and Many of the 
Early Scotch-Irish and German Settlers.  Chambersburg, Pa.: 
J. M. Runk & Company, 1896, pages 236-237.
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  BRIGGS, JOHN HANNA, son of Joseph Briggs and Caroline E. Hanna, was 
born in 1815, at Silver Spring, Cumberland county, Pa.  His ancestors 
were of English descent and early settlers in Pennsylvania.  He 
received a classical education and was a graduate of Rutger's College, 
New Jersey.  Returning to Harrisburg, where his parents had made their 
home, he began the study of law with James McCormick, then one of the 
leading lawyers at the capital, and was admitted to the Dauphin county 
bar April 18, 1837,and at once entered-upon a successful practice of 
his profession.  Mr. Briggs took a prominent interest in municipal 
affairs, was nine years a member of borough council, of which body he 
was eight years president.  He was a director of the old Harrisburg 
Bank, of the Harrisburg Bridge Company, and president of the First 
National Bank of Harrisburg at the time of his death, which took place 
March 29, 1872, in the fifty-seventh year of his age.  "He had gained," 
says Rev. Dr. Robinson, "the reputation of a wise and able counselor, 
and an untarnished name.  He was a most upright citizen, useful, 
patriotic and public-spirited.  He was a true friend, generous and 
forbearing.  His social qualities and gentlemanly bearing surrounding 
him with friends."  Mr. Briggs married Julian Tod, daughter of Judge 
John Tod and Mary R. Hanna.