BRIGGS, JOHN C., who is an old resident of Cass County, Ill., and one of its most popular citizens, has officiated continuously as a justice of the peace in Beardstown since his election to this office in 1902. During his active incumbency he has performed his duties with ability, impartiality and efficiency and is considered a thoroughly competent magistrate. He has a large acquaintance among all classes of people in Beardstown, and the number of his friends is limited only by the extent of his acquaintance.

John C. Briggs is a native of Springfield, Ill., where his birth took place January 9, 1848. His parents were James and Susan (Clements) Briggs, the former born in the vicinity of Zanesville, Ohio, and the latter being of Kentucky nativity, born in Lincoln County. Their marriage took place in Springfield, Ill., where James Briggs was engaged in the blacksmithing trade until 1851, when he moved to Logan County, Ill., and applied himself to special trade work. He also owned a farm, on which he died in March, 1859, his widow passing away in 1904. Their children were as follows: William H., and George W., deceased; Samuel, of Dallas, Tex.; John C.; Susan (Mrs. E. Harrold), of Arkansas City, Kans.; Mary M., widow of Thomas Weller, of Ottawa, Kans.; Emma J. (Mrs. Kinney), of Lawrence, Kans.; and Joseph, of Lenora, Okla.

Until his marriage, John C. Briggs lived at home, attending the district schools of the neighborhood in his youth, and being a student in Lincoln University for one year. In March, 1864, Mr. Briggs enlisted in Company B, Thirty-second Illinois Volunteer Infantry, and served through the Atlanta campaign, sharing in Sherman's great march to the sea, taking part in many skirmishes, and finally marching in the Grand review at Washington, D.C. He was transferred to service on the plains in July, 1865, was mustered out at Leavenworth, Kans., and was honorably discharged September 19, 1865.

On August 19, 1870, he was wedded to Kate De Haven, born in Booneville, Mo., a daughter of Capt. David and Jennie De Haven, the father being captain of a Mississippi River steamer. The children of Mr. and Mrs. John C. Briggs were as follows: Jennie A. (Mrs. John Pritchatt); Susie E. (Mrs. J. M. Brown); Mary A. (Mrs. George B. Fritz); and John C., all of Beardstown, Ill.; Kate (Mrs. Samuel Hakes), of Pekin, Ill.; Elnora M. (Mrs. G. H. Bell), of Beardstown, Ill.; and Ralph A., at home. The mother of this family died April 13, 1909. After his marriage, Mr. Briggs lived on a farm in Logan county, Ill., whence he went to Cincinnati, Ohio, returning shortly to Illinois and locating in Lincoln, where he was employed six months in the railroad roundhouse. Later he went again to Logan County, and two years afterwards to Marion County, Kans., where he carried on farming six years. In 1882 he settled in Beardstown, working in different capacities, for the B. & O. and C.B. & Q. Railroad companies until 1889. At that time he was employed by the Metropolitan Life Insurance Company of New York, with which he remained four years. In 1902 he was elected a justice of the peace, which position he has since held. Mr. Briggs is a member of the Christian church. Politically he acts with the Democratic party.