Briggs, William J., was born in Fort Wayne, lN, November 5, 1840. His father, John Briggs, was a native of Rensselaer County and came to Genesee County with his parents, William and Christiana (McGowan) Briggs, in 1826. John Briggs married Mary Cornelia Bnrnham [Farnham?]. William J. Briggs was educated in Batavia. He married Susie, daughter of William H. Davis; they have four children: George A., William D., John R. and Atta Laura. Mr. Briggs is one of the practical and successful farmers of his town, taking an active interest in school and church matters, and he is recognized as a man, of good character and sound judgment.

Source: Our County and its people, A descriptive work on Genesee County, New York, Edited by: F. W. Beers, J.W. Vose & Co., Publishers, Syracuse, N. Y. 1890