Briggs, George N. (George Nixon), 1796-1861

Governor of Massachusetts, 1844-51.

From the description of Letter : Lanesboro, Mass., to an unidentified correspondent, 1835 Nov. 12. (Bryn Mawr College). WorldCat record id: 29461777

George Nixon Briggs (1796-1861) began to study law in 1813 and in 1818 was admitted to the bar. In 1824, he was elected town clerk of Lanesboro, Mass., and in 1826, was appointed chairman of the commissioners of highways of Berkshire County. In 1830, he was elected to Congress, where he served from 1831-1843 as a Whig. He consistently opposed the extension of slavery. In 1844, he became governor of Massachusetts and was reelected each year until 1851. He condemned the Mexican War and opposed the annexation of Texas. In state affairs his strongest interest was in education. In 1853, he was appointed judge of the court of common pleas. His official career ended when that court was abolished in 1858. From 1856 to his death he was president of the American Temperance Union. He was the most prominent Baptist layman in the U.S. and from 1847 to his death he was president of the Baptist Missionary Union. He died from an accidental gunshot wound.

From the description of Correspondence, 1832-1861. (American Antiquarian Society). WorldCat record id: 191259196

U.S. representative and governor of Massachusetts.

From the description of George N. Briggs appointment, 1844. (Unknown). WorldCat record id: 79451511