Nathan L. Briggs

NJGenWeb ~ Morris County, New Jersey

Nathan L. Briggs

Source: History Morris County New Jersey, Volume II, Lewis Publishing Co., 1914

Nathan L. BRIGGS, one of the representative men of Boonton, a leading man of affairs, whose public spirit as a citizen and broad-minded policies as an official have been to the general good of the community, was born in Wareham, Plymouth county, Massachusetts, January 4, 1845, son of Job M. and Rebecca (HOLMES) BRIGGS, natives of Massachusetts, both of whom are now deceased, his death occurring in Massachusetts and hers in New Jersey after a residence of about two years there. Job M. BRIGGS was a sea captain during the active years of his life. He and his wife were the parents of a large family, three of whom are living at the present time (1913):

ˇ Mrs. Oscar W. MYERS, of Boonton;
ˇ Mrs. Benjamin STANLEY, of Haddleborough, Massachusetts;
ˇ Nathan L., of whom further.

At the age of seventeen years, after completing his education in the public schools of Wareham, Nathan L. BRIGGS came to New Jersey, locating in Boonton, where he secured employment in the Boonton Nail Works, remaining there until the business was closed in 1876, when he removed to Northumberland, Pennsylvania, where he served as superintendent of Van Alens Nail Works for ten years, and then, in order to recuperate his failing health, returned to Boonton, New Jersey, and has resided there up to date. In 1890 he was one of the organizers of the Boonton National Bank, was appointed one of its directors, in which capacity he served until 1903, when he was appointed vice-president, his present position. The bank was organized with a capital of $50,000, which in 1907 was increased to $100,000, and at the present time the total resources amount to $1,078,561.10, which fact is ample proof of the efficient manner in which it affairs are conducted and the confidence reposed in its officers by the residents of the community. He is also president of the Boonton Building and Load Association, serving in that office sine its organization in 1889, and is a stockholder in the majority of the important enterprises of Boonton, which have added so materially to its growth and material welfare. He has also been equally prominent in the public affairs of the town, affiliating with the Republican party, and serving as trustee of the village of Boonton, was a member of the committee that effected its incorporation as a city, was a member of the council, and for two terms held office of mayor, discharging the duties of that onerous position with wisdom and clearness, winning the approbation of his fellowmen and the loyalty of his constituents. He attends the Presbyterian church, and is a member of Arcania Lodge, No. 60, F. and A. M., having held membership in the same for a longer period than any other resident of Boonton.

Mr. BRIGGS married, 1867, Amelia C. Norris, born in Boonton, daughter of James S. and Elvira (CLAUSON) NORRIS, of Boonton, the former named being an iron worker and a man of prominence in the community. The life of Mr. BRIGGS has been a busy, useful, and honorable one, well worthy of emulation, and his worth commends him to all with whom he is brought in contact.

This biography was transcribed by John Cresseveur (1949-2003).