William A. Briggs was the son of William Hainey Briggs and Jane Isabella Wilson. He was first married to Mary Ann Glant who died of typhoid fever at age 32, leaving him with four young children: William Harry, Gertrude Ann, Edward Elliot, and Buoth Boyd. He married Laura Jane Templeton in 1882. He is buried at Orbisonia Cemetery with Laura, Gertrude, and Buoth.

Special to The Daily News
Orbisonia. April 26 - William Alexandria Briggs, prominent resident and well known Mason, of Orbisonia, died 5:50 A.M., Sunday, April 25, 1926. Mr. Brigg was born in Tuscarora Valley, Pa., Nov. 17, 1846, and was the son of Mr. and Mrs. William Briggs, both deceased. At the time of his death he was aged 79 years, 5 months and 8 days. Mr. Briggs was educated in the grade school in Tuscarora Valley and the Shirleysburg Academy. By Occupation he has always been a blacksmith. He was a member of the Presbyterian Church, and has always been an active supporter of the Church. Mr. Briggs moved to Orbisonia in 1874, and resided there until 1898, at which time he moved to Pittsburgh to work for the Best Manufacturing Company, and remained there until 1912. when he returned to Orbisonia. During his residence in Orbisonia he has always worked for the East Broad Top Railroad and Coal Company in the capacity of Blacksmith, and later Blacksmith Shop Foreman. He has been a memeber of the Cromwell lodge No. 572, A.F.& A.M. since April 9, 1888. He is survived by his widow, Mrs. Laura J. Briggs; one son and one daughter, Edward E. Briggs, of Seward, Pa., and Gertrude A. Briggs, First Aid Nurse for the Youngstown Steel Co., of Chicago, Ill.; two brothers and two sisters: John Briggs of Mt. Union, Bruce H. Briggs, of Springville, New York, Mrs. J.W. Tweed, of Newport, Pa., and Mrs. Tillie Bard of Allenport, Pa. The E.B.T.R.R. and C. Co., shopmen, trainmen, and trackmen, and the Cromwell Lodge No. 572, A. F. & A.M., will attend the funeral in a body. All business places in Orbisonia and Rockhill Furnace will close during the funeral service. Services will be held in the First Methodist Episcopal Church of Orbisonia, Tuesday, April 27, 1926 at 1:30 P.M. Rev. George Applegate, pastor of the First Presbyterian Church will officiate, assisted by Rev. Duvall, pastor of the Methodist Epiccopal Church. Internment at the Orbisonia Cemetery.
The Daily News
Huntingdon, Huntingdon Co., PA
4/26/1926