Andrew Briscoe

Andrew Briscoe (November 25, 1810 – October 4, 1849) was a merchant, revolutionary, soldier, and jurist. He was an organizer of the Texas Revolution, attending the Convention of 1836 and signing the Texas Declaration of Independence. He fought in three major battles, including the victory at San Jacinto. He was the first Chief Justice of Harrisburg County, Texas.

Early life Andrew was born in Claiborne County, Mississippi on November 25, 1810. He was the son of prominent Mississippi state legislator Parmenas Briscoe (1784–1850), and his second wife, Mary "Polly" Montgomery (1794–1845). He had one half-brother from his father's first marriage, four full brothers, and six full sisters.

Briscoe was a delegate to the Texas Convention of 1836. After Texas Independence, President Sam Houston appointed him to serve as the first Chief Justice of Harrisburg County, later renamed Harris County, Texas. After his term ended in 1839, he retired from office and became a cattle dealer. In 1839, he planned a new railroad from town of Harrisburg, Texas to the Brazos River. He hired workers to grade a roadbed and lay ties for about two miles before running short of capital.

In 1837, the Briscoes resided in a house at the northwest corner of Main Street and Prairie Avenue in Houston. This dwelling constructed by builder-architect, Thomas William Ward, a small Greek Revival house on a large lot with a variety of flowering trees and fruit trees. They lived in this house until 1839, when they sold it to John Birdsall.

Death and legacy In the spring of 1849, Briscoe moved with his family to New Orleans, where he lived until his death on October 4. Surviving Briscoe were his wife and four children.

Briscoe County, Texas, is named in his honor.