John Briest
Born Nov. 11, 1836, in Trenton.
He started in the printing business at an early age and became foreman of the Trenton True American print shop. He started the penny daily newspaper The Emporium, which remained in operation from 1867 to 1897. In 1905 he founded the Trenton Sunday Courier in 1905.
He was city recorder and excise commissioner before his election to the Mercer County Board of Chosen Freeholders. He served as mayor of Trenton from 1871 to 1875 and was the first city comptroller in 1892 and 1893. He was also a member of Mercer Lodge No. 50 F & AM and an original member of the Trenton Battle Monument Association.
Died Dec. 8, 1915, at his home at 239 N. Broad St.
Courtesy hmdb.org
