Frank A. Briggs

Frank A. Briggs (September 15, 1858—August 9, 1898) was an American Republican elected official who served as the fifth Governor of North Dakota from January 6, 1897 until his death nineteen months later.

A native of Minnesota, Frank A. Briggs was born in the state's Hennepin County and was variously employed as a printer and journalist. Twenty-three years old in 1881, he moved to the city of Mandan, the county seat of North Dakota's Morton County, where he dealt in real estate. Campaigning for public office, he was elected county treasurer, serving from 1885 to 1887, gained the statewide post of auditor in 1894 and, finally, in November 1896, prevailed in the gubernatorial election. An activist executive, he participated in discussions of laws being drafted by the state legislature, including passage of the revenue bill as well as a general railway law which regulated movement of freight and passengers.

Having struggled with tuberculosis, Governor Briggs lost the battle in Bismarck[1] five weeks before his 40th birthday. Lieutenant Governor Joseph M. Devine served the remaining four-and-a-half months of the governor's two-year term.[2]

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Political offices
Preceded by
Arthur W. Porter
North Dakota State Auditor
1895–1896
Succeeded by
Nathan B. Hannum
Preceded by
Roger Allin
Governor of North Dakota
1897–1898
Succeeded by
Joseph M. Devine