1999: John & Mary Briscoe

Credit: Executive Office of the Governor

Family Name: The Briscoe Family

John Dawkins Briscoe who was known as “Jack,” was born and raised on his family’s farm “Stonesby,” which has been owned by his family since the 1700s. The then 800 acre tract was located at Island Creek on the Patuxent River. After serving in World War II in the 10^th Armored Division, Jack returned to the farm and, with his father and brother, grew tobacco, corn, wheat, soybeans, and hay. They also raised cattle, dairy cows, hogs, sheep and chickens. Jack was a member of the Maryland Farm Bureau and the Soil Conservation Service. He was a lifelong active communicant of Christ Episcopal Church, having served on the vestry several times. Mary taught Home Economics for over 30 years. She served as President of Delta Kappa Gamma, an international society recognizing key women educators. Mary was also a Master Gardener and President of the Calvert Garden Club. She served on the Judges Council of the Federated Garden Clubs of Maryland and started the Young Gardener’s Club at the Calverton School. Additionally, Mary was a member of the Christ Church Altar Guild, the Vestry, the new Rector Search Committee, and also served on the Architectural Review Board for Calvert County. Jack and Mary also participated in the founding of The Calverton School. Their son, Tommy, now continues the family’s farming tradition, additionally renting other farms in the county.

Ceremony Date: 2/3/2000