Dr. Caleb Briggs
The development of the mineral resources of Southeastern Ohio is due largely to the study of its geology by Dr. Caleb Briggs, born in North Rochester, Mass., May 24, 1812, but long a resident of Ironton, O., where he died September 24, 1884. He was educated for a physician. He was engaged in the first survey of the coal and iron regions of Ohio, entering upon the work in June, 1837, and exploring Athens, Gallia, Hocking, jackson, lawrence and Scioto counties. Subsequently he also made surveys in Crawford, Tuscarawas, Wood, and perhaps other counties, terminating his earliest labors in 1839, after which he was employed in similar work in the western counties of Virginia. He was an extremely intelligent, useful, broad-minded and benevolent citizen, giving to Ironton, the city of his adoption, $25,000 with which to found a public library.
From Historical Collections of Ohio, Vol 2 by Henry Howe. (pub 1888)