Senator Dyson took to the floor of the Senate today to praise former Speaker of the House of Delegates and retired Circuit Court Judge John Hanson Briscoe. Judge Briscoe was in Annapolis to lobby for funding for the historic Sotterley Plantation, one of his favorite causes.
Judge Briscoe is a former Chairman of the Sotterley Foundation and is currently serving as co-chair of the Foundation’s Board’s Advisory Council.
“I am very, very proud to introduce to the body my very good friend John Hanson Briscoe, former Speaker of the House and retired Circuit Court Judge and the only one among us who can say he is a direct descendent of John Hanson, the first president of the United States under the Continental Congress,” Senator Dyson said.
“One of the reasons the Speaker is here today is preservation of the historic Sotterley Plantation [located in St. Mary’s County]. This particular plantation was once in disrepair and we would have lost it without his efforts. I am very pleased to call him my friend.”
Senate Finance Chairman Thomas “Mac” Middleton added that Judge Briscoe was “a wonderful person and certainly one of Southern Maryland’s favorite sons.” Senator Middleton also praised Judge Briscoe’s tireless efforts on behalf of Sotterley.
“It is my privilege to have you here,” Senate President Thomas V. Mike Miller, Jr., said.
Judge Briscoe was first elected to the House of Delegates in 1962 and served as Speaker from 1973-1979. He retired as Circuit Court Judge in 2002.