Harry Briggs was a World War II veteran. Briggs, a gas station attendant, and his wife, Eliza allowed Rev. DeLaine to use their home for people to sign the petition that became Briggs v Elliott. Eventually, Briggs was fired from his job on Christmas Eve and Mrs. Briggs lost her job as a motel maid. The case of Briggs v Elliott was named for Harry Briggs, who was listed first on the petition.
