died on June 18, 1814 at the age of 71 and was buried in the Oxford Congregational Cemetery on Governor's Hill Road, Oxford.
    During his lifetime he attained high rank both for his military accomplishments and his civic involvements. John Riggs was captain of the first military district in the parish of Oxford prior to the Revolution. In April of 1775, he marched with the Derby men to the relief of Boston. Following that time, his military career was spent in the Connecticut area, serving the cause of independence.
    At the time the British invaded New Haven, Riggs was Captain of a unit which served in that city. The British invaded New Haven on July 5, 1779, and the unit spent six weeks serving as guards in the Fairfield, Stratford and New Haven area after the raid, as the colonists feared another approach of the enemy. At this time, he was part of Major Smith's regiment.
    Riggs attained the rank of Captain in the 2nd Militia Regiment.
    During the Revolution, he spent much of his time in the Oxford - Derby area, and was on a number of committees appointed by the Derby Town Meetings. In 1778 he was named to a committee to provide clothing for the soldiers. In June, 1780, a Derby Town Meeting appointed Captain John Riggs to enlist the continental soldiers and pay their bounty.
    Following the successful completion of the American Revolution, Riggs became active in another effort for "independence,"  - the separation of Oxford Parish from the old Town of Derby. He was one of those who worked for many years at this effort, of which it was said Oxford residents labored seven years for their independence, the same time it took to win independence from Britain.
    The final arrangements for the separation of the two communities was made by a committee, which included John Riggs. After Oxford was incorporated, John Riggs was moderator at the first election held at the Congregational meeting house. Riggs was elected Oxford's Town Clerk, and he also was on the first Board of Selectmen which consisted of five persons.