John Briscoe was the fourth son of Leonard Brisco and wife Mabell Sands. He was born c.1612 at Crofton, Cumberland County, England. He married Elizabeth Dubois, a Huguenot. It is not certain if they married in England or Maryland. There were three known children. He was a physician. His name appears in the 1615 and 1666 Visitations of Cumberland and Westmorland Counties.

John sailed in 1633 for Maryland, by invitation of Cecil Calvert. He was one of the 'gentlemen adventurers' in the expedition that included the ships Ark and Dove. He became a part of the group known as St. Mary's Court. He died in Maryland, but his date of death is not known.

The American Briscoes generally have an "e" at the end of their surname. This family is not to be confused with the Biscoe family of Maryland in the 1600's.

Children of John Briscoe and wife Elizabeth Dubois.

• George Briscoe, who died unmarried.
• John Briscoe II, married Mary (unk). He died testate in St. Michael's Hundred, St. Mary's County, Maryland, in November 1718.
• Philip Briscoe, born c.1648, married Susannah Swann of St. Mary's County. Died in Charles County, Maryland, in January 1724/25.