On 23 Dec 1767 when John was 25, he married Elizabeth Hawkins, daughter of Capt. Zachariah Hawkins (8 Feb 1716/7-1806) & Mary Tomlinson (18 Feb 1720/1-18 Aug 1773), in Oxford, CT. Born 10 Jan 1745/6 in Oxford, CT. Elizabeth was baptized in Congregational Church, Oxford, 16 Feb 1745/6. Elizabeth died in Oxford, CT on 3 Oct 1815.

On 17 May 1766 when Joseph was 19, he first married Rachel Chatfield, daughter of Solomon Chatfield (13 Aug 1708-Mar 1779) & Hannah Pierson (4 Aug 1715-15 Mar 1801). Born abt 1745 in Derby, CT. Rachel died on 11 May 1778.

On 26 Feb 1783 when Joseph was 36, he second married Elizabeth Johnson (30693) , daughter of Joseph Johnson (29 Nov 1717-15 Jun 1787) & Elizabeth Durand (13400) (6 Feb 1718-1 Oct 1784). Born on 14 Mar 1753 in Derby, CT. Elizabeth died on 14 Jan 1842; she was 88.

Children of Joseph and Elizabeth (Johnson) Riggs, born at Derby:
    i. Ranford Riggs, b. 12 Jan 1784, d. 16 Apr 1832, m. Deborah Baldwin (b. 22 Aug 1782 at Derby, d. 26 Jan 1868);
    ii. Laurin Riggs, d. 10 May 1794 at Oxford, CT;
    iii. Rachel Riggs, b. 20 Jan 1786, m. Lewis Remer; and
    iv. Joseph Harvey Riggs. Born on 9 Oct 1793. d. 31 Dec 1879, m. 8 Jan 1818 Betsey Baldwin, b. 10 Apr 1794 at Woodbridge, d. 10 May 1874).