Life of Benjamin Woodbury Driggs
Written by himself
February 18, 1901.
Born in Ohio, May 13, 1857. Moved to Nauvoo, Illinois in 1842. Lived there during the building of the Nauvoo Temple - as also through the mobbing and martyrdom of Joseph and Hyrum Smith*.
My father and mother were baptized by M. H. Peck in the Mississippi River. We left Nauvoo in the summer of 1846. My grandfather Henry White died in Nauvoo. My grandfather Driggs, died in Iowa - 1846, buried in a little opening in the timber. My father made his coffin. We continued our journey that summer and arrived at Council Bluffs in October same fall. Settled in "Thomas Camp", afterwards called Driggsville and Big Pigeon. My father made a farm and worked it. His trade was wagon building. I helped both in the shop and on the farm. We broke up new prairie and timber, raised cattle.
We left Iowa June 20th. Crossed the Mississippi River and started for Utah, July 4th. Crossed the plains with ox teams and arrived in Salt Lake City, October 2, 1852 after a trying journey.
We went to Uncle S. Driggs1 in Kaysville where my sister, Eliza was born two weeks after our arrival. We moved to Battle Greek, Utah County. Made us a home, a log house, at the corner of ________field - now Lindon. In 1855, Indians broke out bad. We all moved into the fort, July 24, 1855. We were harassed by the Indians, had to guard our animals and stand picket guard during the summer months. In the winter the snows kept them out.
I attended school in the winter. Worked on the farm, and in the canyons.
In 1855 I went to San Bernardino, California with J. H. Rawlins and my Uncle Starling G. Driggs. I lived with J. H. Rawlins - stayed one year and a half. I returned in the Fall of 1856, rode horse back — came with the U.S. Mail. I found my parents and all well.
December 3rd went with others to assist delayed immigrants. We went as far as Ft. Bridger - very hard trip, snow deep. Then I attended school.
February 16th, 1857 I married Olivia Pratt, Elder Orson Hyde officiating. I worked about town during the next summer. I made adobes and built me a home which is now standing, (February 1901), in fair condition.
In September of 1857, I volunteered to defend my country and people against the encroachment of Uncle Sam. Went out with a company of Cavalry, L. W. Willis, Captain. I stayed all that Fall and helped to build fortifications in Echo Canyon. Cached iron burned from wagons on Green River and Big Sandy - did not return until December. Very trying trip. Suffered from cold and hunger with little clothing, during the next winter.
My first son, B. W. Driggs Jr., was born January 3lst, 1858. My family was very low. We did the best we could but that was very meager. My home was left uncovered during winter. I worked at odd jobs moving hay, canyon work, etc.... In March 1860 my eldest daughter, Ella Olivia was born in our house partly finished. Times were hard. We scraped together a few articles for house keeping, paying as high as $5.50 per set for tea cups and saucers and plates. Father made us a table and bedstead. Mother divided beds and bedding with us. I worked early and late on the farm for others. I hauled hay to Camp Floyd and Mercur. I worked at a sorgum molasses mill in the season for such work.
On October 12th, 1862, Luna Belle, my second daughter was born. That Fall I worked on a molasses mill with Bishop H. Walker. In that winter with C.. B. Hawley, went to Reese River to deliver oats to the Overland Mail Co. ... Came back the last of December - very hard trip — suffered from cold. Found many sick of typhoid fever. James Hawley died the next day after our arrival.
In the summer of 1864, in company with John Long and J. L. Foutz, I went to Sweetwater black smithing and trading with the emigrants, returned in August.
November 20th, Don C. was born. I worked at black smithing with John Long. Went out east in 1865 and 1866, with a blacksmith outfit - was on Sweetwater, Green River and Hansfork. Done some work at track laying for Mr. Granger where the station now stands. In 1867 went to Sanpete on General W. B. Pace's Staff. Done service that summer and became acquainted with Miss Rosalia Ellen Cox of Manti, whom I married in Salt Lake Endowment House October 5th. Wilford Woodruff officiating. She taught school and tended the telegraph office the next two years. I worked at black smithing.
I was called to go to the Muddy but was recalled by President Young. I got ready, sold part of my property and made every preparation to take my wife Rosalia, then came the recall. I worked at my trade
In 1868 I took a contract on the Union Pacific Railroad In Echo Canyon. Carried on store keeping then sold out to Plrson [sic] Cook as it was the counsel to do.
Submitted by Ruth H. Barker, 2010
Added by Emily Barker Farrer, 2010