John Biggs

John Biggs was born June 7, 1831 in Cuckolds, England to Joseph and Mary Sherwood Biggs. John is a Pioneer of Cove. John is a veteran of the Indian Wars.

History

The early life of John is unknown. In 1852, Missionaries from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints were preaching near where John was living. John was baptized into the church on March 1, 1852. John married Ann Whittemore on March 26, 1853 in Offley, England, however, Ann was not a follower of the Church and did not accept its teachings.1

In 1861, John made plans to move to Utah to be with the Saints, leaving Ann and his two sons behind. John sailed on the Manchester on April 16, 1861 leaving Liverpool, England. While on the ship crossing the Atlantic Ocean, John became acquainted with Martha Lavina Henson. The Manchester arrived in New York City, New York on May 14.2 John joined the Wright-Godbe/George Stringham Freight Train on Aug 3, 1861 and arrived in the Salt Lake Valley on Oct 17.

John Biggs married Martha Lavina Henson on Nov 10, 1861 in Salt Lake City, Utah. Soon after their marriage, the Biggs family moved to Franklin, Idaho, and lived in the Franklin Fort. While there, John entered the practice of polygamy on June 21, 1869 by marrying Jane Theodora Wright in Salt Lake City, Utah. John married Jan Ramsbottom on Nov 22, a year later, in Salt Lake City, Utah.1

By 1877, the Biggs family moved to Mountain Home, Cove. A school was constructed for the settlement and John became superintendent.1

Indian Wars Service

While living in Franklin, Idaho, John was enrolled in a company under the command of William H. Head. He served as a member of the Home Guard from Sep 14, 1864 to Oct 28.3

Epilogue