James Lawrence Bess (1832–1912)

James Lawrence Bess was born on October 13, 1832, in Greenwood, Steuben County, New York, to Juel and Laura Richardson Bess. When he was just 15 years old, James joined his parents and siblings on a journey of faith and sacrifice — crossing the plains to Utah with Heber C. Kimball’s 2nd Division of over 6,600 Saints. On May 29, 1848, they began the long trek west.

Young James stepped up to take on the work of a man, driving the ox team by day and standing guard at night to protect the camp. Heartbreak struck the family when his beloved sister Laura Melvina, just 14, died on the plains. The loss was especially hard for James, as they had been close companions, nearly the same age.

The Bess family reached the Salt Lake Valley on September 23, 1848, settling first at the pioneer fort before moving to the city’s west side, likely in the 16th Ward. They endured the isolation and hardships of frontier life, far from any settlement except for the roaming Native Americans.

In time, James sought to build a family of his own. His first marriage, to Faney Foulmer, ended sadly when she left him for another man, leaving James to raise their baby son alone with the help of his mother, Laura. In 1864, James married Jane Ramsey, a faithful convert from England. Jane gave him a daughter, Mary Jane, but she too passed away young, leaving James widowed a second time.

His third marriage, to Mary Eliza Dykeman, brought him the greatest family joy and stability. Mary Eliza, a convert from Holland, bore him eleven children, though only four survived to adulthood. Together, James and Mary Eliza homesteaded a productive farm along the south side of what is now 3500 South, from 4400 West to 4800 West — then known as 14th South.

With a team of mules, a wagon, and a hand plow, they turned the land into fertile fields. James raised milk cows, chickens, and horses he was proud of, while Mary Eliza managed the chickens, churned butter, and sold it weekly in Salt Lake City to trade for groceries. James hauled hay to the city as well, delivering every tenth load to the tithing yard at 3500 South and 3200 West — always true to his church obligations.

In the late 1870s, the Bess family first farmed in Taylorsville before moving slightly north into the Granger area, where James became a respected, prosperous farmer for decades. He remained faithful to the church for which he had sacrificed so much, serving and contributing actively until old age limited his abilities.

James Lawrence Bess died on August 12, 1912, at his home in Granger, nearly 80 years old. He was laid to rest in the Taylorsville Cemetery, leaving behind a legacy of hard work, sacrifice, and faith — a legacy that his descendants still carry on in the Granger community today

Born: October 13, 1832, in Greenwood, Steuben County, New York, to Juel and Laura Richardson Bess.
Family’s Choice for Faith: When James was 15, in May 1848, his family joined Heber C. Kimball’s 2nd Division of 6,662 Saints, setting out for Utah to gain religious freedom — despite his grandparents doing all they could to persuade them to stay back east.
Crossing the Plains: James took on the heavy responsibility of a grown man — driving the ox team by day, standing guard by night.
Tragic Loss: His 14-year-old sister, Laura Melvina, died on the plains. Her death was a deep sorrow for James, who had been very close to her.
Arrived in Utah: September 23, 1848. The Bess family settled first at the Pioneer Fort, later moving west of Salt Lake City, probably in the 16th Ward.
Early Hardships: They endured isolation, harsh conditions, and a life far from any other settlements except for roaming Native tribes.
First Marriage: Married Faney Foulmer. She left him and remarried, leaving baby James Jr. for him to raise with his mother’s help.
Second Marriage: In 1864, married Jane Ramsey, a convert from England. They had one daughter, Mary Jane. Jane died when their child was two years old — once again, James’s mother helped raise the little girl.
Third Marriage: Married Mary Eliza Dykeman from Holland. They had eleven children, but only four survived to adulthood.
Homesteading in Granger: In the late 1870s, James and Mary Eliza settled and farmed first in Taylorsville, then moved slightly north to the Granger area. Their farm stretched along the south side of what is now 3500 South from 4400 West to 4800 West.
Hard Work and Industry: With a mule team, wagon, and hand plow, James cleared and worked the land. He raised chickens, milk cows, and prized horses.
Mary Eliza’s Efforts: Mary Eliza churned butter, delivered it to customers in Salt Lake City each week, and traded it for groceries and cash.
Tithing: James faithfully hauled hay to Salt Lake City — every tenth load delivered to the tithing yard at 3500 South and 3200 West.
Community and Faith: Active in church and community affairs throughout his life; known for loyalty and sacrifice for his beliefs.
Death: Died August 12, 1912, at his home in Granger at nearly 80 years old. Buried in the Taylorsville Cemetery.
Legacy: His descendants remained in the Granger area, continuing the legacy of faith, sacrifice, and hard work that James and Mary Eliza built together.

15 yrs old driving an Ox Team : The Journey and Homestead of James Bess