John F. Driggs facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
John F. Driggs
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| Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Michigan's 6th district |
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| In office March 4, 1863 – March 3, 1869 |
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| Preceded by | District created |
| Succeeded by | Randolph Strickland |
| Member of the Michigan House of Representatives from the Saginaw County district |
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| In office January 1, 1859 – December 31, 1860 |
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| Personal details | |
| Born |
John Fletcher Driggs
March 8, 1813 Kinderhook, New York |
| Died | December 17, 1877 (aged 64) East Saginaw, Michigan |
| Resting place | Forest Lawn Cemetery, Saginaw |
| Political party | Republican |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance |  United States of America |
| Branch/service |  United States Army |
| Rank | Colonel |
| Unit | 29th Michigan Volunteer Infantry Regiment |
| Battles/wars | Civil War |
John Fletcher Driggs (born March 8, 1813 – died December 17, 1877) was an important politician from the state of Michigan in the United States. He served in both the state government and the U.S. Congress.
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Early Life and Work
John Driggs was born in Kinderhook, New York. When he was about 12 years old, his family moved to Tarrytown, New York.
In 1827, John moved to New York City. There, he learned a trade. He became skilled in making sashes, doors, and window blinds. He worked in this business from 1829 to 1856. For a short time in 1844, he was also a superintendent at a public institution on Blackwells Island.
Moving to Michigan
In 1856, John Driggs decided to move to Michigan. He started new businesses there. He worked in real estate, which means buying and selling land and buildings. He also got involved in making salt.
His political career began in Michigan. In 1858, he was the president of the common council in East Saginaw, Michigan. This was like being a leader in the city government.
Serving in the State Legislature
From 1859 to 1860, John Driggs was a member of the Michigan House of Representatives. This is part of Michigan's state government, where laws are made for the state.
During the Civil War
The American Civil War began in 1861. John Driggs was offered a high rank as a colonel in the army. He helped to create a military group called the Twenty-ninth Michigan Infantry. He organized this group on July 29, 1864.
National Politics
John Driggs was a member of the Republican Party. He was elected to the United States Congress. This is where laws are made for the entire country.
He was the very first person to represent Michigan's 6th congressional district. He served in Congress for three terms:
- The 38th Congress
- The 39th Congress
- The 40th Congress
He served in Congress from March 4, 1863, to March 3, 1869.
Honoring President Lincoln
After President Abraham Lincoln passed away, John Driggs was chosen for a special task. He was one of the committee members who went with President Lincoln's body. They traveled to Springfield, Illinois, for his burial.
Later Life and Passing
In the winter of 1875–1876, John Driggs had an accident. He fell on the ice and was injured. He passed away in East Saginaw, Michigan, on December 17, 1877, because of this injury.
He was first buried in Brady Hill Cemetery in Saginaw. Later, his body was moved and re-buried in Forest Lawn Cemetery, also in Saginaw.
