Daniel Wood

The town of Woods Cross and this settlement both trace back to Daniel Wood. A New Yorker baptized in Canada by Brigham Young in 1833, he was such a gifted farmer that Young asked him to stay behind on the Missouri and plant crops for the Saints still coming west. He captained fifty wagons across the plains in 1848 and settled here on ground he judged the richest soil around. The two-story adobe house he built in 1850 served for years as the only place of worship in Davis County, and he later raised its first public hall.

What the plaque says

Born Oct. 16, 1800 in Dutchess County, New York. Died Apr. 15, 1892. Baptized into the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Feb. 20. 1833, Errestown, Canada by Brigham Young. Persecuted with Saints in states of Ohio Missouri and Illinois. Guard, Nauvoo temple. Exchanged 260 acres for 2 wagons, 4 oxen, 3 cows and 1 carriage. In recognition of talent as an exceptional farmer, Brigham Young requested he remain on the Missouri to plant crops for migrating Saints. At age 48 he captained 50 wagons in 2nd Co. 1st Div. of Brigham Young's Co., leaving in spring of 1848 and arriving in Salt Lake Valley Sept. 20, 1848. Later settled near this plot after finding richest soil. In 1850 he built a two story adobe house which for years was the only religious meeting place in Davis County. Later, he built the first public hall complete with belfry and bell which rang for all affairs. Hall housed the first formal local church organizations. The choir consisted of his own family. Wood School held here, the teacher being paid by hall owner and contributions. This hall provided a lovely recreational area. He was known for his sense of humor, devotion to church, civic mindedness, help to many settlers getting started, care for foster homeless children and Indians. With the crossing of the railroad through wood homestead, area was named Woods Cross by Brigham Young. General area south to Salt Lake City, west to Great Salt Lake and east to Sessions Settlement (now Bountiful) came to be known as Woods Cross. Local area still bears name. This private cemetery plot dedicated Aug. 27, 1858 by Daniel Wood. This memorial erected by Daniel Wood posterity and dedicated by his great grandson Henry D. Moyle, First Counselor in the First Presidency of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Apr. 1, 1962.

Where it stands

Worth the stop nearby

• Ensign Peak — 6.6 mi
  A short hike to the spot where Brigham Young surveyed the valley
• Lagoon Amusement Park — 6.8 mi
  A beloved family amusement park operating since 1886
• Temple Square — 7.9 mi
  The spiritual and architectural heart of Salt Lake City
• Salt Lake City — 7.9 mi
  Utah's capital and largest city — where the Wasatch Range meets the Great Salt Lake.

More markers nearby

• The Bamberger — 0.4 mi
• Brick-Making in Bountiful — 0.4 mi
• Bliss Hall — 0.4 mi
• Bountiful Lumber & Supply Company — 0.6 mi