Benjamin S. Briggs was the captain of the Mary Celeste when it was discovered, apparently abandoned, in December 1872. He, his wife and daughter, along with the crew, were believed lost.

He had previously captained the brigantine Sea Foam, and was captain of the three masted schooner Forest King in 1862 when he married Sarah E. Cobb, the daughter of Rev. Leander Cobb. It was on this ship that he and Sarah took their honeymoon trip to Europe. In 1865, when he took command of the bark Arthur, Benjamin gave command of the Forest King to his brother, Oliver.

His son Arthur S. Briggs was born in 1865 at Rose Cottage, Marion, Massachusetts, the following year, the family travelled to Marseilles, France , and returned in time for their daughter, Sophia Matilda, to be born on 31st October 1870 at Rose Cottage. In 1871 Benjamin and his brother were considering giving up the sea and buying a hardware store in New Bedford, but apparently decided against this venture. In 1872 Benjamin bought a share in the brig Mary Celeste, and made modifications to the cabin to house his family. Sarah and Sophia accompanied him on a voyage to Genoa, carrying a cargo of alcohol, while Arthur was left with his grandmother at Rose Cottage to attend school.

For the circumstances of their disappearance, see Mary Celeste