A Compilation of General Voyage Notes

"DEPARTURE. -- We had the pleasure of clearing the ship Monarch of the Sea (Captain Kirkaldy) for the port of New York, on Tuesday, the 26th instant. This ship was chartered to sail on the 23rd instant; but, owing to unavoidable detention in loading and unloading the cargo, through having to change her berth in the dock, she could not be got ready for clearing before Tuesday. She did not sail until the morning of Thursday, the 28th instant. This further delay was attributable to the difficulty in obtaining sailors. So many ships having been prevented form reaching the port by the strong easterly winds which have lately prevailed, and the bounty offered by the American navy inducing so many sailors to enter into their service, there has been a great scarcity of that class of men, of late, in this port.

This goodly ship has sailed with 973 souls of the Saints on board, nearly every one of whom have paid their way through to Wyoming. This is the largest company of Saints, we believe, which has ever sailed from the shores of Europe for America. Though they have had some inconveniences to endure, through the ship not being completely prepared to receive them at the time they were advised to come forward, good feelings and good order were noticeable in their midst, and they formed no exception, in this respect, to the many companies of Saints which have left these shores for Zion. On Sunday, the 24th, a public meeting was held on board the ship, in the Bramley-Moore Dock, at which meeting several of the elders spoke, in Danish and English, and imparted much instruction, pertinent to the occasion, and the circumstances which surrounded the Saints, and which, if treasured up by the Saints, would be profitable to them on their journey. The company was also organized at this meeting . Elder John Smith (patriarch) was appointed to preside, and Elders John D. Chase, J. P. R. Johnson and Parley P. Pratt were appointed his counsellors, and to assist him in taking charge of the Saints. Elders to preside over the various wards, into which the ship will be divided, were also selected at this meeting. Five elders who were sent form Zion on missions to Europe sailed on this ship. Their names are -- John Smith, John D. Chase, J. P. R. Johnson, Parley P. Pratt and Christoffer Holberg. . . ."

MS, 26:19 (May 7, 1864), pp.298-99

"Thurs. 28. [Apr. 1864] -- The ship Monarch of the Sea, sailed from Liverpool, England, with 973 Saints, under the direction of Patriarch John Smith. It arrived at New York June 3rd, and the emigrants reached Wyoming, Nebraska, in safety."

CC, p.71

". . . On April 10th, at 5 p.m., the Swedish steamer 'L. J. Bager' sailed from Copenhagen, carrying 350 emigrants from Sweden and Norway and some from the Fredericia Conference, Denmark, in charge of Johan P. R. Johansen. This company of Saints went by steamer to Lubeck, thence by rail to Hamburg, thence by steamer to Hull, in England, and thence by rail to Liverpool, where the emigrants joined another company of emigrating Saints which sailed from Copenhagen three days later.

On April 13, 1864, the English steamer 'Sultana' sailed from Copenhagen, Denmark, with 353 emigrants from different conferences in Denmark, excepting a few from Fredericia, who, on account of the war, had to go direct to Hamburg. This company was in charge of President Jesse N. Smith, who returned home from a successful mission to Scandinavia. Elder John Smith, who on account of poor health had labored in the mission office in Copenhagen, and Christoffer Holberg, who had labored in Sweden, also left with this company, returning to their homes in Zion. The following eders who had presided over conferences, were among the emigrants; Niels C. Edlefsen, Peter C. Geertsen, Peter C. Carstensen, Nils C. Flygare, Anders Swedlund, Jens Hansen, Lars Nilsson, Anders Pontus Soderborg and Jens C. Olsen. A number of the traveling elders, who had diligently labored in the ministry, also emigrated with this company, which, like the preceding one, went by way of Lubeck, Hamburg and Grimsby to Liverpool, where they were joined by the company that sailed from Copenhagen, April 10th.

On Tuesday, April 26th, the ship 'Monarch of the Sea' cleared for sailing, and on Thursday, April 28th, sailed from Liverpool, England, with 973 souls on board. Patriarch John Smith was chosen president of the company with Elders John D. Chase, Johan P. R. Johansen and Parley P. Pratt, junior, as his counselors. Elders were also appointed to take charge of the different divisions of the company. During the voyage there was considerable sickness and some deaths, mostly of children. In the morning of June 3rd the 'Monarch of the Sea' arrived at New York where the landing of the emigrants at Castle Garden at once took place. In the evening they boarded a steamer for Albany, N. Y., and from there they traveled by train to St. Joseph, Missouri; thence by steamer up the Missouri River to Wyoming, Nebraska, from which place most of the Scandinavian Saints were taken to the Valley by Church teams, of which 170 were sent out by the Church that season. Thus about four hundred Scandinavian emigrating Saints crossed the plains in Captain William B. Preston's company of about 50 Church teams, that left Wyoming, Nebraska, in the beginning of June, and arrived in Salt Lake City, Sept. 15, 1864. . . ."

HSM, pp.181-82

Autobiography of Andrew Christian Nielson

The 4th of February 1864 I baptized Mary Kirstine Anderson, that time dairy maid on Kirholt by Frederickshaven, who soon after was discharged because she became a Mormon and she borrowed enough money of Berglund to get her emigration ticket to Wyoming [Nebraska] that year. Before the emigration got ready in the latter part of March, I baptized a good many in and around Fraderickshaven, and as German armies drove the Danish army further and further down into Jutland there was danger of the harbors being closed, so the emigrants were ordered to leave Vendsijsel two weeks before time, but as the steamer was delayed at Alborg I went back to Frederickshaven and got the Berglund family ready and got them to Alborg just in time to get on the steamer to Copenhagen where we arrived the first part of April. We there were laid up a week. While there we could hear the booming of cannons in the bombardment on Alsan island. A great many young men stole away secretly who came to us in England and New York. We was a large company and we had some trouble with the police who was much for deserters but, after some time we got loaded on a steamer for Hull. The ship was loaded with rig and as we had a very heavy storm for 48 hours we suffered in that time more than all the rest of the journey as nearly all was seasick and had to lie on top of each other under the deck and on top of the rig, and I pity those who had to eat the bread made from the rye. After three days journey we arrived in Hull and then went to Grimsby where we remained a week and the sick got well. Then we took a train for Liverpool there the church had a large sailing ship engaged and upon it we were loaded about 1,000 emigrants. The church had got our provision, hardtack, pork, peas, and a little white flour, sugar, coffee, and a few other things. The ship to furnish us water which was only a small portion to each person daily but our cooking was the worst for us as the kitchen was not one tenth large enough. We had fairly good weather, a good deal of calm. Hence it took us 35 days to reach New York.

Measles broke out among the children and we buried 50 in the sea and one old Scotsmen. Otherwise, everything went well though I must mention we had a most cruel and wicked set of sailors that I have ever seen in my life and they caused us some trouble, but soon after that ship went to the bottom of the Atlantic and I suppose they deserved it. We arrived in New York on Castle Garden, was inspected, and then sailed up to Albany took the train for Buffalo, crossed the port of Canada, and ferried across the St. Clair to Detroit. From Detroit our journey was tedious, much stopping and delaying for lack of cows as the government used all their cows in the war. [p.4]

One morning a little after sunrise we stopped in a village and as some was anxious to get milk I got a can and went to buy some but I could not get any before I got to the furthest of houses and while I was paying for the milk off went the train. I did run and got within twenty yards of it but there I stumbled, fell, and was left and the people all over the town hooped and yelled, "There was one Mormon lost." I walked out along the track and got in company with a wounded soldier. He showed me a big whole in his breast which was healing. He took me to the next station about 5 miles out. I could speak a little English, enough to make him understand my condition. He told the agent that I was lost and to get me on the next train for Chicago. I stopped there six or seven hours and then I was put on the express and arrived in Chicago an hour before the emigrants. We did not stop there long in Chicago but in Quincy, Illinois we stopped several days and then had to take cattle cars for St. Joseph through Missouri. We had some trouble in getting through the wars. Here was the ruins of whole towns as had been laid waste by the terrible struggle.

St. Joseph was the end of the railroad journey. Here the emigrants went on a river steamer for [-] but while at St. Joseph, Joseph Sharp from Salt Lake City came up from Kansas and hired 52 young men to drive teams with merchandise across the plains. He got 22 Danes and 30 Scotsmen. Took us 16 miles down the river to Atchison, Kansas where they was filling out buying their goods, oxen, and wagons. Here we laid a month in a place called Mormon Grove and herded cattle and helped to fit out. We were to have 20 dollars a month and board and we thought we had a snap of it but before we got to Salt Lake City we found that snap was in the wrong place. Here was between 400 and 500 wild fat 4 or 5 year old steers brought up...but only a few had ever had a yoke on and still were very few of the boys had ever seen an ox. Some was tailors, some sailors, and every kind of tradesmen, mostly colliers. While we fitted out we had stampedes galore. I should wish very much if I could show the young generation now living some of the scenes of that trip. Think of a condition here one morning in July after a tremendous struggle in getting those wild animals yoked up and hitched to the wagon, three to six yoke to each wagon, loaded with goods from 3500 to 8000 pounds on each wagon. Then think of the teamsters just as wild and ignorant about their business as the oxen. And then most of them could not understand a word of English so the captain hollering and commanding only caused confusion. . . .

. . . I arrived in Salt Lake City the 26th of September 1864, two weeks before the oxen came in. The first night [p.5] in Salt Lake City I slept under my watch and felt as happy as if I had slept in a palace. . . . [p.6]

BIB: Nielson, Andrew Christian. Autobiography (Ms 2735 282), pp. 4-6. (HDA)

Autobiography of J. C. L. Breinholt

. . . On the fourth of April I said goodbye to my parents and brothers and sisters in Nebsager Mark.

On the 6th of April, 1864 I bid adieu to my native land, Jutland. I left the city of Horsens on that day in company with Elder Peder Jensen of Raodred per. Horsens. This young man now lives in Parowan, Iron County. We were companions all the way from Horsen to Manti, San Pete, Utah.

We traveled by wagon from Horsen to Aarhus where we took steamer for Korsoer. We landed here in the afternoon and as we were wending our way from the harbor to the railroad station some urchins yelled at us calling us, "Mormon priests". This we thought singular as neither of us had ever been on the island before (Sjaelland). We arrived in Copenhagen late in the evening of the eighth and I think we stayed in Copenhagen, the capital of Denmark, one week. We took the steamer from here to Altona; from there we traveled by rail to Hamburg where we stopped two or three days. While here, I had a spell of sickness but not serious. From Hamburg we went by steamer to Grimsby via Hull. From Grimsby by rail to Liverpool where we again laid over about a week waiting for our ship to get ready to take us on board. The ship that took us from Liverpool to New York was a large [p.9] sail ship and was called, Monarch of the Sea. There was on board about 1,000 Latter-day Saints; so, notwithstanding the size of the vessel we found ourselves pretty well crowded. Especially did we experience a great deal of inconvenience in the cooking department and it was chance work for many of us to get our meals cooked. I, for my part, however, did not suffer any as I had good health all the way. The trip across the Atlantic took us about 35 days. Having lost my notes which I pencilled down while on my journey here, I am unable to give exact dates. But I think we landed at Castle Garden, New York on the 1st or 2nd of June, where we stayed but a day and then continued our journey toward our destination by taking steamer up the Hudson River to the city of Albany, from which place we went by rail to St. Joseph in the State of Missouri. From there we embarked on a steamer which landed us on the west banks of the Missouri River at a place called Wyoming, [Nebraska] where we laid in waiting about three weeks before the ox trains from Utah arrived which were to take us across the dreary plains.

Instead of going with the Church teams, I and four other young men; namely, my partner and friend Peder Jensen, Niels L. Lund, Soren Thomsen and Charles Rovar, engaged ourselves as teamsters to a man from Manti by the name of Soren Christoffersen. . . . [p.10]

. . . We entered the valleys of the mountains by the way of Provo Canyon about the twelfth or thirteenth of October. We proceeded right on to Manti, the home of Soren Christoffersen, arriving there on the 10th of October, 1864. . . . [p.12]

BIB: Breinholt, J. C. L. Autobiography (formerly in Msd 2050), p. 10,12. (HDA)

Autobiography of John Smith

. . . I remained on this mission until the 13th of April, 1864, when I started for home, came out through the straits of the Cattegats. Our captain ran into the bay at Elsinoe, and lay over about seven hours, in consequence of a heavy gate of head wind. Many passengers were sick.

While on this mission I studied hard and obtained a good understanding of the Scandinavian languages, Danish, Norwegian and Swedish. On arriving at Grimsby we found some emigrants waiting for us, who had gone by way of Lubeck. I had with me about three hundred passengers, emigrants. We went by mail to Liverpool. There I was appointed president of the ships company. [p.10] I was three days busy, day and night, shipping the people. We embarked in the large sailing ship Monarch of the Sea, bound for New York, having on board one thousand passengers-Danes, Swedes, Norwegians, Germans, Scotch, Welch, English and American. We were over forty days out at sea, with head winds a good deal of the time. On the bands of Newfoundland we saw a number of very large icebergs. On our arrival at Castle Garden, New York, we went immediately on board the steam boat "St. Johns," and went up the Hudson River to Albany, from there by rail to St. Joseph, Missouri, and by steamboat up the Missouri to Wyoming, Nebraska.

On my arrival at Wyoming I was appointed to take charge of a company of Scandinavians of over thirty wagons, on the plains. I was joined by more wagons, making in all over sixty, for safety against Indians, as they were very hostile that season, many people being killed, horses, mules and cattle stolen and wagons burned. Many times, ranchers, traders, and also officers at government posts would use all argument possible to induce us to stop for safety. The answer I would give then was, "We are used to Indian welfare, and we have only provisions enough to take us home, [p.11] if we keep moving, and we would rather run our risk fighting Indians than stave on the plains."

We arrived home safe on the 25th of September, 1864. After a few days, the emigrants were distributed among their respective friends in the various settlements, but for several years I was very busy as an interpreter for the Scandinavians. . . . [p.12]

BIB: Smith, John. Autobiography (MS 8305 3 #1), pp. 10-12. (A)

Autobiography of Nels August Nelson

. . . I left Sweden on April 6th, 1864. We were a family of seven, Father, Mother, three girls and two boys. We arrived at Florence the beginning of June. While here we buried the third girl. It was here also that we met fifty wagons with food and other necessities to care for us and carry us to Utah in three and one half months.

It was a glorious day September 15th when we entered Zion. We left for Logan that evening.

We soon learned what the perpetual emigration fund was and how provided. I worked along with father repaying it. We thanked God for President Brigham Young and the pioneers. . . . [p.1]

BIB: Nelson, Nels August. Autobiography (formerly in Msd 2050), pp. 1. (HDA)

Autobiography of Nils C. Flygare

. . . My Trip to Utah

I left Copenhagen, Denmark on the 12th of April 1864 in company with a large company of emigrants, amongst them was Julia Welterlines my betrothed. We went by steamer to Lubeck, Germany, then by rail to Hamburg, then by steamer again to Hull, England where we arrived on the 14th of April. We had a very rough voyage over the North sea and nearly all were seasick. We had to lay amongst cattle and sheep and had no comfort. This was not a very good beginning on our long journey of over 7000 miles. We were laid up at Grimsby [p.51] several days waiting for the large vessel to get ready. We went to Liverpool on the 21st April and went right on board the large packet ship Monarch of the Sea. We were 953 emigrants on board and were organized on the 24 into companies for the convenience of travel. Patriarch John Smith was appointed our captain with 3 counselors. The company was then divided into 8 districts with a president for each. I was one of these presidents and done all in my power to help those under my charge. We lifted anchor on the 28th of April and a little steamer towed us out of the Mersey out into open water. We were now for waves and wind to be wafted across the mighty Atlantic to the new world. We had much sickness on board especially among the children of whom about 35 died, and were buried in the sea. I enjoyed very good health, but Julia got the measles we were sick for a few days in mid ocean. We had very fair sailing and casted anchor in New York Harbor on the 2nd day of June, having made the voyage in 36 days. We passed the quarantine examination all right and were landed in the Castle Garden on the 3rd of June 1864. I put foot on this continent at 11 a.m. on that day. [p.52] The great vessel there as buoyantly had brought us over the great deep was lost the next season with one thousand Irish emigrants on board.

We left New York the same day we landed and on the steamer St. John went up the Hudson River to Albany, a beautiful trip. It looked as though we had come to the promised land indeed, but this was not to be kept up, for we had yet to pass through the great American desert. From Albany we went by rail via Rochester, Buffalo, Detroit, Chicago, and Quincey to St. Joseph on the Missouri River. We took steamer at St. Joseph for Wyoming, Nebraska where we arrived on the 13th of June.

While steaming up the Missouri river on a beautiful clear June day my Julia wrote in my daybook the following stanza,

[6 LINES STANZA FOLLOWS, WHICH IS WRITTEN IN DANISH.]

Missouri [--] due 11/6, 1864.

Wyoming was a new outfitting place for our people, heretofore Florence north of Omaha had been the place, but now we were about 40 miles south of Omaha in a wilderness. [p.53] Here we were introduced to western civilization, such as cowboys, bullwackers, prane schooners, lassos, and many other western accomplishments. The Utah boys who had come down to the river with teams, to bring up the emigrants, did not impress us with much favor as favorable. They had of course laid for months on the plains were dust, rain and sunshine had taken the shine off them pretty well so they looked rough and ready. But on nearer acquaintance we found that beneath the torn and tattered apparel beat a kind and willing heart. Immediately on our arrival at Wyoming we received provisions from the church agent, consisting of flour, pork, dried apples, rice, sugar and also, soap for washing. We had now to learn the art of cooking in the wilderness, without stove or fireplace and I am satisfied from my own experience that most of us never did learn it, while traveling across the plains. We laid in camp until the 4th of July waiting for our outfit of oxen and wagons to bring us to Salt Lake City. While laying here waiting a young girl from Gothenburge got drowned in the Missouri River and another young girl died from injuries received on the railroad. [p.54] Our company consisted of 58 wagons with 4 yoke of cattle to each wagon. W. [William] B. Preston was captain of the company. It was a very weary and long journey. . . . [p.55]

. . . Our company arrived in Salt Lake City on the 15th of September a very sorry looking lot after such a long and weary journey of over one thousand miles. Still we felt thankful to God that he had [p.56] been with us and preserved us from harm on such a long journey over water and land and had brought us safely through to the end of our journey. . . . [p.57]

BIB: Flygare, Nils Christian, Autobiography. In Papers (Special Collections & Manuscripts, MSS 1496, bx. 1, fd. 3, pp. 51-57). (Harold B. Lee Library, Brigham Young University, Provo, Utah)

Autobiography of Richard Daniels Brown Jr.

. . . I went to work as usual until Wednesday the 27th and I went to a council meeting at Manchester, having previously been appointed clerk of the branch, and while in meeting a telegram came from President George Q. Cannon that I could have the privilege to work my way as a sailor if I so desired. Word was sent that I would do so and the next morning found me at 12 o'clock noon in Liverpool on the ship Monarch of the Sea. We set sail immediately after I arrived. I was very sick for one week while working as a sailor. I received such treatment as the sailors usually did, and in the early days this treatment was very cruel. We had some very severe storms and landed in New York on the 3rd of June 1864. There were about 1,000 passengers aboard besides the officers and sailors.

I left England with only nine cents in my pocket but on landing a gentleman gave me twenty five cents (paper money) for carrying a trunk a short distance (I did not know how to count the American money). I went to buy something to eat (5 cents worth) and on returning was told that they had given me 45 cents back in change.

I was in New York without money or without fare paid any further, but stayed with the Saints who were emigrants and was not molested. We traveled up the Missouri River when the steam boat ran in on a sand bank. Being somewhat acquainted with a sailor's life I took part with the sailors in helping to get it off. The Captain noticed me and soon after came to me and inquires who I was, I told him the truth and he set me to work while I remained on the boat.

We arrived in Florence or Wyoming and as I left the boat he came to me and offered me $35.00 per month and my board if I would stay with him, but I told him I was going to Zion [p.81] or die in the attempt. He told me I would be sorry and if I ever came that way to call on him and he would find me work. I thanked him and left.

On arriving at the Frontier I hired out as a teamster to drive oxen, a new vocation for me, in what is called an Independent Train. I hired t a man, who had six teams, for $20.00 per month. I was employed about three weeks herding then we started to cross the plains about the first of July 1864. . . .[p.82]

. . . We arrived in Salt Lake City on the 19th day of September 1864, being met by my brother William and arriving one day ahead of the train, and we then made our abode with my sister Elizabeth. . . .[p.83]

BIB: Brown, Richard Daniels, Jr., [Autobiography], IN Brown, Archie Leon, 141 Years of Mormon Heritage: Rawsons, Browns, Angells - Pioneers (privately printed, 1973) pp. 81- 83. (HDL)

Diary of Christian Hansen [Jensen]

. . . Thursday the 17th - I visited some Saints for the last time. I stayed overnight with M. A. Jorgenson.

Saturday the 19th - I traveled to Hjorring. From there I walked to Aalborg, a distance of 10 miles (4 English miles to 1 Danish mile). I was tired of the trip. I came to Aalborg at 5 o'clock.

Sunday the 20th - I went by steamer to Korsor. I came to Korsor at 6 o'clock. At 7 o'clock I went to the railroad and came to Copenhagen at 12 o'clock. We had a fortunate journey. I stayed overnight in Copenhagen. I lodged with Pedersen.

Tuesday, the 22nd, March - At 12 o'clock I went by steamer to Lubeck. Arrived there Wednesday morning at 6 o'clock. At seven-thirty I went by railroad to Hamburg and arrived there at 12 noon. It was Wednesday the 23rd. I lodged with S. Kreutzfeldt in Hamburg at Street Brauerkuegzgaben, No 8 I gave 9 marks a week. That was 4.03 mark Danish.

Friday the 12th, April - In the evening at 8 o'clock I went on the steamer "Zebra" from Hamburg in company with the Swedish emigrants. We came to Hull at 5 1/2 o'clock. Left the same evening for Grimsby. Arrived there at 9 o'clock on the 14 April.

Saturday the 16th - The Danish emigrants arrived at Grimsby. We stayed here until Thursday morning at 5 1/2 on the 21 April when we went by railroad to Liverpool. Arrived there at 2 o'clock the same day. We went the same day upon the sailship, Monarch of the Sea.

Monday the 25th, April - We were towed out of the harbor at 12 1/2.

On the 28th April we sailed from Liverpool. When we came out in the Irish Sea two sailors sank into the sea.

The 31 [May] and 1 June we saw 2 islands whose name was Long Island. At night on the 1st and 2nd we received the pilot on board.

June 2 - A steamer came and towed us into the harbor where we cast anchor.

Friday, June 3 - We went ashore and were quartered in Castle Garden. Forty-two children died at sea from scurvy. One grown man who was an Englishman also died. The same day that we went ashore we went aboard a steamer that sailed 150 miles to a city named Albany. We arrived [p.12] there Saturday, the 4 June. The same day we went on a train. Sunday morning we came to a city named Rochester. Here we stopped for a little while. We went further and came to a little town named Buffalo where we crossed a little stream. We sailed over it, both people and wagons. We next came to a little town named Stratford and then to Detroit. We then crossed a stream which came in from the English (Canadian) side to the American.

Monday, evening of the 6th of June - There was a fire in one of the cars on the train. A good deal of clothes burned. We stopped at [-]. We went through Michigan and came towards evening to Chicago. There were many Scandinavians. We traveled from there Wednesday, the 8 June, and on Thursday the 9th we came to Quincy. Here we sailed over a stream and into the land of Missouri. We went from here to St. Joseph. Here we got on a steamship and sailed up the Missouri River to Wyoming [Nebraska] . . . . [p.13] [ABRUPT END OF ACCOUNT. NO ARRIVAL DATE INTO SALT LAKE CITY.]

BIB: Hansen, Christen [Jensen]. Diary (Ms 1795), pp. 12-13. (HDA)

George Finlinson Family

. . . The Trimbles had joined the Mormon Church in 1855 and had told George a great deal about their new religion. He was taught the gospel by Edward Trimble and became converted. He was baptized by Elder J. G. Graham and confirmed by Elder George Q. Cannon in April of 1864 in Liverpool, England. His wife couldn't see the truth of the gospel and became very bitter. George tried in every way to convince her that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints was the true church but she couldn't see it. His uncle pleaded with him to stay in England. All the property would be his and he would never want for money. George know that the new religion was true and it meant more to him than earthly belongings. He left immediately for America. He migrated with the hopes that his wife would see the truth and come later.

The following is a copy of the diary he kept while crossing the ocean and crossing the States:

Saturday, 23. (April)--Went to Eastham in Cheshire the nicest place I ever saw 7 1/2 miles across the water. Went on board the Monarch of the Sea for New York.

Sunday 24.--We had preaching on board and we were very busy getting new berths. Got into a nice place at last. Went to the meeting at night to [p.14] Liverpool. Brother Cannon preached, Brother Romney and Brother Taylor, they gave us splendid lectures. They appointed Brother Smith son of Hyrum Smith to be president of the vessel assisted by the elders of the church.

Monday 25.--Started out of dock. Sailed into the river and anchored there to get everything in order. The sailors on board and such like and a great lot of brethren came out with us. A women delivered a fine male child. Both mother and child are doing well. We went to bed about eleven o'clock at night. Brother Cutler gave us prayers at night.

Tuesday 26.--Still laying in the river. Brother Cannon and the doctor came on board to pass us all. We had all the decks to sweep clean and make all clean. We all passed except two Danish families who had to go back home on account of them not being healthy. The sailors came on board and they were very busy getting us ready for going.

Wednesday 27.--We are already for going but we cannot on account of the want of seaman. The mate turned a lot off on account of them not being good seaman. The captain has been off all day trying to get more but has not got them yet. We want about twenty men more. There is a good deal of dancing tonight among the Saints. We expect to get off tomorrow.

Thursday 28.--The captain came on board this morning with some more sailors and we started to heave anchor, about 1/2 past 9 a.m. We set sail about 1/2 past 10 o'clock. The tug steamed us out and carried us a long way. After we got out a bit there was a man jumped overboard and drowned himself. He was a Cornish man and not belonging to the Saints. We passed the Welsh Mountains about 8 o'clock p.m. There has been 4 marriages on board. [-] was near steam. Tug left about 10 p.m.

Friday 29.--A very calm morning. Not much progress. We have been very busy all day serving provisions. I was serving out rice for about four hours. It took about 8 hours to serve all out. There has been some more marriages on board. P. [Parley] P. Pratt sleeps next to us. It has been very calm all day. We have not gone above two or three knots. I have a little touch of a cold but not bad. There is one woman in the hospital, Danish.

Saturday 30.--A very calm morning. Again we made no progress almost stand still. Just one knot an hour. The wind started to rise about 9 o'clock p.m. There was one marriage last night and one child dead and a good many sick in the hospital, all Danish. There was seven on guard last night two middle and upper I had to mind them to keep them to their duty.

Sunday-May 1.--We had a rather rough sea this morning and a good many commenced to be sick in the afternoon. I did not feel so very well. I went to bed about 5 o'clock and slept all night.

Monday 2.--A very rough sea this morning and a good lot of sickness on board. Hollsworth [Fred Ellis Holdsworth] and I laid in bed all day not so very sick but we could not stand the vessel rocked so much. We eat nothing all day. We slept a good part of it. We were going about 8 or 9 knots an hour.

Tuesday 3.--Still keeps stormy. Laid in bed all day but a little in the morning, vomited a good deal through the day. The passengers were nearly [p.15] all sick. All together there has not been much eaten these last two or three days. I do assure you I eat 2 herring myself during the day.

Wednesday 4.--Very stormy again. I was first rate this morning got up fit to eat anything. It became very calm in the afternoon. A deal of people very sick and had to be carried on deck to get fresh air.

Thursday 5.--A very calm morning no wind. We have been nearly at a standstill all day. There was a child buried this morning. It belonged to one of the Danes. It had been poorly a long time. There was a good many sick today just like corpses. I have been busy cooking and washing dishes.

Friday 6.--A nice wind this morning. Going nicely along. Been very busy getting weekly provisions in again this forenoon. I changed my messing today to John Ashman close beside where I sleep in the afternoon. The wind dropped and we made very little progress, hardly moving. The hospital is full of sickly people. There was some fun on deck with tight rope dancing. There was a child buried 2 months old.

Saturday 7.--A splendid wind struck up today. All on board prayed to God last night for wind and we got it today. He heard our prayers. We are going about 8 knots an hour. We had partridge for breakfast this morning. I never enjoyed them better than I did this morning. There is some people looks very sick yet. There is a good deal of dancing on deck this evening.

Sunday 8.--There was no wind this morning. There was a boy buried this morning 7 years of age, of fever and there was a marriage of English people. We had prayers on deck this afternoon. There was good wind this afternoon, a little in the wrong direction giving us about 7 knots an hour. The captain was rather frightened of the storm.

Monday 9.--Fine wind this morning in the right direction. A boy fell down the hatchway and was nearly killed. A child died today. The wind blew very strong all day. I was on guard until twelve o'clock at night. It rained all night through and the wind was very strong. The sailors had to take some of the sails in it was so windy. It was like dismasting the ship.

Tuesday 10.--Very wet this morning. There was a most dreadful squall this morning. It was like to tumble the ship right over. Boxes was tumbling and women and men tossed in all directions. The water came over the ship sides and continued all day without ceasing but they made little progress. There was no cooking, but breakfast. The cook could not stand in the galleys.

Wednesday 11.--A fine wind this morning commenced about 4 o'clock n the morning and continued all the day. Blowing in the right direction. We went about 8 knots an hour all day. Rather a change from yesterday. There has been a ship going along with us all day, just about the same speed as us. If we continue on this speed the captain says fourteen days will carry us to New York.

Thursday 12.--A strong wind this morning carried on all day. It broke two jib beams during the day. The sailors had a very long day repairing them. The vessel went about 10 knots per hour, and in the afternoon they were [p.16] compelled to take in some of the sails it was that strong. Had a game of cards this afternoon with Mr. Ashman.

Friday 13.--Tremendous wet and stormy last night. She went 12 knots an hour and in the morning it blew hard until afternoon. The boy died that fell down the hatchway the other day and there was an old man died today that had been poorly for a few days. They were both thrown over board immediately. This evening the vessel heaved from one side to another. There still keeps a good many sick. A child died.

Saturday 14.--A very strong wind this morning. Very busy giving out provisions today. In the afternoon a tremendous storm set in and continued all night.

Sunday 15.--A very strong wind this morning. It was that stormy and cold that there could be no prayers on deck. I never saw anything so cold in my life. It was as cold as the middle of winter.

Monday 16.--Still keeps very stormy and wet. There was another child thrown over board this forenoon. It is most tremendous cold. We are close to the banks of Newfoundland. I have been very busy inspecting the cooking galley. We are expecting to see some ice very soon.

Tuesday 17.--The wind still keeps very high in the right position. Two or three more children cast at sea today. Still keeps very cold. I have a little touch of cold on me now but is improving very fast. There was a ship passed us this afternoon from New York being about 8 days sail to where we met her.

Wednesday 18.--The wind changed this morning but a very fine morning. Made very good progress. Some more children thrown over board. I cannot tell you how many have died exactly yet. We have been very busy cleaning out the decks and sprinkling lime on to sweeten the berths out.

Thursday 19.--A very calm morning, this making little progress this morning. About 4 o'clock there were two ice bergs passed us, one about the size of this vessel and the other 60 feet high. They would have smashed us if they had come near us. Some more children died during the day.

Friday 20.--A calm morning again very little wind. Busy receiving provisions today. Past two ice bergs this afternoon most bitterly cold when we passed them as cold as Christmas nearly. One child thrown over board today. Tom in bed poorly today. A little toward evening very foggy. We passed a vessel today.

Saturday 21.--Very calm still. We passed a good deal of ice and it was most dreadful cold. Tom still poorly. A good deal of the people on board bothered with looseness of the bowels, and some very sick. Still very foggy.

Sunday 22.--A fine wind this morning. We passed a steam vessel this morning. She had sailed about three days from New York. On guard from 3 o'clock until morning. Preaching on deck this afternoon. One child thrown over board, Danish.

Monday 23.--It was a very stormy night last night to sail very much. The wind continued strong until afternoon then it changed a little. Two more children thrown over board today belonging to the Danes. Very cold still, [p.17] yet.

Tuesday 24.--Not much wind this morning. Very still. They are busy painting and cleaning preparing for New York as fast as they can. Hollsworth [Holdsworth] very poorly in bed today. Another Danish child thrown over board today.

Wednesday 25.--A nice breeze this morning. Hollsworth [Holdsworth] a little better this morning. Three Danish children thrown over board today. The wind was very much against us this afternoon and very thick and misty.

Thursday 26.--A calm morning again scarcely moving. Hollsworth [Holdsworth] a good deal better today. The wind got a good deal stronger this afternoon. Had a game of Whist in the cabin with Brother Pratt, the captain and I .

Friday 27.--A fine wind this morning. Provisions given out today. This for the last time till we get to Wyoming. The wind still continues good all day. Had a game of Cribbage with the Captain in the evening then a game of Whist later.

Saturday 28.--A calm wind she scarcely stirred at all. Hollsworth [Holdworth] clean better now. The wind rather freshened this afternoon. Land in view this evening. Had a game of Cribbage with the captain at night. The beautifulist evening I ever saw.

Sunday 29.--In morning turned out very wet until afternoon and then the breeze freshened. A little too wet for prayers on deck today.

Monday 30.--Fine wind this morning. We were delayed about an hour this morning with a fishing boat. (We expected to have seen the pilot. We got news of board.) Had a game of cards at night.

Tuesday 31.--Fine wind this morning continued all day, passed Blasts Island. Hollsworth [Holdsworth] poorly again. The wind blowed very strong.

Wednesday-June 1.--The wind blew very strong. Hollsworth [Holdsworth] very poorly this morning. Had a game of cards with the captain until 12 o'clock and then the pilot came on board. (There were 23 children and 1 man buried in the ocean of this group.)

Thursday 2.--The wind this morning, calm. (In sight of land kept in sight.) There was a tug came about 10 o'clock and fastened to us. It towed us up and we passed the most splendid scenery I ever beheld. The doctor came on board and passed all passengers. On watch at night.

Friday 3.--The steam boat came to tow us up the river about 10 o'clock and commenced to get the baggage on it. Arrived in New York about 2 o'clock went in the steamboat to Albany about 150 miles. Started at 6 o'clock and sailed all night. We had a ramble through New York it is a nice place and all along as we go it is beautiful to behold.

Saturday 4.--Landed in Albany about 4 o'clock in the morning. It is a beautiful place. Lays on the River Hudson it's length is about 160 miles long. Started from there on the train there was about 22 cars on the train. We passed some of the most splendid places I ever saw. Pen cannot describe them.

Sunday 5.--Landed at Rochester about 5 o'clock in the morning and stayed there awhile. It is a very large place. It lays on the Genesse River. Landed [p.18] at Buffalo at 1 o'clock. It lays on Lake Eire River about 100 miles across. Changed carriages and crossed the river on a steam boat and landed in West Canada about 4 o'clock, landed at Brentford at 8 o'clock and got provisions went on Strattam arrived at 12 o'clock.

Monday 6.--Landed at Port Edward at 6 o'clock and crossed the Detroit River, Lake Huron and started from there at 4 o'clock, changed cars, landed at 8 o'clock got provisions.

Tuesday 7.--Passed Battle Creek about 10 o'clock passed Mishgill city at 4 o'clock a tremendous place for sand. Passed Lake Michigan landed at Chicago at 8 o'clock. It is the territory of Illinois. Stayed there all night.

Wednesday 8.--Started from Chicago at 10 o'clock passed Osweago. Some water.

Thursday 9.--Arrived at Quincey at 11 o'clock crossed the river at 7 o'clock. Started fro Palmyra at 8 o'clock.

Friday 10.--A very wet night last night, and we got badly on this morning, owing to the rail being slippery and the road so bad and us in cattle cars. We arrived at Brooksfield at 11 o'clock landed at St. Joseph at 8 o'clock slept in a shed all night.

Saturday 11.--Started from St. Joseph at 4 o'clock slept on board all night. Rather cold but dry.

Sunday 12.--A very fine morning. We saw 4 Indians this morning the first we have seen.

Monday 13.--Came to Nebraska City about 10 o'clock. Landed at [-] Wyoming at 5 o'clock got off and camped on the Platte. Slept all night the camp very comfortable it was.

Tuesday 14.--Busy preparing to go west and hired for 20 dollars per month to go with 8 oxen across the plains.

Wednesday 15.--Went to Mr. Harris' camp to start work. Came on very wet and did not move.

Thursday 16.--Busy getting the oxen into yokes and yoking them. We had an accident. There was a man broke his wagon pole off and delayed us about an hour and half, traveled till 9 o'clock at night and camped again.

Friday 17.--Mr.. Harris had to go to Nebraska today so we did not move camp today.

George did not write more in his diary but he went on to Salt Lake and then on to Fillmore. . . .[p.19]

BIB: Finlinson, George, George Finlinson Family, 1835-1974, comp. by Angie F. Lyman (privately printed, 1974) pp. 14-19. (HDL)

History of Caroline Martine Anderson

Dear Husband:--Now that I have the opportunity to write to you. I will try to tell you more about my journey and how I have been. I am well and happy. I am thankful to my Heavenly Father and lucky for being able to come this far on our journey. On April 28, 1864 we left Grimsby by train. It is a beautiful country and very prosperous. Part of the time we rode underground. It was dark, we went through tunnels nine times, the 6th and 9th times were the longest. We went over many mountains, there were trains passing us in the opposite direction many times. We arrived at Liverpool at 2:9 p.m. the same day we went aboard ship. We were assigned to our quarters and we also received our rations which consisted of bacon, meat, peas, potatoes, flour, cereal, pepper, mustard, sugar, and vinegar.

There were over a thousand emigrants aboard the ship, Danish, Swedish, Norwegian, and English. We were in Liverpool eight days before we sailed.

Many good talks were given us by Brothers Smith and Johansen [Johanssen] from Norway, Brother Cannon and Brother Taylor. We were given many instructions. There was peace and happiness with us. There were many times we sang, played and danced. We had prayer both morning and evening.

We sailed aboard the large ship thirty-one days. I was only sick eight days. It wasn't seasickness, but it was climate fever. I was very sick, and missed you. I needed you here to take care of me. Some of the brothers did the best they could for me. They waited on us as if we were small children.

The worst is past and I must not grumble against the Lord, he has given me much and I must be thankful for the many blessings I have, but I can't hold my feelings back and I am homesick for you. I can say with truthfulness that the Lord has heard all my prayers and he has blessed me with many blessings, that has been for my own good therefore dear husband, I will live the best I can for my Heavenly Father, so that the best blessings will be for me, that I will be faithful in every task that is asked of me. I hope that I will be among the worthy to reach the mountains.

My heart is filled with pain when I think of those that are left in Babylon, and also that there are my relatives, I will stop with them. And now I will tell you about my journey.

We were five weeks on the water and we landed in New York the third of June. It was a big event that we have all been waiting for. To see the trees and all the beautiful things, the tallest building on earth. Dear husband, what great happiness there is to set foot upon the beautiful American land. Not alone that it is a beautiful place, but the fact that Joseph blessed this land to be set aside for someday to be for all the Lord's people. To each person who will worship God and love his neighbor as his self. Dear husband be faithful so that each of us will be able to receive the blessings our Heavenly Father has for us that we are in need of. I don't mean to preach to you, but I have learned so many things since I have started my journey. There are many weaknesses, therefore be patient it is a good trait to develop and if we have it we will be able to pass through many trying things. The Lord's hand will follow us and his blessings will follow us.

When we arrived at New York, there were several people we knew. I was most welcomed by Brother Mortensen, Brother Christensen of Grenaa. Haurback Knudsen, Staffer and Frederiksen. There were also many whose name I do not remember. They had all had a good trip. I will tell you how many ships we have been on, there were quite a few because the Saints hadn't gone the way they had planned to go. Because of trouble with the ships.

We rode on the train for eight meters a day and there was stoves and restrooms on each car. We have arrived here in Wyoming the 13, June, 1864. When we shall travel from here I didn't know, but don't think it will be too long before we shall start on our journey again. I can let you know that I am not with Krones anymore. I am with Christensen and Sister Hold and also Frederiksen. Brother Niels Jorgensen hasn't arrived and Jensine hasn't heard from him. I hope he will soon come, if not now next year. But he will probably come before we will leave here. We have it comfortable here in our little leaf hut that Brother Christensen and Frederiksen has built for us. There are about 11 hundred here in Leiren with the English. We have a flag on our house so that we can see where to come back to whenever we go visiting. At this time we haven't made any plans all we have done is eat, drink and we have gone into the woods to pick grapes and strawberries. We have music and song and everything to entertain us. We have the best food here at the church wagon that [p.1] anyone could wish for. Pork and the finest four to bake bread with, the best sugar that we were never able to buy in Denmark. We have delicious dried apples for sweet soup and many other things, so we enjoy eating.

We have it good here, we live in a leaf hut it is named the Bag Bystedt. I can't remember the street where we live at. I can tell you my dear husband, that here are many things that would interest you. There is a man here that came with the church wagon that is going to Denmark. He has promised to take my letter with him. He has hundreds of letters to take with him. I have to hurry and get this finished so he can have it, or I would tell you more about the trip. You don't know their names. When I come home to Zion I will write you more. It is time-I almost forgot to tell you how many have gotten married on the trip. You don't know their names so I won't tell you who they are. There has been 40 children and 4 adults die so far on the journey. I guess that isn't too many among so many of us.

Dear husband I have heard here in America that there is a war in Denmark, that all of Europe is unrest, but that is not new for as God's children know that God's prophets have said in the last days, there should be wars and rumors of wars and that all the earth shall profess that God lives and that he has the only true church. You can believe dear husband it hurts me that we drove against our dear Brother Joseph Fodely and it reminds me of what he has done for his religion and that he does his Father's will. Dear husband even though we don't know too much about the gospel, let us learn and make a practice to learn more about it each day.

We have come through America where the Saints have been driven from. It is a beautiful and fruitful country. Here are masses of Negroes. They are a good and friendly people. There is talk around that we shall start to travel Thursday. But it isn't definite now. If it is so we will start our journey from Wyoming [Nebraska] the 30th of June. Remember and celebrate my birthday on the 1st of July. Dear husband if only you were with me, it probably will be a long time for me to wait. Be sure that you do all for to come over here. I fear that they will take you in the army. Be sure and do all you can to be free from being called in the army. It would be awful if you should leave me for such a case. Be sure that you do all for your self and for me. I will try and earn some money over here. If you can't come over here it would be the greatest test for me. Anything else I could take. Dear husband the happiest days we have lived together, if only these days would come again so we can be together in Zion. I pray to our Heavenly Father that the way will be opened. Dear husband I won't forget to pray to my Heavenly Father to help you and give you health and strength to save money for your trip. Dear husband I miss you so much, if only I could hear from you and find out how things are with you. What you have done with our home and furnishings. Who lives in our apartment and all about what has happened. How is my family and the old folks at Asentoft? I have wished a thousand times that I could of said goodbye to all of them. Be sure and tell my brother and wife hello from me. Be sure and tell your mother and the family hello from he too. Be sure and get as much of my genealogy with you as you can when you come, you know how important that is. Tell Sister Outzen and her husband hello for me. I think and talk about them a lot. Tell the children that I will have apples and cake for them when they come to Zion, if they are good children. Tell Petersen from Arvoy, Sister Fruls, Sister Tegen and he children that I will see Brikke when I come home. Tell Michael, Hans Hansen, Boberg, Christen Mikkelsen, Soren Thomsen, Jens Peter Nielsen, Peter Laursen, it is my plan to visit their daughter when I come home. Tell them all hello. Greet Brother Jensen in Aalborg if you write to him. I talked to him in Copenhagen. Greet shoemaker Morch & his wife for me. I pray that the Lord will bless them so that they will understand the gospel and accept it. Thank them for all the things they have done for both of us. Be sure and tell Madam Henriksen and her husband and children that I miss them , but I hope that some day they will visit with us Zion.

Dear husband I miss you very much. I will say now live well, live well dear husband we will soon meet again. May God bless you, that you will have everything necessary so that you will soon come to Zion. I am sending you all my love.

Caroline Martine Hansen.

These letters were translated from Danish language to the English by Edith Melgaard Cox of Fairview, Utah. [p.2]

BIB: History of Caroline Martine Anderson, first wife of Charles Keilgaard Hansen [letter, Caroline Martine Hansen to Charles K. Hansen, June 17, 1864, Wyoming, Nebraska] (Ms 8889). pp.1-2 (HDA)

Journal of Ove Christian Oveson

. . . April 1864. Left Aaborg on the 5 on Steamer "Dania," 200 persons. On the 6 to Copenhagen to Kalkbalien Selle Kanike Street. No went to Mlamo Sweden on the 9 on account of the police had my name there as well as a number of others to fine us to have us go to be soldier. I went around in Copenhagen and got acquainted. Visit President Hogstead and others. Come to Malmo the same day and left there on the 10 of April 64 with the Sweden emigrants to Hamburg on Ship "Zebra" and come to Grimsby on the 14 April 1864. A pleasant trip on the North Sea. We stayed there till the 21 April 1864 then come to Liverpool on Railroad (Grimsby are a very nice town and fine people). We come over 26 Shefield & Manchester and thru 7 tunnel to Liverpool same day, and on a big sailing vessel Monarch of the Sea, Patriarch [p.22] John Smith was our president on ship where we got over bets no and provision which was each morning 3 potter water to 1 person, on each Thursday-marine bread meth [UNCLEAR], pork, flour, Dutch meal, potato, mustard, vinegar. We sat in the harbor to 28 of April 1864. There was 973 emigrants on board and had plenty rum. We was pulled out of the harbor by a steamer into the open sea. There was 2 man that jumped overboard, and was drown. Rummer said they was robbers. There was search for outlaws on the ship. There was 44 children & 1 grown person that died. One day dead 5 children, on the sea 14 couple was married, there was fire on the ship three times, and one night we was drove 300 miles back in a terrible wind ellers we had a pleasant trip (I got fat). Come to New York June 3 1864, come on a steamboat "St. Joseph" (we went to Castle Garden where our name was taken) and that took us to Albany New York the 4 of June to Buffalo, changed cars and then was taken over a river imellen [UNCLEAR] Lake Ontario and Erie. Come to Detroit the 6. Was fire in a baggage car and burned lot of our baggage. Not much 7, come to Chicago, laid there in a puchus [UNCLEAR] till the 8 then to Quincy. Got over the Mississippi River to an grove of trees and laid there to the 11 of June 64. (All the cars was in the South with the soldiers) Then to Palmyra, we saw 1000 of soldier. They tore the track. Then to St. Joseph on the 12 low. There till the 14 of June 64 (there come Joseph Sharp and Patriarch John Smith and I. And 21 more of Danish emigrants was hired to drive oxen for 25 dollar a month. . . . [p.23]

. . .Over 200 oxen died and on South Pass. Laid we for 3 days without food, then come 50 yoke from Salt Lake and flour so we could move wagon to Salt Lake City the 6 of October 1864. . . . [p.25]

BIB: Oveson, Ove Christian. Journal (Ms 6221), pp. 22-23, 25. (A)

Letter of Caroline Martine Hansen - April 18, 1864

Grimsby, England April 18, 1864

Dear husband: We sailed from Copenhagen on Wednesday as planned on the 13th. I did not receive your letter, there was an awful storm, the waves washed over our decks all the time, you can believe me I was very sick. Most everyone was, till we reached land here in Grimsby. We sailed on a very nice ship and were comfortable, which we needed since we were so sick. Several hundred Saints, Swedish and Norwegians, welcomed us. I am glad and lucky that I am among those that shall travel to the mountains but would be much happier if you could be with us but I am lucky that I have a testimony in my heart that I am among God's people. This fills my heart and gladdens my soul. What there will be for me and everyone that is humble and patient in the Lord's hand he will make them glad for here is love among these people. The brethren treat us as if we were foster children. They are always trying to do something for us. The sailors aboard the ship were also good to us. [p.460]

I have been out to social with Sister [Trine Marie] Hold and Sister Christensen and some of the other Saints. It is very beautiful here in England, the mountains are beautiful, the trees are green and in leaf, the flowers are in bloom and are so fresh. There are many things I could write about but don't have enough paper. Here is nature's beauty but people just take it for granted. Let us be near God our Father and be thankful that our eyes and hearts opened to the truth. Let us thank him in both words and deeds. Let us be sincere and loving with each other that we will always follow the right path, so that we will receive our blessings that God has in store for us. Dear husband, be faithful in what you do and be sincere and understanding with all, and the Lord will bless you. I will not forget to pray for you and you pray for me.

Dear husband, just think I will prepare for you a lovely home in Zion, if the Lord will give me strength to earn a little and he will. That I know. I have that feeling. He has always given me the things I have asked for and he will always hear my prayers that I ask of him with a sincere and righteous heart. I could tell you many things but here it isn't very peaceful. There are many small children crying and disturbing us, so we can't think clearly. But when we get home to Zion I will write you some good letters. I send you greetings from the Saints and I visit with all of them. We don't have much room, we can touch each other when we lay in our beds. Give my love and greetings to the Saints there, and say to Madam Hendriksen, study for yourself the teachings of the gospel and then teach it to your husband and children and you will have peace and joy in your heart. I may not get to write to you until I get to Zion. Now to the end, Dear husband, I will hope that God's blessings will be with you and that you will do the Lord's will to the end. I hope that both your days and mine will be long upon the earth. Here in this room I can hear beautiful music, and I think of you. Live well and I will think of you as we sail across the water.

Caroline Mortine Hansen.[p.461]

BIB: Hansen, Caroline Mortine. [Letter] Our Pioneer Heritage comp. by Kate B. Carter, vol. 16 (Salt Lake City: Daughters of Utah Pioneers, 1973), pp. 460-61. (HDL)

Reminiscences of H. N. Hansen

"An Account of a Mormon Family's Conversion"

. . . A short time after father was baptized I was baptized also and likewise my sister. Father sold the home which consisted in a house on about three acres of land of a poor quality preparatory to our emigration. I was happy in what I considered the prospects before me, not only in the thoughts which my religion and hope in God now inspired, but the privilege of going to other parts on the world to see countries and people of whom I had read in school studies I considered a great treat. I had then never seen a railroad train and the prospect of soon having many and long rides with the iron horse was to me something grand, especially did I think that a voyage across the Atlantic would be very enjoyable. I was looking on the bright side of all these things not considering as I then could not conceive of the hardships and trials encountered upon a journey of over six thousand miles in those days, and especially with the accommodations furnished the Mormon emigration. I remember when the last [p.712] of the household goods was sold at auction a day or two before starting on our long journey to a land of which we knew nothing only as it had been represented to us by the Mormon elders, and the very day of starting was anxiously waited for by me. Let me here say that I believe that although the mission work in that land was by the Utah church under the presidency of Brigham Young that the gospel principle as preached was the truth and was confirmed by God's Spirit to the satisfaction of upright men and women. Polygamy at that time was not denied but was not mentioned by the elders unless brought up by others when they had to try to defend it. When any claimed they could not believe, they were told: do not trouble yourself about it, it is a holy principle if you can not see into it now wait till you get to Zion, and all will come out right. In this hope thousands have left all dear to them in this life only to meet with disappointment and regret after the sacrifice has been made, many to become so discouraged as to five up all hope to God and religion to plod along in darkness and infidelity with nothing in which to place confidence. It was on the 10 day of April 1864 that we left what had been our home for the long and tedious journey not expecting to see relatives and friends again. Though we left but few friends, our religion had made us contemptible and degraded in their eyes, this of course made the parting all the easier. We had become strangers among our own people, and we were going now to gather with those who were one with us in faith and in spirit, and we cared not for the hatred of the world, nor even for those more merciful who looked upon us with pity. We were carried by team from Storehedinge to Copenhagen from where we wailed in a few days by steamer bound for Hull, England. Our family consisted of father and mother, myself, my sister Annie, and two younger brethren named respectively Nels five, and Christian two and one half years old at this time.

I soon found it was not so pleasurable to go to sea as [p.713] I had anticipated, especially for those not accustomed to the ocean and in such a crowded condition as we were in.

We were but fairly out of the harbor when the heaving of the vessel began to cause a peculiar sensation as though my stomach was displeased with its present location causing a feeling that was all together unpleasant. The captain concluded to anchor before leaving Oresound, that is the narrow channel between Danmark and Sweden because of the roughness of the sea in the Cattegat waiting for more pleasant weather. I presume this was done out of pity for the poor emigrants who were crowded together as so many sheep is a pen. We laid here until the following morning, when we lifted anchor and set out to sea for good. The wind became stronger again, and we had a very rough sea the waves constantly rolling over the deck, and found before we reached England that I had overestimated the pleasures of a sea voyage. Nearly all aboard the vessel was sick with the exception of the crew. I found it necessary to remain on deck as I could not stand it below. My youngest brother took very ill on this trip, he went into spasms and we thought was dying but after being carried on deck into the fresh air he soon revived and got well again. I think it was caused by the excitement, crowded conditions and bad air, caused by so many being crowded into a small space. The trip lasted three days I think, and this voyage was a rough one, but the good ship carried us through. The crew was very kind to the passengers but the boat was not arranged to carry so many. When I now after so many years think of the night, as still remembered by me, how the sick people were laying in the hold on the floor in a promiscuous way men, women, and children it is almost enough to sicken my stomach now.

When we landed in England we soon found it was a strange land and we were among a people whose language we could not understand nor could they understand us. We were here sheltered in some large warehouses or building of some such kinds but as we now had little more room and got access to our bedding we made our beds at nights upon the floor, and had a good rest as our stay was prolonged for several days. As I was looking around in that neighborhood one day [p.714] and with curiosity beholding what was going on in this new world. I would frequently listen to the conversation between men to try to catch some word that I could understand but in vain, it was all sealed to me. I remember as I was pondering over this strange affair I noticed a rooster, and saw him flap his wings just as a rooster would do in Denmark, and was almost surprised to hear him crow exactly as a Danish rooster would do. I came to the conclusion while men in different lands spoke different languages, that rooster language was the same throughout the world.

We had now already begun to learn that all in our company were not Saint-like in their conduct one toward another, but then we were going to Zion where we were to learn more perfectly the way of the Lord.

Many had now begun to see things not by them expected to be found among Saints yet with an eye of faith were looking for the better when we should arrive in Zion.

After about a week's stay at Hull we resumed our journey. This time by rail to Liverpool. It was my first ride in a railway train, and that was the case with a good many even among the older people, for in the country from where we came people do not travel much. Many are there born into the world and live a long life never never to see country and people 50 miles from home. I enjoyed this my first railroad ride immensely though the accommodations were poor. We arrived in Liverpool before night, and here we were to lay upon the stone pavement but as far as I remember it was under a sort of a shed by the dock where cargoes from the vessels were unloaded. It was poor accommodations for human beings, but then we were only Mormon emigrants and I did not hear of much complaints. It was expected that the road to Zion would be a difficult one, the [THAT] God's people should go through much tribulation whereby to become purified as gold. With this understanding all were determined to bear with meekness that which seemed to be their lot looking forward to the ultimate reward; a home in Zion. I would here remark that this emigration was all in charge of the leaders among the priesthood. They chartered the vessels and railroad trains and arranged the whole matter. [p.715] They fixed the price for each to pay for his or her passage and to them was the money paid and the people trusted all in their hands accepting such as they provided for them. If they should have asked for to know any of the particulars they would have been told it was not their business, and if any had complained they would have been considered in a spirit of apostasy.

I think it was on the 26 of April we went on board a large sailing vessel named The Monarch of the Sea. But she was not yet ready to sail. This large and proud vessel was to carry us cross the Atlantic to the continent of America.

On the 28th we were towed out of the harbor into sea again, the Monarch [of the Sea] carrying a cargo of about one thousand human beings beside the crew. It was my birthday, I was fourteen years old, and now bid adieu to the European shore, not troubling myself whether I ever or not should see that continent again. Upon this ship we were not quite so crowded as we had been across the North Sea from Denmark to England; but the room was small enough considering that we were there to stay for several weeks at least. We had not been long on board this vessel before we learned that we were in a rough company as far as the crew was concerned. They treated the people worse than beast, if they happened to be in their road on the deck they would kick and push them out of the way having no regard for either women or children.

One of the great difficulties that soon presented itself to us was that the ship was altogether incapable to cook for so large a crowd of passengers, and that the men in charge of the kitchen was inexperienced hands who were thus employed, working their passage. Rations was divided out consisting in oatmeal, rice, peas and meat and perhaps a few other articles. I think a few shrunken potatoes was given once or twice and coffee and tea was in like manner distributed. Each family was to bring their kettle with what they wanted boiled to the kitchen door and was to have it cooked in their turn, but when it was found that the kitchen was entirely inadequate this rule was not observed. The stronger crowded their dish to the front, while that belonging to the weaker and more modest ones was left behind. It was many [p.716] days that many got no cooking done at all, but had to satisfy their cravings by gnawing the hardtacks of which we had plenty.

This condition of affairs soon led to unpleasantness, to quarrels and hard feelings and who can blame them, even saints do not want to starve nor see their little ones cry for something to east. Our condition was most deplorable. The meat we got could be smelled from one end of the vessel to the other when the barrels were opened, it was almost a wonder that it did not explode the same before hand, so strong as it was. When we did happen to get our oatmeal peas or rice cooked as a rule it was not fit to eat being scorched, it not being tended to as the men had not the experience and so many vessels to look after, not the time. For those who had sickness in the family this condition of course was very trying as nothing could be had such as would tempt the appetite of the afflicted one. And we had not been aboard many days before sickness made its inroad into many families.

Our family did not escape. In a few days from the day of sailing my oldest brother took sick and he died in about a week and my youngest brother again in about a week after him. It soon became a common thing to have several deaths a day. I think about 60 children died which included nearly all the little one found among us. One old man closed his earthly career on board the ship but I think he was the only grown person who died. The disease among the children was said to be the measles, but why it should prove to be so universally fatal I can not now understand, and is rather inclined to think that it was the scarlet fever, and perhaps both. It was truly a trying time for parents and relatives of the little ones. No sooner was life extinct, but they would put their body in a coarse sack together with a piece of iron and dump them overboard without ceremony. The iron being in the sack to cause the body to sink. Having two brothers thus buried in the great deep the word of God which says, that: "The sea shall give up the dead which are in it," is not without significance and comfort to me.

I have heard in later years the statement often made [p.717] by the Mormon people, that God wondrously have blessed and preserved them, and their emigrants on their journey, but those who have been with them must remember these times as days of hardship, affliction and sorrow, such as must be experienced to fully understand.

It is not to be wondered at that contagious disease should break out among such a crowd of people who was nearly all of the poorer class and many of them very filthy it is only strange that some contagious disease did not carry off the older people as well, but they escaped now to meet with affliction and trials further on.

When it is considered that before we landed at New York we had been nearly two months on the journey and with no change of getting washing done in this crowded and filthy condition we were in a sorry plight. It was soon discovered that we had other passengers along that was not counted on at the start, and they were so seemed to increased from day to day so rapidly that no one would think of counting them. It was not large live stock, but that nearly everybody felt their presence was observed by the continual scratching in which they were non and then engaged. I have mentioned the ungentlemanly conduct of the crew as examples of their meanness would mention, that if an attempt would be made by anyone to wash their clothes and to have they [them] dried on the deck, the sailors would without the least provocation throw the same overboard as soon as they came across it. This was bedding and other clothing upon which the sick had died which some took on deck to give it a few moments fresh airing, throw it overboard. Once father and mother was on deck trying in the way circumstances would allow to rinse out some clothing, the day was fine. None of the crew had occasion to be in a hurry with their work, and father and mother was not in their way at all. Two of the sailors came along one of them I think was the first mate, they picked up the vessel containing the clothes without previous warning, and poured the whole thing into the spout leading through the ship's boulwark into the sea, and walked away as unconcerned as though nothing uncommon had happened. The clothes would all been lost if father had not immediately reached [p.718] down his hand and caught them all. Of course that finished that day's washing.

I think it was about June 1st that our eyes first beheld the shores of the new continent, the promised land, for which home and its comforts had been sacrificed. Friends and loved ones had been left behind. In many instances parents had left children, and children parents; and even worse husbands, and in this they had been encouraged by the missionaries. In support of such moves scripture had been quoted. The Master having said: "He that does not hate his father and mother, and wife, and children and brethren and sisters, yea and his own life also he can not be my disciple." This and similar text wrongfully applied, had led many to believe that it was their duty to forsake all even children and companions to gather with God's people to Zion. Some of them had already begun to see that wrong that had been committed and with bitterness began to regret the step they had taken. While on the journey they began to see that some of the Elders who they had learned to look up to as the servants of God and whose work they had received as the work of God were not such men as they believed them to be. I can remember a Swedish lady whose birth place was not far from ours, who had left her companion in Sweden, who I often heard cry out: "Had I know what I know now I would never have emigrated." As it was with her so it evidently was with many others. But now all who was well enough was cheerful. The long and tedious voyage with all its trials and hardships were complete. Here before the eye was the green shore of "Joseph's Land." It was to us a cheerful sight we though now the difficult part of the journey was completed, and though yet there were several thousands of miles to be traveled before we would reach our destination, "the valleys of the mountains," it would be a journey by land and being tired of the ocean we hailed the prospects of the change with joy. We were in tow of a little steamer and soon came to anchor in the bay. I think it was on the 2nd or 3rd of June that we went ashore at the Castle Garden, where so many thousands and perhaps millions since have landed, coming [p.719] from various parts of Europe to better their financial condition in the new world. But this was not the prime object by the majority of our company. We had come to be enriched spiritually; we were going to a place appointed by God, to be under the voice of inspiration, that we might learn more fully to worship our Maker in righteousness, and to know his ways more fully.

All was in a hurry and bustle at the Garden, how long we waited there I do not remember, but I think it was the next day we boarded a steamer that carried us up the Hudson River to the city of Albany, and here again we had to wait. I sometime think of those times in contrast with our present way of traveling. How impatient we get if our trains do not make close connections, if we have to wait a few hours we think it is very inconvenient, and if it happens that we must wait till next day we consider it outrageous and declare that company ought to be prosecuted for neglect. Not so with us we waited with patience, though many felt weary and worn out with fatigue, few felt that they had a right to complain. Must not God's people come up through great tribulations? And must they not bear these in meekness and submission? What faith was exercised by many in those days to be wrecked and ruined later on as discoveries reveal the corruption within, and in the midst of the church which was believed to be God's own building accepted and directed by him.

After a while we boarded the first railway train in America and though every coach was full to its utmost capacity we were pleased with the cushioned seats and comfortable arrangements found in European railway car. We began to enjoy our ride by rail in this new land where everything looked so strangely different to what our eyes were accustomed to behold.

It was only for a time however for we soon found out that this journey soon would become tiresome also.

Already worn out and tired, and some sick among us, and none having for several nights enjoyed a recuperating slumber so much needed for all, and especially for people in our condition, we soon found when the eye got weary of looking at the sights and night approached that the limited [p.720] space allowed for each did not afford a very comfortable condition for sleep and rest so much needed.

Our train was a slow one being frequently sidetracked to be out of the way of other trains, and thus we were delayed for hours at the time. I remember but few of the cities that we passed through and do not know even the name of the road over which we traveled. But we came to a place where we must change cars, and we found that a train of box cars had been provided for us, with temporary hard seats arranged even without any support for the back.

Our leaders claimed that the railroad company was to blame for this treatment but how the matter stood we of course had no opportunity of knowing. It was during the war of the rebellion, when everything almost was in an unsettled condition in the United States, and this condition of affairs may some how been the cause why the company could not furnish passenger cars for us to travel in.

Our condition was uncomfortable on the first train but it became tenfold worse in box cars. How long we traveled in these I do not remember, but the trip from Albany, New York to St. Joseph, Missouri lasted about a week. The city of Chicago is one of the places remembered by me. Here as far as I remember we were furnished with passenger cars again in which we traveled to Quincy, Illinois but after crossing the Mississippi River, a train of box cars were offered to us again.

Here our company refused to travel that way and we had to wait till the next day. We had no shelter for the night and no access to our bedding. We went into the woods and the weather being fine, and by the use of shawls and overcoats we made ourselves tolerable comfortable. I think it was the most comfortable night spent for a week. The following day we were furnished regular cars, and we traveled on to St. Joseph. I think now it may be that the railroad company had been furnishing cars for the transporting of soldiers to battlefield and that the freight cars, fitted up with temporary board seats were such as had been for such used transportation, and perhaps on this account was unprepared to furnish cars for an extra train as was required for our company. [p.721] Be that as it may I have described our mode of traveling to the best of my recollection, and though over 30 years ago many of the incidents of that journey are indelible stamped upon my mind, and remembered as well as though it occurred yesterday.

St. Joseph was not much of a place at the time when we arrived there. We were dumped off near the Missouri River on the sand. If there was a depot we were not taken to it. Perhaps if there was one, it would have been too small to accommodate our crowd. Here we boarded a steamer which slowly paddled us up the Missouri River to a place called Wyoming, about seven miles above Nebraska City where we arrived about the middle of June. This was the place selected from which we were to begin our tedious journey across the plains. This trip was to be made with ox team, and the distance to be traveled some over one thousand miles. It was the first season in which the Mormon emigration was to start from here.

In previous years the starting point had been Florence, Nebraska, about 40 miles farther up the river, and about four miles from Omaha. Perhaps the principal cause for this change was the fact that this latter place having so long been on the line over which the Mormons having traveled, and in consequence many of the citizens of Omaha and Florence were apostate Mormons. Some having refused to journey any further having become weak in the faith before reaching the mountains, and others after having gone there had become disgusted and returned and located at these places. It was not desirable by the leaders of the Mormon emigration to take the people where they would be so close in contact with these apostates, as they might bring them such information as would not be desirable for them to obtain, thus leading perhaps others to apostatize.

After landing in Wyoming we were permitted to scatter about among the brush and build our camp as best we could, and everybody were soon busy at work. Only few in the company had tents, those who had were considered the rich. The rest built huts by throwing brush upon poles erected for the purpose, and an effort was made by some to have [p.722] these huts with sumac bushes and other brush in a manner to keep out the rain. But this last effort did not prove much of a success. Our brush houses answered quite well to keep out the sun but when it rained we were in pitiful condition. For it did rain and rained as we had never seen it rain before. In Denmark we had seen long and steady rains, but never had we witnessed such pour down before, nor such thunder and lightning. I have seen some such weather since, but do not think I ever seen anything worse, and we were altogether unprepared.

Among the first and very important work to be done among us was that of getting our clothing washed, that we might be freed from the past before spoken of that had by no means been diminished, but on the other hand had got worse. And for the accomplishment of this a good supply of soap had been provided by those in charge. Water being free and plenty and little wood could be gathered to heat the water the facility was good for a cleansing process. We now had plenty of room so that those who wanted to need no longer remain in their previous condition.

We had not been long in camp until we found disease prevailing among our number to an alarming extent. The change of climate and the change in living at the same time being exposed to all kinds of weather brought on sickness. This time it was not among the little ones only as was the case on board the vessel.

This time it was primarily grown persons that became afflicted. It was by some called the choler. I think however it was only the result of the hardships of the journey combined with change of climate and diet. No matter what disease it was it was bad enough, and attacked both young and old, some slightly and others severely, and in quite a number of cases resulted in death. Mother was the first one in our family who came down, and we found it impossible to care for her as the sick ought to be cared for, not even being able to protect her from the rains that fell in torrents nearly every night.

One day Elder John Smith, who is now the presiding patriarch in the Utah Church came by and stopped to see [p.723] my mother his generous heart was touched with pity and he told father to come with him and he would see that we got a tent to use, which he did. John Smith was himself at this time return from a mission to Denmark. At this time mother was very low and by many not expected to live. I remember upon one occasion when alone with my father he spoke to me in manner evidently to prepare me for what he feared would be the end. I know father felt bad and I was in condition nor was I old enough to comfort him. Mother expected herself that her end had come and wanted to die. She told us that she could not live and if any spoke of the possibility of her recovery it seemed to be [-] to her. But her work was not done she could not then die, but she is living even now. She had yet to suffer many things that none of us at that time had even dreamed of.

How wisely that the creature in many instances has kept hid from gaze the future, and only revealed in part such things as may prove for our good if rightly and faithfully applied. The tent that was so kindly furnished us proved to be of but little good to us as it could not stand the storm and we being inexperienced with tenting did not know so well to pitch it securely. I remember several nights that I together with my father when the storms came up would get up and cling to the poles with all our strength in the hope of holding it secure, but it would be only for a while and then it would go down notwithstanding our efforts. After a while we learned by experience to pitch it more securely that we made it stand, and perhaps the storms were not severe. We have often felt grateful to Elder Smith for his kindness in our behalf. A friend in need is a friend indeed and such he proved to be though he was almost an entire stranger to us. Mother got better in course of time, and the next to be taken sick was my sister and I.

We had not means to purchase a team of our own and thus travel in an independent way across the plains as some did. The church had sent teams from the valleys to bring out the poor, and we being now among that class having spent all we had in the world to come this far on our way to Zion. A company composed of those whom possessed their [p.724] own teams had started and indeed had not tried to get off on account of the sickness of mother.

We had been in camp at Wyoming about six weeks, and now the last company were going to start, and so of course we must go along or be left behind. My sister was quite sick yet and I was not well, but we got started. Now the teams that came from Utah was furnished by the people there upon the call of their leaders to bring the poor saints to Zion, but before any of the belongings of the people were laced in the wagons they were loaded with merchandise almost to their full capacity. This consisted of boxes and bales and in other forms either for some individual merchant in Salt Lake City or for the cooperation known as cooperative "Zions, mercantile institution." Though I do not know if this institution was organized at that time or not. No matter the goods were hauled out for somebody, and it was all done in the name of helping the poor and building up Zion. I learned from the young man who drove our team that there was some over twenty hundred on the same before any of the emigrants had a thing put on but the emigrants goods did not amount to much, as each person was only allowed fifty pounds and that included bedding and all.

We were twelve persons to a wagon, but every man, woman, and child who was at all able to should walk. We were of course not going to go to Zion "on flowery beds of ease," neither should we ride on an ox team. But we must walk both men, women, and children. Such streams as the Platt and other rivers must be considered no obstacles, if they could be forded with teams men and women could wade across and it was expected that they should. Perhaps when we think of the hardships of the hand cart companies who traversed the desert pulling or pushing their carts, our walking and wading the rivers should not be complained of.

But it is born in mind that these teams were sent freely for the purpose of bringing home the poor, and when it is understood as was the fact that each head of family before starting on the journey had to sign promissary notes agreeing to pay $60.00 for each person carried across the [p.725] plains and these notes drawing interest at the rate of ten per cent, paid interest to e added to the principal yearly and drawing interest at same rate until paid, it looks like an expensive privilege. I remember it was announced while in camp at Wyoming that all who wanted to go on the church teams should come to office ad sign their name and of course all went. The masses coming from foreign lands of course could not speak nor read English, but they asked no questions but did as they were told, and no one explained what their signature meant. . . . [p.726]

BIB: Hansen, H. N., "An Account of a Mormon Family's Conversion to the Religion of the Latter-day Saints and their Trip from Denmark to Utah," Annals of Iowa 41:1 (Summer 1971) pp 712-26.

Reminiscences of John Johnson [Johan Johanssen]

. . . we traveled with team to the nearest railroad station where we stayed for the night. Next morning we took train for Christiania (capital of Norway) where we stopped a week or more waiting for the steamer to go. We left there for Denmark where we stayed in Copenhagen another week. (The steamer also landed at Gotheborg, Sweden and there were some emigrants came on board). We left Copenhagen for Hamburg, Germany traveling part of the way on railroad and part on steamer. The Danish emigrants did not go in our company as there was war between Denmark and Germany. They took another route. The Norwegians and the Swedish traveling together. We took steamer from Hamburg to Grimsby, England, across the North Sea which was a very rough trip; nearly everybody seasick. The boat being loaded with stock on the lower decks and emigrants above. While on this trip, the Germans mistook [p.4] us for a Danish ship and fired three shots at us (without any damage) which they had no right to do as we were traveling on a Swedish steamer. We landed in Grimsby OK and stopped there a week or more and while there the Danish emigrants overtook us and from then on we traveled together. We went railroad from there to Liverpool where we stayed a number of days getting ready for crossing the great ocean. While there, the emigrants from the British Isles gathered and on the 28 of April, 1864 we were all on board of a large sailing ship, the Monarch of the Sea, ready for crossing the ocean. There were 973 emigrants, all Saints, about 700 Scandinavians and the rest from the British Isles. We were under the leadership of Patriarch John Smith with J.P.R. Johnson as his assistant. This was a troublesome part of the journey. We did not look for anything to eat but had considerable trouble in getting the cooking done. Only one large stove for nearly 1000 [p.5] people to cook for and part of the time so stormy that we could not cook at all. We were obliged to do most of our cooking and wait for our turn. The commissary would give us our provision once a week such as corned-beef, bacon, rice, sugar, split peas, tea, coffee, & potatoes. Great many were seasick so they could neither cook nor eat. Men were appointed to stand guard at night to see that everything were in order, that no lights were left burning to set fire to anything, or anything else out of the order and if so, to report to the proper authorities. While I was only a boy of 15 years of age, they considered me trusty and capable of taking my turn in standing guard which I did without a murmur. There were many more in the company of my age and older, that were not asked to do any work of the kind.

There were much sickness among the people. 67 died and dumped into the sea. The way it was done was to sew them up tight in burlap or canvas, then fasten some iron to their [p.6] feet, then lay them on a plank over the edge of the ship, lift up the end of the plank on deck until it got so deep they would slide into the ocean. My sister, Inger [Ingri Johanssen] , was very sick for a while so we thought we would lose her but she recovered again. The cause of some of the sickness was bad water, as we only had what was put up in barrels and it became very foul and unhealthy. We were compelled to do our washing and cooking in seawater from the ocean. We finally landed in New York, June 3rd, after six weeks experience on the sea.

We then passed through what was called the Castle Garden. We went from there to Nebraska traveling part of the time by rail and part on steamboat up the Missouri River. Here we camped on the banks of the Missouri River among some oak brush seven miles north of Nebraska City. We were about six weeks buying outfits and getting ready for crossing the plains. There were about 170 church teams that year, but we were in the independent company and had our own [p.7] teams, wagons, and provisions to look after. Father (Knudsen) brought 4 yoke of oxen, three cows, one mare (for me to ride on and help drive the stock), two wagons which was loaded with our clothes and provision to what they thought would be about right for two yoke or four oxen and for the wagon, we made several trips to Nebraska City where Father done most of the buying. And he did extra well in buying there as he had the gold to pay with owing to the civil war. And at that time the price on currency was very uncertain. The whole company consisted of 60 wagons. Patrick John Smith bing our Captain of the Company and J. P. R. Johnson his assistant. . . . [p.8]

. . . We arrived in Salt Lake City [p.12] Oct 1st making six months from the time we left Oestere Sveen [LOCATION UNCLEAR] the place of our birth. . . . [p.13]

BIB: Johnson, John. [Johan Johanssen] Reminiscences (Ms 1779), fd. 4, pp. 4-8,12-13. (HDA)

Reminiscences of Martha Olson Sprague

. . . My father was Gustav Olson and my mother was Johanna Anderson Olson. I was born March 16, 1854 in Sventorp, Sweden, My father was a farmer there. My parents were converted to the Latter-day Saint church about 1860. Father served as president of that part of the mission field until 1864. Mobs persecuted us and finally we decided to leave.

On April 4, 1864, we left Sventorp. Then we went to Akovee, next to Gottenberg, then Copenhagen. From there we sailed across the Baltic to Subeck, Germany. Then we took the train to Hamburg, Germany and sailed there to England. Crossing the North Sea, many passengers were sick. We landed at Grimsby and stayed there eight days.

On April 21 we arrived in Liverpool and on April 28, we embarked on the Ship Monarch [of the Sea] with 973 Latter-day Saint converts under the direction of Patriarch John Smith.

On May 10 a terrible storm arose and my father tied me to a timber with a rope to keep me from being hurled about by the pitching of the ship. An old uncle of mine had a big kettle of peas which he had cooked. He sat down to enjoy the dish. The next thing I saw was the old man sliding back and forth under his berth in these peas. [p.51]

We reached New York safely June 3. We took the train out to the little town of Wyoming, Nebraska about 7 miles north of Nebraska City. There we outfitted, meanwhile camping in the brush for three weeks in hot weather waiting for the church teams to come and meet us.

The ground was so hot it burned our feet. About 170 teams were sent from Utah that year to the Missouri River for the immigrants. We started our trip across the plains July 1. . . .

. . . We arrived in Salt Lake September 5, 1864, being five months and eleven days on the journey. . . . [p.52]

BIB: Sprague, Martha Olson, [Reminiscences], "Utah Pioneer Biographies," vol. 27, pp.51- 52. (FHL)

Download a copy