Click on a Ship Name/Year to find a description of the voyage
and possibly a narrative on the overland route.
Athena Voyage of 1862
Autobiography of Ola Nilsson Liljenquist
as contained in Tullidge’s Quarterly Magazine 4:1 (July 1881) pp.572-73.
April 21st, 1862, I left Copenhagen the second time, for Zion, in charge of a company of Saints, numbering four hundred and eighty-four souls. This was the fourth and last company that started from Copenhagen to Zion in the spring of 1862. I left, feeling exceedingly grateful for the power and graces that had been bestowed upon us while we had been bearing our testimonies to tens of thousands of people and felt that our garments would be unspotted from their blood in the great day of judgment. The Lord has blessed our feeble efforts with much fruit, but we felt that the harvest would be great though the laborers few. The company [p.572] arrived at Hamburg on the 22nd, and were taken by boat five miles up the Elbe, where we embarked on a German emigrant ship, a large sailing vessel, called the Athenia. We set sail on the morning of the 24th. We learned before we reached New York, to our sorrow, the difference of the German laws and the English in fitting out an emigrant ship for its long voyage. In the first place, the water for use on shipboard, taken in on the Hamburg Elbe, rotted long before we reached our destination; the provisions were of a very inferior kind, and the way it was cooked was still worse, and then not half enough of it as it was. The captain said he carried emigrants across the Atlantic twenty-six. He showed me the irons and hand-cuffs he used to put upon the emigrants when they were not servient of his will, and stated that he use to cut off the finest head of hair from the girls, and said he would treat us the same if we did not honor him as the sole chief, and quit finding fault with the treatment we had. One Sunday afternoon, after we had concluded our religious services, I suppose through jealousy and for not having any influence with the Saints, he threatened to throw me overboard, and I suppose would have carried out his purpose in a crazy fit, had he dared to. Measles broke out among us and thirty-five deaths occurred, as the result of bad water and food. Finally, after seven weeks at sea, we arrived at New York, where we took the car for St. Joseph, and from there by steamer to Florence. Horace S. Eldredge was the emigration agent at New York and he arranged everything well for us. At Florence we had a very long delay, and several deaths occurred. The four companies were made into two at Florence, C. A. Madsen was appointed captain of one, and myself of the other; and our great chief, John Van Cott, presided over both, as we traveled close together. We arrived safely at Salt Lake City, September 22nd, 1862. . . . [p.573]
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Reminiscences and diary of Martin Peterson Kuhre
pp. 41-45,48.
At one o’clock we sailed with the steamer "Aurora. We had a pleasant voyage and arrived at Kiel the 18th in the morning at six o’clock. We came to the railroad and arrived at Altona. It took four hours, it is 14 miles. We stayed there seven hours. Was transported aboard in a little or coast [UNCLEAR] together with our baggage and was towed out to the large emigrant ship. We came aboard in the evening and got bunk together with Sister Karen and came to house. I was glad and happy because the Lord had [p.40] blessed me with a good wife to whom I could present my love and assistance. She was able to comfort and make sweet unto me life with her sincere heavenly love.
April 1862, 19th. We fixed our baggage
20th. The Sabbath. We had meeting aboard. District
Presidents were appointed and I was appointed as overseer over the lanterns.
My beloved wife and I rejoiced together.
21st. We were still in harbor at Gluckstad. We had meeting.
22nd. Changed a dollar and brought bread and some things.
23rd. We were still in harbor at Gluckstad on account of contrary winds.
24th. The same.
25th. Hoisted anchor in the morning with good wind and stood out. We were tugged out in the forenoon. My beloved wife was taken seasick and had to go to bed.
26th. Good wind. My beloved wife kept a bed all day and was sick.
27th. Sabbath. Calm all day. Meeting on the deck. My wife was up and enjoyed the sea.
28th. Good wind and rough.
29th. Good wind. Everything well aboard. We got in sight of Scotland in the afternoon. Passed [-] lighthouse in the evening and [-] islands at 12 o’clock at night.
30th. Heavy sea with contrary wind further on in the day. Pretty much all were seasick. My wife was very sick. Laid in bed all day.
May 1862. The first of May. The same kind of weather. My wife was very sick and had to keep in bed all day. Thanks to the Lord that I am strengthened and am able to help her.
2nd. Same wind, but could manage to steer over high seas. It blew terribly. We sailed with reef sails. My beloved wife was very sick. Between 4 and 5 in the afternoon she said that now she did not feel like she could live any longer. Her pulse beat fast and seemingly death was painted in her face. I pressed her to my bosom and pressed a kiss upon her ice cold lips and my heart bled with the thought of losing her, the dearest I had in the world. She expressed what was the desire of her heart. "My Father let me live to remain with him. I love him dearly." I sprang out of bed. Her pulse was stopped. I took some wine and water and got her to drink it and it seemed she felt a little easier about the heart. The Lord heard the silent prayers of our hearts and spared her life, thanks to His name eternally. She is all the time very weak and cannot retain anything on her stomach. The most of the Saints are very sick.
3rd. We are steering the course. It is blowing almost a
storm. We are sailing with bram sail. We have seen other
ships with reefed sails. My wife is yet very sick. Oh, Lord,
assist her and spare her life and bring us to Zion.
4th. Sabbath. Good wind and we are steering our course. My beloved wife had to keep her bed.
5th. My wife was up and was on half deck. Found herself pretty well. It was almost a storm but we went with [-]. In the afternoon we went with a side wind and we came very far towards the north. [p.41]
6th. Wind full towards the north till pretty near the evening. It blew hard and we made pretty good speed. My wife better, thanks to the Lord.
7th. About the same kind of wind and the ship went with the waves at a good speed. It blew hard.
8th. It blew hard. We went along and several ships were passed that sailed with reefed sails. My wife was lying all day. In the evening we reefed sail.
9th. Almost a storm. Meeting aboard. Hans Anderson and I administered and blessed a child who died half an hour after meeting. It was Jens Mats child, a boy. My wife well. I got a pair of dried bacon for Trine. It tasted splendid. Thanks be to the Lord for it. Rain and sharp wind from the west.
10th. My wife was up. Wind was west/southwest.
11th. Splendid weather. We were steering and we had a good meeting of the Saints on deck on quilts and blankets. I preached, requested by our President Brother Liljenquist. I felt blessed. Brother Anderson, H. P. Moller and Liljenquist preached. We did not get the meeting dismissed as the wind increased and as waves grew high and frightened some of the weakest of the Saints into gathering their clothes together. I talked with Trine and was lying on the bed clothes on deck and we talked over where we should ship in the evening. I went up to the brethren and thence down to my bed. They had to set out bram sail and store sail. The kaiver sail was broken during the night. We continued and sailed south/southwesterly. My wife kept in bed. Oh, my Lord, strengthen her both spiritually and bodily.
13th. Calm. My wife was up and better. I got a pan and fried bacon again. The steward of the ship gave it to me, God bless him for it. It tasted splendidly in the circumstances in which we were in.
14th. Easterly wind. Tail sail out. My wife was better and up, the Lord be thanked.
15th. Contrary wind. Good weather. My wife on deck in bed clothes. Considerable sickness on board. One man died. 17 (or 27) years old. A child also, 7 years old. In the evening I was up to see them sink in their watery grave.
16th. My wife also up. I was washing. The steward gave me peas for dinner. They tasted splendidly. Otherwise we should have had rotten cabbage. He gave me also some potatoes for evening and a big piece of pork of which I fried some for supper. A child died.
17th. Contrary winds and sharp. Almost a storm. My beloved wife well. I got some cod fish from the cook in the evening. The Lord bless him for his goodness towards us.
18th. The Sabbath. An old lady died during the night. Westerly wind and foggy air. Two children [-].
19th. One child died during the night. A man died. Calm and warm and many sick. My beloved wife well.
20th. Calm and warm. The guard was angry with Brother Halmstead. Brother Halmstead asked his pardon. In the evening there was music and dancing on the half deck. Most of them participated in the dance even though their wives and everything that would keep them there was about dead. I and my wife were lookers on to all this.
21st. Still calm and warm. A child died. [p.42]
22nd. A sharp wind. A woman and a boy 16 years old dies and a child. My beloved wife was seasick. Oh Lord, assist her.
23rd. A child died last night. Calm in the forenoon. Storm in the afternoon and good wind. This man has lost three children, Carl John Mork. [POSSIBLY, Mark]
24th. Four children died last night. Jens Poulson's [Poulsen] two sisters and wife and a child died. My beloved wife is not well today. Oh Lord, restore her I ask Thee in the name of thy beloved son, Jesus Christ, and bring us to Zion for thy mercy's sake. The wind calm today. Last night, rain, thunder and lightning. My beloved wife very sick of diarrhea. We got some wine soup from the captain. It strengthened her very much.
25th. My dear wife has been very sick during the night. Brother Moller's boy brought us a sugar dipped in opium from the captain to ease it. The wind northeast and sharp breeze. One child died during the night. My wife got a cup full of something that Brother Nielsen called liquor. Something unpleasant to drink but I hope it will help her. My beloved wife is still very sick. I got some pancakes for her from the cook. She ate a little of them.
26th. Two children died. The wind calm. My wife better. She got some warm wine and it did her good. In the afternoon she was worse. We brought the midwife and asked her assistance.
27th. My wife was very sick. Oh, Lord, assist her. The midwife counseled to bleed her which was done twice on one arm but did not get any blood. Niels Johansen brought blood from the other arm. The wind easterly and a slow breeze.
28th. My dear wife very sick. I am downcast, but my hope is to the Lord that He will raise her and turn her sufferings into joy in the coming days. She cannot retain food and is all the time writhing and in pain. A woman died today. Good wind, the Lord be thanked, but almost a storm. Four bram sail blown to pieces. The ship is going at the rate of 11 1/2 miles in four hours. The wind went west and the mar sails reefed for the first time on the voyage. High seas and the ship working heavily.
29th. My beloved wife a little better but she can still take nothing of such as I can get her to strengthen the weak body. I fried a few potatoes for her. She ate a few of them. Oh, my God, spare her life. Hear or hear thy humble servant's prayer for the dearest which thou hast given me on earth. The wind blew considerably, but we had lots of sail up.
30th. My beloved wife was a little better; a little. The wind was westerly. Four children died today.
31st. Calm. My dear wife was a little better today, thanks
to the name of the Lord eternally.
June 1862. The first of June, the Sabbath. The wind
south and calm. Was together with a ship from Bremmen by the name
of "Helena. Our captain visited them and they visited us.
My beloved wife better today but must all the time keep in bed. I
cooked a little chicken broth for her today from the table of the captain.
She had wished it so long and she enjoyed it so well, thanks to the Lord
as we have to acknowledge His hand in all things. Meeting on
deck. Brother Liljenquist preached and we had a blessed day and fine
weather. A child died during the night.
2nd. Foggy weather. A girl died today. My dear wife is better day by day. I got a little food for her from the captain's table. It strengthened her bodily. [p.43]
3rd. The same foggy weather and calm. Everything well aboard except a little sickness but not so bad as has been. There happened a little between my dear wife and myself on account that we did not always deal as wisely as we ought. We got it settled but not without tears on both sides. The Lord give us mercy to deal more according to wisdom as we do love one another so sincerely.
4th. Foggy. We passed two steamers. We had good wind all the time but foggy weather. My dear wife better every day. Two children died today.
5th. My dear wife very sick. The ship rocked very much and is sailing with a good wind and all of us waiting to see land. I got a little chicken soup from the Captain's table to my beloved Trine. About 3 o'clock in the afternoon we got land in sight. Blessed feelings passed through my soul when I saw the land which is the object of my desires and future hopes. The land where I was to pass through sorrow and joy and whatever comes in life together with this beloved woman the Lord has given me. Oh my hope is for time and eternity in this land where thousands are flocking to prepare for the millennial morning. Oh, Lord, hear Thy humble servant's prayer and strengthen and raise my beloved wife.
6th. [-] and cast anchor at 8 o’clock. We heaved anchor again
and sailed up a splendid river and enjoyed ourselves seeing the beautiful
forests and landscapes. My beloved wife was up and rejoiced in union
with me. We passed the doctor and got permission to go right up to
New York. We arrived in the city at
5 in the afternoon. One child died. We soon got a little
to eat and refreshed ourselves. In the evening a dance on deck.
7th. Two children died today; in all 39. We arrived at Castle Garden and was glad and rejoiced. We went up and had warm beef. It did us good after a long voyage. We went to a hotel and took a nights lodging there.
8th. Day of Pentecost. We went around and got us something to eat and looked around a little.
9th. We came to Castle Garden from the hotel. Two women had two births during the night in Castle Garden. We drove from Castle Garden at six in the afternoon to the station in wagons. We traveled from New York at half past eight in the evening and arrived at Albany at 6:30 in the morning.
10th. After we had rejoiced very much in seeing this pleasant land, these romantic rocky mountains, the green splendid forests and the fruitful fields; my beloved wife was pretty well satisfied. We traveled from Albany at 12:30 noon and arrived at Niagara at 11:30 noon on the llth, and rode over the bridge under which the great Niagara water fall is running. We camped in a green space and ate and drank and looked at this so much spoken of waterfall with great interest. We left Niagara at 2:30 afternoon and arrived the 12th in the morning at 7:00 at Windsor where we were set over to Detroit by a steamer. Traveled further at 2 in the afternoon. A child died in the car where I was.
13th. A boy of ten years fell out of the car and got his toes of one foot crushed. We arrived at Chicago at one in the afternoon. Everything well. We had splendid cars to ride in. We left Chicago at 5 in the afternoon and arrived the 14th at Quincy at 2 in the afternoon. Went aboard in the steamer and sailed along the Mississippi River 20 miles to Hannibal where we lodged in the cars over night. [p.44]
15th. Sabbath. We remain in Hannibal. Bought meat and made soup in the fields.
16th. We left Hannibal at 5 in the morning and arrived at St. Joseph at 6 in the afternoon. Camped on a green plain. A little after midnight we went aboard on a steamer and left St. Joseph the same night.
17th. We sailed up the Missouri River. Sister Sophis [Sophie] Olsen died today aboard the steamer about 6 in the afternoon.
18th. A child died today. We landed in Florence at 12 midnight.
19th. We hauled our baggage to the camping place and camped there.
20th. Attended to necessaries together with my dear wife.
21st. I made out a note to Brother Niels Johansen calling for 132 dollars American money at 4% interest annually until the same shall be paid.
22nd. Sabbath. Meeting under open heaven. I was not there on account of not feeling well. I built a bower to protect us from the heat of sun.
23rd. Very damp. My beloved wife not well. I bought an oxen for thirteen dollars.
24th. Heavy thunder during the night. The day passed attending to the necessities.
25th. The same.
26th. I went out in country a little together with brethren in order to buy cows. We went 9 ½ (or 4 ½) miles to town by name Gallawan. We were lying there overnight but went further again in the morning of the 27th without getting any cows. I bought a good cow on my road home for 20 dollars. I came home about noon. This day was my dear wife’s birthday, 24 years old.
28th. I was looking out for the cow and was looking after the necessities together with my dear wife.
29th. Sabbath.
30th. We received our oxen.
July 1862. The first of July. I herded our oxen and
our cow. I was not satisfied with our oxen and gave the brethren
to understand it and they thence told me I could have my money back if
I desired it. I concluded that I myself would get my wagon.
2nd. I went to Omaha in the morning and looked at some wagons but returned without buying any.
3rd. I bought the one pair of oxen from the brethren and had to give $69.75 for them. I went out and looked at a cow but went back again without buying it.
4th. The jubilee of the Americans.
5th. I and my wife went out and got a cow and gave $15 for it.
6th. Sabbath. We wrote some in a letter home to Denmark and herded our stock.
7th. Nothing remarkable.
8th. Very strong thunder and two English brethren were killed by the lightning.
9th. Rain and we almost swam in water in the tents. I bought a wagon for $50.
10th. I set [-] on the wagon and sent the wagon to the smith’s and brought provisions.
11th. I bought some provisions and fixed for the journey . . .
. [p.45]
. . . [Sept.] 26th. We reached Salt Lake City....[p.48]
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Autobiographical Sketch of Jens Hansen
Autobiographical Sketch (Ms 7550), pp. 6, 8.
LDS Historical Department Archives
We left Denmark and arrived at Liverpool. Here
our son Lars Christian Hansen died the sixteenth of January 1854.
My wife gave birth to another son, who was named Joseph Christian Hansen,
born January sixteenth 1854 in Liverpool. After about two weeks stay,
we departed in the sailing vessel Benjamin Adams on which seven or eight
hundred Latter-day Saints were passengers. On this voyage my wife
suffered much with sickness which was a great trial for me, as it was difficult
to find a woman who nursed, so our little son could be breast fed.
After seven weeks we landed at New Orleans, in the blessed land of America,
after having crossed the Atlantic Ocean and up the lovely Mississippi River;
on the banks of which beautiful gardens were planted with trees that only
can be grown in countries with climates like here. I felt an inexpressible
joy and happiness on entering this beautiful country about which I had
read so much. This country where so many great things had been done.
We sailed up the river to St. Louis. Here my wife regained her
health which was a great joy to me as well as a relief, for now she was
able to nurse our baby. The river banks here were as before, very
beautiful. Orange trees and other fruit trees were growing in the
beautiful landscaped gardens. We now went aboard another steamboat,
which sailed up the river to Kansas, where we camped in a forest.
Here my wife received a child whose mother died during childbirth, who
with our own child had sufficient breast feeding. This child's father
was Jens Pedersen who had emigrated from Sjaelland. The child lived
however lived [UNCLEAR] only a couple of weeks. Cholera had just
started up the river and the child caught it and died. Due to this
communicative disease my half brother, Jorgen Jacobsen and several of his
children, died and was buried in this forest. A daughter of my brother,
Peder Hansen and his wife Karen also died here. Karen was also very
sick, so we naturally thought she would die too. My brother Peder,
her husband, and I even selected a place for her body when we buried their
daughter Anne Kirstine, but soon she was better and lived.
Our camp was soon moved to another forest by the
name of Westpole, thinking that it would be more healthy, and the health
of the camp seemed to improve now.
I was appointed captain of the camp, which assignment I had until
our arrival at the Great Salt Lake Valley. . . [p.6]
. . . I feel and understand by all of this, partly the greatness and power of the Lord by viewing his handy work. We crossed the large and smaller mountains and entered in through Emigration Canyon, where my father came to meet us. We were very happy to see each other in the camp of Zion, the gathering place of God’s children. My father had now another wife by the name of Dorthea. My mother had died aboard the ship that took them from England To America, but because they were so close to land she was buried in America. October fifth 1854 we came into the Great Salt Lake Valley and the beautiful laid out city. It was a joy to see and to realize all of the work had already been done in so short a time they had lived in the valley. I felt very thankful to the Lord for his protection and for the comfortable trip we had with the exception of the trial I went through when he called my wife and little son home and the difficulties with my brother Jorgen P. Hansen. But the joy and satisfaction of arriving here to Zion healed these wounds. . . . [p.8]
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Rasmus Neilsen Journal, pp. 1-9
Ms 6006 (Typescript), pp. 109 in the LDS Church Historical Department
Archives
translated from Danish by his son C. E. Neilsen on March 21, 1902
From Fredericia, journeyed we Dec. 19, 1853, by ferry from Fredericia to Strib, from there with two wagons, to Odense, 2 o’clock p.m.
Dec. 20 We lay in the hotel till 8 o’clock, then to Nyborg on two wagons, arrived 1 o’clock. On the road visited we our son Hans. We took steamboat Nyborg to Korsor, 8 o’clock, then with two wagons to Roskilde, arrived 2 o’clock a.m.
Dec. 22 8 o’clock took train for Copenhagen.
Dec. 24 Christmas day we took steamer to Travemunde, took 26 hours.
Same evening we rode to Lubeck. Travemunde is a small city, but Lubeck
is about like Copenhagen. [p.1]
We traveled on the morning, Dec. 26, with ry. [UNCLEAR] 14 miles
to Altona. We lay there three days. We had our bills paid and
had a good time, saw many wonderful buildings and ships. We came
through one end of Hamburg. It is curious to see people living 7
or 8 stories up in the air. We get tired of looking up at them.
Do not know how large Hamburg is; we went through but one end, but Altona
is about the size of Copenhagen. We bought many little things here
that were cheap.
Dec. 30 From there by train to Gluckstad. There we found our company
who left Copenhagen the day after us by steamship by way of Kiel and train
to Gluckstadt. We were 400 quartered in a large hall and lay in straw
on the floor. We got dinner four times; the rest we provided ourselves
with food.
We lay there to the 7th of February [January] for the ice was
covering the harbor and drifting in the strand. We can see over the
strand 1 mile to Hanover. Here many things were cheap, such as factory
shoes. Living was dear. We bought many things here, and if
we had known we could have saved half by buying here instead of home.
Jan. 7 6 o’clock a.m. We went on the steamship "Tounsit with our things. It was wonderful to see the ship breaking through the ice. Nearly all were seasick. The bad smell from the machinery, and the stormy weather, and the North Sea that is always rough . . . [TYPESCRIPT NOTES HERE THAT THE REST OF THIS LINE IS NOT LEGIBLE] We were on the water 58 hours and arrived at Hull, England, 4 o’clock after having sailed 150 miles.
I will here give my recollection of that trip from Germany to England. The ship was a merchant vessel with no accommodation for passengers, and they were stored away in the hole, and when the storm come, they had to shut down the hatches, and that nearly smothered them. I and two other boys, one I learned was Peter Christensen from Nephi, was hid on deck near the boiler under some canvas and stayed there all night. In the morning when they took the hatches [off] of the steam, [it] came up as from a manure pit, and the refuse and liquid was six inches in the bottom of the ship and the sailors drew it up in buckets next morning. I think a child died that night. I wonder [why] father passed over that night so lightly and I recollect it so distinctively, that I got but little of it.
It was wonderful to see so many ships in the English Channel. In Hull we were but three hours. We went the same evening by train to Liverpool. I think Hull is about the size of Copenhagen. There are ships here in the harbor by the 1,000. It was bad, we went through England in the night, as we passed many trains and cities and through tunnels and over rivers and lakes. We rode 44 miles in 7 hours and arrived in Liverpool 3 o’clock a.m., 10th of January. Here we got beds; the first we have had since we left Copenhagen. We have had to lay on straw, on boards and boxes, and have had many trials. Many are sick, but my wife and children are well. We are furnished here, our food, coffee and white bread for breakfast, soup with beef and potatoes [p.2] for dinner, cakes and coffee and white bread for supper; as much as we want and good grub. Here cotton goods are cheap, so is lemons and citrons, porcelain and glassware, but eating is dear. We bought much factory and little things, thread in all colors. There is no end to see in Liverpool. It has 500,000 inhabitants and is several miles in circumference. It has many large stores and factories and buildings not equaled in Denmark, but the most wonderful is the shipping. I think there are 100 harbors and 1000 ships in each. I cannot describe all there is to see; great butcher shops, beef 7 cents, pork 8 cents. We We [SIC] do not see rye bread at all, but wheat bread everywhere. They mix oat and cornmeal together. We lay in Liverpool 15 days.
The 22nd, which is Sunday, we went aboard 10 a.m. the large three mastered ship, Benjamin Adams. We have good accommodations and good beds. We got our provisions;2 ½ pounds white bread, oat meal, wheat meal, tea, sugar, salt--more than we need--and 3 gallons water. We can go ashore each day if we want to. People bring things to sell. We can now have meetings, sing, and pray as we will.
Friday the 27th was we towed out of harbor by a tug about two miles and lay there. Was visited with the Rector and 4 families. Sixteen persons had to go to land and remain till the next company. The English missionaries visited us, but the worst was we could not converse with them--Brother Richards, President of the English Mission, and Brother Kahn. And, we have been in meeting with the Saints in England. Brother Wancot from Copenhagen is here. We here bought canvas for $1000 for tents in America. It is cheaper here than in America. Now that we have rested we have had conference and been laid off in 5 districts with a president for each--Anderson Jargensen [Jorgenson] from Jutland, Lasstroni Windberg from Sweden, and Kalply from Norway. Many spoke and much good instruction given from time to time. We are 400 Saints and about 150 Irish Catholics and some first cabin passengers; I don't know how many. It is beautiful to lay here on the sea between Liverpool and Brunswig. The water is as broad as Little Belt, 2 English miles. Brunswig is a city like Copenhagen. The ships cruise between there by the hundred. In the evening it is beautiful to see the gaslights on both sides of the channel. Children and grown people go barefooted. The weather is like the last of May in Denmark. We are waiting here to sail and hope the wind will soon blow from the east. Myself and wife and all five children are all well. Thank the Lord there is no sickness on board.
The 28th we got 10 pounds bread extra provisions.
It is rye bred that we brought with us from Altona.
The 31st we got 5 pounds beef, very good food. A
ship left Liverpool for Amsterdam on the 17th with 600 passengers.
2 days after it was lost and 450 perished and 150 were saved. One
of them that was saved I have talked with. He said they drifted one
whole day then struck a rock close to shore, and the ship went to pieces
by the waves in one hour. He lost all he had except the clothes he
had on. He is going again. Such [p.3] accounts we hear often in England.
Feb. 1, 1854: We had fast day and prayed that we might soon have good wind and the Lord heard our prayers.
For Thursday, which is Kidamas Day (or Hidamas), 2. Feb., came a steamer and towed us from England, 7 o'clock a.m. Beautiful, clear weather as in Denmark midsummer. Now, may our Heavenly Father give us a safe journey, good wind, luck, and health to get to America. The boat towed us 76 English miles and left us at 9 o'clock p.m. Then all sails were set but little wind. We sailed all night and at noon the 3rd we went by Shetland's large mountains and sand banks. The weather is calm and the 16 big sails can not move the ship but lays as still as in a wood.
Friday at 10 o'clock began to blow.
Saturday we got a head wind. We cruised but did not gain any. On Saturday night and on the 5th which is Sunday we had gone back to where we saw the large banks we had passed. May God protect us that we do not come to harm. Most of us are a little seasick as the sea is rough. We hope it will soon be better. The wind is not so strong today. I, my wife, and children are nearly well, and I think the wind will soon be favorable.
On Sunday morning we passed a large cutter drifting without men or sails. It had been lost in the storm Saturday night. It looked awful to see the water washing over it, and the sails and rigging hanging in the water. Who went down with it, the Lord only knows. Sunday evening we had a large meeting and wedding of 7 couples; Va Andersen, N. Larsen, and N. Neilsen from Jutland, August Neilsen and Rapsel Wingberg [Windberg] from Sweden, and C. Krupe from Copenhagen.
On Monday was the wind strong and against us. In the afternoon a son was born to a sister from Holland.
Tuesday had good wind, and Wednesday we had good wind. We are now in the Spanish Sea.
Thursday we sailed before a good wind. Nearby a storm; the sea is rough, and the ship rolls much. The waves go over the deck sometime. Thursday the weather was nearly still, and we did not come far. We got extra provisions--1 3/4 pounds rye bread each.
Friday the 10th died an old lady from Holland. We had good wind Friday 10th and sailed 12 miles in the watch with east wind; the best wind we have had.
Saturday, 11th of February, we had a right good wind form the south. One died from Holland.
Sunday the 12th Wind southeast--the best wind we could [p.4] have. The ship travels fast with 19 sails. This evening it is a pleasure to be out. We had two meetings today with large attendance.
Monday the 13th Right good wind.
Tuesday the 14th Wind good but easterly, right in our face. We got canvas for tents.
Wednesday, 15 Wind westerly, large waves. A sister from Saland had daughter.
Thursday, 16 The wind southwest. The ship is very uneasy. The weather is mild. Wednesday morning saw we a large white mountain south of us. It belongs to the Portuguese Islands. We saw a ship like ours, but we sailed past it. So, we can see that our ship is a good sailor. We have not seen many ships lately.
Friday, 17 A strong wind from southwest. Many got seasick again. The waves went over the deck.
Saturday, 18 Wind southerly. We sailed south westerly. Wind not so strong. Good sailing.
Sunday, 19 Had good wind from the south. We had good meeting and administered the sacrament.
Monday, 20 Wind was still, and it was so warm that we must lay off our clothes. We got extra provisions, 5 pounds beef. We saw a large steamship today, and ships like ours we seldom see.
Tuesday, 21 Wind easterly and but little wind, the we sailed well. We got extra beef, 1 pound each. We have mild wind. We are sewing our tents for the plains.
Wednesday, 22 Wind southwest and poor wind. One died. We sailed good northwest.
Thursday, 23 Wind southwest, we sailed southeast. We saw a steamship. One died. Hard rain.
Friday, 24 Wind light in southwest. Much rain. We did not come far.
Saturday, 25 Light wind from the east. Afternoon wind in the north. Heavy rain, better wind. We sailed this evening at good speed.
Sunday, 26 Wind in north and good sailing. We had a good meeting and two weddings--Soren Larsen from [-] and Neils Clemmensen.
Monday, 27 Wind light. Did not go far.
Tuesday, 28 Light wind from the east, but so warm we could [p.5] not go on the deck barefooted. One died.
Wednesday, March 1 Hardly any wind. Come very little way. Have our tents ready.
Thursday, March 2 Wind still in the forenoon. In the afternoon blew from the north and rained, and we sailed beautifully. The sailors have been smoking the cabins on account of health in the [-][UNCLEAR]. Wind northeast, right in our backs. We saw many kinds of fish--shark, whale, flying fish.
Friday, 3 Wind in the east, right on our back.
Saturday, 4 Wind the same. We are sailing as good as we can, about 60 miles a day. We saw one ship like ours. One died.
Sunday, 5 Wind east and good. We saw 3 ships. We had good meeting. My wife lost five twenty dollar gold pieces which we were sorry for.
Monday, 6 Morning saw we land. It is one of the West Indian Islands. We saw 4 ships. My wife found the lost money for which we are pleased and thank the Lord. The three islands we saw were St. Domingo, St. Thomas, and St. Cuba; they belong to our fatherland and are 200 Danish miles from America. They are south of us. Wind is east and we are sailing good.
Tuesday, 7 Morning, saw we land again and a very high mountain a couple of miles south of us. Wind easterly, and we are sailing well. Last evening had a dance from 8 to 10 o'clock.
Wednesday, March 8 Morning we saw Cuba to the north of us with very high hills. We were but 1 mile from land. The air was not clear so we could see but sand banks. Wind east. Good sailing.
Thursday, March 9 Was we again Cuba's high mountains that went above the clouds. Such sight have we never seen before. The air is not clear so we can see if the land is fruitful, but they are way above the clouds so they are hardly inhabited. Wind easterly and we are sailing good. We see ships now everyday. This afternoon we had council meeting. The presidents reported their districts. Some are weak in the faith, and some have not means to take them through. Hans Jensen from Jutland don't know where he is going, and J. Jespersen the same. Some lack a little and some have none at all. President Olsen gave much good counsel. We must keep each other spiritual as well as temporal. Want no one to stop at New Orleans as it was a robber town but go as far as St. Louis where there were 4,000 Saints. Meeting adjourned till Saturday.
Friday, March 10 We saw Cuba again. Wind easterly, but light. Air is heavy with rain. We are sailing very well but slow.
Saturday, March 11 Northeast wind and sail northwest very [p.6] well. An outgoing ship reached us today at noon with Dutch aboard. We was so near that the captains spoke to each other. They were about half as many as we. It had three masts was much less than our ship. We saw a brig, two masts, no passengers, but in ballast. Five o'clock was council meeting. The Saints felt better spiritually, but several were short temporally. President Olsen said that all should try to come up the river from New Orleans to St. Louis, and wanted the Saints in meeting tomorrow to see about the needy and help them.
Sunday, March 12 We sailed well today. Tonight we are a long way from that two masted ship that followed us yesterday. The wind today is northeast. We sail north northeast. We had good meeting.
Monday, March 13 A child died. Monday morning we saw the last of Cuba. It was low and flat and many . . . [UNCLEAR]. We have now 200 Danish miles to America. The wind is north and as much wind as the sails can carry. We sailed good speed north northeast.
Tuesday, March 14 Wind same as yesterday. We sailed past several ships smaller than ours. The birds are beginning to visit us.
Wednesday, March 15 Morning wind was still. Along in the day began to fresh up, toward evening was still again. An old sister died. Brother Swen Ladsen from Norway went wrong in his head that we had to watch him.
Thursday, March 16 Light wind form southwest. If it would clear up we could see land this evening. We are sailing north little the last 24 hours. We drifted back 20 miles. We have yet 200 miles to America.
Friday, March 17 Today the wind is favorable. Are making good time with northwest wind. A child died.
Saturday, March 18 Tonight the wind was so strong that we had to take in all the sails. The wind is not so heavy, but a head wind, so we have to cruise. Yesterday little Christine's eyes were so poorly that she was quite sick. She is today a little better. Thank the Lord the rest are all well. Many of the Saints are not well. Some are so weak they can not walk. Some have their feet swelled that looks like dropsy. Many are much tired over many things that transpires among us. The wind is again still, so we are drifting back.
Sunday, March 19 We have a good wind from southwest, but so foggy we can't see far. Water is as muddy as at Liverpool. We keep on sailing back and forward. The Lord knows why he will not allow us to land. We sail now south then north then east and west. Today we are fasting and praying for the unclean spirits that many among us are in possession of that the Lord will soon allow us to land. For 8 days we have not come any nearer. Our prayer is that the Lord will have mercy and compassion on us. Four o'clock came a war vessel loaded and went ahead of us to [p.7] America's land. Five and one half o'clock we first saw the mouth of the Mississippi. We cast anchor and lay there till morning.
Monday, March 20 We have splendid weather,
a little foggy. Saw many birds and fish, especially untold seal and
many ships. Seven thirty o'clock came a beautiful steamship like
a three story building and took us in tow. Great relief to our hearts.
It is six weeks and three days since we were towed out of Liverpool Harbor.
We have been about 8 weeks on the ship. We rejoice now to see the
end of the long sea voyage. Ten o'clock it left us and another with
three other ships and took us along. The beautiful steamship took
us and three others and towed us up the Mississippi River. It was
grand to see land on both sides. We were but a gunshot from land
with both sides. It is like a large swamp full of trees. Some
large and some small trees are floating in the water. Several lighthouses
and a town we passed. It is still weather and very warm. Here
is many mosquitos. We travel easterly higher up the river.
We came to small houses and cattle and beautiful green trees. Eight
thirty o'clock all five ships tied up till morning.
Tuesday, March 21 Six o'clock sailed the steamship with
all 4 ships. We saw today many nice residences and plantations, 2
forts right across from each other, several good harbors, and trees full
of oranges, great many wild turkeys. We saw many wolves and ducks
and many birds we did not know. The land is very flat but little
improved. The water is fresh in the river and runs constantly out
in the Spanish Sea. A great many trees float out with the stream
A good deal of it is taken to land. After 10 o'clock we passed a
large grove on fire. It looked like a great illumination in the night.
Wednesday, March 22 Six o'clock we began to
sail. Last night we had the hardest thunder, lightning, and rain
that I ever saw. We saw today many beautiful gardens and sugar plantations.
Horses were small. We saw cows and sheep. It is a beautiful
sight, so level and flat, so green and fruitful it looks with pretty groves
on the plantations. Saw we the black slaves at work, 30 to 50 in
a gang. On the steamship are 6 blacks. They do the heaviest
work. They buy them here for $25 each. Half that we have seen
yet are black. We ran aground but after a couple of hours hard work
came off again. We see . . . [UNCLEAR] yet, but the farther the prettier
buildings. We landed in the harbor of New Orleans 3:30 o'clock.
Two agents from Zion, Brother Brown and one other, came aboard to help
for us, and brought word from Zion that all was well. They took us
to a store where we could buy things. A Brother Olsen together with
the agent found soon a steamboat that we will take tomorrow. Great
many came aboard to us.
Thursday, March 23 We sent in the city and bought things
for the journey. Powdered sugar is cheap--4 cents [a] pound, rice
cent [a] pound, butter 12 ½ cents [a] pound. Two o'clock we
went aboard the new steam- [p.8] boat. The black carried our baggage
from one ship to the other. The sailors on the new ship are better
to us than the old. The black are polite and the folks in the city
are accommodating.
Friday, March 24 We got our provisions aboard and enjoyed
ourselves in the nice weather about the city to see the many black people
and especially in the harbor we saw many wonderful . . . . [UNCLEAR] on
the ships, especially steamers. The city and streets are not so pretty,
but the harbor and the shipping is a delightful sight. It is quite
warm here to go about the city. Potatoes are not to buy. They
cost $7 a barrel. Fish we can hardly get with money. Dress
goods are dear. A pair of boots for myself cost $16, but groceries
are cheap, such as sugar and . . . . [UNCLEAR] Ironware is dear.
Grain is dear.
Saturday, March 25 It is raining so we must stay aboard. The marshal have hard work to get all aboard to get ready to sail. Five o'clock we sailed with the new ship. It was nice to see beautiful meadows on both sides of the Mississippi River with woods and buildings. But both land and water are cursed and for that reason it is very unhealthy. We ran aground tonight and had to have help of another steamship as before. That and ours worked all night and got off at daylight. My wife took sick, 11 o'clock this evening with cramps in hands and feet, and so hard taken with diarrhea and vomiting, and at 2 the 26 of March, which is Sunday, she could not talk, but went quite dark on her hands and feet, likewise eyes and mouth and cold all over her body. She soon got medicine but did no good. She could not stand to have the clothes on her which we dearly wanted her to have on to keep her warm, but she held her hands in the air as if pointing toward heaven, but now she could not speak. I gave have her a little wine, sugar, and water as long as she could swallow. Sunday, March 26th, 2 o'clock p.m. she died peacefully. The ship carpenter made soon coffin for her. And in the evening 9 o'clock the ship came to land and we carried her a distance in the woods, 10 men, and dug there a grave for her, and buried her there in all quietness where she can rest in peace till we see each other again in the resurrection.
Monday, March 27 Quite early, we ran aground but came loose again with our own help. There are already three dead this morning. The Lord have mercy on me and my children.
-----------------------
Reminiscences of Anders Wilhem Winberg
Ms 1513 2-3 (Typescript),fd. 3, pp. 3-4. LDS Church Historical
Archives
The company left Copenhagen, Dec. 26, 1853. There was a
great many people to see us off. When a little distance from the
land we all sang. We were delayed a great many times on the way.
It was a sailing vessel called Benjamin Adams. I was married on this
steamer with some of the others. The Saints were divided into wards.
We held prayer and meeting every day on our journey. It was not all
pleasure as we had sickness and many deaths. This is near the last
of March and we have had 36 deaths all being buried in the sea. We
reached St. Louis on the 3 of April. Here we met another company
of emigrants who had left before us. My sister Nora Elizabeth was
among these. She also had married on the way a man by the name of
Anders Bertleson. Many more of the Saints died and many were sick.
On the 9th of May the company was ready to cross the plains.
There were sixty wagons, which we made into companies, each company having
a captain. I was one of the captains. Ten wagons to a company.
. . . [p.3]
On the 5th the other wagons drove up and we continued this day,
the 5th of October to the city. [MEANING, Salt Lake City] We camped on
the then called 17th Ward square where is now the City High School grounds
and our journey was at an end. . . . [p.4]
----------
Summary of Letter
Millennial Star 16:17 (April 29, 1854), p. 272
Arrival of the Benjamin Adams at New Orleans. By letter
from Elder H. P. Olsen, dated New Orleans, March 25, we learn that the
Benjamin Adams, with the second company of Danish and German Saints, arrived
at New Orleans, March 22, after a prosperous voyage of forty-five days
from Liverpool. The company generally were in good health, and felt
well. Eight deaths--two of adults and six of children, nine marriages
and two births, occurred during the voyage. Elder Brown, at New Orleans,
was rendering the company every assistance in his power. They expected
to leave New Orleans for St. Louis, the day Elder Olsen wrote. Elder
Curtis and company left New Orleans, March 21, all well and in good spirits.
Autobiography of Christine M. Larsen Warnick
"History of Christine Marie Larsen Warnick by herself." In Merrill
N. Warnick, Warnick Family History, vol. 1 (Provo, Utah: J. Grant
Stevenson, [1967]) p. 253.
We went next to Hamburg, from which place our company, consisting of Scandinavian Saints, sailed for England, landing at Grimsby on April 18, 1863. They left Liverpool on 8 May 1863 on the vessel B. S. Kimball and landed in New York on June 15th. We were eight weeks at sea; our food rations not very appetizing--consisting of sea biscuit, salt meat and dried peas. It was cooked in the general kitchen and came to us so salty that it could hardly be eaten. Mother had brought quite a lot of bread and butter and such food as would best carry on such a journey, but it ran short and then, those sea biscuits! One morning I slept extra long. When I climbed down from the bunk and told Mother I was hungry she spread a sea biscuit thick with butter and gave it to me. It looked good but when I bit into it, it was a different story. I asked if I might have a little piece of our own bread, but it was gone. I began to cry and wished we would soon be in Zion where we could get some bread.
From New York we went to Florence and from this place we began the long trip across the plains. . .
------------------------------
Autobiography of Lars P. Oveson
(formerly in Msd 2050) (typescript), pp. 2-3.
In the Spring of 1863 Father sold his home, and made preparation to emigrate to Utah. In the early part of April, bade farewell to dear old Denmark, the land of our birth, and after a stormy voyage over the North Sea, landed in Grimsby, England, and by rail from there to Liverpool, where we went on board the old sailing vessel, B.S. Kimball, together with 654 Saints from Scandinavia and Great Britain. After a voyage of nearly six weeks, we landed in New York on the 15th of June, all well. We only had three deaths on the voyage, which was considered very fortunate, and we were all glad to set foot on land again. We left New York the same evening, by rail, for St. Joseph, Missouri, where we was crowded onto a river flatboat, without any railing around the sides. The engine was fired with wood, and one night they laid to, to take on wood. We were aroused from our sleep, to clear the way, for the sailors to carry on the wood. A boy about twelve got up, I suppose half asleep, and walked right into the river and was lost. The current was so swift that he was swept away in an instant and every effort made to find him was without avail. This was on the Missouri River from St. Joseph to Florence, Nebraska. Here we were met by teams, that had been sent from Utah for over a thousand miles, to bring the Saints to Utah. That year (1863), there was sent from Utah after emigrants 384 wagons, 488 men, 3,604 oxen, bringing 235,969 pounds of flour. At Florence we stopped a couple of weeks to clean up and rest for the long overland journey ahead. On the 6th of July, we started from Florence, with Captain John F. Sanders train of about 50 wagons. Our teamster's name was Louris Jacobson, of Moroni, his home was later in Pleasant Grove, Utah. He was a very kind man, and as my mother was not very strong and could not walk much, he was always willing for her to ride. You can imagine that it was pretty crowded, as there was three [p.2] families in our wagon and as I now remember we were fifteen persons besides the teamsters, with all our belongings. To me this was a regular pleasure trip. We hadn't been many days on the road before I had learned the language that it took to drive oxen, and in two or three weeks, I was ready for graduation as a full fledged Bullwhacker. After long and wearisome journey, we arrived in Salt Lake City on the 5th of Sept.. . .[p.3]
------------------------------
Journals of Hans Peter Lund
Journals (Ms 8941), typescript translation, pp. 79-81, 84.
LDS Church Historical Department Archives
Wednesday 6 at 5 a.m. we left for Liverpool by train. Str. Else Petersen died at the station. 140 emigrants arrived at went aboard a big ship B. S. Kimball with captain Dearbom. [Dearborn] May 7 we arranged our things and was piloted out, we arranged us in the best way. Cannon, Jesse Smith and come more were aboard. May 8 the officials came and surveyed everybody. Ole Madsen's child was sick and parents and 2 children had to stay, the rest of the family left. We had a nice meeting where Cannon and Jesse Smith talked and I was appointed to preside over the Saints to New York, with P. Beck [Beckstrom] and C. Winge as counselors. J. N. Smith blessed us.
After they had committed us in the hands of the Lord they left us. A steamboat took us to Holyhead. We had a meeting in the evening and we organized the company in 7 wards with each a president. A. Jorgensen Vogt as captain and he arranged several things. The Saints were happy and by good health.
May 7, 4 couples were married: Christoffer Winge and Ane Marie Salvesen, Norway; Johannes Naess and Christine Larsen, Jylland; Jorgen Dinesen and Christine Christensen, Jylland; Soren Petersen and Ane Nielsen, Jylland.
May 8 Severin Poulsen and Rasmine Vaibel, Jylland; J. H. Hendriksen and Maren Rasmussen, Fyen; R. Nielsen and Maren B. Sorensen, Aarohus Jylland; S. G. Baerenstrom and Johanne Engstrom, Goteborg; P. C. Steffesen and Mariane Bertelsen, Aarhus Jylland; Soren P. Christensen and Ane M. Nielsen, Aarhus Jylland. We had a nice weather, and we gave out the provisions which was really good, Cannon had bought it, we had meetings every night.
May 11 it began to get windy. Sister Wetterlin, Goteborg, had a son, Joseph Kimball.
May 12 Sister Mikkelsen, Vensyssel, had a daughter.
May 13 still windy, seasick, unfavorable wind.
May 14 the weather a little better, not so many seasick.
Sunday May 17 N. M. Skougaards little son from Fredericia died, Daniel
Skougaard, he was 6 month old, we had a gathering in the afternoon, nice
wind, we went fast. We get our provisions twice a [p.79] [-]
The wind is still fine and people are happy.
Wednesday May 20 Hans Simonsen from Lolland died. He was 65 years old, he was buried same day. A seaman stole a coat from Brother H. P. Eriksen.
May 22 it was found and P. E. got his coat back. They put a note on the seaman's back with the word THIEF on, and he had to keep it there so everybody could see him. We did our laundry and cleaned up, we still get provisions twice a week.
May 24, Whitsun. [PROBABLY MEANING, Whitsunday, THE WEEK BEGINNING WITH PENTECOST] I was sick. The wind was unfavorable, during the week the wind got better.
Sunday 31 we reached the banks. Heavy fog that lasted for several days, we were sick to our stomachs. We had gatherings, the districts during Sundays, we felt really strong, we had the best feelings for each other. The members threw many boxes away to save weight. We collected something for 4 English brethren, so when they came to America they could go to Florence.
June 2 David Stuart, 2 years old, from Scotland died. We still had fog and we saw many ships where people were fishing. A little bird came and sat on the ship. People were not seasick any more except for some few, they had an upset stomach.
Sunday, Jun 7 we had heavy rain, we had a meeting and the Spirit of the Lord was poured over us. Niels Larsen and Wilhelmine Hyvinghoff, Lolland got married, 3 children were blessed, a sister died and so did August Nybergs son, 2 years old, from Goteborg and Carl F. Helding. We took care of our things because we are near America, but the wind was not good.
Many people threw away their big iron-studded boxes and packed their clothes in bags.
Jun 10 the fire in the kitchen was too big and the skirting-board burned and a piece of the cook's featherbed burned, but they stopped it and everything went well. We all got soap and extra water so the Saints could be washed before they left the ship.
Jun 9 Bekstrom [P. Beckstrom] and several brethren and the doctor found out how much provisions we had left. At noon we were 320 miles from New York.
Jun 11 we saw 2 very big ships. We came so close, that the captains could talk together. I gave the carpenter 8 and the steward 6 skilling, the wind was not good.
Jun 13 we came to New York and Sunday I wrote to Jesse N. Smith. We were happy and the weather was nice. In the afternoon Brother Stainer came aboard and we were happy.
Monday Jun 15 a ship came and took us to the fortress. Some of the brethren took the luggage and went to the railroad. Anders Eliasens son, 3, and Jens Hansens daughter, 1 ½ died. P. V. Poulsen stayed in New York with the family. I had a lot to do. None of my company stayed. At 9 we went by train and came to Albany.
Jun 16 at 10, H. Westenskous wife had a son. We send greetings and thanks to the captain and his crew to a newspaper and I signed it. Peer Hansen's son, 4, from Goteborg died. [p.80]
June 17 we came over Niagara, the biggest waterfall
in the world, and we arrived in Canada and asked a man to bury the child
and paid $10. At 2 we left and June 18 in the morning at 5 we arrived
in Windsor.
We crossed the river to Detroit. At 9 a.m. we left again.
Ane Marie Larsdatters son, 7, died. We had him buried in Chicago
and paid $5. At 1 p.m. we drove to Qaneqe (Kankakee?)
June 20 Rasmus Hansen from Lolland died, 63 years old, he was
buried in Kankakee S 12.
We crossed Mississippi and at 6 we took off and arrived in St. Joseph at 11. We came aboard a steamship "Denver" at once and came to Florence at 5 June 23. We met many members from Cluff's company. Sister Elonora Petersens son fell overboard and we did not see him more, he was 9 years old. A. Jonasens daughter, 3, went ashore with us. It was really nice to get some peace after 2 months journey. The wagons from the Church had arrived and I got letters from Maria and H. L. Dastrup and I was pleased. New York-Albany 160, S.B [UNCLEAR] 200, to Detroit 229, to Chicago 284, to Kankakee 268, St. Joseph 200, to Florence 270. Letter from Maria, I wrote her a letter. I was in Omaha and I bought some things for Dasstrup. I got sick and was in bed for several days. I was really sick from vomiting and diarrhea. I got some medicine from a brother. . . [p.81]
. . . I have not had time to write my journal
so I will give a short resume about the journey.
1863 Apr 30 I left Copenhagen with a company of the Saints,
we went via Kiel, Grimsby, Hull, New York, Florence. We arrived here
Jun 23, everybody was happy and we had a nice spirit among us. We
stayed here some days, then we drove 3 miles from Florence. I got
really sick. I was in Captain Sanders' company. Jul 5
I was called as curate in Captain John Young's company. We left Florence
Jun 7 with 240 persons in 47 wagons and arrived in Salt Lake Valley Sep
12. [1863] [p.84]
Journal of Charles P. Anderson
Anderson, Charles P., Journal of Charles P. Anderson, (Gilbert
Publishing Co., 1975), pp. 1-2.
On the 12 of May 1866 Mother, Claus, Carl, (myself), and Hilda, bid adieu to our native land. First day we went to Skofde where we remained ten days. While we were waiting there Father and August went to Gotenberg to get work, but failed, had to return to Skofde walking nearly also the way a distance of 84 miles.
In the meantime we left for Gotenberg arriving thee in the evening by rail. Eleven o’clock p.m. same evening we embarked
Everything being ready we left Hamburg June 1st 1866 the Saints were under the direction of Niels Nielson. We started out along the northern shores of Germany and Holland, then through the Strait of Dover into the English Channel. After that we saw nothing but the rolling billows, and the blue canopy of heaven for two months, with the exception of an endless variety of fishes sporting in the great deep. The only hope that we cherished was to look to that omnipotent being, that controls the elements and the destinies of mankind; for his watch care to be over us during our perilous voyage across the Atlantic. One stormy day the ship was going at a fast rate, a sailor fell over board, in front of the vessel, it going over him; when first seen behind the vessel he was bloody. Everything within the power of man was done to rescue him from a watery grave, but all in vain, he was left to the monster of the deep.
We sailed along for several weeks on our monotonous voyage; until one day we were aroused by the distant firing of cannon. The captain informed us that a vessel was firing to attract the attention of a pilot and that we was not far from New York. As we was on deck reconnoitering the distant shore a small schooner came in view, and in a short time it arrived at our vessel with a pilot, to pilot us into the New York harbor in safety. I gazed upon these men with great curiosity, as they were dressed in red and blue costumes. In one and a half days we reached the harbor, then we were compelled to stay on deck for two days while the quarantine officers were fumigating the ship. On the 31 of July 1866 a small steamer came out in the harbor and relieved Cavour (the vessel) of her burden. After being on the water for 61 days, three having died naturally and one fallen overboard, we were all glad to once more be on land, and we were soon walking up the streets of New York as happy as Columbus when he landed at San Salvador. We were all taken to Castle Garden, furnished our names for publication. We remained there until late in the [p.1] evening, then we all marched down the streets and embarked on a steamer. Next morning we landed and continued our journey westward, by rail, until we arrived at St. Louis. There we left many sick behind, after laying over one day and two nights on account of the cholera we continued our journey to St. Joseph by rail. There we embarked on a steamer, while we were going up the Missouri River first evening we buried four and the next (day) five. We arrived at Wyoming Nebraska August eleventh. I could not help but feel sad, in seeing suffering humanity excruciating in the most horrible manner until death relieved them of their suffering. It was daily sweeping young and old into a premature grave.
We left Wyoming August 13th 1866 traveling with ox teams; the dreadful cholera continues its ravages, until the cool weather, then it ceases . . . .
. . . As we approached the boundary of Utah, it was late in fall, and nature began clothing the everlasting hills with its white robes. We finally reached Parley’s Canyon, which we passed through and camped at its mouth. Nest morning we arose very early, to gratify our enthusiasm by getting the first look at Salt Lake City and the surrounding country . . . . [p.2]
------------------------------
Autobiography of Charles P. Warnick
Warnick, Charles Peter, [Autobiography], in Warnick Family History,
vol. 1, pp. 233-35.
I, together with my parents, my two brothers, John August and Anders Gustave, my sister Anne Christine, two sisters in law and three children, left our native land in the latter part of April, 1866 for America. We were thankful that we had thus been blessed of the Lord that we were able to go to Zion where we might live and worship with those of our faith without fear of mob or ridicule. But alas! How short-sighted are we human beings! How little we know what is before us.
We boarded the sailing vessel Cavour at Hamburg June 1st, 1866, for our trip across the great Atlantic. The supply of water was very limited for such a long journey which lasted nine weeks. We were allotted one quart of water per family each day. The water itself was terribly bad. Other rations were likewise limited and of very poor quality. Sickness broke out among the passengers. I was so sick my mother worried much as to whether I would be allowed to land. But that part went all right and we were glad once more to set foot on mother earth and to enjoy the luxury of good cold water, as the weather was warm.
When we landed in New York July 31st, we [p.233] went directly to Castle Garden and from there to Montreal, Canada. We went on a flat steamer that was fired by wood up the St. Lawrence River, and then continued by rail to Chicago and on to Omaha. When we saw the string of cars into which we were being herded, our hearts almost failed us. But what could be done about it? We were on the road and must follow it through, even though we were treated like cattle. For that was the kind of cars the train was made of. But those awful hard and dirty cars proved to be a blessing in disguise, for we had not been long on the train when cholera broke out in a very serious form among the people. The poor stricken souls couldn't have sat up, so with room to spread their bedding down, it was better for them. But oh how they suffered with the jarring and bumping of the cars.
When we had traveled three days, on the fifth of August my dear mother passed away, she being one of the first to go. Her body was left on the station platform at Marcella.
Conditions continued to get worse and when we reached
St. Joseph a few days later, my father and sister Christine were left dying
on the platform. When I now look back and think of that awful scene,
I wonder how we could do it, and I can only think that we saw so much suffering
and death that our sense of feeling and sympathy must have been paralyzed.
We thought nothing mattered - - the sooner the better.
We met ox teams in eastern Wyoming and started for Salt Lake
City on August 13th . . . [p.234]
. . . The company we traveled with was made
up of teams and men from Sanpete County. Our captain’s name was Ebnar
Lowry and he was from Manti. We arrived in Salt Lake on October 27,
1866. Our family was John August and his wife Mary Bengston Warnick,
their little girl Caroline and myself. Their baby, born on the way,
was numbered among the dead . . . . [p.235]
Letter Concerning the Consignment Voyage
Millennial Star 25:31 (August 1, 1863), p. 491.
EMIGRATION.--We have received a long letter from Elder A. [Anders]
[C.] Christensen, who went out in charge of the Saints on board the packetship
Consignment, which we have not space to publish entire, but from which
we learn they had a safe and pleasant passage and no accident, with the
exception of running into a French fishing smack. The Consignment
sustained no serious injury, however, from this collision, and the fog
was so thick that it was impossible to ascertain whether the smack was
materially injured, as she disappeared almost instantly from sight.
Elder C. [Christensen] speaks very highly of Captain Tukey, who, with his
officers, did all in their power to make the Saints comfortable and the
passage an agreeable one. As our readers are already advised, this
ship arrived at New York on the 20th ultimo. . . .
Electric
Autobiography and Journal of John Hansen Hougaard
Hougaard, John Hansen. Autobiography and journal (Ms 8178), pp.
14-20.
LDS Historical Department Archives
We left Nykjobing in Falster Apr. 5th 1862 with the steamship "Zambia". At 8 o’clock a.m., several of our friends and relations had come there in the morning to see us once more and to bid us "goodbye". After a pleasant voyage, we arrived in Kjobenhavn at 4 p.m. the same day where we remained till Apr. 14th when we left with the steamship "Albion" for Keil where we arrived Apr. 15. at 8 a.m. Left the same morning with railroad for Hamburg where we arrived the same evening and came on board the sailship Electric [p.14] which brought us directly from there to New York where we arrived on the 3rd of June. We had quite a pleasant and agreeable voyage across the Atlantic Ocean. We had no storm of any consequence and but little sickness on board the ship. We had but 7 or 8 deaths, while other ships that went with emigrants the same season had out of the same number of people, nearly between 4 or 5 hundred , had from 20 to 30 deaths. The main cause of this difference in mortality was said to be that we went in a higher latitude on account of going north of Scotland while the other ships went south of England [p.15] and through the Channel. Knud Brokker’s, daughter Else Meagrethe died in the Ocean on the 5th [of] May. Elder S. [Soren] Christofferson being the leader of the Saints on board the Electric exhorted them to diligence and faithfulness in keeping the commandments of the Lord. To be patient while in the ship, and how to conduct ourselves when we got to America. The Saints generally feel well and spend the time while on the ship singing praises to the Lord, playing, dancing &c. .
On the 6th of June we were landed in New York. Before however we were permitted to go ashore, a doctor [p.16] came on board to inspect the emigrants to see that no contagious diseases were among them, but that not being the case we were permitted to land.
We remained in New York for 3 days when we could not but admire the greatness, grandeur and magnificence of that far famed City.
On June 9th we left New York with the railroad wherewith we continued till we reached St. Joseph when we arrived June 16th. We had to change cars several times, but in the whole we had a very pleasant and agreeable ride, but we could not but see the contrast between [p.17] American Railroads and those of Europe, the latter being in our opinion much superior to the former, but all went well.
At St. Joseph we came on board a large river steamboat, which took us to Florence when we arrived June 19th and remained till July 13th, when we set out for the journey across the plains. During our stay in Florence we had it quite comfortable and convenient living in a house which we [lived] in per section with [which] a few more families had resisted. The most of the Saints while there lived in tents which they also used while crossing the Plains [p.18]
We had some considerable trouble getting started from Florence with those kind of horses, I mean oxen which there [was] provided for us . . . [p.19]
. . . finally after a somewhat tiresome and tedious trip of about 10 weeks we arrived in Salt Lake City, Utah, September 23rd, 1862. . . . [p.20]
------------------------------
Autobiography of Oluf Christian Larsen
Larsen, Oluf Christian. Autobiography, (microfilm of typescript)
pp. 31-36.
LDS Church Historical Department Archives
In the fall of 1861, a semi-annual conference was held in Christiania where I first had the privilege of looking upon a living apostle. Amasa Lyman and Charles C. Rich, apostles of Jesus Christ. The president of the European Mission and Charles W. Wediberg of the Scandinavian Mission were present. We had a glorious time together such as never before had been known in Christiania. During the conference I spoke to the authorities about becoming engaged to Emelia. Taking in consideration that I had the opportunity to emigrate in the near future they consented.
After this conference Norway seemed less homelike to me. I now started to work and plan to get money with which I could emigrate in the spring. This was no easy matter as few people were expected to emigrate that spring. I was too proud to ask Emelia’s father for the amount necessary for my own emigration. At this time I had not yet asked Emelia’s father for her, but I now wrote him a letter asking his consent to our marriage which he never answered. I took his favorable disposition and silence on the subject as his consent. It seemed that every avenue to get money was closed against me as the spring emigration drew near.
When Emelia’s father found I had not gotten money he felt very sorry because I had not told him before as I could have all the money I wanted if he had known my condition only a week before. Emelia kept preparing as though everything was sure. A few days before the appointed time for emigrating I was promised money by a good sister from Frederikstad. I immediately wrote President Dorius and informed him. I got answer to prepare myself and come to Christiania at once to help arrange for the Saints who expected to emigrate. The morning of April 12, 1862, the ship expected to leave for Copenhagen where we were to meet the Danish and Swedish emigrants.
The day I parted with the Saints was a day of mingled joy and sorrow as I had become very much attached to the people as they also were to me. We were all inspired with the hope of meeting again as they expected to follow. When I left, arrangements were made for Emelia to meet me at Moss the 12th of April.
The steamer left Christiania 8 a.m. and arrived at Moss about 10 a.m. A lot of boats came out filled with passengers. I stood with an anxious eye in search of the object that almost interested me. It was a happy moment when she and her luggage were safely on deck. I was thankful to God that our time for emigrating had come. The father, brother and Emelia had stayed at Wilberg’s overnight and all came out to the steamer to bid us goodbye.
The evening of the 13th arrived in Copenhagen where we remained for two days. I was placed as the head of the Norwegian emigrants and was expected to look after the changing of their money and other business affairs. When all the emigrants arrived we took steamer to Keil via Hamburg by railroad where we went aboard the sailing vessel which carried us across the ocean. It took the ship one day to get ready for sailing during which time we were locating and organizing. The ship was divided into two decks with a row of single bunks on each side and a double row along the center. There were between three and four hundred passengers, mostly Scandinavians. The ship was divided into wards with a president over each. The young unmarried men were in the forepart and the unmarried ladies in the hind part of the ship. I was chosen as captain of the guard [p.31] as we found it necessary to have a certain number of men on guard at night in the various parts of the ship.
This was a hard job as all the able bodied men were enrolled and each should have an equal share of the time to stand guard. The guard was divided into four shifts of two hours each. Some of their duties were to prevent stealing and immorality and to look after the kerosine lights to prevent fire, to help the sick and disabled, bury the dead and to awaken their successors. My duty was to see that the guards attended to their duties and to keep strict account of what was done.
The 19th we were towed down the Elbe River and anchored at the mouth awaiting a favorable wind. A returning missionary, Soren Christopherson [Christoffersen] from Manti, was appointed president over the Saints. We found there were several couples in the company who were engaged and it was deemed advisable that they marry considering the long journey before them. Accordingly on the 20th of April, 1862 there were twelve couples presented themselves for marriage among whom Emelia and myself were one. The same day President J. Vancott who had been among to attend to the organization went ashore to return to Copenhagen. The pilot was taken on board and sails were set for seven weeks cruise across the Atlantic Ocean.
Many varied incident happened on such a journey and the character of men and women were brought the light of day. Some were satisfied under all conditions while others were never satisfied. Some with large families of small children were to be pitied, especially in case of sickness, as there was no dainty food to be had but the sailor’s provisions was all. We had quite a spell of sickness on board and I was necessitated to superintend the burial of seventeen person before we reached New York. As there was no rain we were unable to get fresh water and our supply became very foul before reaching shore. At last, seven weeks after we left the Elbe, we sighted shore, the tops of the mountains of the promised land, which made our heart rejoice exceedingly.
When we landed in New York City we were all ushered into Castle Garden, a large amphitheater building down near the battery. Here the doctor’s examination took place and we were pronounced free from contagion. The nest day we boarded the train and rolled westward. This was during the Civil War and the railroad companies were not very particular what kind of cars they furnished. All kind of rolling stock was used for passengers. Here was another trial for grumblers and fault-finders because there were no upholstered seats for our use. When they came into a car they were obliged to stay. Now there were no warm breakfasts nor dinners to be had and there was very little chance to buy anything on the road. We at last reached Quincy, Illinois where we took steamers down the Mississippi to Hannibal where we stopped a day and had a rest. Those who had money could also get a good meal. There a train was patched up to take us to St. Joseph, Missouri, where we agin took a steamer up to Florence, Nebraska. From here we were to begin our tramp across the plains.
The church agent who had been working all summer preparing for the emigrants, had not been able to get tents to accommodate all the emigrants as they came in such great number. Some, consequently, had to camp with nothing but heaven as a canopy until tents were made. This was soon accomplished as hundreds of young ladies were set [p.32] to work sewing. This also gave a good opportunity for grumblers. It was very uncomfortable to be out in the hot sun. Then at times drenched in rains as if the heavens opened. Women, men, children, trunks, bedding and clothing were all moved about in the muddy, dirty water. Some were drying, some laughing and others were cursing. The sun would them come out with its extreme heat sending steam and fog heavenward. A general washday then generally followed including also drying and brushing. It seemed that God sent the people something to do to keep their minds occupied.
Our companies were soon furnished with tents but as other companies came they had the same things to endure that we had. There never before had been such a large company of emigrants on the prairies and we had to stay for several weeks. Living on the open prairie under such circumstances was something unknown to the people coming from Europe. It was connected with a great deal of inconvenience for all and suffering for others and was a use for discontent and fault-finding by the faint hearted. The provisions were chiefly flour and bacon with very little sugar. Beef was almost out of the question. We got a very little once a week. Having nothing to do people got restless and some ventured over to Omaha, five miles distance, to seek work although warned and advised not to do so. When they returned to camp they often brought a plug of tobacco or bottle of liquor with them.
Omaha seemed to be, at that time, a resting place for the weary and discontented coming from Europe and the east as well as the apostates who left Utah with the emigration teamsters. These apostles [PROBABLY MEANING, Apostates] were generally loaded with untruths and rumors about Utah and her people. The fain-hearted were easily deceived and captured by them. Several of this class left the camp and stayed behind. The faithful people enjoyed themselves by playing games, singing, holding meetings, etc. In this way kept up a good spirit. The teamsters from Utah then finally came.
Among the emigrants were several who had money so they could buy oxen and wagons of their own. These parties were supplied and organized into companies with guides and guards and pulled off toward the prairies. They had a great many difficult experiences in store which they had not dreamed of. They were entirely unacquainted with driving oxen and most of the oxen bought were unbroken. As young cattle essential for the journey it was a wonder they could make any headway at all. Ropes and men were a requisite and there was more leading than driving. Every day, however, gave both men and teams more experience and made them better acquainted with one another thus making better headway.
High water was the cause of the train not coming from Utah before. A great deal of snow had fallen during the winter and rain in the spring causing the rivers to be too high for the teams to cross. For weeks they had to wait for the water to lower. At last they came which caused rejoicing by both teamsters and Saints. The teamsters being you men they all gave vent to their feeling of joy by yelling, jumping, swinging their hats, capering around and with an occasional pistol shot. This was an unusual sight for the Europeans to look upon. There was a string of sixty or seventy wagons, each drawn by three of four yoke of oxen. The teamsters were ragged and dirty with broad brimmed slouchy hats, many wearing one shoe and one boot of which were often ragged. They had a brace of two or three pistols and a large bowie knife strapped to their waist and carried a 15 or 20 foot [p.33] whip in their hands. Thus they came in a cloud of dust. This was a terrorizing sight for those who never before had seen such a thing. Many different comments were made some favorable, but most unfavorable. Some thought, if this was a sample of the Mormon in Zion the evil reports about them must be true and "God pity the emigrants. Others were more sensible and held forth correct ideal of the condition and said we could not expect a different appearance of men and boys who had to be prepared to fight savages and who had traveled thousands of miles through dust, rain and mud. In this way their appearance was argued in every direction. The young girls especially who had figured on meeting some nice young men from Zion were disappointed very much.
As the company drove up and formed a circle with their wagons and the people were amused and astonished to see the teamster taking their stand and causing by command these long strings of brutes to take their exact places in the circle. It was as good a circus performance for us to watch. In a few moments the oxen were all unyoked and the guards on horseback drove them off to feed. The teamsters then hurried to the creek and washed themselves and some took time to put on a better suit of clothes while the others more anxious hurried to shake hands with the emigrants. They were soon scattered over the camp inquiring for relatives and friends among the company and emigrants inquiring for friends and relatives in Utah. Thus there was talk and chatter in every direction mingled with joy and laughter. Friendship and brotherly love was soon exhibited by all parties. The emigrants soon began to realize that these rough looking men were our deliverers and guardians and expected to carry us through seen and unseen danger across the wilderness to out destination among the mountains. The more we realized this they more they became a subject in our petitions to God. In this way our hearts were filled with love and respect for them so that even their shortcomings were overlooked.
The companies from the west now began to arrive fast, one after another and everybody was busy and especially the leaders. There was no time to stay longer than necessary. The wagons should be loaded and a certain number of person assigned to each. The number was generally 15 with one tent to each wagon. Two or three baking kettles went with each wagon as well as bedding and luggage allowing a certain number of pounds for each person. Those who brought more than their allotment had to pay extra for overweight. New trouble came that emigrants had not anticipated for the luggage generally outweighed the allotment. Everything should be done in a hurry and it was sometimes hard to decide what to throw away. Such things as mattresses, feather beds, trunks, boxes and unnecessary utensils had to be discarded. As many of the Danish people had supplied themselves with many pairs of fine new wooden shoes they had also, to be sacrificed although it was quite a trial to some.
One woman in our company had a spinning wheel along. The neighbor told her to throw it away as there was plenty wood in Utah. The woman cried very bitterly and said if her wheel could not be taken along she also would stay. The woman, however, came along but the wheel had to remain. The day of loading and packing was a busy one. It passed with little friction as the mind of all were filled with anxiety about getting on the road leading toward the mountains. There were near seventy-five wagons in our company. Our captain, Joseph Horn, was an experienced hand on the plains. The day we left [p.34] camp was one of rejoicing as the slowness with no progress for several weeks was very tiring. . . .
. . . We were all eager to get into [p.35] the open
Valley and when there on the bench all eyes were directed toward Great
Salt Lake City which at that time was hardly visible from that distance.
With light, yet tired and faint steps we passed by the penitentiary through
Sugarhouse into town where streets everywhere were lined with people to
see the emigrants. In the afternoon about 4 o’clock, September 29th,
1862, we arrived on the Eighth Ward Squared, it being nearly six months
since we started on our journey from Norway. [p.36]
Diaries of Ola Nelson Stohl
Stohl, Ola Nelson. Diaries, Book D, English translation from
Swedish (Ms 1420), pp.8- 14.
LDS Historical Department Archives
[NOTE: SWEDISH ORIGINAL OF BOOKS D AND E (Ms 1426), pp.146-182.]
The trip to Utah seemed to be well organized. On the 26th Grandfather sent out 10 letters all containing final instructions.
On Sunday March 20, Grandfather’s successor Lars Nilsson from Skåne arrived. A young man not quite 20 years old - a good man and a fine preacher.
Grandfather is getting some fine business experience since the accounting for his district must be settled and turned over to his successor. Also all the fares, etc. - for the emigrants must be collected by him.
On Thursday, April 3, they are busy packing. Grandfather is overjoyed with the gifts he is receiving. That evening a farewell meeting is held with the Saints only. About 70 were present. He says: "They were very moved when I bade them farewell. The brethren and Saints were very thankful to me and I went with their blessings. Little Sister Charlotta Carlsson gave me a silver spoon. She cried most of the night. Brother Carlsson gave me [p.8] $15.00. The sisters fixed up my things very well. O Lord God of Israel bless them one thousand fold!"
The trip to Copenhagen began early Friday April 4th by coach. He says: "We had three horses from the Coach Company and 4 hired horses that should go all the way to Töreboda. They arrived in Töreboda, April 6 after traveling 125 miles. "We were well preserved in body and spirit. The Lord had guided everything to our good. During the night the Libeck’s [Hendrik and Christine C. Lieback] arrived at the inn." On Monday two more elders came with the luggage which must be taken as passenger goods. They were charged extra for this. They next traveled to Gothenburg and on Tuesday the 8th, boarded the steamship "Najaden" arriving at Halmstad in the evening. Grandfather and Libeck [Lieback] slept on the ship.
On Wednesday 9th, they arrived in Copenhagen at 3 p.m. after a pleasant voyage. They had to pay "8 dollars for one room for three persons for 6 days and nights."
On Thursday, the 10th, Grandfather visits the mission office and "settled the money affairs for the emigrants." They traded for gold with the exception for the price across the sea to America. Grandfather had the joy of staying with his brother Nilsson.
On Saturday, April 12th, he purchased a coat for 14 dollars. Had his picture taken and sent it with a letter to his father. He had a fine visit with several old missionary companions.
Sunday, April 13th, he attended services at Wingardsstradde(Vingaardsstraede). More emigrants from Nörrkoping arrived. Their certificates must be made out also money exchanged for gold. His business is all finished, and a farewell is held with his two brothers Nils and Magnus.
Monday the 14th, after having everything in order including another letter and picture to his father the party board the ship "Albion" at 1 p.m. Sailed on the Baltic Sea to Kiel in Germany where we arrived the 15th in the morning. Took the railroad to Altona arriving that afternoon. The Saints from Norrköping Conference, 35 persons, were to board the ship "Athenia" but this was changed and we went aboard the big sailboat Electric that was anchored outside of Hamburg.
On Wednesday April 16, President Van Cott comes on board to organize the Saints into districts. I was appointed to preside over district 7, consisting of 40 people.
Thursday - Grandfather accompanies Brothers Liljenquist and Peterson into Hamburg which was a very elegant city. They visited President Van Cott at an English Hotel and telegraphed to Copenhagen for some lost baggage.
Friday April 18, held meeting on deck. Very early in the morning we sailed from Hamburg to Glückstadt Harbor at noon, anchored not far from the ship "Athenia" where the other Saints were.
On the 20th Grandfather goes over to the "Athenia" to see the [p.9] ship with Elder [Ola Nilsson] Liljenquist. They hope to get lost baggage which is not there. The ship was very elegant. There were 486 Saints aboard the Athenia and 335 on the Electric.
On Monday 21st, letters were written etc. They
sailed some but very little so they anchored again.
On the 22nd - Again they tried to sail then anchored at Hanover.
A meeting was held on ship for districts 5, 6, and 7. Every morning
prayer was held for all on ship at 7 o’clock. Also evening prayers
at 8 p.m.
On Friday, the 25th We lifted our anchors and had a good sail wind on Nordsjön (North Sea). I was assigned to make a list of all the emigrants on our ship, to be submitted to the captain. I wrote it even though the sea was rough and many were seasick. In the evening we held prayer as usual and I was mouth. We sailed all night.
On Monday the wind is still good but sickness breaks out among us. Measles had broken out. Grandfather was keeping well.
Tuesday - April 29 - The first death at sea - a little
daughter of Brother H. [Haukan] Andersen. Grandfather was there when
she died. He lifted her into another bed.
On Wednesday - the little child was put into the sea in her little
casket. Grandfather was to assist but was too ill.
On May 1st we were now out on the Atlantic.
Had good wind.
On the 2nd and 3rd two women died - one left her husband and
children, the other, a 15 year old girl had a throat disease.
Sunday, May 4 - Grandfather is asked to make a list
of all the priesthood on board. Usual services are held. After
evening prayer, Brother Christofferson spoke about the sickness that
was among the Saints and that we had no doctor on the ship and that he
felt that someone should be appointed to look after the sick Saints and
really be a spiritual doctor to them. He nominated Grandfather for
the position. He was put in by unanimous vote to be a spiritual
doctor and look after the cleanliness among the Saints.
That night he helped with a woman and her daughter from Lolland.
The woman died in the night and the daughter in the morning. There
are now between 20 and 30 sick. Grandfather is very busy. All
are administered to.
Tuesday, May 6th - He is in the captain’s dining room making a list of those who have died on the ship, been married on ship, and the children blessed. Sophie Marie Sorenson a 2 year old child from Jylland dies that day.
On Saturday, May 10 - A wedding is attended.
On the 11th the regular church worship. Some of the sick people are improving. The wind is picking up - more work with the sick.
Tuesday, May 13 - A special meeting on the ship was interesting to me. The Saints were instructed to walk a lot on deck, wash and comb [p.10] themselves there and do everything to prevent uncleanliness down in the ship. Admonished the night watchmen to look after this very carefully and to look after the sick, who could not help themselves. Every district president should appoint a brother to see that the Saints were up at 5 a.m. The Saints were admonished to behave in everything, that the hypocrites might be revealed. The brethren preferred that these stay in the States.
On the 14th, he is keeping books in the saloon of the ship. He is to account for the income of the ship. He is to account for the income and expenses of the company. Another death. That evening they are informed that a thief is among them. His comment, "Verily a sad thing that such would exist among the children of Zion".
Thursday and Friday - working on the lists of the Saints as I had done many times before, one to the captain, one to be brought to Zion.
Saturday, the 17th - A father from Jylland dies also a brother from Westerplana. He wanted me after he died to send his money to his foster parents in Sweden. A one year old baby girl dies also.
Lists of the belongings of some of the dead were made by Grandfather. The belongings were sold at auction.
Thursday and Friday (22 and 23) - After looking after the sick, instructions are given as to things to be purchased for the trip to Florence, Nebraska. Goods could be freighted for 15 cents per pound.
Saturday, May 24. - The captain asked me to write the lists because of his sickness - that he would write and show in New York. I had supper with the captain.
On Sunday the 25th - After services an auction is again held and a third member of the Fredrik Mårtensen [PROBABLY, Carl Fred Mortenson] family, a little girl is buried at sea.
Monday, 26th - Continued to write the captain’s lists. Had dinner and supper with him. He continues to work with the captain through June 1st. Is fortunate in having all his meals at the captain’s table.
On Saturday, May 31, a baby girl is born.
June 1 - The weather is delightful. The Saints are happy.
June 1, 2, 3. He is still working with the captain and still enjoys his hospitality. He says "Finished all three lists to his (the captain’s) satisfaction. However fog is coming in and more measles are showing up."
Wednesday, June 4 - A good wind.
Thursday, June 5. - In the morning American pilots came on board. Then we must dress us well as the doctors came on board too. Four persons were sick. We began to behold the wonderland of Joseph’s inheritance and holy feelings pierced my soul. ‘O Father, thanks be to Thee for the great grace and luck we have had over the big waters, and our arrival in the promised land be to an eternal blessing for me and all sincere.’ [p.11]
Friday June 6 We arrived at Castle Garden in New York. (The voyage was from April 18 until June 6 - seven weeks and two days.) Tipping was in vogue in 1862. He says "We gave the police officers some tips that they would not look into our things." Two brethren from Utah came to us. They were sent to help us. They had arranged the trip to Florence for us - 12 dollars for everybody over 13, 6 dollars for those over 5 and under 5 free. I was in the office and fixed the lists.
Saturday 7 - "Weighed all our belongings. The Saints from the ship "Athenia" also arrived. They had a lot of bad luck. About 38 dead.
Sunday, June 8 - A couple from Norway are married.
Monday, June 9 - Still could not find the lost baggage. "Boarded the train and traveled all night.
Tuesday, June 10 - Arrived in Albany. Ferried over a river and put to another train. Went over Canada. - More train changing. Arrived in Chicago, Friday, June 13 - Saturday, June 14, lost several brethren.
On June 14, they reach Hannibal, Missouri, a town
that one year ago was destroyed by war.
Sunday - June 15 - Stood still, very warm.
____________________
End of Book D
BOOK E
June 16, 1862 - July 17, 1864
Monday June 16 - The emigrants left Hannibal at 5 a.m. by train. Many soldiers came up to them at whistle stops but did them no harm. Stayed a few hours in St. Joseph then boarded a big steamer and sailed up the Missouri River.
Wednesday 18th - Arrived in Omaha and then to Florence at 2 a.m. The church wagons carried us over to the camp. There were already two companies from Scandinavia there.
Friday June 20 - For those who could afford it the church wagons would take them to Utah for $40.00 and provide everything. Other purchased their own outfits. Some were taken by the church for the small means they had with a promise to pay later. Grandfather is offered a job as teamster with the privilege of taking 80 pounds of belongings. He must buy his own food. He had to submit the lists of his company.
Saturday June 21 - Another death - A Norrköping sister that had been sick all the way. She made Grandfather her administrator. He took charge of her burial, purchasing a casket, etc., paid ten dollars of her money to the church. She said that I would have after her two [p.12] pillows and a pair of sheets. Three more deaths are recorded.
Sunday June 22 - We had a meeting at the camp at 5 p.m. Thousands of people were gathered. President Joseph W. Young, Brother Blackburn and J. Van Cott preached, all in English except Van Cott. A very good meeting even though our ignorance of the English language caused that we could neither understand nor benefit from it.
Tuesday June 24 - Midsummer day. Bought a hat and glasses for protection from the sun.
Wednesday - Helped to organize 12 to each tent. During the next week the business of organizing, making a list to be sent to Zion, recording several more deaths and a marriage and administrations to the sick kept our Grandfather busy.
Sunday July 6 - The Libeck’s [Lieback’s] decide to stay in Omaha for a year. He commissioned me to collect all the money he had lent to several people for the journey. I wanted to sign a note for 77 dollars that I owed him, but he said no, he trusted me completely.
Monday July 7 - A terrible hurricane followed by thunder and lightning surprised us. Brother Hakon Andersson and I were down at the river to look after a wagon. An American was first hit in the face. His hat flew away. Anderson and I ran for it. I caught it over in a corn field, where I hid while some of the hurricane passed over me. When I came back I saw our dear Brother Young had nearly his whole head crushed when some wagon parts nearly buried him. Nearly unconscious he was carried in. I ran for Van Cott and Blackburn. Some Americans were hit to death and others hurt. Anderson and I were in a marvelous way led away from the wagons, praise the Lord. This day I had the joy to meet Apostle [Charles C.] Rich of Utah.
Friday July 11 - In the evening I baptized 3 people. Carline Gren [Caroline Gran] bore a child which died.
Sunday July 13 - Grandfather is asked to be a teamster for a Danish family with all expenses paid. Brother Christofferson releases him from the other job.
Monday July 14 - 1862 - The journey to Zion begins. Things seemed to be uneventful until the last of July when I became sick with Constipation. I took in some American oil [could it be castor?]. Then I was sick for three weeks with diarrhoea. I was very weak but did not suffer anything in my head that I lost my senses.
Sunday August 17 - After being well for a couple of days, but not yet regained all my strength, I drove one of our wagons loaded with more than 2000 pounds. The road was very hilly. At one occasion we drove down a steep hill with banks high as the wheels. The stopper was sitting over the front wheel. When I should stop the wagon I slid down the high bank and I could not come forward but one of the back wheels drove over both my legs below the knee of the one and up on the thigh of the other. As soon as the wheel was over I stood up without help of hands or men - I walked and drive my oxen to the next camp. In the evening I felt some pain in my thigh but in the leg that the wheel passed over first I never felt any pain or knew the spot that was passed over. I anointed my thigh [p.13] with consecrated oil and during the night the pain left me. I rode on the wagon the first half of the next day, but thereafter I walked by the side and drove my oxen. For this Thy great mercy, O my Father in Heaven, I wish I could always be thankful and live to glorify Thy name. O Lord help me to do this.
Monday, September 22 - After two months and eight days they reach Emigration Canyon and that same evening I was surprised by the very pleasant meeting with my mother and her husband Pehr Brodersson. This was wonderful to meet mother for the first time in six years. I was very gracefully invited to stay with them.
Tuesday, September 23 - We drove over the large
mountain range which in its bosom protects Israel, gathered from all parts
of the world. We camped at the big campground of the city.
There I met my dear sister Johanna and her husband C. P. Willingbeck who
very gracefully asked me to stay with them which I accepted because my
mother lived 4 miles from the city. At this place I had the joy to
meet many old friends. The honor be thine, O Lord, who spared my
life that I am now happily gathered with the Saints in the valley of the
mountains. . . . [p.14].
Diary of Annie E. Bertelsen
Bertelsen, Annie E., Diary, (Typescript) Utah Pioneer Biographies
vol.
5, pp. 31-32
We started with 630 emigrants and left for Copenhagen by the steamer "Hansia on June 13, 1868, crossed the North Sea and arrived in Hull, England, on June 16 same year. In the evening we went on board the train to Liverpool.
On the 19th we went on board the ship Emerald Isle, and on the 20th the ship started sail from Liverpool, with a company of 877 souls.
On June 26th the ship sailed into the harbor of Queenstown to take fresh water, as the machine that distilled the water had broken. Loaded up with all the barrels and cans with fresh water that they could find and set sail on the 29th day of June, same year. The water soon became stagnant and a lot of sickness became on board. We were eight weeks crossing the ocean, and there were 37 deaths occurred on the voyage. I remember very well the first death on board the ship, which was a two year old little girl, she was a very pretty child, and they built a large casket for her, twice her size, and the partitioned [UNCLEAR] it off in the middle placing coal in the one end so that it would be sure and sink when she was lowered in the ocean. When they placed her down into the water, it did not sink, it just floated away, and as we sailed along, we could still see this casket still floating in the ocean. Our ship sailing one way and the casket still floating in another. The parents were almost grief stricken. After this the dead were placed on long boards with weights on each end so that it was sure that they sunk and went to the bottom. It was a wonder that any of us lived to tell the tale. I later heard that the ship on its return voyage back [p.31] sank with all its crew.
On August (of this year) 11th we arrived at the harbor of New York.
On the 17th we went from New York via Niagara, Detroit, and Chicago to Council Bluffs. Then by steamboat and railway to Benton, 700 miles west of Omaha.
On August 31st we started to cross the plains by ox team which was lead by Captain John G. Holman. We walked most all the way even if we were so tired and sick we could hardly go. There were 30 who died in crossing the plains, and in that number was my mother, who had hoped she would live to be buried on land, which she did. She was buried in a grave without any casket, just wrapped up in a cloth, laid in the grave, placed brush over her before covering her with dirt. We arrived in Salt Lake City September 25, 1868, of a long and tiresome journey. [p.32]
------------------------------
Departures
"Departures, Latter-day Saints’ Millennial Star 30:27 (July
4, 1868) p. 426.
The magnificent packet-ship Emerald Isle sailed from this port for New York on the 20th June, with a company of Saints numbering in all 876 souls. Of these 627 were from Scandinavia, and the rest from the British Isles. The following named returning missionaries were in the company: --Elders Hans Jensen Hals, John Fagerberg, and Peter Hansen, from the Scandinavian Mission; and James Smith and Henry Barlow, from the British Mission; also Samuel Southwick, James Stuart, Andrew Simmons, and Elisha Peck, native elders, who have been traveling in the ministry. Elder Hans Jensen Hals was appointed president of the company, and Elders James Smith and John Fagerberg his counselors. Previous to sailing, a meeting was held on deck, when the Saints were addressed by Elder Carl Widerborg in Danish, and Elder Charles W. Penrose in English. Everyone was in good spirits, and was thankful to the God of Israel for deliverance from Babylon. . . . [p.426]
------------------------------
Reminiscences and Journal of Hans Jorgenson
The Journey to America
Jorgenson, Hans. Reminiscences and journal (Ms 7330), pp. 79-82,
84.
LDS Church Historical Department Archives
The 13th of June, 1868, President C. Widerborg came up to [--] and emigrants called to order, whereupon he gave suitable instructions for our journey. 5 o'clock in the afternoon we all went on board the steamer [-] (Captain Beck of Hamburg) and after the Saints from Malmo, Sweden led by John Faferburg, had come on board, we started for England 7 ½ o'clock in the evening in a beautiful weather.
On the 14th I saw old [-] for the last time. We had a good passage across the North Sea, but I was nevertheless very seasick.
On the 16th, 2 ½ o'clock in the afternoon we landed in Hull, England and started off by rail same afternoon and arrived in Liverpool 1 ½ o'clock in the night. Next day we were all quartered at Hotel Columbia [p.78] owned by David Full, a Jew.
On the 19th we were all sent on board the packet ship Emerald Isle, Captain Gillespie of New York. While in Liverpool, I saw the greatest steamer in the world, "The Great Eastern which laid outside of Liverpool.
On the 20th of June, 1868, we started our long and weary journey to America, being pulled out by a tug steamer. Same evening a seaman belonging to the crew fell overboard but was rescued by a good swimmer. Then a safety boat fell from the ship and all on board was called for help [to] pull it up. The company of emigrants consisted of 876 souls of which six hundred and twenty seven were from Scandinavia and we had for [our] leader Hans Jensen Hals of Manti, San Pete County; John Faferburg of Fort Ephraim; and James Smith from Provo, his counselors. Henry Barlow also returning elder from Utah.
The following ships and steamers left Liverpool with emigrants belonging to the Latter-day Saints in the summer of 1868: "John Bright sailing vessel on the 4 of June; Emerald Isle sailing vessel on the 20 of June; "Constitution sailing vessel on the 24 of June; "Minnesota steamer vessel on the 30 of June; "Colorado steamer on the 14 of July. A total number of emigrants 3232. [----] We continued our journey. On the night of the 30th of June - died the first person namely Nicolay Christensen’s daughter, Albertine. [p.79]
On the 1st of July I received a letter from my mother off Queenstown, date June 11th. On the 7th of July a child died belonging to a Brother [-] of Sweden.
An English sister gave birth to a child on the 10th of July.
On the 11th a child belonging to a brother from Sjalland died. Same day I in company with Brother C. [Carl] B. [Burnhard] Olsen administered to Brother G. [Gustav] W. Siderberg [Soderberg], who fainted.
On the 12th, Brother [-] Nielsens' wife from Copenhagen was buried. On the night of the 18th I stood guard. An English brother buried on the 17th.
On the 18th 2 Danish children was buried.
On the 19th a Danish child died, and buried.
On the 23rd of July saw me an [-]. A boy belonging to Nicolay Christensen buried on the 21st and a child belonging to J. [Jorgan] Carlson buried on the 22nd. A severe storm occurred on the 25th of July and one Christen Petersen [Peter Christiansen] got his leg broke. A severe and terrible storm on the 26th and many sails blew off the ship. 2 Danish children buried in the evening.
On the 29th a child buried belonging to Johannes Olsen of Vendsyssel.
On the 30th 2 children buried. One was J. [Jens] C. A. Lind’s of Aalborg.
On the 1st of August a child belonging to Knud Christian [Christensen] of Hjorring buried.
On the 2nd three children buried.
On the 3rd an English adult and child buried.
On the 4th were 4 children buried; I stood guard.
On the 5th 2 children buried.
On the 6th 1 child.
On the 7th 6 children buried.
On the 9th Peter Nielsen of Copenhagen was married
to [-] Larsen of [-]. A child buried the 10th. I minded to
keep track of all those who died but I was sick and lay in the hospital
myself. However I was told that less than 37 babies was sunk into
the ocean. [p.80] The dead list of those buried in the ocean:
1 child, Danish, buried on the 30th June
1 child, Swedish, buried on the 7 July
1 child Sjallouidsk, buried on the 11 July
1 adult, Danish, buried on the 12 July
1 adult, English, buried on the 17 July
2 children, Danish, buried on the 18 July
1 child, Danish, buried on the 19 July
1 child, Danish, buried on the 21 July
1 child, Danish, buried on the 22 July
2 children, Danish buried on the 26 July
1 child,----- , buried on the 27 July
1 child, Danish, buried on the 29 July
2 children, Danish, buried on the 30 July
1 child, Danish, buried on the 1 August
3 children, Danish, buried on the 2 August
1 adult & 1 child, Danish, buried on the 3 August
4 children, ------, buried on the 4 August
2 children, -------, buried on the 5 August
1 child, -------, buried on the 6 August
6 children, -------, buried on the 7 August
1 child,-------, buried on the 10 August
2 adults, -------, buried on the 11th August
The treatment we had on board said vessel was anything but human. The captain and crew showed themselves as rough and mean towards us (especially Danish) as they could and the provisions did not by any means come up to the bargain. The shortest I can say about it is that this treatment was something like the Danish prisoners received in the 1807-1814. I for my part can [p.81] never think on the deadly Emerald Isle but with the greatest disgust and hatred.
About daybreak on the 11th of August, 1868, we to our great joy saw the land for which we so long a time had been longing. Having now been on the deadly ship 7 weeks and 3 days, we all felt to thank God our deliverer that he had spared our lives and permitted us to see the land of which we had so great hopes and anticipations. We were quarantined 3 days outside of New York and on the 14th we were permitted to put our feet on American soil.
On the 15th 10 o'clock in the evening, we left New York per rail via Albany & Niagara. The train stopped there and we had a splendid view of the great waterfall and I walked over the great suspension bridge on the 17th.
On the 25th we arrived at the terminus of the railroad and we were met at Stanton Benton by the church teams and 68 ox teams under leadership of John Hullman of Pleasant Grove. Our journey now became of an entirely different character. . . [p.82]
. . . We ended our journey and on the evening
of the 22 we arrived at [-] City where our lives and journey came to a
close for which I feel very thankful indeed. . . . [p.84]
------------------------------
Journal of Hans Jensen Hals
Journal History, September 25, 1868, pp. 7-19,21
Saturday, June 13, 1868--The emigrating Saints, 630 in number, went on board the steamship "Hansia at Copenhagen, Denmark, which sailed for England. Previous to sailing President Carl Widerborg came on board and named me as leader for the company. I was accepted by unanimous vote. A number of police officers, the emigration agent, and several of the brethren accompanied us to Elsinore. Owing to the large company on board we were very much crowded for room.
Sunday, 14--We passed Laeso and Skagen and the last we saw of Denmark [p.7] was the Hanstholm Lighthouse.
Monday, 15--We arrived safely at Hull, landed and went by train to Liverpool, where we arrived about midnight and were taken to several hotels by the brethren from the mission office in Liverpool.
Tuesday, 16--Accompanied President Widerborg to the mission office at 42 Islington and attended to business for the emigrating Saints.
Wednesday, 17--Visited the emigrating Saints who were stopping at seven different hotels. Some were comfortably located, while others were dissatisfied because they had had next to nothing to eat. I assisted in making them more comfortable, and then visited the ship Emerald Isle which is to take us across the Atlantic Ocean, and had a conversation with the captain.
Thursday, 18--Assisted the other brethren to change money and otherwise prepare for the voyage.
Friday, 19--The emigrating Saints went to the wharf where the Emerald Isle was lying, in the morning, but as the carpenters had not completed their labors in making temporary berths for the passengers, these were compelled to wait until past noon, when they were ushered on board in great haste. It was a most unpleasant sight to witness the poor emigrants treated like brutes by the sailors and others, and it certainly was a wonder that none was hurt. About 250 emigrating Saints from the British Isles also boarded the same ship. A tug boat towed us out into the river, where we cast anchor for the night.
Saturday, 20--President Franklin D. Richards and Elders William B. Preston and Charles W. Penrose, from the Liverpool office, came on board and a meeting was held, on which occasion the vessel was blessed and dedicated to bring the Saints safely across the mighty deep.