Wednesday,
Mar. 9. I wrote to Brother Chr. Larsen.
Thursday,
Mar. 10. We still stayed in the same place.
Friday, Mar.
11. A child of Brother Pedersen died.
Saturday, Mar. 12. The wife of Brother C. Christensen died.
Sunday, Mar. 13. Brother Ipsen, Elder, died.
Monday, Mar. 14. At 1 a.m. Jens
Christian, son of Elder M. Chr. Jensen, died. The
body was buried. Shortly after noon two tugboats
came and towed us until in the evening, when anchor was dropped. It rained
heavily today.
Tuesday, Mar. 15. We again got under way, towed by the two tugboats, and
continued until late forenoon, when the tugboats left us. In the afternoon
we got under way, towed by one tugboat. The first house we saw was one in
which two black men lived. The house was built on poles, and outside of it
was a sort of house which could float on the water. We saw this on the
right hand side; on the left side was a lighthouse, and farther in were
several buildings. We sailed up the river, which was so wide that four
large ships could sail side by side. Trees could be seen on the banks of
the river.
The Mississippi
River Has Always Been a Major Route of Commerce
in the U.S.
Wednesday,
Mar. 16. We saw many small buildings; I heard the birds singing, and it
seemed just like spring. There
were ducks and geese, turkeys, pigs, horses, and cows. And I saw melons;
there were fields of beets, just as in Denmark; and the
trees looked just as they do in the spring. The banks of the river were
covered with driftwood; but everything looked full of life and very good.
There were white people who lived in these places; and I saw children who
were black. There were both men and women who were black. Many small,
beautiful buildings were built on poles, and we passed by a church. [p.
12] There were many animals, and in one place I saw some people driving in
a closed-in wagon. On the left side there was a factory, and elsewhere the
earth was cultivated. In one place they were plowing with four oxen hooked
together.
Thursday,
Mar. 17. This forenoon, about 10:30, we arrived
at New Orleans. (Andersen’s
case.) I was up in the bow with Elder John E. Forsgren
and several others, and bread was purchased for the brethren and sisters.
In the evening a child of Brother Christian Ipsen
Munk died. A meeting was held this morning, in
which Elder John E. Forsgren talked to the
brethren and sisters, and warned them against going up in the town, as
there were many ungodly people there and it was the worst place they could
go. After his counsel, he advised them to give Mr. Denziger
a gift. Elders Christiansen, H. J. Christensen, and N. Mikkelsen
spoke. The latter said he wished to return good for evil, and he wished to
give him a gift. It was unanimously agreed to give him twelve American
dollars. The meeting was closed with prayer by Elder Forsgren.
New Orleans
Port About the Time of the Forsgren Emigration
Company’s Arrival
Friday, Mar. 18. In the afternoon Brother Hans Larsen’s child died and was
buried in New Orleans, together
with Brother Munk’s child. A child was born to
Brother Dinnesen’s wife.
“Lafayette
Square, New Orleans, Louisiana”
Reproduced
from Ballou’s Pictorial Drawing-Room
Companion, ca. 1854
Saturday, Mar. 19. All of our belongings were brought on board a
steamship to which we were transferred, and at 4 o’clock in the afternoon we sailed for St. Louis. It was a
good ship. Brother W. Andersen and his wife left us at New Orleans. Almost
everyone was well; but Brothers C. Christensen and Anna Beckstrom
were not entirely well.
Riverboat Taking on Cargo and Provisions
Sunday, Mar. 20. No meetings were held. Provisions were dealt out to the
brethren and sisters. The ship stopped in the afternoon to take on a cargo
of sugar. We sailed again in the evening.
Monday, Mar. 21. We continued on our
way and had good weather.
Riverboat Travel Up the Mississippi
River
Tuesday, Mar. 22. The same.
Wednesday, Mar. 23. The
same, also, until Tuesday, Mar. 29.
Tuesday, Mar.
29. In the forenoon [possibly, afternoon] we arrived at St. Louis, with all
well except Brothers C. Christensen and N. Hansen. No accidents had
befallen us on this journey. The blessings of God were over us and all were
well.
Our City, (St. Louis, Missouri), Lithograph
by A. Janicke & Co., St. Louis
Wednesday, Mar. 30. We left the ship, and went
into the town (St. Louis) to a place
which had been prepared for us--this for the sake of our health, as it was not
wise to go up the Missouri River.
Another View of Saint Louis
Thursday, Mar.
31. Friday, April 1. Nothing of importance.
Saturday, Apr. 2. In the evening Brother C. Christensen’s son died. [p.
13]
Sunday, Apr. 3. Brother C. Christensen died in the afternoon; in the
forenoon Sister Dinnesen passed away. A meeting
was held this afternoon, which was opened with prayer by Elder Chr. Christiansen. Elder. J. E. Forsgren
spoke a few words, and then announced that there were three couples who
wished to enter into the bonds of marriage. It was unanimously sustained by
the congregation. The three couples were: Sören
Olesen and Berthe
Pedersen; Gerhardt Jensen and Else Marie Christensen; Frederick Jensen and Johanne Christensen. Elder Forsgren
next performed the ceremony. The meeting was closed with song and prayer by
Elder Forsgren.
[Gap in journal]
Sunday, Apr. 10. In the morning the brethren and sisters gathered in
meeting, which was opened with prayer by Elder H. J. Christensen. Elder M. Johnsen spoke and counseled with a spirit of love; he
was thankful for the privilege of talking. Elder J. E. Forsgren
spoke and explained several things to us. The blessings of the Lord were
over us. The meeting closed with song and prayer. In the afternoon another
meeting was held. Several brethren spoke and the Lord’s blessings were with
us. The Sacrament was administered. Elder Forsgren
wished to know if the brethren and sisters were willing to travel to
Keokuk. All were, and signified so by the raising of their hands. Brother Dinnesen’s child was blessed by Elder Christiansen. The
meeting closed with song and prayer.
Sunday,
Apr. 17. The brethren and sisters again met in meeting. Elder Forsgren offered the opening prayer. Elder Christiansen
read part of the revelation given December 16, 1833, and spoke of many things pertaining to the
Holy Ghost. His address was delivered with power, and a confirming of these
truths; he counseled us with a spirit of love. Elder Forsgren
spoke next, and touched on many things. He said that he did not place his
confidence in the money of the brethren and sisters, but in God alone. He
explained many things, especially regarding wives. There were several who
were afraid that they would not be able to retain their wives; and he said
that when there was a wife who did not wish to have him, he would let her
go; and he said that a man should be the head and not be led by a woman,
but, however, should be willing to receive good advice. Elder Forsgren continued to give us many things of
enlightenment, and explained also that if his brother should die, that it
would be his right and duty to be answerable for his call and to see that
his wives were sealed to him. Elder Forsgren said
that Miss Mathiesen wished to come back into the
Church, and he wanted to know if the brethren and sisters would hear her.
It was unanimously voted to let her speak. She then stood up and said that
she wished to become a member again and asked forgiveness [p. 14] for what
she had done against Erastus Snow. Elder Forsgren spoke again, and then it was unanimously voted
that Miss Mathiesen had not made a true
acknowledgment and could not be received into the Church without having the
fruits of repentance. The meeting closed with song, and prayer by Elder C.
Christiansen.
In the
afternoon another meeting has held. Elder C. Christiansen offered the opening
prayer. Elders Christiansen, J. Christensen and W. Andersen gave many
wonderful and inspirational thoughts, following which the Sacrament was
administered by Elder Domgaard and priest N. L.
Christensen. Hymns were sung and rich blessings were with us. The meeting
was closed with prayer by Elder C. Christiansen.
Tuesday, Apr. 19. A child was born to Brother P. Madsen’s wife.
Thursday, Apr. 21. 135 of the brethren and sisters left for Keokuk,
accompanied by Elders Forsgren and C.
Christiansen.
Sunday, Apr.
24. We held a meeting, which was opened with a song,
and prayer by Elder H. J. Christensen, who also spoke shortly and said he
wished to hear the brethren speak. Brother M. Johnsen
stood up and spoke a few words, then Elder K.
Christensen talked. He felt that he was not satisfied, and had only
occasionally had a happy day since we arrived at this house. Elder H. J.
Christensen talked briefly; he said that he knew that a man who was
righteous was not forced to have a wife who was unrighteous,
and the same for women. Elder W. Andersen also spoke briefly. The meeting
closed with song, and prayer by Elder H. J. Christensen. No meeting was
held in the afternoon. Brother Poul Chr. Larsen’s wife died this afternoon.
Death
Was Also a Companion of the Mormon Emigrants
Tuesday, Apr. 26. Brother Poul Chr. Larsen’s wife was buried. Elder Forsgren returned to us.
Friday, Apr. 29. Two still-born children were born to Elder C.
Christiansen’s wife. They were buried the same day.
Saturday, Apr. 30. Brother P. Madsen’s child passed away, and was buried.
In the afternoon the rest of us left for Keokuk.
Keokuk, Iowa
Sunday, May 1. We arrived at Keokuk in the evening and remained there
overnight.
Monday, May 2. We formed our camp, and in the evening Elder John E. Forsgren called the brethren together in a meeting. He
said that when we were camped in this fashion that we should have a
sergeant. Brother H. C. Hansen was unanimously appointed to be that man who
should have charge of the camp. Elder Forsgren
closed the meeting with prayer. [p.15]
Tuesday, May 3. This afternoon the brethren met again. Elder Forsgren spoke on Sergeants. It was proposed and
unanimously accepted to appoint him as sergeant of meetings. Elder Chr. Christiansen spoke extensively on the grace of
God; how he had been led to this place, and how through the grace of God we
had come over. the many waters to this place. He
was thankful to God for the work which had been accomplished, and was also
thankful for the work which had been done by Elder Forsgren.
It was proposed that all who were satisfied with that which Elder Forsgren had done, and for Brother Heth’s
diligence in obtaining wagons, and for all that we had received, to show it
by the uplifted hand. Everyone’s hand was raised. The meeting closed with
prayer by Elder Forsgren.
Thursday, May 5. A meeting was held in the afternoon at which several
Swedish visitors were present. Elder Chr.
Christiansen opened with prayer and then spoke. He was followed by O. Svendsen and H. J. Christensen. The meeting was closed
with prayer by Elder H. J. Christensen.
Sunday, May 8. The morning meeting was opened with prayer by Elder Forsgren, who then spoke to our enlightenment and
edification. Elder Forsgren closed the meeting
with prayer. The afternoon meeting opened with a song, and prayer by Elder Chr. Christiansen, who then spoke. Elder Forsgren bore a powerful testimony and spoke words of
encouragement. The spirit of God was with us and all was well. The closing
prayer was offered by Elder Forsgren. After the
meeting the brethren and sisters met again. Elder Forsgren
said that there was a couple who wished to be married, namely, Peter Adolph
Forsgren and Kirsten Knudsen. If anyone had
anything against this marriage, they should show it by uplifted hand. No
hands were raised, and it was unanimously sanctioned for the ceremony,
which Elder Forsgren then performed.
Wednesday,
May 11. Elder Forsgren offered the opening
prayer, after which he said that he wished to hear Elder Chr. Christiansen speak and say who he thought was best
to be our president. Elder Christiansen stood up and said that he was
satisfied with Elder Forsgren the day we sailed
from Copenhagen, and had not
felt otherwise in all this time. He proposed that all who wished that Elder
Forsgren should continue to be our president
should show it with uplifted hand. H. J. Christensen seconded the
proposition. Elder Forsgren said that he felt
satisfied with Elder Chr. Christiansen, and
proposed that he be appointed president over 50 unanimously accepted. Elder
Forsgren proposed that Brother H. J. Christensen
be appointed captain over the first ten unanimously accepted. Elder Chr. Christiansen proposed that Father Christiansen be
appointed captain over the next ten, Priest Lars Alexander Justesen captain over the next ten, M.
Chr. Jensen captain over the next ten. Unanimously
accepted. The meeting closed with prayer by Elder Chr.
Christiansen.
Sunday, May 15. Elder John E. Forsgren and many
of the brethren and sisters attended conference in the English camp. In the
afternoon the brethren and sisters met in the Danish camp; prayer was
offered. Elder Forsgren spoke many powerful
words. He proposed, just as had been done in the English conference, that
we sustain the Prophet Brigham Young and his counselors, Patriarch John
Smith, the Twelve Apostles, the Seventies, and all Elders, Priests,
Teachers and Deacons-unanimously accepted. Thereafter, it was proposed and
unanimously accepted that Brother Heth be
president of the whole camp, both the English and Danish, also that Brother
Willach be his counselor.
Elder Forsgren spoke, and said that if anyone was
found drunk in the Danish camp he should be cut off from the
Church--unanimously agreed. He wished to know if there were any who did not
wish to be under a captain. It was proposed that those who wished to go in
a company under a captain should show it with uplifted hand-unanimous....
He said that if any of the brethren and sisters wished to be blessed that
they should first bless them and not try to hinder them. He prayed for the
blessings of the Lord upon us all. He said that if anyone wanted to put his
accounts in order that he was prepared to do so.
Elder Chr. Christiansen stood up and said he was
glad to see the things which had been done... He continued that everyone
could receive the same blessings who would seek the Lord in humility, which
were promised in the scriptures. He read from a letter from Copenhagen that the
Church membership there was 1400, and that before Willard Snow returned
home it had risen 300 more. The brethren in Norway had been
released from jail; several persons had been baptized in Sweden. He spoke of
many edifying things and prayed for the Lord’s blessings over us.
Elder H. J. Christensen spoke next to our enlightenment and instruction,
and was thankful for the pleasant day which we had had. He also wished the
blessings of the Lord over us. It was announced by the president that a
meeting should be held at 6:30 at which the
captains would have the opportunity to express their feelings. Meeting
closed with a song and prayer.
A song and prayer opened the evening meeting. Captains M. Chr. Jensen, Father C. Christiansen, H. J. Christensen
and Justesen spoke their feelings in a spirit of
humility, followed by Elder C. Christiansen. Elder Forsgren
expressed his feelings and said he was satisfied with the captains who had
been chosen that it was just as God would have brought to such a position.
He sealed the blessings of the Lord upon them in the name of Jesus Christ,
Amen. The meeting closed with song and prayer.
Monday, May 16. Elder Forsgren left to obtain
some oxen.
What
animal would pull the emigrant’s covered wagons? Horses were quickly
rejected because they could not live off prairie grasses along the way. As
a result, most of the emigrants decided on oxen. They were strong; could
live off grass or sage; and were less-expensive. One emigrant wrote: “The
ox is a most noble animal, patient, thrifty, durable, gentle
and does not run off. Those who come to this country will be in love with
their oxen. The ox will plunge through mud, swim over streams, dive into
thickets and he will eat almost anything.” There was just one problem: oxen
were slow--about 2 miles-per-hour. There was an alternative for those in a
hurry--mules. Mules were faster, and they too could live off prairie
grasses. But many believed mules didn’t have quite the staying power of
oxen. But perhaps the
biggest problem with mules was their cantankerous disposition.
Tuesday, May
17. A child of Brother R. Andersen passed away. In the evening Brother C.
Christiansen and the other 4 captains met and decided to hold meeting at 7 o’clock this evening with all companies. The meeting
was opened with prayer by Elder Chr. Christiansen
and closed by Elder H. J. Christensen.
Wednesday, May 18. Elder John E. Forsgren
returned with some oxen.
Thursday, May 19. At noon we left our
camp in Keokuk, and in the evening made camp ten English miles out.
Friday, May 20. We traveled four miles and camped. Elder Forsgren and C. Christiansen returned with the rest of
the cattle to Keokuk.
Sunday, May 22. The remainder of the brethren and sisters arrived at our
camp. It had been a hard trip for them as we had had bad weather the
preceding night. It had rained very hard during the night and also the day.
A child was born to Sister Andersen. In the morning the brethren and
sisters met in Elder Forsgren’s tent. A song was
sung, and prayer offered. Elder H. J. Christensen spoke briefly, and said
that he wished to hear his brethren speak. Elder M. Johnsen
then spoke, and several brethren. The meeting was closed with song and
prayer.
Monday, May 23. In the evening Elder Forsgren
called the brethren together and opened the meeting with prayer. He said
that he wished to observe Fast Day tomorrow, with thanksgiving to God.
Elder Chr. Christiansen said he wished the same,
and also that he and his house might serve the Lord. Elder H. J.
Christensen was also satisfied, and wished to hold such an observance. He
made the proposition and it was unanimously agreed. The meeting closed with
prayer by Elder C. Christiansen.
Tuesday, May 24. At 2 p.m. the Saints
met. Elder Forsgren bowed himself with the others
and prayed the Lord’s blessings on us. He spoke briefly, and said that he
and his family were united and would serve the Lord, and he wished to hear
the brethren express their feelings. The captains over tens said they were
thankful for such a day and wished the Lord’s blessings upon us. Many
brethren spoke, expressing their feelings to the inspiration and comfort of
all. The sisters knelt down and prayed, and the blessings of the Lord were
so richly over us, giving us power to repent from all evil. The meeting
lasted until 6 o’clock, when it was
closed with song, and prayer by Elder Forsgren. He spoke briefly to us before closing the
meeting. He was well satisfied with the blessings of the day and prayed the
Lord’s blessings on us all.
Wednesday, May 25. The president over 50 called his group together this evening.
After a song and prayer, Elder Chr. Christiansen
spoke encouragingly to us and wished us to remember to pray for our
captains. He wished us to meet every Wednesday evening at 7 o’clock, camp and weather permitting. Elder H. J.
Christensen spoke to our edification and consolation. The meeting closed
with a song and prayer.
Friday, May 27. We left our camp ground in the morning and continued on our
journey. In the forenoon we arrived at Sugar Creek and camped there [NOTE: Sugar Creek Camp was the first
winter encampment in Iowa
nearest Nauvoo and is approximately six miles west of Montrose].
Sunday, May 29. A meeting was held in the morning at which Elders C.
Christiansen, H. J. Christensen, Father C. Christiansen, M. Chr. Jensen, R. Johnsen and Aagren expressed their thoughts. The blessings of the
Lord were with us to our comfort and cheer. The meeting was opened and
closed with song and prayer. At the afternoon meeting, following a song,
Elder P. Madsen offered prayer. Elder Chr.
Christiansen said that the best way in which to receive blessings is to be
obedient. He read a vision, and spoke to the comfort, and edification of
those present. Elder H. J. Christensen spoke briefly. Father Christiansen
closed the meeting with prayer. Elder Forsgren
left for Keokuk. In the morning we had a storm, with rain, hail and wind.
Monday, May 30. Elder Forsgren returned, and in
the afternoon meeting he told us that we should travel tomorrow. He said
that President Heth had asked him if the brethren
and sisters were satisfied with what he had done for them. He had answered
that they were well satisfied, and that if they had the provisions at hand
they would give him a present. All were agreed therein.
Tuesday, May 31. Three companies began to travel this morning, but as
several oxen belonging to the third company were lost, they remained in
camp on Sugar Creek. During the afternoon we traveled through Farmington, and camped
in the evening. The weather had been very good, with only a little rain.
Brother Kofod’s wagon, in which were riding his
wife and child and Elder Hansen’s wife and child, tipped over in a ditch,
but no one was hurt and the wagon was not broken. All went well; we passed
over some high hills today.
Wednesday, June 1. In the afternoon Captain Justesen’s
company came up to us. Elder Forsgren, who had
gone to Farmington, arrived
back in camp, and so we broke camp and traveled over several hills to the
other side, where we again camped. Shortly before we stopped for the day it
commenced to rain heavily and continued all night, with lightning and
thunder so strong that it shook the ground.
Friday, June 3. In the morning we pulled out again; passed through ‘Dogs Town’, and camped
3 miles from it.
Sunday, June 5. 1 was in Farmington. No meetings
were held. In the afternoon we continued on our way, traveled several
miles, when it began to -rain and hail, with thunder and lightning. Brother
Peter A. Forsgren, as he was driving up a hill,
slipped and fell under his wagon. The wheels passed over him, and his back
and arm were slightly hurt,10 miles from Dog Town.
Monday, June 6. We continued oft our way again and camped in the evening.
The weather was good. We passed through String Town, 1 mile east
of Drakesville.
Log Cabin Built in Drakesville
by Mormon Pioneers in 1840s
Wednesday, June 8. Continued on our journey in the morning. It began to
rain before we stopped for noon, and
continued steadily, with lightning and thunder through the afternoon and
evening, accompanied with some wind towards evening. We camped three miles
west of Drakesville, having passed through that
town.
Thursday, June 9. We continued on our journey and camped in the evening at
Soap Creek, 10 miles from our last camp, and 3 miles from Unionville,
having passed through that town. The weather was good, very warm.
Saturday, June 11. The weather was good. In the evening we camped 9 miles
west of Doddirsjoid, [untranslated]
having traveled 22 miles today.
Sunday, June 12. A meeting was held in the morning, which was ,opened with
a song, and prayer by Elder Forsgren, who then
spoke on the creation of the world; that there were gods who had been
instructed “by God to create the world. His words were instructive and
good. Elder Chr. Christiansen warned and
instructed the Saints. We were happy, and the spirit of the Lord was with
us. Elder Forsgren again spoke briefly, and the
meeting closed with song and prayer by Father Chr.
Christiansen. We continued on our journey in the afternoon and camped 7
miles cast of Chariton pond. The
weather was good all day. Traveled 7 miles.
Chariton Pond
Monday, June 13. During the night a child was born to Elder H. J.
Christensen’s wife. The weather remained good all day, and we traveled 17
miles and camped, 10 miles east of Chariton. We passed
through this town in the morning.
Chariton, Iowa
Tuesday, June 14. The weather was still good. Camped towards evening 7
miles west of Chariton. We traveled
20 miles.
Wednesday, June 15. Traveled 12 miles and camped on a little stream. The
weather was good all day. In the evening a meeting was held, which was
opened with song, and prayer by Elder H. J. Christensen. Elder Forsgren spoke to our edification and instruction,
followed by M. Johnsen, who desired the prayers
of the brethren and sisters, after having made a confession.
Thursday, June 16. We continued on our journey this morning, passed by Four
Mile Stream and Seven Mile Stream, and also Mount Pisgah and the
stream there. We camped in the evening 1-1/2 miles from Pisgah. Traveled
16-1/2 miles today.
The
Mormon History of Mount Pisgah Located in Union County, Southwest Iowa is
Commemorated by this Plaque. More Information is available by clicking here
Friday, June 17. In the evening camped 20 miles from Pisgah. Traveled 19
miles today.
Saturday, June 18. Camped in the evening 22 miles from our last camp, on a
place called the Middle Branch of the Nodaway. The weather was good.
Plat of Nodaway Township, Taylor County, Iowa
Sunday, June 19. We stayed in camp all day. Meetings were held in the
forenoon and afternoon. Powerful talks were given by Elders Forsgren and Christiansen, and confessions were made by
the brethren. It was proposed that Priest Justesen
be ordained to the office of Elder, unanimously accepted. He was then
ordained under the hands of Elders Forsgren and
Christiansen. Sister A. Andersen’s child was blessed by Elders Christiansen
and Forsgren.
Monday, June 20. In the morning we continued our journey, traveled 15 miles
and camped on the West Branch of the Nodaway.
Tuesday, June 21. Traveled 18 miles and camped in the evening by Indian Town. The weather
was good. We passed over the Nishebole River.
Wednesday, June 22. During the night we had a very strong wind, with
lightning and thunder and rain; it rained a little in the morning. We
continued our journey in the afternoon for 10 miles and camped in a place
where there was no firewood.
Lightening on the Prairie Can Be a
Spectacular Sight
Thursday, June 23. We started off in the morning, but as Brother Justesen’s horses were missing, we stopped. He found
his horses and returned to camp. Elder Forsgren
called the brethren together to find out who had money to cross the next
river... When we came to the River Nishebole, and
started to cross it, it so happened that Peter Forsgren’s oxen went into the water with the wagon, but
as it became very deep they started to swim to shore again. As they headed
for shore the wagon box became loose from the wheels and was left behind.
The brethren sprang into the water with their clothes on and fished the
wagon box up. Petrea Petersen was riding in the
wagon but was not hurt, and no one was injured. However, as the two lead
oxen were being hitched to the wagon again they started to run, and stepped
on Brothers A. Poulsen and Soren
Olesen.
Friday, June 24. We continued on our journey, traveled 10 miles and camped.
The weather was good until afternoon, when it began to rain a little.
Saturday, June 25. We traveled 16 miles and arrived at Council
Bluffs, where we camped. We have arrived here all
well and good, having been lead and protected by
the almighty power of the arm of God, both men and animals, wagons and
tents, wherefore God shall have the honor, the praise and the thanks
forever.
Views of Council
Bluffs in the 1850s. More Information
is available by clicking here
Sunday, June
26. The brethren and sisters held a meeting, which was opened with prayer
by Elder H. J. Christensen. Elder Forsgren said
he wished to hear the brethren speak. Elder Geo. P. Dykes stood up and said
he was thankful to God that he had been brought to this place, that the
Danish brethren and sisters had also arrived here, and that everything had
been so enjoyable and well for us. He counseled us against talking with any
of the people of the town, as there was no place where the Devil had more
power than right here, and the people would do all they could to keep the
Saints here. He prayed for the Lord’s blessings on us all.
Elder H. J. Christensen spoke, followed by Father Christiansen, who said he
was thankful to God for His hand which had been over us, and that he did
not wish to remain here, no matter how much he was offered, as he could
have just as well remained in Denmark, but wished
with all his heart to come to Zion. Elder H. F.
Petersen acknowledged his weakness and imperfections, and said he was glad
to be able to read the Book of Mormon and the Doctrine and Covenants. Elder
Chr. Christiansen said that he and his house
would serve the Lord, and spoke many enjoyable words to our edification.
Elder Forsgren spoke briefly and said he was not
afraid of the Devil, and that he wished to speak a little this afternoon,
but that his lungs were weak. Elder Dykes closed the meeting.
In the afternoon the Saints again met. Prayer was offered, following the
opening song. Elder Forsgren talked, and reminded
the Saints of their covenant. He portrayed the wretchedness which awaited
those who forsook their covenants. The meeting closed with song and prayer.
Monday, June 27. New provisions were received, which were divided.
Tuesday, June 28. More provisions were divided. Niels
Pedersen and family left us and would not go on farther.
Wednesday, June 29. The dealing out of provisions was finished, and in the evening
the captains and several others were called together in a meeting. Elder Forsgren offered prayer and then Elder Justesen said that he had talked with Jorgen Nielsen,
who had said that he wished to remain here in Kanesville.
Thereafter R. Johnsen said he had talked with
Jorgen Nielsen who had said that there were liars and slanderers among us,
and that it was no better among us than any other place in the world. Elder
Sorensen also said that Nielsen did not feel good among the Saints and was
not satisfied. Elders C. Christiansen and H. J. Christensen corroborated
the other statements on the poor conduct of Nielsen and that he was
possessed of an evil spirit. J. Nielsen then stood up and said that he did
not wish to continue with us any longer, and gave some excuses which were
nothing more than what the spirit of darkness gives to people to support
themselves with on such occasions. Elder Forsgren
declared that according to the testimonies which had been borne against
Jorgen Nielsen, that he was found to be in transgression, and had slandered
the Church, and that he could not sustain Jorgen Nielsen in such
circumstances as a brother in the Church. It was then proposed and seconded
that Jorgen Nielsen be excommunicated from the Church, which was voted unanimously.
The meeting closed with prayer by Elder H. J. Christensen.
Thursday,
June 30. Jorgen Nielsen and family left us.
Friday, July 1. Frederikke Frederiksen
left us. In the afternoon we finished our preparations and traveled to the Missouri
River, one mile from Kanesville.
The Route
from Kanesville to Salt Lake Valley
Saturday, July 2. This morning J. Nielsen, accompanied by a police
officer from the city, came to camp to force us to turn over the oxen to
him, for which he had searched the day before, but could not find as H. J.
Christensen had driven off. The officer stopped Brother Christensen and
forced him to return to the city, where he was compelled to pay eleven
dollars.
Sunday, July 3. A meeting was held this morning, which was opened with song
and prayer. Elders C. Christiansen, H. J. Christensen and Mikkel Johnsen spoke, to our
comfort and cheer. A song and prayer closed the meeting. Another meeting
was held in the afternoon, opened with song, and prayer by Elder L. H. Justesen. N. C. Christiansen spoke, to our comfort and
encouragement, and bore a strong testimony with the spirit of truth. C.
Christiansen spoke next, being filled with the spirit of God. After a song had been sung, Elder
Christiansen asked if there were any opposed to the uniting in marriage of
Hans Jorgensen and Dorthe
Christensen. There were none, and so Elder Christiansen performed
the marriage ceremony....
Tuesday, July 5. It rained very hard during the night, accompanied by thunder
and lightning. We began to ferry over the Missouri
River, and four wagons got across, also several
oxen. The brethren had been building a bridge over a slough a short
distance from the river. This we crossed in the afternoon, and traveled a
short distance farther with the four wagons, and camped.
Council
Bluffs Ferry, 1853
Wednesday, July 6. We began to build another bridge, which we drove over
and camped a short distance farther on. Several more wagons crossed the
river. We had good wind and weather. A child was born to Brother Overlade’s wife.
Saturday, July 9. All the wagons finished crossing the river, and all the
oxen except four which should remain, as there was one brother who had been
excommunicated and had broken his covenants, and had brought up a case
against Elder Forsgren.
Sunday, July 10. Elder Forsgren arrived in camp
this morning and a meeting was called. A song was sung, after which Elder
J. E. Forsgren offered prayer and then spoke many
things to us. He reminded us that we were free here to serve the Lord with
all our might and strength, and be thankful to Him for having been led to
this place then He would loose our bonds so we could go forward. Brother Forsgren knew that there were some among us who were
not worthy, and they would have to strive for a long time before they could
obtain the blessings. And everyone should not try to do what he thought
best after reaching the valley, but take the advice of the president. He
said we did not talk like those who would fall away. He thanked the
brethren for their willingness to work during the crossing of the river. He
wished us all to remember our blessings and to wander in humbleness and
meekness. He felt happy to think that we were here, and said that we had
seen enough of the Holy Ghost to understand that mankind must be made
perfect; and that when the day comes that they should be baptized again,
that they would see and know their imperfections which they had had in
their travels, and know that they had not done all that they could have
done. The unworthy cannot take part in the blessings unless they repent. He
spoke of many things which I in my imperfections do not have the power to
remember and write. In closing he prayed the Lord to strengthen us so that
we might remain faithful until the end. May it so come to pass, in the name
of Jesus Christ. Amen.
Elder Forsgren then said that he wished to
reorganize the company, and desired to lay the proposition before us.
Inasmuch as there were nearly 100 men, he had decided to have I captain
over 100 men, 2 captains over 50, 4 captains over 10 each in 4 wagons, and
1 captain over 10 each in 3 wagons in the first company of 50. And in the
second company of 50-3 captains over 10 each in 4 wagons,
and 1 captain over 10 each in 3 wagons. Elder Chr.
Christiansen felt that this was the right thing to do, and H. J.
Christensen seconded the proposition.
Elder Chr. Christiansen stood up and said he was
thankful to God for His guiding spirit, and admonished the brethren saying,
“Watch over yourselves and be obedient.” He was glad that God had appointed
His servants upon the earth to do His will, and he wished Elder Forsgren to be with us, be our president, and lead us
with all the power which God would give him; and he proposed that we
sustain Brother Forsgren as president and give
him blessings both temporal and spiritual. Unanimously agreed.
Elder Forsgren proposed that we sustain Elder Chr. Christiansen as captain of 100, H. J. Christensen
as captain of the 1st 50, C. Christiansen as captain of the 2nd
50-unanimously agreed. The following were proposed as captains of 10 in the
first company of 50: Peter A. Forsgren, captain
of the 1st 10, of 4 wagons; Carl Kofod, captain
of the 2nd 10, of 4 wagons; L. A. Justesen,
captain of the 3rd 10, of 4 wagons; N. C. Christiansen, captain of the 4th
10, of 4 wagons, and H. C. Hansen, captain of the 5th 10, of 3 wagons.
Unanimously agreed.
In the 2nd 50 M. Chr. Jensen as captain over the
1st 10, of 4 wagons; H. Pedersen as captain of the 2nd 10, of 4 wagons (and
that he be ordained a Priest); P. Madsen as captain of the 3rd 10, of 4
wagons; H. Dinnesen as captain of the 4th 10, of
3 wagons, and also that he should be ordained a Priest. Unanimously agreed.
It was thereafter appointed that Capt. M. Chr.
Jensen with his company, and Capt. H. J. Christensen with his wagon should
travel this evening to the Elkhorn River as pioneers to build a ferry on
which to cross the river.
Elder Forsgren said that everything which would
delight the soul would be found in the land of Zion. The
ordinations were performed, and the meeting closed with a song, and prayer
by Elder C. Christiansen.
Monday, July
11. It so happened this morning that H. J. Christensen’s son fell out of
the wagon and one wheel passed over his face, so that his head was somewhat
flattened out. His nose was pushed into the head, and he looked terrible.
The brethren joined in prayer, anointed him, and took a bone out of his
nose.
Tuesday, July 12. In the morning Elder Forsgren
went to Kanesville (Jorgen Nielsen’s affair, and
had to pay 30 dollars). The rest of Capt. C. Christiansen’s company left
for the Elkhorn River this
morning.
Kanesville, Iowa by Federick Piercy, 1853. That
year was significant also for in 1853 after most of the remaining Mormons
went to the Salt Lake Valley at the request of Church leaders, those who
took over Kanesville renamed the very active
frontier town Council Bluffs. This was to capitalize on the name of the
area on both sides of the Missouri
River that had been so named by fur traders and
trappers even before 1846.
Wednesday, July 13. The rest of us started on our journey this afternoon,
traveled 3 miles and camped in the evening. We had some rain and lightning
in the night.
Thursday, July 14. Early in the morning we started on our way, and camped
in the evening after having traveled 18 miles.
Friday, July 15. Traveled 10 miles this morning and arrived at Elkhorn, then
traveled 4 miles farther and came to the Elkhorn River, where we
crossed with our oxen and wagons in good condition, through the goodness of
the man and the spirit which God poured out. The man here was willing to
let us borrow the ferry without cost. From the ferry we traveled about 1
mile and camped. We could see the prairie stretching out before us. In the
evening Elder Forsgren baptized Rasmus Justesen and Peter Justesen at the Elkhorn Crossing.
Elkhorn River Ferry Stop
by Frederick Piercy, 1853
Another View
of the Ferry Across the Elkhorn River 25 Miles
Northwest of Omaha. From an
1854 Drawing by George Simons, Whose Uncle, Norton Simons, Owned the Bellevue Ferry
Saturday, July 16. We continued our journey this morning, passed
river, and camped in the evening, having traveled 15 miles-we are now 16
miles from the Elkhorn.
Sunday, July 17. Today was a day of rest. A meeting was held in the
afternoon, opened with a song and prayer by Elder Forsgren,
who then spoke briefly and said he wanted to hear the brethren and sisters.
Elder Christiansen spoke, followed by H. J. Christensen, who talked about
his son who was run over on July 11th, and he was thankful to God and was
satisfied, and hoped that his son would soon be well again. H. Dinnesen expressed his thoughts, and then Father
Christiansen stood up and bore his testimony with the spirit of truth and
thankfulness to God for having led us to this place. Several brethren
acknowledged their faults, and the sisters raised their prayers and thankfulness
to God. Rasmus Justesen
was confirmed a member of the Church by Elder C. Christiansen; Peter Justesen was confirmed by Elder G. P. Dykes. Brother
Dykes then spoke to our edification, followed by Elder Forsgren,
who also spoke words of inspiration and knowledge. The meeting closed with
song, and prayer by Elder C. Christiansen.
We made ourselves ready, traveled 6 miles in the evening, and camped. In
the evening William Andersen was run over by both wheels of a wagon on his
chest, but he was not killed, and after being anointed felt better.
Monday, July 18. Traveled 18 miles and camped in the evening on Schell
Creek. Had firewood and water.
Setting up a Campsite
Tuesday, July 19. In the morning Elders Shurtliff
and Wheelock’s companies came up to us. We
continued our journey, traveled 12 miles and camped. We had a lot of water
and mud to drive through. It rained a little.
Wednesday, July 20. In the morning we journeyed on our way, and after
11-1/2 miles came to a branch of the Platte River called Loup
Fork.
Loup Fork Ferry in Nebraska by Frederick Piercy, 1853
This stream
we crossed over on the ferry, at no cost. We continued crossing the wagons
until 12 o’clock night, when
all were safely over. It rained a little in the forenoon.
Thursday, July 21. We continued our journey 14 miles and camped
without firewood. It rained during the night. Water was found 3 miles from
camp.
Friday, July 22. At 3 o’clock in the
morning we started up again and traveled 20 miles, and in the evening we
drove one mile off the trail and camped on Loup Fork where there was
firewood and water. We passed by very high sand hills. Bolette
Therkildsen was baptized this evening by Priest
N. C. Christiansen.
Saturday, July 23. We continued on our way. There was
water enough on the trail, but no firewood, nor was there firewood
at the place where we camped in the evening. The road was sandy.
Sunday, July 24. A quarter of a mile’s travel brought us to plenty of
water. We continued our journey for 9 miles through very high hills and a
sandy road; then one mile of good road to where we camped by a little
stream with good grass. This morning Hans Andersen Pill passed away, and at
noon M. Christian Jensen’s wife bore
a son.
Monday, July 25. We continued on this morning, and after 5 miles travel
came to Wood River, where there
was a good deal of water but no bridge. As a result we had to ford the
river, and in so doing some chains and rings broke on account of the heavy
pull which was put upon the wagons to draw them through. A meeting was held
in the evening, which was opened with a song, and
prayer by Elder Forsgren, after which he spoke,
and counseled us to be obedient to our captains and not try to give them
advice. He gave us many good thoughts. A fine spirit of satisfaction was
with us. The meeting was closed with song and prayer.
The Emigrant Pioneers Sang and Prayed Often on
the Trail to Keep Up Their Spirits
Tuesday, July
26. We continued on, traveled 16 miles and camped on Wood River where we
leave it to go to the Platte River. Had
firewood and water.
Stop at Wood River, Nebraska, 1853
Wednesday, July 27. In the morning we continued our journey, traveled 7
miles and came to the Platte River; after
traveling a total of 8 miles we camped. All along the way there was a good
deal of water. We had passed over 2 bridges, in which the streams were
high, and then came to a stream where there was no bridge or ferry, and the
water so deep that we could not cross.
Thursday, July 28. In the afternoon we continued our journey again one-half
mile downstream to a place where a bridge had been built by Danish and
English Saints over the stream.
Friday, July 29. We traveled 16 miles and camped a
short distance from a grove of trees, and where there was water. It was
very warm in the morning and in the afternoon it began to thunder, and then
followed a cloudburst with very heavy rain.
Saturday, July 30. We started out this morning and traveled 4 miles, when
we stopped by a stream and had breakfast. There was firewood here and
water. In the afternoon we passed over Elm Creek on a bridge, and after
having traveled in all 18 miles, camped by Buffalo Creek. The weather was
good.
Mormon Emigrants Camp for the Night
Sunday, July 31. In the morning Gates’ company passed by us. The weather
was good. In the afternoon we held a meeting, which was opened with a song
and prayer by Elder Forsgren. Elder Christiansen
spoke many things to our joy and enlightenment. Elder Forsgren
then spoke and counseled us not to be dismayed if, when we came home to the
Valley, we found ungodliness among some, as such a
condition existed there among a few more than any other place in the world.
But on the other hand, there were many who were living just like heaven,
and to talk with their wives was just as if one were speaking to angels. He
said that we should not say when we arrived in Zion that “I will stay here,
or I Will go there,” but that it would be appointed them by the presiding
council; many other things he spoke to us.
Thereafter, Bolette Therkildsen
was confirmed by Elder Chr. Christiansen; Brother
Overlade’s child was blessed by Elder M. C.
Jensen; Brother H. J. Christensen’s child was blessed by Elder C.
Christiansen, and Brother M. Chr. Jensen’s child
was blessed by Elder H. J. Christensen. The meeting closed with song, and
prayer by Elder M. Chr. Jensen.
In the afternoon we broke camp and traveled 8 miles, where we again stopped
on Buffalo Creek.
Monday, August 1. We broke camp again this morning, and after traveling 3
miles, crossed over Buffalo Creek on a bridge. In the afternoon it rained and
hailed heavily, accompanied by thunder and lightning. We traveled in all 19
miles today and camped, after having crossed a very bad muddy place.
Tuesday, August 2. We broke camp in the morning and after a journey of 10
miles came to water. Showers occasionally passed over us. We traveled
another seven miles and camped on the Platte River--17 miles
travel today. During the night it thundered so hard that the ground shook.
Wednesday, August 3. The weather was good. In the morning we continued our
journey; for four miles the road was sandy and hard traveling over the
hills. In the afternoon we traveled 8 miles and camped in the evening on
Spring Creek. The weather was warm.
Thursday, August 4. We continued on our way this morning, and after
traveling 16 miles, camped 2 miles from where the road joins with the Platte River. We passed a
cold spring by Landigopeia across from Pornisvorf [untranslated]. We
passed over some sand; the weather was good.
Friday, August 5. In the morning we started on our way again. We passed the
road which runs along the river at Six Spring Creek, which has its source
in springs in the hills. We traveled in all 16 miles. The road, in several
places, was over sandy hills. The weather was good.
Saturday, August 6. We traveled 12 miles over sandy hills, crossed 2
streams, and in the evening camped by a hill. After we had camped, it began
to rain, thunder and lightning, and continued most of the night. The name
of the one stream we crossed over was Black Mud. It was one-quarter of a
mile wide, but with a good sandy bottom on which we could drive. C. Munk’s child fell off of the wagon, but was not hurt.
Sunday, August 7. We continued our journey this morning over a very sandy
road for 2 miles and camped by a little stream called Bluff Creek. Our camp
was a short distance off the road under a hill; we passed the western
Bluff. The weather was good all day. In the evening we held a meeting,
which was opened with a song, and prayer by Elder
C. Christiansen. H. J. Christensen spoke, followed by Father Christiansen.
They were filled with thanksgiving and saw the power of God’s spirit
resting upon the Saints to their salvation. The latter spoke words of joy
and encouragement. Chr. Christiansen spoke next,
filled with the spirit of God. Elder Forsgren
spoke of many things. He warned the people not to go shooting without
permission of their captain, so that the captains might know where their
members were at all times. His words were words of encouragement, warning,
and punishment. The meeting closed with prayer by Elder H. J. Christensen.
Monday, August 8. In the morning we continued our journey; traveled 3-1/2
miles and came to a spring; 1/2 mile farther we came to another spring
stream. We passed thereafter at 1-1/2 miles farther a little stream; 2
miles over some bluffs brought us to another stream, and 1-1/4 miles
farther we came to Petite Creek, where we camped on a plain between Goose
Creek and Spring Stream--traveled in all 10-3/4 miles today. In the
afternoon Priest C. Christiansen was ordained an Elder by J. E. Forsgren and Christian Christiansen. He died shortly
afterwards. In the afternoon it began to rain in torrents, with strong
lightning, and continued until just before we camped.
Tuesday, August 9. We started on our way this morning, and traveled 16
miles. At the 9th mile we passed Rattlesnake Creek. Camped at a stream 6
feet wide. The weather was good; we drove some of the way by the side of
the river, and had a good road in various places.
Wednesday, August 10. Traveled 14 miles. At 10-1/2 miles we came to some
very high bluffs, and the way was sandy. Wolf Creek was near the
bluffs, and we crossed. We camped in the afternoon at Watch Creek. This
morning 60 Indians visited us and were given something to eat. It was cold,
and in the afternoon we had thunder and lightning.
Thursday, August 11. We traveled again in the morning for 7 miles and nooned opposite Ash Hollow, then drove 8 miles and
camped on the west hills, near Sand Hill Creek. The weather was good; the
road in places was sandy. In the evening the Elders were called together in
Council. Elder Chr. Christiansen offered prayer.
Brother Christiansen said that complaints had been made against Brother and
Sister Bjergaard, and wished to hear Brother Justesen, who was captain of the company they were in
... C. Christiansen said that they had ridden on the wagon as much as they
possibly could, and that Brother Louis had acted only as a brother towards
them. . . . After some discussion the meeting ‘was closed with prayer by
Elder Forsgren.
Friday, August 12. We started in the morning and drove the whole day,
making 19 miles, and camped by Crab Creek.
Saturday, August 13. We traveled 15 miles and camped one mile from the
river and 3 miles from where the road joins the river. The way was sandy.
Sunday, August 14. We broke camp in the morning, drove 5 miles and camped a
short distance from the river. In the afternoon we held a meeting, which
opened with song, and prayer by Elder Forsgren.
O. Svendsen, H. J. Christensen, M. Chr. Jensen, W. Andersen, C. Christiansen, J. E. Forsgren spoke words of counsel and advice to us. We
were told to first take care of ourselves and not try to take care of
others; that we should control our thoughts so that we may be blessed and
come well and happy home to Zion and be more clean of heart than we now
are, for there are those in Zion who could see such things. We were told
that we should pray to God, and not go immediately after praying, and sin,
but take advantage of the promises which had been made; live so that God
would be our friend, and He would be if we so lived, and in conclusion that
we should remain faithful to Jesus Christ. The meeting closed with song,
and prayer by Chr. Christiansen.
Monday, August 15. In the morning we continued our journey and traveled in
all 17-1/2 miles. Camp was made in the evening a short distance from the
river. It was very hot.
Tuesday, August 16. We continued our journey and traveled 19 miles; camped
four miles east of Scotts Bluff.
Scotts Bluff from the Mormon Trail
Wednesday, August 17. Traveled 23 miles and camped in the evening. It was
very warm during the day. Camp was made 18 miles west from Scotts Bluff. We
repaired some wagon wheels in the evening.
Repairs to
the Wagons, Especially the Wheels had to be Done Without Outside Help
Thursday, August 18. Traveled 12 miles and camped by the river. It was very
warm, the road was somewhat sandy, and there were many grasshoppers.
Friday,
August 19. Traveled 18 miles and camped by the river 6 miles below Laramie crossing. We
left the road at noon to stop by
the river, and in camping again at night left the road so as to be near the
river. The road was heavy, warm and sandy, and the slight wind blew the
dust about us, making it quite miserable. Gates’ company is before us.
Saturday, August 20. We continued on our journey this morning, and after 6
miles travel came to Laramie, where we
crossed the Platte River. We then
drove 6 miles more and camped 1/2 mile from the Platte River. It rained a
little in the afternoon. The day was warm. Brother Daley’s company passed
by us.
Fort
Laramie, Wyoming by Frederick Piercy, 1853
[NOTE: Another traveler about the same time,
wrote of the conditions beyond Fort Laramie: “The whole region of country from Fort
Laramie
to this place is almost entirely barren. There is no grass except in the
valleys, which in some few places only, is found luxuriant. One seems at a
loss how to account how the buffalo can live on the hills over which they
range ... Over the whole region the wild sage or artemisia
grows in abundance. ... The sage is not like the sage of the garden. It has
more the smell of lavender…The first week after leaving the Fort, we
experienced, though in midsummer, the cool mountain breezes, being
necessary at night to bundle ourselves up in our overcoats, and oftentimes
through the whole day. The past week, however, it has been different. It
has been insufferably hot both day and night--thermometer ranging from 95
to 100 degrees.”]
Sunday,
August 21. The Sabbath was observed as a day of rest. A meeting was held in
the afternoon, which was opened with song, and
prayer by Elder H. J. Christensen. L. A. Justesen,
H. C. Hansen, Hans Pedersen and N. C. Christiansen spoke. Then C.
Christiansen said he was glad to hear these brethren bear their testimonies
and that they were led by the Holy Ghost; they were humble. He advised us
not to be anxious about the temporal things when we arrived in the Valley,
for God would give the righteous all they needed. He concluded by asking
the Lord’s blessings on us all. J. E. Forsgren
was the next speaker. He was filled with the spirit and said many enjoyable
things. The devil had demanded more of God than He would give him, and Michael,
the Archangel, cast him out of Heaven, so now he is upon the
earth to prove mankind. He is in those who do not live right, who go with
bowed heads and appear to be angry... Brother Forsgren
gave the law that if anyone took any of the horses which were about the
camps of the Indians that he would be considered a thief and be cast out of
the camp. The meeting closed with song, and prayer by Elder Christiansen.
Monday, August 22. We continued our journey, traveled 12 miles and came to
Indian Creek, where we nooned, and then drove
5-1/2 miles farther and camped on Cold Spring Creek in the evening, where
there was timber. We passed by Gates’ company this morning. The road today
led over high hills and deep valleys, and was rocky. Mountains were around us
also.
Tuesday, August 23. We traveled 12 miles and camped by Little Spring Creek.
The weather was good; it begins to be cold during the night.
Wednesday, August 24. Traveled 12 miles again and camped in the evening by
the Platte River, 46 miles
from Deer Creek. The weather was good.
Thursday, August 25. Traveled 19 miles and camped one mile from the LeBonte [LaBopnte] River
crossing. Sister Thorpp was run over this
morning: This evening we drove through red sand.
Friday, August 26. In the morning we continued our journey and drove over
many hills; crossed 3 streams and camped one mile off the road, where we
looked for grass. However, as no grass was to be found here, on Boyd Stream, Elder Forsgren decided to drive further. We found a good
camping place by La Prele River in a valley with
mountains on one side. The water was one mile from us.
Saturday, August 27. Traveled 18 miles and arrived in the evening at Deer
Creek, where we camped. The weather was good until after noon, when it began to rain a little; during the
night a strong wind arose. [NOTE: Deer
Creek is near present Glenrock,
Wyoming.
Indians in this area at the time were Sioux.]
Sunday, August 28. The weather was good; this was a rest day, Elder John E.
Forsgren opened the meeting in the afternoon with
prayer. Elder Peter Forsgren spoke, followed by
Carl Kofod, who counseled us and expressed his
feelings. He felt that he should take watch over himself and not over any
others, and do all the good that he could. Elder Chr.
Christiansen said he was happy and satisfied. Elder Forsgren
then spoke and counseled us to live the Gospel; that each one should see
more to himself and not so much to other people. Parents should raise their
children correctly, because as the parents are, so will the children be. He said that when we did all that we could on the
journey we would be happy and not have any ill feelings when we arrived
home in the Valley.
Many other things were spoken to our joy and encouragement. He advised us
to keep with the wagons. It was thereafter proposed that if anyone had
anything against the marriage of Hans Larsen and Ane
Marie Madsen that it be made known. As there were none, Elder J. E. Forsgren performed the marriage ceremony. The meeting
closed with prayer by Elder C. Christiansen.
Monday, August 29. Hermann de Plade passed away.
We remained in camp to repair our wagons.
Wednesday, August 31. This morning we continued our journey again, and
after traveling 10 miles camped by a stream in the evening--crooked, muddy
creek. Ane Poulsen and
Karen Poulsen were baptized this evening by Elder
L. A. Justesen.
Baptism in the River
Thursday, Sept. 1. Traveled 18 miles and then drove down on the old road to
the river and camped where there was good grass.
Friday, Sept. 2. In the morning we broke camp, crossed over the Platte River, and then
over some very high hills. In several places the road was bad. In the
afternoon we came to a poisonous spring, drove a short distance there from
and camped, having traveled 13-1/2 miles. There was not much grass.
Saturday, September 3. We continued our journey again, and in the morning
passed by the poisoned water, crossed over some very high hills, and drove
in all 18 miles, when we camped in the evening a short distance from Bad
Slough.
Sunday, Sept. 4. We continued our journey, traveled 18 miles and camped in
the evening on Sweet Water River. The road
was sandy; we had good grass.
Mormon Pioneers
in the Forsgren Company Crossed the Sweetwater River in Wyoming. The
emigrants on the main route crossed the Sweetwater River for the 5th time
approximately five miles northwest of Jeffrey City or about
eight miles west of Three Crossings Canyon. After the
5th Crossing, the trail leaves the river for about 16 miles until it
reaches 6th Crossing, about three miles southwest of Sweetwater Station.
Monday, Sept.
5. We traveled 10 miles and camped in the evening on Sweet Water, 2 miles
east of a deep ravine. The weather was good. We passed by Devil’s Gate; in
several places on the road there was heavy sand. Good grass was found at
our camping place.
Devil’s Gate,
Wyoming, by
Frederick Piercy, 1853
[NOTE: One contemporary emigrant wrote: “The
Sweet Water at this place makes a gap through a rock mountain, which on
either side rises 400 feet from the water. The rock is of granite, single
pieces of which, as large as an ordinary house, are found in this place. No
scenery in our whole route has been more delightful than that seen in this
day's drive. The valley of the Sweet Water is about five miles wide. On one
right was a long line of rock hills or mountains, form three to five
hundred feet in height, rising directly from the smooth level of rich
meadow land. Nothing could present a greater contrast with the sterile
granite mountains, than this." Although Devil's Gate is today on
private land, travelers can see it from an interpretive site on Wyoming
Hwy. 220, about five miles west of Independence Rock.]
Tuesday,
Sept. 6. Traveled 16 miles and camped in the evening 1-1/4 miles from a
high gravelly bluff. The road was sandy, with several hills. We passed by Alkali Lake.
Wednesday, Sept. 7. We continued our journey, drove 15 miles and camped in
the evening 1/2 mile from the 5th crossing of the Sweet Water. In the
morning we passed the gravelly bluff. Ane
Christine Larsen and Ane Larsen were baptized by
W. Andersen.
Thursday, Sept. 8. Traveled 21 miles and camped where the road joins the
river and forded it. Had water and grass.
Friday, Sept. 9. We traveled 16 miles and camped at Strawberry Creek.
Saturday, Sept. 10. Traveled 11 miles and camped on Sweet Water.
The Valley of the Sweet Water River, drawn by James Wilkins, 1849
Sunday, Sept. 11. A day of rest was observed. It rained a little in the
forenoon but was good weather in the afternoon. It was very cold during the
night. A meeting was held in the afternoon, which was opened with song, and
prayer. H. J. Christensen, R. Johnsen, C. T.
Sorensen, P. Madsen, C. Christiansen and Elder Forsgren
spoke to us, giving us encouragement and advice. Brother A. Poulsen’s two children were blessed by Elder C.
Christiansen. Brother R. Larsen’s two children were blessed by Elder H. J.
Christensen.
Monday, Sept. 12. We continued our journey again for 14 miles and camped
1-1/2 miles from the crossing of Pacific Creek. [NOTE: At about this point the emigrants crossed the Continental
Divide, the dividing ridge in the Rocky
Mountains which determines river flow between the
Atlantic
and Pacific oceans.]
Tuesday, Sept. 13. Traveled 22-3/4 miles and camped on Little Sandy. [NOTE: The Little Sandy
is one of the forks of the Green River,
which is a tributary of the great Colorado,
which in turn flows into the Gulf of California.]
Wednesday, Sept. 14. Early in the morning we drove 8-3/4 miles and came to
Big Sandy, and later in the afternoon we drove 17 miles and camped on Big
Sandy. [NOTE: Big
Sandy
was near present Farson,
Wyoming,
at the junction of Highways 28 and 191. The trail here ran through the “Bad
Lands” of southwestern Wyoming,
along present Highway 28.]
The Emigrant Trail Through the Bad
Lands, Wyoming
Thursday, Sept. 15. Traveled 10 miles and camped on Green River. There was
good grass where we camped.
Two Views of
the Green River in Wyoming in Mid-1800s
Friday, Sept. 16. We continued our journey, traveled 4-1/2 miles and
Crossed Green River, then traveled 2-1/2 miles farther and camped; good
grass, firewood and water.
Saturday, Sept. 17. Traveled 18 miles and camped off the road at Black’s
Fork.
Sunday, Sept. 18. Traveled 4 miles and camped at Ham’s Fork. The road was
good; it was quite cold.
Ham’s Fork Crossing
Monday, Sept. 19. Traveled 16 miles and camped on Black’s Fork, fourth
time.
Black’s Fork on the Green River, Mid-1800s
Tuesday, Sept. 20. Traveled 14-1/2 miles and camped at Fort Bridger.
[NOTE:
Trappers Jim Bridger and Louis Vasquez
built their first trading post in about 1842 to support the fur trade.
By 1846, they had built this third "fort" in the bottom land
along Black's Fork, which they intended as a recruiting station for
emigrants. Their promotional activities included the reports sent back by
the emigrants, including James Reed's letter of July 31, 1846, "I want you to inform the emigration that they can
be supplied with fresh cattle by Messrs. Vasques
& Bridger. They have now about 200 head of oxen, cows and young cattle,
with a great many horses and mules; and they can be relied on for doing
business honestly and fairly."
Greenwood's
Cut-off, opened by the Stephens Party in 1844, went due west from the
Little Sandy River to the Bear
River bypassing Bridger's
Fort. Bridger and Vasquez responded by promoting Hasting's
Cut-off via Salt Lake, which was reached by following the original Oregon Trail past
Bridger's fort.
Bridger's
trading post later became a Mormon fort, and then Fort Bridger, a U.S. Army fort. It served cross-country travelers for many
years. Fort Bridger is a Wyoming State Historical Site, located south of Interstate 80 east of
the present town of Fort
Bridger, Wyoming. The Site includes a replica of Bridger's trading post,
as well as restorations of the surviving later fort buildings. A museum
contains exhibits covering the history of the various forts. Fort
Bridger
is about 100 miles from the Great Salt Lake.]
Scene
Along the Mormon Trail Nearing Fort
Bridger, Wyoming
Fort Bridger by Frederick Piercy, 1853
Wednesday, Sept. 21. We traveled 15-1/2 miles and camped west of Muddy
Creek on the hill.
Thursday, Sept. 22. We traveled 9 miles and camped on the summit of a
ridge, 8 miles east of Bear River.
Friday, Sept. 23. We traveled 12-1/2 miles and camped by a creek, 4-1/2
miles from Bear River.
Saturday, Sept. 24. We traveled 15 miles and camped by four springs in Echo Canyon, 4 miles
from Cache Cave. The weather
was good and not very cold.
Echo Canyon - This
25-mile Long Canyon is Named For
Its Peculiar Ability to Transmit Sounds Along Its Red Rock Walls. The
Second Picture Shows Mormon Emigrants Navigating Through the Canyon Just a
Few Years After the Forsgren Company Made the
Same Trek
Sunday, Sept. 25. We traveled 9 miles and camped by a stream in Echo Canyon.
Monday, Sept. 26. We traveled 13 miles and camped on East Canyon Creek.
Tuesday, Sept. 27. We traveled 8 miles and camped by the stream which we
crossed 11 times. I tipped the wagon over.
Wednesday, Sept. 28. We crossed the stream 11 times; the road was bad.
Traveled 10 miles and camped in the canyon 1-1/2 miles from the top of the
mountain. It rained a little during the day.
Thursday, Sept. 29. We traveled 6 miles and camped on Last Creek.
Friday, Sept. 30. In the evening we entered the Valley of the Great Salt
Lake, the land of Zion. [p. 35]
Views by Frederick Piercy of the Great Salt
Lake and Salt Lake
City in 1853
Salt Lake City in 1858 from Harper’s Weekly
Salt Lake
City Street Scene Looking East, Early 1850s
[Gap in
journal entry]
Thursday, October 20. As I could not get work in the city, and did not want
to go northward with John E. Forsgren, I and my
wife with Brother Hansen went southward to Sanpete. We traveled 10 miles
and accidentally got on the wrong road, and in crossing a stream got stuck.
We could not get out with our oxen, but it happened that a man came along
the road and took his oxen and helped us get on the right road again. We
obtained lodging for the night at a Norwegian’s, Brother Saeby, who gave us food and drink while we were with
him and also food for our oxen.
A French Engraving of Salt Lake Valley in the
Mid-1860s
Friday, Oct.
21. Traveled 15 miles and obtained lodging in an empty house by the road.
Saturday, Oct. 22. We traveled 6 miles to Dry Creek (Lehi),
where we had dinner with Sister Petersen. Thereafter we traveled 10 miles
and camped on Battle Creek (Pleasant
Grove).
[NOTE: Pleasant Grove is situated along the old Timpanogos Indian Trail, and was originally called “Mepah,” Ute for “Little Waters.” Mepah's
beautiful inviting stretch of woodland among the spread of sage featured a
grove of cottonwood trees and clear streams that flowed from what are now
called Battle
Creek
and Grove
Creek Canyons. This made it a favorite stopping point for
Indians, as well as for the Mormon Pioneers who first came in 1850 intent
on staying. The city was incorporated in 1855. Pleasant Grove was
originally named “Battle Creek”
because of an unfortunate conflict between the Utes
and pioneers. Life was difficult, but the settlers helped each other
survive the Indians and the first few difficult winters. Strawberries were
grown in abundance every summer and the celebration of "Strawberry
Days" came to be associated with Pleasant Grove. Strawberry Days is
the longest continuing community celebration in Utah to date.]
Pleasant Grove Cottonwoods in 1853
Ute Warriors
in the Woods Near Pleasant Grove
[NOTE: The state of Utah is named after the Ute tribe. The Ute once
lived over much of Utah
and all of western Colorado.
In historic times, they ranged well onto the great plains of eastern Colorado into Nebraska and south into New Mexico. In historic times, there were at least 11
different bands of the Ute Tribe. Each band claimed its own territory but
membership in a band was fluid. The Ute lived by hunting, fishing,
gathering and trading with other Native American groups in the region.
Housing consisted of brush structures and conical shaped teepees made from
animal skins. During the late 1800s, the Ute lost most of their lands and
were restricted to reservations in southern Colorado and northeastern Utah.]
Sunday, Oct.
23. We traveled 10 miles and camped in Provo.
[End of
journal]
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