Immigration Stories and Voyage Notes

John Christenson
Ship: Monarch of the Sea
Sailed from Liverpool 16 May 1861



The Scandinavian Saints: On Thursday, May 9, 1861 a company of 565 Scandinavian Saints (373 Danish, 128 Swedish, 64 Norwegians) sailed from Copenhagen by steamer Waldemar. Pres. John Van Cott, who accompanied them to England, joined the emigrants at Kiel. Elders Hans Olin Hansen, Niels Wilhelmsen, Jens Nielsen, Gustaf A. Ohlson, Saamund Gudmundsen, Carl W. J. Hicker, Anders Frantzen, and others returned home with this company after having labored faithfully as missionaries in the Scandinavian Mission. The company had a successful voyage as far as Kiel, arriving there May 10th. At once they were forwarded by special train to Altona, where they arrived about noon. In Altona the company was divided in two parts, one of which (about two hundred Saints) immediately boarded the steamer Brittania and departed for Hull, England about three p.m, the same day. They arrived in Hull May 12th. The second division left Hamburg May 11th at three p.m, by the steamer Eugenia which after a pleasant voyage arrived at Grunsby, England on the morning of May 13th. The captain treated the emigrants with kindness and respect, while the opposite was the case on the Brittania. The two companies joined at Grunsby where they were cared for until the morning of May 14th. Then they proceeded by special train to Liverpool, and arrived in that city about 2 p.m. Two hours later they were placed on board the ship Monarch of the Sea which was the largest vessel that had carried emigrants across the sea up to that time. This company was also the largest to cross the ocean on one ship to date.

May 16th they were organized by Pres. Amasa M. Lyman, Charles C. Rich, and George Q. Cannon, who appointed Elder Jabez Woodward from Switzerland as President and Hans Olin Hansen and Niels Wilhelmsen as his counselors. At eleven a.m, the great vessel lifted its anchor and amid the great cheers of parting friends the ship left the wharf and began the long voyage. Later the large company was divided into districts with the Scandinavians in seven and English and German in three or four, each being under a president. The names of these Presidents were Edward Read, John J. P. Wallace, Horace Pegg, Peter Nielsen, Saamund Gudmundsen, Gustaf A. Ohlson, Aaron G. Oman, Lars C. Geertsen, Johan Fagerberg, and Erasmus Nielsen, the latter also acted as marshal for the Scandinavians. The Saints were treated kindly by both officers and the crew on board the ship, and the provisions were good and sufficient. The company was so large that there were not enough kettles, so each family could only cook five times a week. From Copenhagen to New York nine persons died, most of them being children. Fourteen couples were married and four births took place on board. Eleven of the couples married were Scandinavians. The weather was favorable most of the way. Large icebergs were passed, one towering over two hundred feet above the water. June 19th they reached their destination, New York, having been on the ocean nearly a month. They were met by Elders Johnes and Williams and lodged at Castle Garden. Apostle Erastus Snow who was in New York at the time, spoke to the Scandinavians in the Danish language. From New York the company traveled by rail and steamboat (part of the way in two divisions) to Florence, Nebraska. The first division arrived there July 1st and the second one July 2nd. The route taken was by Dunkirk, Cleveland, Chicago, Quincy, St. Joseph, etc.

Preparation for the journey across the plains was at once made and all who were without means to outfit themselves for the long journey were assisted by teams from Utah, who for the first time had been sent in large companies by the Church to the Missouri River to assist the poor Saints gathering in Zion. Most of the Scandinavians assisted in this manner crossed the plains in the Capt. John R. Murdock Company which left Florence the first part of July and arrived in Salt Lake City Sept. 12th. Those who had sufficient means to help themselves, left Florence a few days later under the leadership of Capt. Samuel A. Woolley with about sixty ox teams. After traveling for some distance the company was divided into two sections and Elder Porter was appointed Captain of the second division. On Sunday Sept. 2, 1861, this company arrived safely in Salt Lake City.

Voyage notes, stories, and passenger list found here.

Minutes of the Monarch of the Sea

On Thursday, May 16, Presidents Lyman, Rich, and Cannon convened a meeting of the Saints on board the Monarch of the Sea, in the River Mersey, Liverpool, and organized the company, consisting of 949 Saints, with Elder Jabez Woodard as President, and Elders H. O. Hansen and Niels Wilhelmsen as his counselors.

A priesthood meeting of the English Saints was held the same afternoon. Present--Elders Woodard, Harrison, W. H. Kelsey, S. Reid, Horace Pegg, Heber Pegg, John J. Wallis, William Carnie, and others. Elder Woodard proposed E. L. T. Harrison as secretary of the ship's company, W. H. Kelsey as president of the English portion of the Saints, and Thomas Morrell as Marshal. Elder Woodard explained the duties of the Marshal--That he would have to see to the getting up of a nightly guard at the hatchways, see that no lights were left burning at night, and, in fine, preserve order and cleanliness throughout the ship: also that all found articles were to be placed in his possession till the owner was found. President Woodard then exhorted the English Saints to patience and kindness to the Danish, Norwegian, and Swedish Saints. He also gave some instruction as to the best food to be used at present.

Resolved- "That no smoking be allowed between decks." Meeting adjourned till ten o'clock next day.

Married during the day, by Elder Niels Wilhelmsen, Lars Peter Christensen and Anne Marie Christiansen, Carl Wilhelm Julius Heker and Karen Marie Madsen, Johannes Hansen and Hansin Andrea Ibsen, Poul Christian Petersen and Marie Caroline Elizabetha Dorthea Nielsen; all of Denmark.

Tuesday 15.- (Before organization of company.) Married by President J. Van Cott, in Liverpool, Carl Erick Lindholm and Johanne Nielson, Niels Oluf Vahlstrom and Eva Magdalene Nordblad, all of Sweden; Anders Frantzen and Maren Martenson, of Denmark; Samuel Gudmundsen and Ellen Marie Morck, of Norway. A meeting was held this evening of the English priesthood, which was addressed by President Woodard.

Friday, 17. - A priesthood meeting of the English division was held at ten o'clock.

The following division into wards was made in the ship, and the following men appointed presidents--lst Ward, S. [Samuel] Gudmundsen; 2nd, Edward Reid; 3rd, P. Nielsen; 4th, John J. Wallis; 5th, G. Ohlson; 6th, G. A. Omonn; 7th, L. C. Giertsen; 8th, J. Fagerberg; 9th, Horace Pegg; 10th, R. Nielsen; 11th, Jynaz Willie.

Married, this day, by Elder Niels Wilhelmsen, Soren Peter Rasmussen and Anne Mikkelsen, Poul Michael Poulsen and Cecilie Jorgensen. President Woodard preached in the evening to a general meeting of the English wards. Born, Christian Madsen, son of Christian Jacobsen.

Died, Emma, daughter of Peter Petersen, of Sweden, 3-1/2 years old.

Saturday, 18.- Elders Woodard and Harrison lectured on geography.

Sunday, 19.- A general meeting of all the Saints, English, Danish, Norwegian, Swedish, German, Welsh, &c., was held on deck, addressed by President Woodard and his Counselors.

Monday, 20.- Robert Murdoch, Peter Hansen, and F. Lynberg called to be Assistant-Marshals [p.475].

Married, by Elder N. Wilhelmsen, Rasmus Jorgensen and Jacobine Kirstine Morgensen, of Denmark.

Tuesday, 21.- Died, Jane H. Montgomery, of England, aged 60: buried in latitude 52.26 north, longitude 23 west.

Friday, 24. Died, Caroline, daughter of Isaak Looser, of Switzerland, aged 9 weeks.

Saturday, 25. Memorandum. Much stormy weather during the last few days, and good deal of seasickness. Today weather fine, and general time of restoration among the sick.

Council meeting of all the priesthood held this evening. Resolved--"That the English have one fire at the cooking-galley to themselves, and the remaining three fires be kept for the Danes, Norwegians, Swedes, and Germans.

President Woodard then addressed the meeting on the nature and extent of the priesthood. Interpreted by Elder Wilhelmsen.

Sunday, 26. General meeting was held in the morning, addressed by Presidents Woodard and Wilhelmsen. Afternoon, a German meeting was held, addressed by President Woodard & others.

Memorandum.- Regular prayer meetings every morning and evening in each ward.

Thursday, 30.- A general meeting of the English division held in the evening. Elder Woodard preached.

Saturday, June 1.- Born, daughter of James and Alice Unsworth, of England: named Betsy.

Sunday, 2.- General meeting held on deck, addressed by Elder S. Francis. In the afternoon a meeting was held on the lower deck, addressed by Elder Harrison; after which President Woodard preached an "ox-team discourse."

Monday, 3.- A sacramental meeting was held in Elder Reid's ward: a very good feeling prevailed.

Resolved into a testimony meeting. Several Danish brethren spoke.

Tuesday, 4. Sacramental meeting in Danish wards numbers 3 and 5, addressed by Elders Wilhelmsen, W. H. Kelsey, E. Reid, Thomas Morrell, and E. L. T. Harrison; interpreted by Elder Wilhelmsen. A very strong feeling of union between the English and other divisions was manifested.

Died, Karen Marie, daughter of Rasmus Peter Christensen, aged 6 months.

Wednesday, 5.- A sacramental meeting of two other (numbers 3 and 7) Danish divisions was held. Addressed by President Woodard.

Thursday, 6.- A sacramental meeting was held in Elder Wallis's ward.

Friday, 7.- A Welsh testimony meeting was held.

Saturday, 8.- Born, a daughter of Charlotte Kirby, late of England.

Sunday, 9.- Being very rough weather, no general meetings were held. In the afternoon, a sacramental meeting was held in the Young Men's Ward, addressed by Elders Woodard and Hansen.

Tuesday, 11.- Died, Amelia, daughter of brother Rokenbouch, of Switzerland, aged 14 months.

Thursday, 13.- Born to Hennaig Oline Ungermann, a daughter, named Marie Josephine Atalanta.

Friday, 14.- Died, Petrine, daughter of Christen Christensen, 2-1/2 years old.

Saturday, 15.- Died, the daughter of Charlotte Kirby, born on the voyage.

Sunday, 16.- As the weather was not very good, no general meeting was held; but, in the afternoon, an English meeting was held on the deck, addressed by Presidents Woodard and Wilhelmsen, E. L. T. Harrison, and W. H. Kelsey; after which a Danish meeting was held, addressed by President Wilhelmsen.

Monday, 17.- The pilot came on board, and much delight was manifested by the Saints. In the evening Elder Woodard preached on the news brought from America by the pilot, the fulfilment of Joseph's prophecies, &c. Resolved--"That a double guard be set as we are approaching New York, to be continued night and day, until we are landed."

Died, William Cunningham, son of Robert Cunningham, of Scotland; also, Jens Christian Carl, daughter of Niels Jacobson, aged 6 months.

Wednesday, 19. Arrived at New York, after a prosperous voyage of 34 days, during which harmony and peace prevailed.


E. L. T. Harrison, Secretary


Johanna Härling
Ship: B. S. Kimball
Sailed from Liverpool 8 May 1863

Under the command of Captain Henry C. Dearborn the American packet ship B. S. Kimball sailed from Liverpool for the New World on 8 May 1863. On board were 657 Mormons, principally from Scandinavia. President George Q. Cannon of the European Mission organized the company. He appointed Elder Hans Peter Lund to preside over the emigrants, assisted by Elders Peter Beckstrom and Christoffer S. Winge as counselors and P. Wilhelm Poulsen as clerk. The emigrants were also divided into seven districts, each with a president and captain of the guard. Among the passengers was Lise Christiansen, a young Danish girl whose descendants would include two general authorities of the church. Her recollection of the passage was unpleasant and at times frightening. During the voyage there were four deaths, two births, and eleven marriages. The vessel anchored in New York harbor Saturday evening, 13 June, but the passengers did not land until two days later-thirty-eight days after leaving England.


The B. S. Kimball was owned by David B. and George A. Dearborn of New York City and John E. Donnell of Portland, Maine. She was built with two decks, a square stern, and a figurehead. Apparently this three-masted vessel was modified slightly, for her breadth was later increased to 39 feet and depth to 25 feet. Tonnage in 1865 was increased to 1285 tons by a somewhat different calculation. In her early years the ship ran in the Regular Line in the New Orleans trade. In 1868 her registration was canceled, because the vessel was lost.

A Compilation of General Voyage Notes

The packet ship B. S. Kimball, Captain H. Dearborn, sailed, on the 8th instant, from this port for New York, having 657 souls of the Saints on board. The Saints, who were principally from Scandinavia, were organized in the morning of the same day by President Cannon, who, together with Elder Jesse N. Smith, president of the Scandinavian Mission, Elders C. W. West, J. M. Kay, B. Young junior, Joseph Bull and others, were visiting the Saints on board the vessel previous to their departure. Elder H. P. Lund was appointed to preside over this company of Saints, with Elders P.Bechstrom and C. S. Winge for counsellors, and Elder P. V. Poulsen as clerk. The Saints on board were addressed by Presidents Cannon and Smith and Elder Lund, who gave them such teachings and counsels as were calculated to comfort, edify and bless them if they will only remember and practice them . . ."

"Fri. 8. [May 1863] . . . The ship B. S. Kimball sailed from Liverpool, England, with 654 (or 657)Saints under the direction of Hans Peter Lund. . . . The emigrants on the B. S. Kimball landed in New York June 15th and thence continued by rail to Florence. [Nebraska] . . . ."

". . . About two hundred emigrating Saints from the Christiania, Lolland and Bornholm Conferences sailed from Copenhagen per steamer 'Aurora,' April 30, 1863, bound for Utah, under the leadership of Elders Carl C. N. Dorius, Johan F. F. Dorius and Hans Peter Lund.

Some of the Norwegians emigrating in this company (28 souls) had sailed from Christiania April 13,1863, per steamer 'Excellensen Toll.' A strong and contrary wind on the Skagerak and Cattegat made the voyage very uncomfortable, but the emigrants were safely landed in Copenhagen April 15th.

Another company of emigrating Saints (about one hundred souls) left Christiania, Norway, April 28th,under the direction of Elder Johan F. F. Dorius and arrived in Copenhagen, April 29th, where the Norwegians joined the emigrants from other parts of the mission. About a dozen Saints emigrating to Zion went direct from Stavenger to Hull where they joined those who had sailed from Copenhagen.

When the emigrating Saints left Copenhagen April 30th the weather was fine, and a great number of people congregated on the wharf to see the the Saints leave, but there were no disturbances, as a number of police had been detailed on special duty to keep order. The emigrants made themselves as comfortable as they could on the deck and in the second cabin of the 'Aurora,' which on the morning of Friday, May 1st, arrived at Kiel, where the emigrants walked to the railway station and left at 11o'clock a.m. by railroad for Altona, where they arrived at 3 o'clock in the afternoon. From Altona to Hamburg the emigrants walked in about half an hour to the ship 'Roland,' on which they went on board,together with about four hundred emigrating Saints from Jutland and Fyen (or the Saints from the Vendsyssel, Aalborg, Skive, Aarhus, Fredericia and Fyen Conferences) who, on June 30, 1863, had boarded a steamer at Aalborg, Aarhus and Fredericia, and like those who commenced the voyage from Copenhagen,landed in Kiel, whence they traveled by rail to Altona. After the emigrants, numbering nearly six hundred souls, had gone on board, together with about forty steers and several hundred sheep (which made the atmosphere on board anything but comfortable for the emigrants), the ship 'Roland' sailed from Hamburg May 1st about midnight. The weather was very fine, but the emigrants, in their crowded quarters, nevertheless, were uncomfortable. Early on Sunday morning, May 3rd, the 'Roland' cast anchor off Grimsby, and a little later sailed to the wharf, where most of the emigrants landed, with some of their baggage; the balance of the baggage, together with forty of the brethren, remained on board, as the ship went to Hull, where they arrived at 6 o'clock in the evening and remained on board all night.The next morning (May 4th) a small steamer ran up to the side of the 'Roland' and took the rest of the baggage, belonging to the emigrants, back to Grimsby, while the forty bretheren went to the same place by rail. Elder Carl C. N. Dorius, however, remained in Hull where he, about 11 o'clock the same day,received some emigrants (seven adults and six children) who arrived direct from Stavanger, Norway, per steamer 'Skindinavien.' In the afternoon, after settling with the captain of the steamer for their passage, Brother Dorius led these emigrants by steamer and train to Grimsby, where they were united with the other emigrants.

At Grimsby the emigrating Saints were made quite comfortable in a large building erected for the use of emigrants. On the 6th all the emigrants, except the Norwegians, made themselves ready for the journey to Liverpool. They left, nearly seven hundred strong, by rail for that city at 5 o'clock in the afternoon. A young Danish sister who was sick was carried in a chair into the cars.

The exact number of emigrants who arrived in Liverpool May 6, 1863, was 681. At this port 644 Scandinavian and 13 English Saints were taken on board the ship 'B. S. Kimball' (Captain H. Dearborn),while thirty-seven Scandinavians were placed on board the ship 'Consignment.' Elder Anders Christensen was placed in charge of this little band.

President George Q. Cannon organized the company on the 'B. S. Kimball,' with Elder Hans Peter Lund as president, Elder Peter Beckstrom and Christoffer S. Winge were chosen as his counselors. Elder P.Wilhelm Poulsen was appointed secretary for the company, which was divided into seven districts with a president and a captain of guard over each. Other helps were also appointed. Both ships sailed from Liverpool on the 9th of May. Four deaths occurred on board the 'B. S. Kimball' during the voyage; two children were born and the following couples were married: Christoffer S. Winge and Anna Marie Salvesen, John Ness and Christine Andersen, Jorgen Dinesen and Christine Christensen, Soren Petersen and Ane Nielsen, Soren Mikkelsen and Christine Weibel, J. H. Hendricksen and Maren Rusmussen, Rusmus Nielsen and Maren Sorensen, Lars Gustaf Bergstrom and Johanna Engstrom, Peter Christian Steffensen and Mariane Berthelsen, S. J. Christensen and Ane M. Nielsen, Niels Larsen and Wilhelmine Hovinghoff.

The 'B. S. Kimball' cast anchor in the harbor of New York in the evening of Saturday, June 13th, and on the 15th the passengers were permitted to go ashore. In the evening of the same day the emigrants continued by train to Albany. There a fine boy was born. The company then proceeded to Florence,Nebraska, from which place the journey across the plains was commenced in connection with the other company from Scandinavia. . . ."

Voyage notes, stories, and passenger list here.

Journals of Hans Peter Lund 

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 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.

Autobiography of Lars P. Oveson

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.. . .

Autobiography of Christine M. Larsen Warnick

 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 seabiscuits! 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. . .


Benjamin Brown & family
Ship: S. S. Wyoming
Sailed from Liverpool 21 May 1881



"At 2:30 on Saturday afternoon the second company of Saints numbering 278 souls,left Liverpool on the S. S. Wyoming of the Guion Line in charge of Elder Joseph R. Mathews. The following elders returned with the company, J. R. Mathews, H. Margetts, S.L. Ballif, E. Lewis, D. R. Davis, A. M. Buchanan, J. M. Moody, junior, J. Burningham, W. C. McGregor, A. Heppler, F. Oberhansli, C. Bryner, J. Hansen, also Miss H. Baraclough, visitor. We wish them God speed both by sea, and land, to their destination in the gathering place of the Saints."

"The steamship Wyoming sailed from Liverpool, England, with 278 Saints, in charge of Joseph R. Matthews. The company arrived at New York June 1st, and at Salt Lake City June 10th."

May 21, 1881.
President Albert Carrington.
Dear Brother,--After bidding goodbye to all at Liverpool, we proceeded to see to the comfort and welfare of the Saints. We then called a meeting and effected the following organization: Joseph R.Mathews was sustained as president of company; Henry Margetts, chaplain; Benjamin Brown, captain of the guard; and John M. Moody, Junior, clerk. We had an enjoyable time. We have done all in our power to make the Saints comfortable and happy, and I must say that the ship's officers and stewards have done all they could to assist us in this matter, and deserve great credit for their courtesy towards us.

Queenstown, 10 a.m., May 22.
We have been visiting around among the Saints, and find all feeling well, with the exception of a few who are seasick. The weather is fine, and the prospects are that we shall have a prosperous voyage. The elders are all feeling well. We shall hold meeting at 2 p.m., and anticipate having an enjoyable time.

Accept of our love, in which all the elders join, and ever praying for the welfare of Zion, we remain,

Your brethren in the gospel,

Joseph R. Mathews, president, John M. Moody, Junior, clerk.

Voyage notes, stories, and passenger list here.

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