Experience crossing the plains.

The Scandinavian emigration company in the year 1865, containing 484 souls, left Copenhagen May fourth by the steamer "Aurora," commanded by Captain Baltersen, for Kiel and from there went by railroad to Hamburg. Was organized on the 7th by President D. H. Wells and Elder Carl Widersborg on the sailing vessel B. S. Kimball for the journey over the ocean and was [p.1] given in charge of Elder A. W. Winberg.

The following brethren and sisters was married in the evening: Svend Nilson [Nilsson] and Fredrika Gornsson, Peter Nelson and Sophia Netterstroam, Anders Anderson [Andersson] and Johanna Olson.

The company arrived in New York June 14th. The voyage was very pleasant, having had not storms nor any bad weather, but the hand of death had called many, [p.2] mostly children having died from the measles.

On the 17th the company started from New York by rail. On being counted on the train, their number was 411. A few having stayed in New York and came afterwards in care of Elder J. Svenson.

From St. Joseph, Missouri they came by the steamer "Denver" to Florence where they company arrived Monday the 23 of June and waited for their outfits. [p.3] The hand of death continued and up to July 20th 56 person had been taken by the destroyer since we left Copenhagen and he was not yet satisfied. Seventy-nine persons were taken by the hand of death before the company reached their journey's end, Salt Lake City.

Lars Pedersen from Sjaelland was drowned in the Missouri River on July 24th. They waited in Florence to July 31st [p.4] for oxen and provisions and traveled that day about two miles, then stopped and organized for crossing the plains. Miner Atwood was made captain. A. W. Winberg, assistant captain, captain and interpreter. Johan Svenson captain of the guard, H. W. Hansen, C J. Kempe, C. Lizbbert, and George Ashton wagon captains. . . . [p.5]

. . . On the 8 of November the company drove [p.22] into Salt Lake city, and camped on what was called the 8 Ward Square where on the city and county buildings are located. All were happy and thankful to God. [p.23]

BIB: Nielson, Peter A. From Copenhagen to Salt Lake city in 1865. (Formerly in Msd 2050), pp.1-5, 22-23. (CHL)
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