. . . Shortly after we were baptized Elder Scheis came with a companion whom he introduced as Elder Gottlieb Hirschi from Dixie, Utah. He was an elderly, pleasant man with full beard. Elder Schies was now to leave to return to his home in Logan, Utah and came to bid us farewell and Elder Hirschi would take his place. I hardly knew what it was all about, it was so sudden. We learned to love Elder Hirschi. The thought came to me - Why be disappointed, all of God's servants are good men. [p.20] We will all love him. Elder Hirschi came regularly and he helped us further to understand the gospel. "The Lord works in a mysterious way his wonders to perform." Elder Hirschi came one evening looking troubled in mind and spirit. My mother showed sympathy and interest in what might be the cause of his sadness and was told that a letter from his brother, Christian Hirschi, of Park Valley, Box Elder County, Utah had brought the sad news to him saying that his brother had lost five out of his six children with diphtheria. In a little over one week, two died in one day, the oldest son was unharmed.

This news brought sadness and wonderings to the family. The two Hirschi's were born in Switzerland, accepted the gospel, and immigrated to Utah. Now the question came as to why the Lord would treat good Saints so severe. Elder Hirschi said, "It is no doubt the will of the Lord."

About six weeks later Elder Hirschi returned to our family. He had another letter from his brother inquiring if there might be a boy of good Mormon parents who would like to come to Zion and live with his family; if so he would pay his fare or transportation if he were not over twelve years old, so he could come for half fare. I thought why could I not be that boy. I am 15 but no bigger then a 12 year old. Elder Hirschi promised he would see the mission office.

I waited and I prayed that it might be me. I had a feeling I was that boy. I prayed to the Lord that his will may be done. In the month of April 1884 word came from the mission office in Bern Switzerland Postgasse 36 for father and mother to bring their son to the office. Bern was more then 30 miles from Erlach. This meant a big days journey. [p.21]

Father was very busy and could not very well spare two days so mother and I made the trip. We went by way of Grissenberg where there lived an uncle, (mother's brother) who inherited the old home. We remained overnight and left early the next day. We arrived at the office near noon and met the president who received us kindly and assured mother that I could go to Zion. The company would leave on the 14 of May 1884. We could sign all papers on that day. We remained with a family of Saints overnight and next day we went as far as Grissenberg, my uncle's and remained overnight. Mother received no encouragement from her brother to let me go to America, especially to the Mormons. He told her she would not see me again. "Well I am sure I will see him again if not in this world then across the curtain for I am sure now that Jesus is the Christ and that he is alive and is the Father of our Salvation and will eventually bring us to God. I am trusting him with all I have, even my son." To this smilingly remarked, "We will see, time will tell." We left and were soon on the way. We got home alright and the news went the rounds, but in the home tears of sorrow and of joy were freely shed.

The month was spent in preparation for the great journey to Utah, and I spent some time working with father and mother helping them hoeing weeds, they had quite a start. Father and mother both encouraged me to hope for the best that we may meet again in the due time of the Lord and in a more friendly world. I bid farewell to my school mates. It was hard, but we were prepared for it by the spirit of truth which we now enjoyed. [p.22]

I bid farewell to my school mates, some of them were nice about it, sincere, and others sneered and had some funny remark to make; all wondered what would happen to me. One of my teachers gave me a good handshake and said, "Fred, I don't see that you could better yourself with the Mormons. They live in a city on the shores of a great salt sea. They have a wall 40 feet high around it and name their city Salt Lake City. They will keep you a slave." I answered, if the people are as good as the Mormon missionaries, I would not care if I never got out.

The day of parting had come after bidding my brothers and sisters farewell. Again we walked the 30 miles to the capital. Father said he would come in the morning in time to see me off, the train would leave at 2 p.m. We stayed overnight with uncle about 4 a.m. we were on the road and arrived in Bern about eleven in the morning. We had to go on a little trot during the early morning. Mother had prepared my luggage which consisted of a pair of pants, two shirts, a blanket, and a few trinkets of personal interest; all put in a carpet bag with a few cakes, a sausage, some chocolate, and a flask [of brandy] to prevent from being seasick. These trinkets were bought in Bern. The most precious gift of all was the good and loving counsel of my dear mother which came before me when trouble and disappointment came. To make the Lord my friend, which could only be done if I was also his friend. Confide in the Redeemer and pray always. Be honest in all dealings, be pure and clean. My father and a friend came a few minutes before the train pulled out. [p.23]

They were on the road nearly all night and seemed quite tired. I began to fear they would not get here, but thankful that I could see him and take his hand. The train pulled out, we waved white handkerchiefs until a mountain shut out our vision.

Now I realized what I was doing and what my work and my promises to my family was, and I must not fail. For a moment I wept, and friends tried to comfort me. I began to face the prospects of whatever was in store and made the best of things as I came to them. I was now with a company of Latter-day Saints all bound for Zion, which made travel congenial. We remained in the city of Basel overnight, picked up more Saints from that locality. I slept on the floor with my knapsack for a pillow and the blanket over and under me. Next morning we left Switzerland and were on our way to the city Antwerpen in Holland, where we arrived in the evening. The ship was there and we all got on and had the first meal on the ship. In the night the ship went across the North Sea and was in a terrible storm. I felt that I might be sick, so I went on deck and I sat on a hatch that was sheltered and it was warm; no one seemed to notice me so I prepared for what may come. The waves were getting bigger and bigger until the prow of the ship would bury itself in the water of the oncoming wave, than the ship raised again and a wave of water five or six foot high deep rolled along over the deck toward me, but it spilled off the deck before it reached me. It was thrilling and awful. [p.24]

We were all safe and no one was hurt, but all but me were seasick. I was fresh and happy and saw a wonderful sight. I never saw water that wild, nor could I believe it could be so rough. This was only the North Sea, what would it be on the Atlantic Ocean. The ship landed at Hull, the passengers proceeded to Liverpool by train. The passenger trains were different then any I had seen before. The coaches were divided into compartments that would accommodate from 6 to eight passengers; they would be locked in. A running board on the outside of the train that the conductor used to go from compartment through the whole train. I thought it a practical way to check all passengers without disturbing those already checked. We arrived at the great seaport. My eyes saw ships as the stars in the heavens, all sizes large and small; when all lit up at night it looked like the milky way in the heavens. We saw our ship which would take us to the great land of Zion, the Arizona, a ship provided with steam power and sails. It was like a man wearing a belt and suspenders, they call such pessimist. Great stacks of crated oranges in the warehouses, I could not get any but I smelled them. I wondered what they would taste like, I I never tasted any. We were allowed on the ship as soon as we complied with all regulation. Our first meal was supper and I eat as a hungry boy, but it seemed to me everything tasted and smelled like fish. Of course most Latter-day Saints were riding steerage or 3rd class. We had picked up some in Holland and quite a number of English and Danes. Most of us were quartered two stairs down where our windows were submerged. We all were in a big room with sleeping accommodation like a dormitory, or bunks with a poor mattress. We furnished our own bedding. [p.25]

We all kneeled in prayer before retiring, one led in prayer. We asked the Lord to protect the great ship with all its people that all may arrive in the great land of America and continue with us to Utah till we meet our friends and dear ones. And to bless president Taylor the prophet of the Lord. We then retired for the night. The great ship left Liverpool during the night and we were awakened in the morning to get our breakfast. This was brought to the steerage passengers in baskets, kettles and trays. We had to have our own tins, knife, fork and spoon, and a cup. We had no table, chair or other accommodation. The food was dished out to each and was plenty. Coffee and tea, oatmeal with syrup, biscuit and butter, a piece of bacon and all the sea biscuits we wanted. We were not allowed on deck, but had a place to get fresh air on the prow of the ship where we could see over the water. We had favorable winds towards the promised land, the Zion of our ideals. Everyone was in good spirits and made ourselves at home. Meals came regular. Dinner we had soup, vegetables and meat and pudding for dessert and hot rolls. The ocean was now getting rough and the ship became like a toy tossed about and the waves played with it, our belongings rolled about the floor and soon we had to put everything on the bunk and tie it down or sit down on it. The water began to come down the vent pipes by the tub full, and was getting over all the floor. We had to raise our feet to keep them dry and so it went into the night and there was weeping and exiting and fear. I commenced to sing "How Firm a Foundation, Ye Saints of the Lord," all joined in singing and we sang several hymns. Fear left, the pumps keep the water from rising any higher, the winds seemed to easing up some, [p.26] but it was difficult for the stewards to bring our eats and more difficult for some of the Saints to hold the food on their plates. It was no joke. The change came, the sailors began their chanting. I wondered what was happening. I worked my way to the main deck and saw the sailors pull on the ropes to set the spars, so the sails would fill with wind. Just at the moment, someone grabbed me by the neck and the seat of my pants and held me over a railing; I looked at the dark green waters, a thrill went through me.

I was glad my pants did hold to bring me on deck again and sat me on my feet. I did not know what language he spoke, but I understood it and hastened down the stairs. Evidently I had changed color for my people asked me what is the matter with you, you are pale. I have a good reason for it. I related my experience. I was glad I could.

In a little over 8 days we had made the trip from Liverpool to New York. About 1 p.m. the ship anchored about a mile from shore. We passed the remain night on deck, no one was seasick any more. We saw the Brooklyn Bridge with its crown of gas lights. It had just been dedicated. It was a beautiful sight and a wonder. I don't remember seeing the Statue of Liberty. It was a wonderful thing to anticipate putting my feet on this wonderful and great land of America. Morning came, the pilot ship brought the inspectors doctors to inspect the passengers and cargo of the ship. I rolled back the shirt sleeve on my left arm and the scars told the tale. The pilot ship led the way and we landed and went through the [p.27] rudiments of Castle Garden to have our citizen's papers examined and declare our intention, also to what part of the country we each are going etc. The passengers were unloaded in the order of class, first, second, and third. We boarded a train that was standing by on a ferry. When all the passengers were on, the ferry pulled for shore, greater New York, and left the ferry and was now on a main line to Chicago. A few things came to my attention along the road to Utah. I noticed that many forests had to be cleared for farming land, the tree stumps built the fences. Negroes working on the railroad section, and as porters on the trains, and herding cattle. After a while we came to St. Louis and crossed over a bridge that spanned the mighty Mississippi. The muddy water was almost up to the rails. The train went very slow, through the great prairies. I had my eyes open for buffalo, but saw none, but we saw thousands of antelopes. Then the great Rocky Mountains. And we now saw the Great Salt Lake and the Valley that inspired Brigham Young to say, "This is the place." Then arrived in Ogden in the afternoon of the first of June 1884, where many friends were waiting for their emigrant friends. It was a great sight to see. Brother, sister, husband and wife, sons and daughter, met each other again after being separated for a time. Can I someday in the future experience such an unspeakable joy? Now for a moment I was home, then looked around again for the friend I have never seen, but I looked in vain. No one seemed to have a claim on me. All had departed, I was left alone. I knew not what to do. It was now night, nearly eleven o'clock. I entered the [p.28] little station with long benches against the wall, and thought I could pass the night there. I heard someone calling Box Elder, it was a conductor announcing stations along the Utah Northern Railroad. I got on the train, unobserved, and sat down. The train was now on the way and the conductor examined the passenger tickets. He came to me, I shook my head. He asked for money, I handed him my purse. He looked in it and saw only 25 cents. He handed it back to me and went on through the train, then came back and sat down beside me. "Where are you going?" "Me, Box Elder." Soon the train stopped at the station Box Elder. The conductor took my handbag and beckoned me follow. He went into the office and conversed with the officer who made known by the clock he would take me somewhere at 12 o'clock. The train went on, and the agent took my pack behind the desk and took me along a broadway with trees on each side. Quite a long walk, than stopped in front of a small house on the left side of the road. Knocked on the door, a gentleman in his night clothes came to the door. The two conversed together and the agent went back to the station and the old gentleman shut the door and made a light and put his trousers on and came and asked me in. He tried to talk with me, but it was not understandable. He brought some bedding in and made a bed on the kitchen floor and bid me lay down. He brought me some bread and milk, but I could not eat. The man took it away and put the light out, and I was soon asleep. I awakened as soon as it was light and picked up the bedding and went out. [p.29] I looked around wondering in which direction Park Valley might be. I wondered if it was beyond these great mountains. Well I could not decide. Well, I may get my breakfast first being as these good folks called me. After a hearty breakfast of bacon and eggs, fried potatoes, radishes and bread and butter, and a glass of milk; I took a leaf from my notebook and wrote on it in German and French, so someone could read and inform me where Park Valley is. I signed my name and indicated where I am from. This good man took the note and went into the city and found George Grael, the county clerk. This man had been on a mission in Switzerland, in the French speaking part, and could speak French. This man came back with the elder man, and when he saw me he said "Bonjour messieur, coma ca va." Well, once more, I could understand. It was like and angel's voice. Soon we were in a conversation. He took me to his home where I was treated as one of the family.

After inquiring of people who knew of Park Valley, we found it to be about 75 miles west of Box Elder, now Brigham City. In order to get there, I would have to go back to Ogden and take the train, the Southern Pacific to Kelton. The ticket costs $6 dollars and I would still have 25 miles on wagon trail to get to Park Valley. I drew a long breath, "Just be patient and time will always bring things about."

You are welcome to be with us until you can get in touch with your party. This made me happy again knowing that the Lord does not forsake anyone that does his will. I was busy in the weedy garden on Main Street and watching the traffic. I was with Brother Greal about one week and the garden was clean. [p.30] Brother Greal had a wild horse from the Promontory. I went with him to the stable, he opened the door and went in and passed behind him. I remained outside by the door after George had passed the horse. It discovered it was loose and made for the door. It had a long rope dragging. I stooped down to pick-up the rope. The horse gave a vicious kick and kicked the rim of my straw hat off. I was surprised, but lucky. He never hurt me. I learned a big and lasting lesson, and Brother Greal was still afraid I was hurt.

One day I noticed two roan horses drawing a covered wagon along Main Street. Two man [men] sitting in a seat, and one I knew. It was a young man that came in our company. His name is Christian Barfus. I ran to the wagon and the Mr. Barfus introduced me to Brother Hirschi and said this is Fred. Zaugg, this was a happy meeting. I ran back to the house, got my few things, and thanked these good people. Bother Greal was away. I bid them farewell and continued my quest for Zion. So far I had seen but little of the Zion of my imagination. Mr. Hirschi said he did not know where to look for me, he was two days behind. We had come quicker than the church had notified him. He stopped in Willard by Brother Staufer and there he met Christian Barfus; so he thought he had better hire him. He may never hear of me. He was glad he found me. I delivered greetings from Brother Hirschi who is on a mission. We traveled along a dusty road, it was hot and dry. I was looking for a drink of water on the other side of Corinne by a little mountain, was a little stream of water running across the road. I jumped off the wagon and dropped on my stomach, and took a swallow and almost passed out. It was terrible, salty and bitter. Surely this cannot be Zion. [p.31]

I kept my thoughts in me and went on. We got on top of Promontory, stopped at a nasty spring where cattle had been drinking. Mr. Hirschi had water with him to make tea for supper and breakfast, or to drink. This spring was named Cedar Spring. Mr. Hirschi prepared supper and Barfus and I tended to the horses and hobbled them. Tied hand cuffs on their feet so they would not go so far from camp, and we could catch them in the morning. There was plenty of nice grass. After supper we made a bed of cedar bough to place quilts on. It made a real soft bed. In the night I was awakened by the howling of wild animals. Brother Hirschi said they are wolves. Will they hurt us? No, he said, they may not come near. This is hoping they will not come was my secret wish. Nothing happened and daylight came again. Mr. Hirschi got breakfast and Barfus and I brought back the horses. After breakfast we were on the way again. Sagebrush and cedar jackrabbits, rattlesnakes, and many kinds of wild animals were along our way. Great Salt Flats with nothing growing on them. Our trail was along the railroad and we finally came to Monument Point, west of Promontory, where the Eastern and the Western Railroad companies met and joined as one great company just 15 years before. We spent the night at Locomotive Springs, several large streams of water from great lava cracks. The water was also salty and it was a breeding place of mosquitos. They were very bad and some of us was floating all around. Who could live in a place like this? We passed the night some way, and ready for the last lap and over the last hill when we get a glimpse of Zion, the promised land. [p.32] On, and up, away from the great lake bottom, over hills and dales. Now we reached the last hill. Mr. Hirschi said, when we get on the top of this hill you will get a view of Park Valley. I drew a long breath-- "Is this Zion?" Yes, when you make it. These words left a deep impression in my mind. "If you make it," became my moto. Things we like to live in and enjoy, we have to make. If we want a friend, we must love him. If you want a favor of the Lord, we must serve him and keep his commandments and the blessings will come by going after them . . . . [p.33]

BIB: Zaugg, Frederick, [Autobiography], pp.20-33. Original in private possession.
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