Ella Jenson/Monson Part 5 Retirement

On September 23, 1896, her husband passed away leaving her with seven children at home, Ezra having married eleven months before.  With a large family, there was not much to be divided for their keeping, so each family was  left to make their way through the world.  Mother and her children began early to realize the cold facts that were confronting them, and her daughters took up the work of dressmaking and other work where they could help.  Fred, the oldest son at home found work and with all working who were old enough to help they managed to get along.  Her children felt pride in the fact that at no time in all her life did she have to call for charity from the county or the Church.  Some was given to her by kind friends at times, but none was solicited.  She kept her family together as a unit, and as each one married her cares were lightened. 

When the two youngest boys went to Logan to school, she rented her home to Ezra and went along with them.  Keeping the little home warm for them and preparing their meals as long as she could do the work. It was there that she did her last housekeeping, tenderly taking care of the boys.  She became afflicted with rheumatism and suffered with it for years and when she got so that she could not take care of herself, she lived with her children for a number of years and at the last went to the home of her daughter Eva and spent most of her last days.  In this the children helped in the expenses.  A short time before her death she was moved to Idaho Falls to the home of her youngest son Aquilla.  Shortly after she was stricken with a stroke and a few days later on December 14, 1928, she had another stroke and passed away.  Her remains were taken to Franklin for the funeral services and burial was made in the Richmond cemetery where the family burial lot is located.

Her life was full of incidents that speak of her faith and devotion to her family and her faith in God and His Church, an inspiration to her family and all who know her.

If anyone has more info and pictures, that would be fantastic

Ella (Elna) Jenson wife to Christian Hans Monson Part 4 Relocation

Here the two wives lived in exile with their small children, hid away from society and associations of their friends.  In December, Aunt Vendla gave birth to her daughter, Eliza, now the wife of Dr. Kerr of Ogden, Utah.  Aunt Vendla did not enjoy good health, being afflicted with a weak heart and during one of these attacks, she passed away during the winter of 1887 and 1888.  Imagine the feelings of mother, her bosom companion who was sharing the trials of exile with her, the one who helped to make the situation a little more bearable, to see her taken in death in her young womanhood, leaving three small children, would make a real drama of trial. 


But I will add that the Swann family were kind and considerate of them in all of their troubles.  Father under arrest and waiting trial, her two eldest children in Richmond with Aunt Mary, and the death scene that came into the home and she to be left with the small children was an extreme experience for both father and mother and the rest of the family.  The clouds of  persecution were hanging very heavy over them.  With heavy heart, but without complaint, and with true Christian devotion she accepted her lot, firm in the belief that she was living a sacred law and with the faith that she would again be privileged to live with her family, her husband and friends.

On June 23, 1888, father was sentenced to serve six months in the Utah Penitentiary at which time he began his sentence.  During his imprisonment mother gave birth to her daughter, Sarah, on August 5, 1888.  Father’s term expired on December 23, 1888 at which time he was released and arrived home Christmas eve.  Father set about  to get mother a little nearer home so that he could visit more often and in the early spring of 1889 he moved her to Franklin to the farm home of  Tolef Olsen which was located on the river south and west of the cemetery.  The house could not be seen from the road, and not until you came to the brow of the hill next to the river.  Here she remained until the spring of 1890 when she was moved into Franklin in a home that was on the corner just west of the present highway on the south side of Main Street.  Father had been encouraged to move his mill from Richmond to Franklin as the lumber supply came from the mountains east of Franklin and would be more convenient to towns in Idaho.  He located it temporarily on the river between the north end of the railroad bridge and the river where it remained for two summers when he built a large mill building just south and west of the railroad station, where the Wm. Durand home property is now located.  He had a saw mill and shingle mills together with other wood working machinery.  He provided a home there where mother lived and cooked for  the mill hands.

Her move to Franklin brought her into a new life, not excluded from the world, with her children she enjoyed the privileges of going into society and attending church, so there was rejoicing in her family.  Her home soon became the center of attraction of many of the young people as she was tolerant with them.  Her children attended the public schools and worked in the various Ward organizations and made themselves useful members.  Three of her children were born in Franklin.

On September 23, 1896, her husband passed away leaving her with seven children at home, Ezra having married eleven months before.  With a large family, there was not much to be divided for their keeping, so each family was  left to make their way through the world.  Mother and her children began early to realize the cold facts that were confronting them, and her daughters took up the work of dressmaking and other work where they could help.  Fred, the oldest son at home found work and with all working who were old enough to help they managed to get along.  Her children felt pride in the fact that at no time in all her life did she have to call for charity from the county or the Church.  Some was given to her by kind friends at times, but none was solicited.  She kept her family together as a unit, and as each one married her cares were lightened. 

If anyone has more info and pictures, that would be fantastic

Ella (Elna) Jenson wife to Christian Hans Monson Part 3- The Escape

As the persecutions came upon the Church, my parents were among those who were sought for on account of their marriage relationship and in the year 1887, my father was arrested by United States Deputy Marshals’ Steele and Whetstone on the charges of unlawful cohabitation.  By this time father had married another wife, Vendla, so that she and mother together with their young children were taken into exile, those remaining living with Aunt Mary. Aunt Vendla had been taken to the home of friends who lived on Worm Creek east of Preston and mother was living with Aunt Mary in the home on Main Street in Richmond, just one-half block east of the bank location.  Aunt Ellen and her children were living in a home one and one-half blocks south of the cemetery.  The home on Main Street where mother was living, faced the south with the kitchen part of the house on the north facing the west and another outside door on the east.  North of the kitchen was a bedroom which did not have any outside door but had a window on the north and east side.

At the time of father’s arrest, he was at his planing mill and lumber yard which was located on the County road, two and one-half blocks south of the present location of the Inter-Urban Depot, on the south bank of City Creek.  He was engaged in setting up a new planer when they found him.  The officers took him with them in their buggy and drove  immediately to the home on Main Street where my mother and Aunt Mary were engaged in the laundry work for the week, using the old-fashioned tub and washboard, just in the middle of the task.  On entering the home, father took them into the front door and was met by my brother Joseph’s wife, who were living in the two east rooms.  She was introduced as Mrs. Monson and was placed under arrest, they thinking that she was one of father’s wives.  In those days old apostate Mormons were the informers of the officers and among them in Richmond were some whom father had befriended when they first came to Utah and sheltered and fed them until they could find employment and make other arrangements.  So with such informers the officers were supplied with intimate knowledge of the home and family relations.  Father invited the officers to dine with them, as it was near noon and they accepted the invitation.  This gave mother a better chance to escape.

As stated before, Aunt Mary and mother were in the back part of the house and learning what had happened and not knowing whether or not the officers would come around to the east or west doors of the kitchen, or possibly they might watch both doors to avoid anyone’s escaping, the north window in the little bedroom was quickly raised and mother climbed our with her babe Rachel, without time to get any change of clothing, but just in her working clothes, without anything to cover her head, other than her kitchen apron tied around her waist, she put it over her head and running north  through the orchard into the lots of Henry Hendricks and on to the street north, then she went east to the Shepard corner, then north two blocks.  She had in mind to go to the home of some friends by the name of Poulsen which was just another half block north.  She had an impression not to go there as there would be a possible danger that the officers might be informed of the family friendship.  She turned east, thinking she would go to the home of Swen Nelson which was two blocks which were on an upgrade, part of it quite steep.  When she arrived at the corner, she again felt the same impression not to go there.  She had now gone five blocks south of where she was.  Without any time wasted she started for the Larson home where she was received and welcomed.

The delay to the officers occasioned by the invitation to dinner and waiting for its preparation gave mother the opportunity to get away without their knowing about her escape.  They were quite contented thinking that they had mother and knowing that Aunt Vendla was out of town.  On leaving, after placing father under bond for his appearance, they went to these apostate “spotters” of theirs and to their disappointment learned that they had my brother’s wife.  They went to the Poulsen home first and searched it through, going into the attic from a ladder up the east end of the house to a door in the gable.  They searched the cow shed, the chicken house and through the lot where the berry bushes were.  Failing there, they went direct to the Swen Nelson home and made a similar search.  At neither of these homes had they learned of father’s arrest.  Failing at these two homes the search was abandoned.

A few days later, father got brother Nathan Porter of Preston to go and get mother and take her to Preston  where her cousin Mrs. Annie Larsen was living and left her temporarily at the Larsen home.  Arrangements were make for her to move to the Ephriam Swann home which was about three  miles north and east of Preston.  The home was built on the north slope of the hill so that only the upper part of the home, the roof, was in sight from down nearer to town.  Aunt Vendla was moved from the place on Worm Creek, where she was staying, to the Swann home with mother.

Preston, Idaho Facts Part 1

This is just for fun- today when I was looking for historical images of Preston and Franklin Idaho I came accross a fun fact- Preston is the home of Napeloen Dynamite.  Most of the movie was filmed there.  So here is a little video I found on utube that shows some of the landscape of what Ella would look out on everyday as she hung laundry, did chores and hugged children.  

Part 2 Ella Jensen Monson- Married With Children

In January 5, 1874, she was married to Christian Hans Monson in the Endowment House, Salt Lake City, and the following children were born to them:  Ezra Peter, born Sept. 30, 1874; Emaline, born Oct. 25, 1876, died the same date; Ella Evaline, born Oct. 11, 1877; Fredrick Lorenzo, born May 2, 1881; Julia Amamda, born June 7, 1883; Rachel, born July 31, 1885; Sarah, born Aug. 5, 1888; Franklin LeRoy, born Jan 10, 1891; Willard, born April 11, 1893, died Nov 15, 1893; William Aquilla, born Jan. 12, 1895.

In her marriage she became the fifth wife of her husband, who had two wives living at the time of her marriage, Aunt Ellen and Aunt Mary.  She took her place in the home with the other members and accepted religiously her marriage relation and her loyalty to the other families of her husband.  With a large family, the struggle for a livelihood made it necessary for all who were old enough to work, to assist in providing for the family.  The family home was in Richmond, Cache County, Utah where most of the family were born-six of her children being born there and four in Idaho.

Her father and mother, together with her sister Elsie and husband Nels Adamson and her brother Nels came to Utah in the early eighties and made their homes in Smithfield, Utah where they remained some time.  Her father, aged seventy, and mother, aged sixty-five, found it difficult to make a livelihood as there was not much to do in his trade, that of a tailor.  Their son Sven encouraged them to come to his home in Minnesota where he would care for them, so in early fall of 1882 they went to Minnesota and her sister Elsa and husband and brother Nels accompanied them.  Mother felt quite concerned over this, wondering if they had lost their faith in the Gospel and Church.  I had the privilege of visiting with my Uncle and family in Minnesota in July 1912 and learned that my grandparents were very much dissatisfied and that they intended to return to Utah in the spring of 1884, but grandmother died in March of that year and grandfather did not like to go and leave and chose to remain, which he did.  My Uncle’s wife told me when there, that my grandparents were very much disappointed and said that the Mormons in Utah were a much better people than the people in Minnesota.  It was a source of satisfaction to mother to learn that they were true to the faith.

Ella (Elna) Jenson wife to Christian Hans Monson

I am so thrilled to know about this woman.  When I started out researching for stories about my ancestors I was worried about finding stories.  This story is another treasure.  It is a bit lengthy so I decided to divide her story in chapters.  I love her courage and faith.  In my last post about Sarah Monson Whitehead (her daughter, my great grandmother), she described her mother as wonderful, gentle and caring.  Enjoy and prepare to be uplifted.

                   ELLA JENSON MONSON      Prepared by Ezra P. Monson (her son)

Ella Jenson Monson, daughter of Peter Jenson and Boel Sjunnason was born at Gunarp, Malmohus, Sweden on October 23, 1850.  She was the fifth child in a family of eight children.  Her father by trade was a tailor and being of moderate circumstances, made it necessary for the children to assist in providing for the family.  In this she did her part working as a domestic in her native country.

Her parents were among the early converts in Sweden as she recalled many times of her early recollections of the Missionaries being in their home when she was a child and that they were with them often.  Her father’s brother Ola’s record of baptism gives it as June 21, 1854, and mother had in her mind that they joined about the same time.  Their home was open to the Elders and such assistance as they could give in spreading the new Gospel among their neighbors and friends was given in their native land.


HISTORICAL FACTS ABOUT SWEDEN AT THIS TIME
(sited from www.worldtimeline.info/sweden)
1850

• Population of Sweden is about 3.13 million. [1.327] [48.438]
• Over 90% of all Swedes live in the countryside. [47.204]

1851

• The Society for the Advancement of Religious Freedom is founded. [48.359]

1853

• The poor relief ordinance is revised. [1.357]
• A second wave of cholera stikes Sweden. [48.348]

1855

• Postage stamps are first used in Sweden. [47.206] [238.234,239] [267.142]
• The requirement for public affirmation of faith is abolished. [48.359]

1856

• The National Evangelical Foundation is formed by Methodists. [47.228]

1857

• Population of Stockholm: 100,000. [48.344]

1860

• The punishment of exile for leaving the state church is abolished. A law is passed granting permission for individuals to leave the church if the state approves the other church. [47.202] [48.386] [267.145]

1862

• Women possessing property are granted the right to vote in local elections. [47.215]

1863

• An Act specifies that unmarried women over age 25 not be treated as minors. [47.215

1868

• Sweden suffers general crop failure and famine. [267.148] [327.43]

1869

• Emigration of Swedes during the year: about 40,000. During the past ten years: 146,000. [48.369] [267.148]

1870

• Swedish-speaking population of Minnesota, USA: 20,000. [23.22]
• Population of Sweden: 4.17 million. [48.440]

1871

• Husqvarna introduces its first sewing machine, the Northern Star. [175.29]

Her uncle Ola Jenson came to Utah in the year 1862 and located in Logan.  Her brother Sven was the first of her father’s family to come to America and he came with a company of young men who left their native land to secure employment, going direct to Minnesota where they were engaged to assist in building through the Northern part of that State, the Northern Pacific and Great Northern Railroads. 
 He selected and entered a homestead near Battle Lake, Otter Tail Co., Minnesota where he pioneered and assisted in building up that country.  He was married to Hannah Olson and to them were born one son and six daughters.

Mother was the next of  the family to come to America.  In the year 1873 she came with a company of Mormon Emigrants and arrived in Salt Lake City July 24th of that year. 

 She spent a short time in Salt Lake with friends, then went to Logan where her Uncle Ola and family were living.  It was in Logan that she first met her future husband, Christian Hans Monson, who was a contractor and builder and was engaged at that time in building the Z.C.M.I. building, now known as the First National Bank building of Logan.

Picture of ZCMI building Christian Hans Monson was building when they met.

Come back for Chapter 2

The Life Story of Sarah Monson Whitehead Part 1 Her Parents Christian Hans Monson and Ella Jensen

This is the account of Sarah's life written by herself.  I am amazed at the influence that one person can have.  She had five children and her influence is now touching the lives of her grandchildren and great grandchildren, and great great grandchildren.
I very was touched by the way that she spoke about each one of her children.  I really want all her of her posterity to know of her faith and love that she had.  She did not have an easy life in many regards and it is so wonderful to read how loving, optimistic, kind-hearted and spiritual she was.  I like that are names are similar!! (Dara and Sarah).  I also love to read about her trials as well as her triumphs.  Thank-you Great Grandma Sarah for writing these words.

MY LIFE SKETCH  by  SARAH WHITEHEAD RUSSELL  

        A Book of Remembrance for My Children written in 1957

In starting to write a book or sketch of this kind, my mind goes back many years, to the days of my childhood, to my parents who were converts to the LDS Church, my father in Norway and my mother on Sweden(which makes me think of one of our church teachings that there would be, when searching for the blood of Israel, thro our missionaries, “One of a family and two of a city that would be of the house of Israel”, We find that very true even today.)  Right here I will say, I am very thankful for my  parents, that they were, “One of a family” when very young and embraced the gospel, came to the promised land, where we their children could be born and raised according to the plan of our Savior and it is my hearts greatest desire that my own children and their children will respect the teachings they have had and make all the efforts that have been made, crowned with success and happiness for all.

My father Christian Hans Monson was born June 16, 1837 at Fredrikstad, Norway.  His father, a very stern man by nature, was very opposed to his son having anything to do with Mormon missionaries, but it seems at the age of fourteen, my father became so interested in the doctrine they were teaching-that he would go to hear them against his father’s wishes, and at first without his knowledge.

My father’s father was a Jail Warden. The jail was of stone structure, a small one room, with bars at the windows.  It was my father’s job to carry the meals to the prisoners.  One day two Mormon Elders were arrested and put in the jail for preaching on the street of Fredrikstad.  This of course gave my father many opportunities to hear them teach him the gospel plan, while they ate their food.  It was just what he was looking for, being of a very religious nature, he readily believed their teachings and wanted to be baptized right away.

Now it is to be remembered he was only fourteen years of age, so this was a serious matter on the missionaries part.  They didn’t want to do anything to anger the jail warden further as they were desirous of being set free to resume their labors in the city.  But my father begged for “more” each time until he was getting anxious to become a member.  This seemed impossible at the time, at first, but there was a stream of water near the jail and through persistent persuasion and promising to put them back and lock them in, they finally gave in and went to the stream with him one night and baptized him.

When his father found out what had been done sometime later, he beat his son very severely and forbade him to attend and more meetings, but he was not to be ruled over in this manner, so one night on returning home after attending his beloved church, he found all his belongings on the porch and the doors of his home locked.  He was no more to call it home or reside with his loved ones.

He got a job as an apprentice in a cabinet making place, with a very kind man who allowed him in his spare time to make different things on his own, which he sold and saved the money to emigrate to Utah.  He was one of the few men who were sent out to meet Johnson’s Army, in Utah, when the pioneers were threatened by the Army to be burned out and destroyed (my brother Roy still has the sword he carried to meet them).  

He married in polygamy and was a very righteous living man in the church.  He died on Sept. 23, 1896  at the young age of 59, leaving a large posterity to carry on his name and work.  His patriarchal blessing said his posterity would be scattered wide and far apart and that has been fulfilled to the letter.  At this time I do not know what it numbers.

My mother Ella Jensen Monson was born in South Rorum Sweden Oct. 23, 1850- 107 years ago this year.  Her life history I will include in a sketch made by my brother Ezra, her oldest child.

In her union with my father, they were blessed with 10 children five boys and five girls, her second child a girl died the day of her birth, and a boy Willard, the fourth to the last child lived eight months when he passed away-and I can very well remember him and when  he came to us and when he died.    At this time all four girls are living and one boy, Roy.  The eldest sister being 80 years young in October, Amanda 74 Rachel 72 and myself I will be 69 in August Roy was 68 in Jan 1957.  We were all born in Cash Valley some of us in Richmond Utah and the younger ones in Idaho, just north of the Utah-Idaho line.

Hind Sight is 20-20

One of the pieces of advise you always hear is connect with your family members, you never know what they may have.  I have been trying to do this.  I sometimes think that my parents might be a little annoyed at my repeated questions about this cousin or that.

As a young woman, probably after being married- she was married quite young.

Well, they love me and they keep giving me advice and suggestions.
When we first moved to Toronto (2 years ago) my dad told me about his cousin Lousie and her husband serving a full-time mission just north of Toronto.  I was so happy to see family.  We had a great time hosting them twice when they went to the temple.  I found out some wonderful things about them and their family.

She looks so kind here.

Last week we had a conversation about information that she might have and within that hour I had MANY copies of life histories of many of my family members!!!  I was thrilled.  I was particularly grateful for the life story of my great grandmother Sarah Monson Whitehead.  I loved to read through her thoughts and feelings.  She did not have a very happy marriage but she did not complain.  She celebrated the lives of her children and grandchildren.
When I sent this copy to my dad, he was amazed at her.  It was a side of her he had never experienced and his heart was full of love and compassion for her.  His whole perception of her changed and his desire to seek out more about her and her life has been ignited.
I never cease to be amazed at the outcomes of what doing family history can do for you.

I love the curls.  I wish I could have these glasses, they are great.

 Pictures throughout her life of my great grandmother- Sarah Monson Whitehead

Christian Hans Monson Travel By Hand Cart to Utah

When Christian Hans Monson came across the ocean he travelled to Utah with the Christian Christiansen Company (1857) They left on 15 June 1857 and arrived in Utah on 13 September 1857.  The Company Information is as follows: 7th handcart company which had about 330 individuals, 68 handcarts, and 3 wagons in the company when it began its journey from the outfitting post at Iowa City, Iowa. This company was first headed by James Park, David Dille and George Thurston.

Christian Christiansen Company (1857)

                                       I found this picture on the net- not a picture of Christian Hans Monson


Narrative:

Most of the people in the Christian Christiansen handcart company were Scandinavians (Danes, Norwegians, and Swedes). They numbered about 330 souls, including a girl with a wooden leg and a 60-year-old blind woman. Because the Perpetual Emigrating Fund was exhausted, the emigrants had to purchase their own outfits with pooled resources. They had 68 handcarts, 3 wagons, 10 mules, and 1 cow. The cow soon died but others were purchased along the way. Likewise, the travelers purchased a fourth wagon and oxen to pull it. Elder J. P. Park, a Scotsman, was the company captain, but he had to communicate with his charges through an interpreter because he could not speak nor understand their language. Also, he was reportedly unsympathetic towards them. "The less said about this unfortunate choice of a leader for such a people as us," wrote an emigrant, "the better for him." 

Parks and the wagons usually traveled so far ahead of the handcarts that the emigrants sometimes took a wrong road. The company left Iowa City June 12, with many of the people leaving prized personal possessions behind-clothing, bedding, books, and so on-because they could each take only 17 pounds of luggage. One man, however, kept a few books. The emigrants believed that a Church wagon would later bring their things to Utah, although this never happened. Later, the captain had individuals reduce their freight to 15 pounds. For the first week or so, progress along the trail was slow because many were sick. Almost daily some of these fell by the wayside and had to be gathered up in the evening by the wagons or by handcarts that had been unloaded and shuttled back to the camp. Nevertheless, some invalids complained that they had to wait long hours for a ride because the wagons were overcrowded and had to make more than one trip. Young, healthy men sometimes took turns carrying the faint on their backs. They also carried many of the infirm across rivers. It was hot and it rained frequently. The roads were muddy; curious settlers occasionally lined the road, asking questions and making comments in English, but the travelers did not understand them. June 21 an elderly woman died and was buried. The company crossed the Des Moines River on a long bridge and on July 2, it reached Council Bluffs via Glenwood Road. Here, officials refused to allow the train into the city, claiming that the emigrants had smallpox, which was not true. The next day, after taking the long way around, the party crossed the Missouri via a steam-driven ferry. At Omaha, Scandinavian settlers greeted the travelers; here, too, the emigrants saw their first American Indians.

At Florence men from Utah visited and spoke encouragingly to the company. Here, too, the travelers shared some of their food with visiting Indians. Elder Christian Christiansen, a native of Denmark who had lived in Utah and who was returning from a Church mission in the Midwest, now became company captain. This change in leadership was universally welcomed. One emigrant said Christiansen was like a father to the company. Another recalled that he was a capable leader and inspired his followers with confidence. A third reported that the captain often helped pull her cart up hills. A fourth said he was liked and respected by all. Again, he was gentle and fatherly. The train left Florence on July 7. Almost immediately one of the handcarts broke a wheel and had to return to town for repairs. At Papillion Creek, Captain Christiansen inspected the emigrants and insisted that all who were unhealthy or not adequately prepared should return to Florence and wait for the next year's emigration. Some of those who remained behind sold their equipment to emigrants who had been waiting at Florence for an opportunity to go west. At least one young emigrant left her family in Florence and pursued her westward journey alone. But a Swede who was told to remain in Florence because his wife was too weak trailed along behind the train just out of sight until the company was too far along to turn him back. Then he rejoined the train.

July 9 the travelers reached and crossed the Elkhorn. Two days more and they were on the Platte. The Loup Fork was a major obstacle; it was about a mile wide and filled with quicksand, shifting holes, and sandbars. The emigrants raised the wagon boxes to keep their cargos dry and then employed local Indians to transport the women across on horseback and to guide the vehicles over. Multiple teams pulled the wagons while the strongest men dragged empty handcarts through the treacherous currents. The crossing took two days. Fortunately, there were no accidents. The night after this crossing, there was a severe rainstorm, accompanied by thunder and lightening. Because of illness, two families now dropped out of the company. Between Loup Fork and Wood River the travelers suffered greatly for lack of water. At Wood River a woman slipped away from camp long enough to deliver a baby girl, returning with the infant wrapped in her apron. She got to ride in a wagon for a while. Somewhere on the sandy plains of Nebraska another baby girl died and was buried, with a sieve covering
her face. As the company toiled on, men and women weakened and again lightened their loads. The strong accepted the burdens of the weak. When shoes wore out travelers wrapped their feet in burlap or cut rawhide from carcasses of dead cattle to make new footwear. Unfortunately, the rawhide often got wet, then dried hard. Feet became chafed and bloody.

On August 3 a 36-year-old man died, his feet so swollen that he could no longer walk. The travelers often saw Indians but had no trouble with them. They witnessed a prairie fire but escaped harm. When the company reached the vicinity of Fort Laramie on August 9, it stayed north of the Platte and quickly moved on into the Black Hills. August 22, the train was at Devil's Gate. Here another man died. Water was a constant concern. Often, men or boys had to walk great distances to fetch it. One young man got lost while carrying water and ended up spending a rainy night alone. A second boy,returning to camp after dark and wearing for shoes old socks to which his mother had attached canvas soles, walked into a patch of prickly pear, and when he sat down to extract the painful spines, he sat on a clump of the cactus. Thirsty men sometimes forgot their manners; one grabbed a container from a water boy and satisfied his thirst before allowing nearby women or children a drink. An old man got lost while trying to find a shortcut to water. He was gone for a day, ate berries, and was rescued by trappers who led him back to the train.

Hunger stalked the travelers almost constantly. At one point, some of them were so hungry that they killed, cooked, and ate a crow. An old man, unacquainted with American wildlife and with no sense of smell, bludgeoned a skunk to death with his cane and brought it into camp. All the others scattered. At the Sweetwater, the commissary of Johnston's army, then marching to put down the "Mormon Rebellion" in Utah, took pity on Christiansen's followers and gave them a lame ox to slaughter. This was the first meat the company had had in weeks. Though they passed through vast buffalo herds, these emigrants killed only one; it had become separated from the herd. Otherwise they feared that a stampede would destroy them all. East of South Pass, relief wagons from Salt Lake met the train. The travelers purchased flour, offering their handcarts as security. These wagons then carried the weakest members of the party back to Salt Lake. Those who remained with the carts bought more flour at Fort Bridger. In Echo Canyon rain, hail, and a very cold night made life miserable for the company. Ice on mountain streams lacerated already abused feet.

Thirty miles from Salt Lake, wagons loaded with bread, cake, and fruit met the company. As the train crossed Big and Little Mountains, the people had to help the exhausted mules reach the summits. Then, with the Danish flag flying from the lead handcart, the company arrived in Salt Lake City on September 13. One emigrant said that the first time he saw his image in a mirror, he was shocked at how tanned and skinny he was. Approximately 15 people died on the journey. 

Source of Trail Excerpt:

Christensen, C. C. A., "By Handcart to Utah: The Account of C. C. A. Christensen," trans. Richard L. Jensen, Nebraska History, winter 1985, 337-44.

All the images came from the internet- not actual images of Christian Hans Monson

Story of Christian Hans Monson

When I was 10 years old I was sitting in primary and heard a girl share this story in a talk, I knew the story because my dad would tell it to me- it was the story of his great great grandfather.  I get a lot from this story because it illustrates what a strong person he was to stand up for his convictions.  I want to emulate this quality and want to teach my children that we need to be strong in times of difficulty.

"The Key", Friend, June 1976, 42

A True Story

Christian fingered the key in his pocket as he walked toward the jail. It had taken months of study and prayer before he had finally decided to use that key for something more important than just opening the jail door so he could carry meals to those who were held there as prisoners.

Almost all the men in the jailhouse were Mormon missionaries. Many of them had sailed into the Port of Frederikstad in a pilot boat they had fitted up and named Sions Löve (Zion’s Lion) so that they could easily travel to coastal areas of the Scandinavian Mission, then including all of Norway, Sweden, and Denmark.

At first Christian hadn’t paid much attention to the missionaries, for he was busy learning the catechism so he could correctly answer any questions he might be asked by the priest at the confirmation service that was soon to be held for prospective young members of the Lutheran Church. He was not concerned about the fact that almost as soon as any Mormon missionaries arrived in Frederikstad they were arrested.

Lutheranism was the national religion of Norway and missionaries who taught other doctrines were promptly jailed, some for only a few weeks, others for many months. During this time they frequently were taken to court and almost forced to renounce their religion and declare allegiance to the national church of Norway. Refusing to do so, they were then returned to their quarters.

Christian worked for the warden of the jail who instructed him to heckle and be as unpleasant as possible to the prisoners when he carried meals to them. This seemed like fun until one day a young missionary said, “Why do you talk and act as you do? Remember that so persecuted they the Christ and His followers in Bible times.”

The startled boy asked him to explain what he meant, so two of the elders began talking about the gospel and gave him a copy of the Book of Mormon.

Every night as Christian studied for his confirmation examination, he also studied the Book of Mormon, comparing it with his Bible and the Lutheran catechism. As the truthfulness of the restored gospel became more and more apparent to him, Christian prayed to know what he should do. Since no answer came before the confirmation date, he purposely failed the examination and then made application to take it again in six months.

Thinking back over his months of prayer and study, Christian knew what he must do. He finally decided to use his key to the prison to let the two missionaries out of jail long enough to go with him to a nearby fjord so he could be baptized and confirmed a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Afterward the three walked back to the jailhouse where the elders returned to their room and Christian turned the key in the lock to their cell.

Because of the persecution toward members of the Church throughout Norway, and also because he knew how angry his father would be, Christian did not tell anyone of the thrilling event that had taken place on that cold winter night of 1852. He knew he would not be able to make his stern father understand what he had done. He tried to talk with his mother but she would not listen. When the next confirmation service was held, Christian honored his application and appeared for his examination with the other prospective young Lutherans.

“Do you believe in God?” was the first question asked by the priest.

“Oh, yes,” Christian answered quickly.

“Can you describe Him?” was the next question.

“I know He is a Being with body, parts, and passions,” Christian replied. “I also know He does not sit on the top of a topless throne. I know our Heavenly Father is good and kind, that He sees, hears, and answers prayers. I know we are made in His image as was His Son Jesus Christ.”

The priest was surprised by this description but continued with the examination, becoming more and more amazed with the answers Christian gave. As the boy glanced at his father he could see that he was very upset. Finally, the priest said angrily, “You answer as if you belonged to that sect known as Mormons.”

“I do,” Christian said, “and I’m proud of it!”

At this declaration, Christian’s father arose from his seat near the front of the Church and rushed up the aisle and out the door, striking his cane hard against the floor with every step he took. Confused and embarrassed, Christian’s mother followed her husband, and their son was abruptly dismissed.

Christian went home wanting to talk with his parents, but he was afraid of what they would say. Having carried his usual armful of wood into the house that night, Christian was piling it near the fireplace when his father came into the room. At the sight of his son who he felt had disgraced him, Christian’s father struck him with his cane and then began to beat him. At last, panting for breath, his father laid the merciless cane on the table.

“Oh, Father,” Christian said quietly, “it feels good to be whipped for the gospel’s sake.”

At these words, the father became even more furious. He picked up stick after stick of firewood and hurled them at Christian. When the wood was gone, he opened the door and shouted, “Get out of my house. I never want to see you again!”

Bruised and bleeding from the beating and the wood that had been thrown at him, Christian dragged himself out to the barn where he threw himself upon the hay. Late that night after her husband was asleep, Christian’s mother noiselessly tied a little food and a few of his belongings in a handkerchief and went out to the barn. Tearfully she treated her son’s injuries as well as she could.

“Why, oh why, did you do this thing, Christian?” she pleaded heartbrokenly.

“Because I had to, Mother,” Christian replied. “I have studied and prayed and I know this is the only true Church. I tried to tell you but you would not listen to me. I cannot deny what I know, Mother. If I did, it would be to deny Jesus Christ, our Savior, and I cannot do that.”

“If, as you say, you know this is right, my boy,” his mother told him, “then you must stand firm. But oh, how my heart aches.”

When the first streaks of dawn appeared in the sky, Christian’s mother crept back into the house. Christian picked up the little bundle she had brought to him and started walking down the road. As he passed his house he breathed a good-bye to his parents, for he knew he would never see them again.

Christian Hans Monson didn’t know where he would go or what he could do. “But I have a testimony,” the fourteen-year-old boy said to himself. “Whatever happens, I can never deny that. And I know that because of my testimony, all will be well.”

[illustrations] Illustrated by Ed Holmes

Here is a link to more info on the exodus of new LDS converts from Norway, Sweden and Finland: 

http://www.norwayheritage.com/articles/templates/voyages.asp?articleid=29&zoneid=6

Christian Hans Monson June 16, 1837-September 23, 1896

Christian Hans Monson

(Christen Hansen)

1837–96

 Christian’s father was a woodcutter by trade. He was industrious and hardworking, and he expected everyone around him to be the same. He had a violent temper, and Christian recalled being “mortally afraid” of his walking cane. However, when he was in good humor, Christian enjoyed sitting and talking to him as he smoked his long-stemmed pipe (see Skidmore, “Biographical Sketch of the Life of My Father Christian Hans Monson as I Knew Him,” 1).

Christian was baptized on 4 April 1853 by Svend Larsen. At the time, he was an employee of the Fredrikstad prison. He recalled carrying meals to the elders who were imprisoned for preaching. In this process, an elder asked him why he abused and tormented him, for “so persecuted they the Christ and his followers.” The prisoners set Christian to thinking. One night during the winter of 1852, he released his prisoners. Together they walked to the fjord, where Christian was secretly baptized, after which the elders returned to their prison cell (see Skidmore, “Biographical Sketch of the Life of my Father Christian Hans Monson as I Knew Him,” 2; Skidmore and Horne, “Immigrant Pioneers: Christian Hans Monson,” Daughters of Utah Pioneers, Lesson for October 1984, 41–53; Roberts, “Love Is Its own Reward,” New Era, February 1978, 6–7).

Christian was whipped by his father for being baptized and told never to return. He left home and labored as a local missionary in Drammen, Buskerud County, Norway. At that time, he was five feet nine inches and weighed 190 pounds. He had blue eyes, a fair complexion, brown hair, and a beard (see Skidmore and Horne, “Immigrant Pioneers: Christian Hans Monson,” Daughters of Utah Pioneers, Lesson for October 1984, 41–44).

He was ordained an elder on 8 September 1856. He began his emigration to America on 9 August 1857. He voyaged from Liverpool to the United States aboard the Westmoreland. He crossed the plains in the Christian Christiansen handcart company to reach the Salt Lake Valley (see Jenson, History of the Scandinavian Mission, 236). Christian settled in Lehi, Utah County, before moving to Logan, Cache County, and finally Richmond, Cache County. He was called from Richmond to serve as a guard in Echo Canyon during the Utah War (see Esshom, Pioneers and Prominent Men of Utah, 1042). After the threat of war passed, he was endowed on 26 October 1861 in the Endowment House in Salt Lake City.

Cabinet makers and finish-carpenters making stairway posts and materials for stairways in the Logan Temple.  Christian Hans Monson, center, and son Joseph front right.

He married Nielsine Kruetzback, a widow fourteen years his senior. This marriage ended in divorce. After the divorce, Christian accepted a mission call to Scandinavia in 1878. He arrived in Copenhagen on 20 November 1878 and was assigned to labor in the Göteborg Conference. After completing an honorable mission, he departed from Copenhagen on 5 July 1880 aboard the steamer Cato with 346 emigrating Latter-day Saints and other returning missionaries (see Jenson, History of the Scandinavian Mission, 243).

Residence: Richmond, Cache Co., Utah

Arrival date in Copenhagen: 20 November 1878

Missionary labors: Göteborg Conference

Departure date from Copenhagen: 5 July 1880

Name of departure ship: Cato

Birth date: 16 June 1837

Birthplace: Stora Boeplads, Tune, Østfold, Norway

Father: Monsen, Hans

Mother: Nielsdatter, Berte

Spouse: Kruetzback (Kredsbank), Nielsene Olsen

            Marriage date: 29 June 1858

            Marriage place: Lehi, Utah Co., Utah

Spouse: Peterson, Anna Catherine

            Marriage date: 26 April 1861

            Marriage place: Salt Lake City, Salt Lake Co., Utah

Spouse: Mansson, Ellen Persson

            Marriage date: 16 March 1867

            Marriage place: Salt Lake City, Salt Lake Co., Utah

Spouse: Olsen, Karen Maria

            Marriage date: 2 May 1870

Spouse: Jenson, Elna (Ella)

            Marriage date: 5 January 1874

            Marriage place: Endowment House, Salt Lake City, Salt Lake Co., Utah

Spouse: Jacobsson, Wendla (Vendla)

            Marriage date 15 March 1883

            Marriage place: Salt Lake City, Salt Lake Co., Utah

I just took a photo of this and realize that the names are not very clear.  I will eventually get a scanner the wives and children from top left in clockwise position are: Nilsine Kredsbank with Christina and Hyrum, Anna Catherine Petersen with Joseph, anna Catherine, Hans and Elizabeth. In the Center is Ellen Persson Mansson (Munson) with Parley Herman, Chales Andrew, Ellen Marinda, Hyrum Moroni, Walter Peter, Brigham, aaron Abraham, Otto Junius, Berta Marie, LaFayette, and Eaam Chersta.
Bottom Left Karen Marie Olsen, Elna (Ella) Jenson with her children Ezra Peter, Emaline, Ella E (Evaline or Eva0 Fredrick Lorenzo, Julia Amanda, Rachel, Sarah, Franklin LeRoy, Williard and William Aquilla.  Vendla Jacobson with her three children: Vendla Josephine, Ernest Ephriam and Eliza Victoria.

(pink represents my connection)

Death date: 23 September 1896

Death place: Richmond, Cache Co., Utah

Burial place: Richmond, Cache Co., Utah

On 23 June 1888, the First District Court of Ogden sentenced Christian to six months’ imprisonment and a one-hundred-dollar fine for unlawful cohabitation. He was discharged from the penitentiary on 23 December 1888 (see Jenson, LDS Church Chronology, June 23, 1888; December 23, 1888).

Christian Hans Monson standing third from the right.  President George Q Cannon is seated in center.  Picture taken at the Utah Territorial Prison, Salt lake City, in the period between 23 June and 23 December.

After his discharge, he served as president of the Thirty-ninth Quorum of the Seventy and as a temple worker in St. George. He is remembered as being a pioneer builder and lumberman. He is credited with assisting in the construction of the Salt Lake, St. George, Manti, and Logan Temples (see Skidmore and Horne, “Immigrant Pioneers: Christian Hans Monson,” Daughters of Utah Pioneers, Lesson for October, 1984, 49–50).

In his later years, he moved to Franklin County, Idaho, where he set up a lumber mill. He operated the mill until his health failed. Christian died in 1896 from jaundice and gallstones in Richmond at age fifty-nine (see Skidmore and Horne, “Immigrant Pioneers: Christian Hans Monson,” Daughters of Utah Pioneers, Lesson for October 1984, 51).