Showing posts with label Jensen. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Jensen. Show all posts

Saturday, August 1, 2026

JOHN MEYRICK AND JAMIMA JOHANSSEN JENSEN MEYRICK ~~~ PIONEERS OF THE MONTH AUGUST 2026

 

John Meyrick 

Jamima Jensen Meyrick is a 


AUTOBIOGRAPHY: (From handwritten ledger by John Meyrick and also a typewritten copy by Jamima Johannsen Jensen. I, Ione Merrick Bush retyped his diary and added some changes or differences from a history written by my grandmother Hattie Henry Merrick from interviews she had with John & Jamima H Meyrick. She titled it 'A Short Sketch of John Meyrick's Life.' I have included differences and/or corrections in [ ] in the following text: 'LIFE OF JOHN AND JAMIMA HUTCHENSON MEYRICK - TAKEN FROM A DIARY WRITTEN WHILE PIONEERING - BY JOHN MEYRICK 'My name is John Meyrick, I was born Tuesday, May 17th, 3 p.m. 1831 at Talgath (sic) Broctonshire (sic) Wales. [Internet research: http://archives.powys.gov.uk/images/bre_map.html gives spelling as Talgarth, Breconshire or Brecknockshire.] 'My father's name was James Meyrick born at Darnell Cottage, Warchestersire (sic) [should be Worcestershire] England on January 15, 1798, and died at Mt. Pleasant, Sanpete County, Utah. My mother's name was Elizabeth Mumford, [Ibush note: Copy of James' & Elizabeth's marriage license shows her maiden name as 'Bumford' and her father as 'Edward Bumford' md. Third of August 1817, per Parish register, Bettws Cedewain, Montgomeryshire, Wales. Copy in my poss. and James' history at www.boydhouse.com/alice/Green/green10jamesmeyrick.htm] 'born January 16, 1799 Wales, died Mt. Pleasant, Sanpete County, Utah. My grandfather was Thomas Meyrick and my grandmother was Lord Foley's daughter. When she died she left a great sum of money in the bank in England for her three children when they became of age. But it is still there. The children did not get it because their mother had married out of the ranks and we cannot get it because we cannot find the place and date of her death except in England. 'My father and mother had 9 children [Ibush Note:Family Group Sheets list: John I, b. 1829; John II (himself) b. 1831; Mary Ann; Thomas; George; No names or info on other 4. He names himself & other 3 as being baptized into LDS Church 1849, later in this history.] 'Father was a hard working man and had not the means to send me to school although I learned to read and write by going to Sunday School at the church of England. I had to work when very small frightening birds off from the grain. I had to be at the field two miles from home by daylight for if the birds beat me there they raised "Ned" and I got it from the Master. His name was James Porter a kind man and I liked him very much. ['The name of the farm was called the Nunnery Farm two miles from Worcester, Worchestershire, England.' per Hattie Merrick's history] 'At this time my father was called away and was gone 2 years. [Hattie M's history: 'My father's work called him away to another place called Boarson (Borson)] After that we moved many times as father's work did not last long in one place. He drained land and made pools and coach roads for the Lords of the land. At Kembery (sic) [Hattie M: 'Trembury,' but I,Ione Bush, think it's 'Tenbury' parish, because that is where Darnal Cottage is.] we stayed long enough for me to get 3 months of schooling, ['six months' per Hattie M.] which helped me very much. I had lost the sight of one eye caused from a cold. This handicapped me some. From there we went to Ludlow to drain land for Lord Clive at Oakley Park. My brother and I got a good job there also, but our boss was very harsh. We watched for a chance for something better and it soon came. Father got the job of hireing (sic) the men to drain land for Lord Dereton ['Lord Darton' per Hattie M.] Here we had very good work. 'Then the Mormon Elders came along preaching glad tidings of joy to all men. ['So father and mother were baptized in August, 1849, and my sister Mary Ann, me, and brothers Thomas and George were baptized on the 13th of September, 1849' per Hattie M.] We heard and received it and were baptized Sept. 13, 1849, me, father, mother, Mary Ann, Thomas, George, and I were baptized in the river Thame ['River Teme, Ludlow, Shropshire, England' per Hattie M.] at Ludlow by Elder Edward Jones. I was also ordained a deacon. Then father asked me if I wanted to go to the Valleys. I did very much so he borrowed 8 pounds and gave to Elder Wm. Finch to bring me to the Mts. They did not have enough money for all the family to come, but father thought if I'd go first and board with Elder Finch, we could all get thru alright (sic). 'So on February 23, 1853 we started on the International. There were 319 people on board. David Brown was captain; Alfred Horse, sailing master ['House, 1st mate' per Hattie M.]; James Campbell, 1st mate; John Marson, 3rd mate; the cook, I forget his name, he was an Irishman. The Carpenters name Westline answered the first of the ship's company to embrace our holy creed. Then came a scramble - crew, called sailors or shipriggers - amounting to about eighteen, Swedes, Dutch and Norwegians. We baptized them all but two days on sea. I have forgotten the names of the rest, but we baptized them all except the cook and some went on to the valleys. We were 8 weeks except 2 days on sea and only one death. We landed in New Orleans in May with not a penny in my pocket. I had had my over coat stolen and the one who took it knew to whom it belonged because my hymn book was in the pocket. I sold my stove pipe hat and got a little money and started up the river. ['for Keokuk, ten miles from Nauvoo. We stayed there three weeks waiting for a pilot.' per Hattie M.] We stopped 10 miles from NaVan three weeks where I worked a little and the money I got I gave to Elder Finch. I became very lonely for the first time in my life so I went into the woods and wrote a letter home. When I got back to camp I saw oxen yoked up for the first time. 'Finch got 2 oxen and an old wagon and we started for Council Bluffs but broke down. Some of the Saints said we would never make it with that outfit, but Elder Finch said he had to get back to Salt Lake so we fixed it and went ahead. 'We saw Nauvoo, the place the saints were driven from, at a distance. We got to Indian Creek that night. It was raining hard so we slept under the wagon. I shall never forget that night, we were wet through. When morning came we went on making bridges and wading creeks to Council Bluffs. Here they coaxed for us to stay, but to no purpose. Means were short so Finch got a job for me driving a team for Davison to the Valley. So I joined Brother Cyrus Wheelocks Co. [Ibush note: Verified on Mormon Pioneer Overland Travel, 1847-1868: 'Cyrus H. Wheelock Company; Departure: 1-3 June 1853; Arrival in Salt Lake Valley: 6-16 October 1853; Co. Info: About 400 individuals and 52 wagons were in the company when it began its journey from the outfitting post at Keokuk, Iowa. This company included a California company. They crossed the Missouri River on July 11. John Meyrick is listed as 'Male, Age 22. Birthdate Unknown.'] 'Brother Rogers and wife went with us to the river. It was raining toads and frogs. They were all over the road. We crossed allright and the Rogers went back. 'Davison was a cross old Chap. I had a mind to leave him several times. 'The Indians bothered a great deal. Once they stopped us and prepared to fight, but we passed it off by giving them sugar and flour and treating them kindly. 'There were many buffalo. I killed one at Chimney rock. It was good meat. The oxen's necks were sore from the bad yoke. One of the sisters was washing one's neck when an Indian chief saw her. He offered us six horses for her. 'At noon one day we got word the Indians were driving the cattle down the river. I started to cross after them on one of Captain Wheelock's horses, not knowing how to swim him, I came nie drowning. John Taylor from Manchester, England came to help me. I got safely ashore "Thank God." But Jack was drowned. There was such a wind, hail and rain we could not find his body. It was found six weeks later by immigrants two miles down the river. 'This made all of our camp feel very badly. I was on guard with him a few nights before and heard him say he believed he would never die a natural death. 'There were a great many wolves all the way from Independence rock on. We had meetings every Sunday while crossing. 'We ferried over Sweet Water and Green River. Louis Robinson kept the boat. ['Met Jim Ferguson and Captain Wheelock's wife, Mary Ann Broomhead, a fine woman to look at.' per Hattie M.] We reached Salt Lake October 6, 1853, being 7 months and 13 days since I left home. I was now 22 years old. ['In Salt Lake City at meeting Jedediah Grant preached on the destruction of the wicked. Saw John Smith, the Patriarch. Knew him at sight. I had seen him in a dream. . .' per Hattie M.] 'I went and slept in a haystack with no supper. It rained and was bad weather for several days. I would dry myself in the daytime. I was ashamed to ask for food and I had no job. Now I prayed for work so I would get bread. Wm. Vernory (sic) ['Verney' per Hattie M.] came at last and offered me work. I accepted gladly and was thankful to him. He took me home and gave me a good dinner of bread, milk, and squash. I had never tasted squash before and it tasted very good. I was ashamed when I came to look at the bowl I had emptied, but I never told them I had gone without eating for so long. 'I went to work for $12 a month, but when the first month was over he gave me a pigeon tail coat for pay. 'Then Richard Merderth (sic) ['Meredith' per Hattie M.] took me to his house. I worked most of that winter on the city mud wall for $1 a day. ['Worked most of the winter. Went to Tooele to build wall like the other.' per Hattie M.] I gave my money to Mr. Merderth (sic) to help keep his family. 'In 1854 Elder Finch came and wished me to go to Battle Creek, ['Utah County' per Hattie M.] now Pleasant Grove, Utah to dig wells. I dug three 60 feet deep and one 40 feet. I was now making pretty good. McCarte (sic) [Bro. MacArthur' per Hattie M.] gave me a cow for pay. 'In the meantime we were training as soldiers and guarding the place by night. The Indians were very bad. I saw Chief Walker here. 'In 1855 I went to Provo to Conference and heard Parley P. Pratt preach on marriage. 'Brother McCarthe ['Father MacArthur' per Hattie M.] brought me a Desert (sic) News telling of the arrival of the Milton Anderson Company. [Ibush note: It may have been the Milo Andrus Co. since no company is listed as Milton Anderson Co. on website: www.familysearch.org] 'In this were the names of those who had just arrived in Salt Lake. My father and mother were there, also brother George, and nephew James Pemlow (sic) and Susannah Wishaw. I road (sic) a wild horse to the City to see them. ['Their names are James Meyrick, Elizabeth Mumford Meyrick, George Meyrick, James Wishaw, Pemlow Wishaw, and Susannah Wishaw.' per Hattie M.] 'Father was sick and had been most of the way. Pemlow had mountain fever. ['Pemlow has been very sick with the mountain fever. Most of the hair has come out of her head.' per Hattie M.] 'It was hard times then for both man and beast, the grasshoppers having destroyed most of the grain. I had 17 bushels of wheat, a house and lot in Battle Creek. ['gave it to my folks also and started for San Bernadino, California, in 1856, with Tom Robens and family. James MacArthur and family, Philip June, and 50 head of cattle.' per Hattie M.] They lived in Battle Creek until 1859 then moved to Mt. Pleasant. 'Just at this time a group of people came thru on their way to California. I got a job driving 50 head of their cattle. I walked all the way herding both night and day, but we got there alright. 'I found California to be a good country for most everything. At Los Angeles I saw a Spanish bull fight but I didn't care for that kind of sport. On New Year's Day I went to the St. Gaberal (sic) ['St. Gabriel' per Hattie M.] races. I bet $7 against a mare and won then sold the mare for $20. I went and heard Sparks and Benson spout about the Mormons. They tried to excite the people against them, but they did not. ['This was about the time of the Mountain Meadow Massacre.' per Hattie M.] I stayed until I was called home. I bought a horse, saddle, and pistol and came back with some of the people I went with. ['but poor Philip June. He stayed. We got back all right, and very glad I was to find my folks all well. 1858.' per Hattie H.] 'Arriving home I was glad to find my folks well, but poor Samuel Merderth (sic) ['Meredith' per Hattie M.] was dead. He had told his mother to give me his dog. She did and I kept him until he died which was several years. 'The United States soldiers were after us now and we were ready for them, not to fight, but to teach the gospel to them if they would hear it. They had lots of gold and silver, clothing, horses, oxen, mules and wagons. This was fulfilling the words of the prophets that they should come to beautify the place of the Lord.' ['George Meyrick and I bought a white ox from one of the teamsters that was given out. This is the first they ever owned. I went to work.' per Hattie M.] 'In 1859 I and my brother George went to Sanpete County. First to Moroni thru to Hamelton (sic) ['Hampton' per Hattie M.] now called Mt. Pleasant, where we worked on the wall 23 days, we thought Sanpete was a grand place. George took up some land and we had to join teams to plow the ground was so hard. ['George Coates and I had to join teams to plow the ground it was so hard. 'One day one of George's oxen was found dead. Soon after the black one was missing. We found it dead, but we tugged along with one team and got in some wheat, and made a ditch to water it. This ditch runs through the lot I own at 1st West and 4th North Mt. P. We worked canyon roads until we each got a lot inside the walls. We took up four lots in the city site. ['Father Ivie is the President. Tom Ivie is a mad patient. He hurt Father Andrew on the head with a large stick and broke his skull. He died in the night. Neilson Tidwell and myself took Tom into custody, then we guarded him all night. W. S. Seely took him to Ephraim and delivered him up to the Justice of the Peace. Sad time of mourning.' per Hattie M.] 'We raised a good crop of wheat and moved father and mother and all to Sanpete. ['In 1860 we moved our parents from Pleasant Grove to San Pete.' per Hattie M.] We built a house, but we didn't know much about building, the chimney fell down twice in a single day, but we put it up until it would stand. This house still stands in Mt. Pleasant only there was an addition of two more rooms some years later. I gave up my land to the authorities four times. 'I was now called to go back to meet the companies of emergants (sic). In 1861 I went back to the Missouri River to meet John Murdock's company. On this trip I was gone 7 months and only lost 4 nights without food. I saved a boy from drowning in the Platt river. His name was Christensen ['Christian' per Hattie M.] and his mother wanted to give him to me because I saved his life. 'When I met them some of the younger ones were walking. One girl especially attracted my attention because she was so pretty. I let her ride with me every time I could. This was our courtship. We were married as soon as we reached the valleys, on her 18th birthday October 28, 1861 by Bishop Harrington ['Cretington' per Hattie M.] at the house of her father at American Fork. 'My wife Jamima Hutchensen (sic) [usually spelled 'Hutchison' by family members] was born October 28, 1843 at Mt. Pleasant, Fifshire Scotland. Her father was David Hutchensen, her mother Janette Corkston (sic) [usually spelled 'Crookston'] both born in Scotland. They were hardworking people. Jamima worked in the linen mills when she was very small. Here she got her first two fingers on her right hand cut off at the second joint. Her parents were among the first to receive the Gospel so she was born in the faith. She was baptized by her father when she was 8 years old. She was twelve years younger than myself, but we were happy. 'In November 1861 we were notified we could get our endowments if we cared to. We were very happy for the privilege so on Nov. 24 we went to Salt Lake and were sealed together for time and all eternity, by one who had the power, W. W. Woodruff. Brigham Young was present. 'In 1862 I went to Carson to help the saints as the Indians were very bad burning houses and killing people. I was caught and held 4 days by them. Our first child Jeanette was born in Aug. of this year. We had 15 children, 7 girls and 8 boys. During this time we had to work very hard. My wife was strong. She worked when her baby was only a few days old doing her washings and other hard work. 'The Indians were bad all of this time. In 1871 I had 2 mares and colts stolen by them. In this same year my dear father died. He had always been on hand to protect the Saints and he did a great deal of watching by night and guarding stock by day and doing whatever he could to benefit the community at large. He was 73 years old. He left all of his property in Pleasant Grove to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. ['He signed off his property to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the year 1857 at Pleasant Grove, Utah County.' per Hattie M.] 'I worked in the order part of the time doing street work and herding cattle. 'I was the first man from Mt. Pleasant to work on the Manti Temple. I commenced work Jan 8, 1878. Warren Snow was boss. Wm. Hinkley was there. I and my son J.D. hauled the first rock with my team. ['James D. Meyrick and George Meyrick hauled the first rocks for the building of the Manti Temple, I believe, with my team.' per Hattie M.] We hauled lumber for the temple in June 1881. I donated money many times. 'In 1884 I was ordained a Seventy of the 66 Quorum. 'In November 1887 I was called by Bishop Seeley and the temple committee to take lead and preside over the boarding house in Manti. The temple was dedicated May 22, 1888. I, my wife and daughter Jeanette and granchild attended. Brother Snow opened meeting by singing, prayer by F. Richards. Brother Snow then asked us all to stand on our feet and give an angelic shout to God and the lamb so they could hear us in the Eternal worlds. So we shouted three times "Hosanna Hosannah to God and the Lamb forever and ever amen and amen and amen." And it seemed to me the spirits came and joined us in rejoycing (sic). 'On May 25th three days later I took five of my children thru the temple, Elizabeth Jane, Mary, Christina, Hyrum and Joseph the youngest I had by the hand all the way. In one of the rooms it seemed all of my dead friends were around me. The joy I felt I cannot tell, with my little boy often looking up at me. I would like to know what he felt at that time.' Added Note by Jamima Johannsen Jensen: 'John Meyrick died April 22, 1899, at Mt. Pleasant, Utah. His wife Jamima Hutchensen Meyrick lived a widow 23 years. I remember her to be a very good woman. She always paid her tithing and prayed night and morning. She was an ideal grandmother. I lived with her a lot in the summer. She never complained of anything. Every morning she would go to the door or window and say, 'Another beautiful day, we must be thankful for it.' She died Sept. 21, 1922, at Mt. Pleasant, Utah. 'ADDED IN THE HISTORY BY HATTIE MERRICK: 'What I Saw' by John Meyrick: 'On the evening of the 14th of October 1887 about 5 o'clock, as I was coming from feeding the pigs, a dreadful bright star in the house. I stood and looked at it some time. Then I went toward it, but before I got close to it, it passed away to the East. My son, George and daughter Christina were in the room at the same time the star was shining. I asked them if they had seem a light in the room. They said no.' (This also included in life sketch sent me by Dee Sparks, another grt grnd dau.) 'John Meyrick lost his reason and was sent to the State Insane Asylum at Provo, Utah, October 1892 (age 72). A cancerous growth developed on his lower lip which finally caused his death, April 21, 1899. His body was brought to Mt. Pleasant for interment where he was laid to rest beside his children who had gone before, on the afternoon of April 24, 1899. 'The funeral services were held in the L.D.S. meeting house, the speakers being Elder Cliff, Bishop Lund, and Bishop Candland of Chester. 'He is where the wicked cease from troubling; and the weary are laid to rest. May he rest in peace.' ---Hattie Henry Merrick 'JOHN MEYRICK - A Young Convert of Courage - 1831 -- 1899' by Dee Sparks, (copy in possession of Ione Merrick Bush) She basically summarized his life by using his diary, but in third person: 'he. . .' Ione preferred to use his diary in his own words as in above with additional info by Hattie Merrick she got from him. But Dee added the story of the bright light he saw as Hattie Merrick also recorded. Dee's sketch included the following that she indicates was also in his journal that I don't have. I felt it is important to add to show his great faith and belief in the truthfulness of the Gospel: 'MORMONISM -- It contains More Truth, More Light, More Intelligence, More Wisdom, More Knowledge, More Unity, More Power, More Energy, More Courage, More Love, More Liberty, More Virtue, More Happiness, More Godliness, More revelation, More Scripture, More Common Sense than all the world because it comprehends all truth that ever was, is or ever will be.' Dee Sparks ends his story with this paragraph: 'John Meyrick died eventually from an injury received when a rock fell on him while he was digging a well. Next to the entry of his death in the Mt. Pleasant War Records is recorded (insane). It may also be that he spent his last years at the State Mental Hospital in Provo. He died April 22, 1899 and was buried in Mt. Pleasant, Utah.' WRITINGS FROM LEDGER BOOK OF JOHN MEYRICK OF MT. PLEASANT, UTAH: (Copied 28 Aug 2004 by Ione Merrick Bush from Xerox copies of John's ledger book that I received from JoEll Meyrick Swensen in July 1978) [I used same spelling & punctuation he used. Some I indicate with (sic). Some not.] 'Pg. 3 'Jennett (sic) Myrick, (sic) married April the First 1880 to W. S. Seely, son of W. S. Seely, sener (sic). Married by Bishop W. S. Seely at Mount Pleasant City Sanpet (sic) County, Utah. 'W. S. Seely Juner (sic) was born in . . .[can't read] night at 8 oclock (sic) January the 14st (sic) 1881. 'Blessed the same night by John Meyrick, W S Seely and Bishop Seely, Mountpleasent (sic) city Sanpet (sic) Co. Uath (sic). '[Handwriting change - written by someone else.] 'Jammia (sic) Seely born Nov. 18 1889 at Mt Pleasant Sanpete Co Utah. 'Justin Lehi Seely born June 9 1884 at Mt. Pleasant Sanpete Co. Utah. 'John Thomas born Oct 13 1886 at Mt Pleasant Sanpete Co Utah. 'Gabrila (sic) Seely born Dec 6 1888 at Mt Pleasant Sanpete Co Utah. 'Ercell Seely born July 24 1893 at Mt Pleasant Sanpete Co Utah. 'George Ernest Seely born July 21 1896 at Mt Pleasant Sanpete Co. Utah 'Jemie [or Jennie] Constance Seely Born Dec 2 19...[01 ?-- can't read] 'Elizbeth (sic) Constance Seely Born Dec 2 1901 [Twins?] 'Pg. 4 -- (John's writing) 'Deaths. John and Jemmia Meyrick children and father and mother and brother: 'Daughter Anna Meyrick died December 22, 1886 at Mt Pleasant Sanpet (sic) Co Utah 'Daughter Jimmia (sic) Meyrick died June 1, 1870 Mt Pleasant Sanpet (sic) Co Utah 'Son Cyrus Amon (sic) [should be Ammon] Meyrick died March 4, 1882 [or 1880?] 'Father James Meyrick died May 11, 1871 at Mt Pleasant Sanpet (sic) Co Utah. 'Mother Elizbeth (sic) Meyrick died January 10, 1883 at Mt Pleasant Sanpet (sic) Co Utah. 'Brother George Meyrick Died November 20, 1886 at Mt Pleasant Sanpet (sic) Co Utah. 'Daughter Eliza Meyrick died May 15 1887 'Son Brigham Meyrick died Sep 3, 1887 Blessed by John Meyrick and W S Seely Sep 3, 1887 [change of handwriting - rest of this page 'Christena Meyrick died Januery (sic) 1892 'Donel (sic) Meyrick Died 16 1892 febry (sic) 'Father John Merrick (sic) died April 22 1899 'Son Doneld (sic) Merrick (sic) died Febery (sic) 16, 1892 'Daughter Christena Merrick (sic) died Januery (sic) 22 1892 'Son John Thomas Meyrick (sic) died June 9 1909. [another change of handwriting - this page - maybe Jenette M Seeley] 'Pg. 17 'Deaths of W.S. Seeley Family 'Daughter Ercelle Seeley died December 12, 1893 at Mt Pleasant Utah. Daughter of W.S. and Jennette Seely. 'Father William S. Seeley died at Mt Pleasant Utah Oct 7, 1923 'Son Justice Lehi Seely died at Mt Pleasant Utah March 17, 1902 'Son George Ernest Seely died at Mt Pleasant Utah 'Daughter In Law Ada Lee Seeley died at Mt. Pleasant May [April written above May.] 30 1926 'Pg. 18 [John Meyrick's handwriting - this page] 'Married John Meyrick vs Jemmia Hutchisen 'When married October 28 in 186...[1, I believe.] 'By Bishop Erentington (sic) Amercanfork (sic) Utah County Utah. 'And sealed to gether according to the order of Celestial Law of Marriage for Time and Ertenety (sic) by W. W. Woodruff In November 24 in 1861 at Salt Lake City Salt County Utah. 'Brigham Young and others presant (sic). /s/ John Meyrick 'John Meyrick was Baptized on the 13 of September 1849 By Edward Jones, Ludlow Shropshire england (sic) 'Jammia (sic) Hutchison Meyrick was Baptized By Her Father David Hutchison when 8 years old. Scotland. [Change of handwriting at bottom of page] 'June (sic) 'Elizbeth (sic) Jane Meyrick was blessed by father. Daniel Page. Mt Pleasant Sanpet Co Utah 'Brigham Meyrick was blessed by his father ... W. W. Seely Junor (sic) Mount Pleasant Sanpet (sic) Co. Utah. [John's handwriting again - this page] 'Pg 19 'When Blessed and By Whom 'Mary Meyrick Blessed April 3. 1889 By Elders Christon (sic) Lun (sic), Mads (sic) Andersen, P. M Peel and Hans Polson, Mountpleasant Sanpet (sic) county Utah 'Cyrus Amon (sic) [should be Ammon] Meyrick blessed March 31 1879 by James M Worker [or Workes] and John Meyrick Mountpleasant Sanpet (sic) County. Utah. 'Eliza Meyrick blessed by James M. Worker [or Workes] January 20 1887 Mountpleasant Sanpet Co. Utah 'Hyrum Meyrick Blessed June 2, 1881 By Edward Clift Mountpleasant Sanpet Co. Utah. 'Jimmia (sic) Meyrick Blessed by Edward Clift and John Meyrick June 1, 1870 Mtpleasant Sanpet County Utah. 'Elizbeth (sic) Jane Meyrick Blessed August 2, 1877 Daniel Page MtPleasant Sanpet Co Utah 'Christena Meyrick Blessed By William Presnish (sic) and John Meyrick Moroni [?] Sanpet Co Utah 'Joseph Meyrick Blessed March 1, 1883 By Bishop Peter Madsen Mtpleasant Sanpet Co. Utah 'W.S. Seely Junior Blessed January 14, 1881 By Bishop W. S. Seely and John Meyrick Mt Pleasant Sanpet Co Utah 'Eliza Meyrick Blest (sic) by James M. Workes [?] and John Meyrick Januery (sic) 20, 1887 Mount Pleasant Sanpet Co Utah 'Pg 20 'When Blessed 'John Meyrick and W. S. Seely Blessed Brigham Meyrick September 3. 1887 Mount Pleasant. Arona (sic) Harday, Richard Jenkins [?] 'David Hutchison and John Meyrick Blessed Donel [should be Donald] Meyrick the 12 of July 1891 Mt. Pleasant Sanpet Co. Utah 'pg 21 'When Baptized and Whom 1 Jennett (sic) Meyrick Baptized June 3, 1873 by John Tidwell Senor (sic) Confirmed by William Ranrants (sic) Mt. Pleasant Sanpet Co Utah 2 Jemes (sic) Daived (sic) Meyrick Baptized July 2, 1876 By C C Reow (sic) Confirmed By Elder Peterson and Elder Jensen Mtpleasant Sanpet Co Utah 3 John Thomas Meyrick Baptized July 16 1877 By C C Reow (sic) Confirmed By Mads (sic) Anderson (sic) and Neils Jonhansen (sic) Mt pleasant Sanpete Co Utah 4 Anna Meyrick Baptized by C C Reow (sic) [July ? - hard to read] the 16 Confirmed Jacob Christen and Ebe Jensen 1877 Mount pleasant Sanpet Co Utah 5 George Fredrick Louis Meyrick Baptized September 19 By Christon (sic) Madsen [?? I Bush] Confirmed By William Ranruals (sic) Same Day 1880 Mt pleasant Sanpet Co Utah 6 Elizbeth (sic) Jane Meyrick Baptized July 7 1883 By Christian Lun (sic) Confirmed By Edward Clift Mtpleasant Sanpet Co Utah 7 Mary Meyrick Baptized July 6, 1884 by Christian Anderson Mtpleasant Sanpete Utah 8 Christena Meyrick Baptized April the 29, 1888 by Jacob ... [can't read] Confirmed by Thomas ... [can't read] Same day. Mt. Pleasant Sanpet Co Utah' 'pg 28 'John Meyrick was born on the 17 of May 1831 Talgath (sic) Brecktonshire (sic) Wales and was Baptized on the 13 of Sepember (sic) 1849 by Edward Jones, Ludlow Shropshire England. Ordained a deacon. 'Emergreated (sic) to America Febery (sic) 23st (sic) 1853 [hard to read]. Saled (sic) on bord (sic) the Internaett (sic) Laned (sic) New Orlines (sic) in May1853. 'Daived (sic) Brown Capten (sic) of the ship. Crossed the plains in C. H. We... [can't read. Should be Wheelock] Company. Arived (sic) in Salt Lake City October the 6st (sic) 1853 Moved to Plesant (sic) Grove. 1852 [ ? hard to read] My father and mother, brother George and Pemlow Wisham , Sushannah (sic) Wisham, James Wisham came in to the valley 1855 in Milton Anderson Company. Myself and brother George went to Sanpet (sic) to find a place to sell so we could get some land. Found a good place nowr called Mountpleasent (sic) City 1859. 'In 1860 we moved our parents from Pleasantgrove to Sanpet (sic). '1861 went back to the Missouri river a night gard (sic) in John Murdock Company. Gon (sic) 3 [??can't read] mounths only lost and missed 4 nights in the time. Saved a boy from being drowned in the Plat (sic) by the name of Christian. His mother said she give him to me becase (sic) I had saved is (sic) life. On this trip I got my wife but was not married untill (sic) we came home. Then we was married at her father and mother (sic) in Ameri [can]fork by Bishop Cretington (sic) October the 28 1861.' 'pg 32 'Family Record of Birth 'Eliza Meyrick born Wenday (sic) Ten minets (sic) past 12 oclock (sic) 'Eliza Meyrick born Januery (sic) 27, 1885 at Mt. Pleasant Sanpet Co Utah 'Joseph Meyrick Born Wenday (sic) night Ten minets (sic) 12 oclock (sic) Januery (sic) the 10, 1883 at Mt. Pleasant Sanpet co Utah 'Brigham Meyrick born September 2, 1887 at Mt. Pleasant, Sanpet Co. Utah.' Pg 35 'John and Jammia (sic) Merrick's (sic) Family. [Don't believe this is John's handwriting] 'John Merrick (sic) was born on the 17 of May 1831 Sunday afternoon 3 o'clock. Talgat (sic) Brechonshire (sic) Wales 'Jammia (sic) Hutchison was born October the 28th [I believe. Can't read] 1843 at Mountpleasant (sic) Fiefshire (sic) Scotland 1 Jennetta (sic) Merrick (sic) was born Aug. 4 on Monday morning at 1 o'clock 1862 at Mt. Plesant ... 2 James David Merrick (sic) was born Nov 10th Tuesday at half ... 2 o'clock 1864 at Mt. Pleasant Sanpete Co. Utah 3 John Thomas Merrick (sic) was born Sep 11th at 3 o'clock 1866 at Mt. Pleasant Sanpete Co Utah 4 Annie (sic) Merrick (sic) was born Sep 30th at sunrise 1868 at Mt Pleasant, Utah 5 Jammia (sic) Merrick (sic) born June 1st 1870 at Mount Pleasant Sanpet Co Utah 6 George Fredrick Louis Merrick (sic) was born Oct 31th (sic) Tuesday at 20 min to 6 o'clock in the evening 1871 at Mt Pleasant Utah. Married Hattie Henry June 8 1897 7 Elizbeth (sic) Jane Merrick (sic) was born Feb 14 Sunday 10 min. to one in the morning 1873 at Mount Pleasant Utah 8 Mary Merrick (sic) was born Dec 14th 1875 at Mt Pleasant Utah 9 Christena Merrick (sic) was born Aug 13 Monday morning at 5 o'clock 1877 at Mt. Pleasant Utah. 10 Cyrus Ammon Merrick (sic) born March ... [can't read. Should be 21st] Friday morning at 2 o'clock 1879 at Mt. Pleasant Utah. 11 Hyrum Merrick (sic) was born April 24 ... [can't read] day night 10 o'clock 1881 at Mt Pleasant Sanpete Co Utah. 12 Joseph Merrick (sic) was born Jan 10 ... [can't read] day night 10 min past 12 o'clock 1883 at Mt Pleasant Utah 13 Eliza R. Merrick (sic) was born Jan 27 1885 at Mt. Pleasant Utah. 15 (sic) Donald Merrick (sic) was born May 11th Tuesday morning 25 min past 1 o'clock 1885 at Mt Pleasant Utah 14 (sic) Brigham Merrick (sic) was born Sep 2, 1887 at Mt Pleasant Utah.' [Don't believe this is John's handwriting, either] 'Pg 39 'Jammia (sic) Seely was married to W. E. Bemus Nov 13, 1897 at Moroni Utah Baby born Sept 27 1898 died same day.' 'Pg 41 [John's handwriting, I believe] 1) John Meyrick born the 17 of May 1831 Tuesday afternoon 3 o'clock at Talgat (sic) Brechonshire North Wales 2) Jamima Meyrick born the 28 of October 1843 at Mountpleasant Fiefshire (sic) Scotland' [Not John's handwriting] 'Pg 45 '... [can't read - probably Niels] Johansen was married to Mary Meyrick Apr 19 1899 at Mt Pleasant Sanpete Co Utah Pres. C. N. Lund officiating. 'Niels Johansen Born Dec 22 1878 at Mt Pleasant Sanpete Co Utah. 'Mary Meyrick Johansen born Dec 14 1875 at Mt Pleasant Sanpete Co. Utah 'Daughter Carmen Olena Johansen born Apr 6 1900 at Mt Pleasant Sanpete Co Utah 'Daughter Ruby Indy Johansen born Nov 8 1901 at Mt Pleasant Utah Sanpete Co 'Daughter Crystal Beatrice Johansen born Apr 13 1904 at Mt Pleasant Utah Sanpete Co. 'Daughter Elinora Blanch Johansen born Oct 8 1905 at Mt Pleasant Sanpete Co Utah 'Daughter Jamima Irene Johansen born June 4 1907 at Mt Pleasant Sanpete Co Utah 'Daughter Rhoda Christena Johansen born Mar 28 1909 at Mt Pleasant Utah (Sanpete Co.) 'Daughter Mary June Johansen born June 5 1916 at Moroni Utah Sanpete Co.' [Not John's handwriting] 'Pg 47 'Deaths John and Jammia (sic) Meyrick's Childrean (sic) 'Daughter Anna Meyrick died December 22st (sic) 1886 at Mt. Pleasant Sanpete Co Utah 'Daughter Jammia (sic) Meyrick died June 1st 1870 at Mt. Pleasant Sanpete Co Utah 'Son Cyrus [hard to read] Amon (sic) [should be Cyrus Ammon] died March 4th 1880. At Mt. Pleasnt (sic) Sanpete Co Utah. 'Daughter ...[can't read - should be Eliza] Meyrick died January 10, [above Jan 10 is written May 15] 1887. at Mt. Pleasant Sanpete Co Utah 'Son Brigham Meyrick died September 3rd 1887 at Mt. Pleasant Sanpete Co Utah 'Daughter Christena Meyrick died January 22nd 1892 at Mt. Pleasant Sanpete Co Utah. 'Son Donald Meyrick died Febuary (sic) 16 1892. At Mt Pleasant Sanpete Co Utah. 'Son John Thomas Meyrick died June 9 1909 [change of handwriting] 'Father John Meyrick died Apr 21st 1899 'Mother Jamima Hutchinsen Meyrick died Sept 21, 1922 Mt Pleasant Utah' [Not John's handwriting] 'Pg 53 'Hyrum Meyrick married Dora Matilda King Mar 3d 1908 at Manti Utah Dau. Crystal Madora Meyrick born Dec 31 1908 at Mt Pleasant Utah. Son Verl Hyrum Meyrick born Nov 18 1910 at Mt Pleasant Sanpete Co Utah. Son John Frank Meyrick born Feb 26 1913 at Mt Pleasnt Utah. Son Ronald Dean Meyrick born Apr 24 1914 at Mt Pleasant Sanpete Co. Utah Daughter Neva Luciel Meyrick born at April 3 1918 Mt Pleasant Sanpete Co Utah Son John Frank died at Mt. Pleasant Sanpete Co Utah Son Ronald Dean died at Mt Pleasant Sanpete Co Ut. Daughter Paula JoEll Meyrick born at Mt. Plesant. Sanpete Co. Utah June 22 1933 [change of handriting] 'Hyrum Meyrick died November 29, 1951 at Springville, Utah County, Utah. Buried at Mount Pleasant. Snpt. Ut.' 'pg 54 'Chrystal Madora Meyrick married James Shirley Poulson Jan 2 [hard to read] 1926 at Manti Court House 'James Shirley Poulson was born at Mt. Plesant, Utah 1903 [??] 'Dau Frances Shirline Poulson was born May 28, 1929 at Mt Pleasant Utah 'Son James Douglas Poulson was born June 14, 1936 at Springville, Utah.' 'Pg 55 'Joseph Meyrick married Zella Beatrice Allred Oct. 19 1910 at Manti, Sanpete Co., Utah 'Dau Marjorie Beatrice Meyrick born July 27 1911 at Mt Pleasant Sanpete Co Utah. Jos. [hard to read] Vernon Meyrick born Feb [??] 21st 1915 at Mt. Pleasnt (sic) Sanpete County Utah. 'Dau. Beth Meyrick born Aug 23rd 1916 Farnum Idaho 'Dau. Loa May Meyrick born Dec 22nd 1917 at Farnum Idaho Zella Meyrick died Jan 23rd 1930 at Rexberg(sic) Idaho Joseph Meyrick died Dec 22nd 1956 at Burley Idaho.' 'Pg 57 'Elizbet (sic) Jane Meyrick married to Frank C. Christensen Sep 4 1901 at Manti Utah 'Dau. Jamima Christena Christensen born Apr 4 1903 at Mt Pleasant Sanpete Co Utah. 'Dau. Anna Lara Christensen born Oct 27, 1904 at Mt Pleasant Sanpete Co. Utah 'Father Frank C. Christensen born May 1, 1875 at Mt Pleasant Utah died Nov 5 at ... [Salt] Lake City Ut, 1935' [This pg very faint writing & very hard to read] 'Pg 61 'Religion '... [James ?] David Meyrick -- Presbyterian '... [?] Nov ...[?] 1864. [James David's birthdate, I think. I Bush] Mt. Pleasant, Utah '... [?] March [I think] ... 1941 -- Mt. Pleasant, Utah [His death date, I think. I Bush] '... [Annie] Jensen Meyrick -- Presbyterian [wife ? of J D] '... March 19, 1871 at Mt. Pleasant, Utah. [her birthdate?] '... May 7, 1948 at Mt. Pleasant, Utah [her death date?] 'daughter ... ... Meyrick Apr. 30 1894 [who?] 'daughter ... ... ... [who? ] Mar 21, 1897 'Dau. ...nnie Adele Meyrick Aug 27 1898 [who?] 'Dau. Lola Jean Meyrick July 14 1902 'son James David Meyrick Jr. June 17 1909 Died in Salt Lake City, Utah June 1956 'Marriages 'Drusella married Charles A. Poulson '...enita married ...ancis Michael ...a...eties Dec. 5, 1921 Presbyterian marriage service by Reverend Boand (sic) 'Jean Married ... W. Gibbs Presbyterian marriage service by Reverend Boand (sic) 'James Jr. married Bernadean Hardy.' ----End of John Meyrick's Ledger [Some parts were difficult to read from the Xerox copies I made. /s/Ione Merrick Bush]

 





 

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Wednesday, May 27, 2026

LIFE SKETCH OF CHRISTIAN BROTHERSON AND HIS FAMILY ~~~ (From our archives)

 


The Life Sketch of Christian Brotherson  and  His Family

The life sketch of Christen Brothersen (Brodersen) is presented in two parts. The first part focuses on the family’s early life in Denmark and their emigration to America. The second part focuses on their life in their new homeland. 

Part 1: Focuses on Life in Denmark and the Family’s Emigration

Christian Brothersen was born, 14 June 1811 at Idrstrup, Maribo, Denmark. a son of Bohne Brothersen and Anne Margrette Rasmussen. At the age of thirty-five years, he married, Anne Mortensen on 13 February 1846. Anne was born 3 February 1824, a daughter of Martin Jensen Menboe and Dorthea Knudsen. Three children were born to Christian and Anne in Denmark: Dorthea was born 19 Dec. 1847; Hans on 15 Feb 1849; Bohne on 4 April 1851.   

A sorrowful event occurred in this family when Bone was an infant of only a few weeks of age. The mother, Anne Mortensen Brothersen. passed away on 26 May 1851. Mainly out of symphony for her sister’s children; Elsie Mortensen went into the Brothersen home, married Christian and cared for the children. It seems that Christian was a wealthy man. When missionaries of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints visited his home and brought the message of the restored gospel, the father embraced it with all his heart, as did Elsie.  Quick preparations were made and this family planned on going to Zion. Two children were born to Christian and Elsie; Martin, who was born 30 May 1853, at (Faister?) and Ane who born on 8 Jan. 1856.






Map showing the location of
IdestrupDenmark, the home of
Christian Brotherson













The following year, 1857, this family joined a company of emigrants and sailed to America. Hans was Seven and Martin was only three years of age at the time. (Reference -pp 401- 403  Vol. 6. "Heart Throbs of the West" a History of the Daughters of Utah Pioneers.) The company journeyed westward immediately. At Iowa City, Iowa, they became a part of an Overland Emigration Company and were outfitted there and were bound for Utah, beyond the plains.

There were 330 people, 3 wagons, and 68 handcarts with which to make the journey. The journey was hazardous and eventful. The leader also walked and tried to keep up the spirits of his people. On13 September 1857, the company arrived in Utah, with a division of the United States Army hot on its heels.  They with many others, moved southward from the Salt Lake Valley into Sanpete


           Brothersens on the Passenger List of the Westmoreland (1857)
                        (Family Members are Indicated by Arrows)





Christian Brothersen settled his family at Fort Ephraim where the settlers from Springtown, or the Allred Settlement, had fled for protection from the Indians. They remained there until early in 1859, when

Christian went to Mount Pleasant to assist in the building of the fort. This was completed in July of 1859. Like many others, the family lived in dugouts, until log or adobe houses could be built.

After moving to Mt.  Pleasant, the Brotherson family went through a period when they had only a small bit of wheat for food which they kept in one corner of the room.  Each day, Christian would prey that they could make the food last until they could get more.  The Lord did bless them and the food did last so that the family did have something to eat.


Martin moved to Indianola to plant and cultivate crops. They also had cattle and sheep. Those were the days that tried their soul, Hans, Martin, and Christian Brotherson and other members of the family stood guard against Indians led by Chief Black Hawk from April 1865 until a treaty of peace was signed in Mt.  Pleasant at Bishop Seeley’s home in 1872.

A close up map of the location of Idestrup, Denmark






Part 2: Focuses on their Life in Utah



BIOGRAPHY OF CHRISTIAN BROTHERSEN (BRODERSEN)
by Ila Brotherson Tidwell

My great grandfather, Christian Brotherson, was one of the noble pioneers who entered the Salt Lake Valley in 1857. He it was, who gave to our family our pioneer heritage, a gift for which should be forever grateful and thankful. It is a great challenge to us as his posterity to achieve through our own efforts. We must improve and build upon the faith, standards and ideals he so valiantly preserved for us. It was he who looked beyond his own time; he had the foresight and vision. He saw the necessity of freedom. He accepted the restored gospel of Jesus Christ when missionaries came to his door. It was his soul who first accepted the principles and truths that has been a guiding star for us to follow. It was he who had the faith and courage to want to establish a new home and new way of life for his family and posterity.




Christian Brotherson was not only a pioneer, he also helped to conquer this western land and make it a frontier civilization. In doing this, he gave us a land of freedom in which to live. He gave us the opportunity to live under the protection of the Stars and Stripes of America. It is a glorious privilege and blessing to live in a land, where by our own choice, selection and work, determine our progress and status in life. He also represented the vision, faith, culture and strength of our ancestors in the Old Country of Idestrup, Maribo, Denmark.



He was born 14 June 1811. One record says Idestrup the other says Veggerlose, Maribo, Denmark. His father's name was Bohne Broderson Magnesson. He came from Germany as a German Soldier to Denmark. He married Ann Margrethe Rasmussen. They had a family of ten children. The first four were boys and the last six were girls. Christian was the second son. This is all we know of his childhood.



Grandfather married Ann Mortensen in Denmark on 13 February 1846, he, being thirty-five years old and Ann only twenty-two. There were three children born to this couple. Dorthes Brotherson, born 18 December 1846; Hans Brotherson, born 15 February 1849; Bohne Brotherson, born 3 April 1851. From what we can get from memories handed down---the young mother had complications from the last childbirth. When the little son, Bohne, was only six weeks old, his mother, Ann, died. This was 26 May 1851. She left three small children under four years of age to the care of her husband, Christian. The family was very fortunate in having Ann's younger sister, Elsie. She came into their home and cared for this new baby, a little girl four, and a small boy of two. This was a handful for Elsie, but she loved and wanted to care for her sister's children.


This presents a sad beginning in the life of Christian Brotherson. He did not loose the desire to care for his babies even though his heart was broken at the loss of his sweetheart in the beautiful years of their youth. Those who know grandfather, lived with him, those who lived near him and those who remember him now, tell us he was a devoted and kind father from the very beginning. He was now forty years old and had always had responsibilities on his shoulders. It hadn't been too easy living in a family of twelve children. Each one must take his share of the load. Great grandfather, being old when he was married, had accumulated much. He was prepared to stand on his own two feet. We have a tithing receipt given him in Denmark in 1857 for 349.00. That was a big tithing to be paid in the Old Country at one time. This tithing receipt is really very valuable. There aren't many in keeping. It was issued before they counted money in Krones. Money was then rigs dollars. I took this tithing receipt to Johanna Madsen, who is from Denmark.

She said we should have it put in a museum so people could see it. It was among the first tithing receipts given in Denmark.


Maybe it was the feeling of loyalty and responsibility for the children of her sister; we hope it was love for both the children and their father that prompted Elsie to become a mother to Christian’s three small children. They were married on March 19, 1852 in Denmark.

These children were very fortunate in having a second mother come into their home to help care for them. But as the story unfolds, Great Grandfather Christian had more dark clouds on the horizon as well as sunshine.

During the time, or shortly after he married Elsie, while they were still on their honeymoon, missionaries from America, representing the Church of Jesus Christ of Later-Day Saints, (Mormons as they were called) knocked at their door. Christian said in his own words, "I know from the first, their message was true." Erastus Snow brought the gospel to these Scandinavian people. Maybe it was he who knocked at Great Grandfather's door. However, he and his wife, Elsie, soon become loyal converts to the Mormon faith. There were two children born to this union.

Their first, a baby boy, was born 14 May 1853. They named him Martin after his Maternal Grandfather. On January 8, 1856, a little girl came to bless their home. They named her Ann. (Her home was where the Pioneer Relic Hall now stands in Mt. Pleasant, Utah).

After the Restored Gospel had come into their lives, their ideals and ambitions were to come to America. When their little boy, Martin, was only five; their baby girl only eighteen months old, they decided to come to America.

This was a big sacrifice in those days, as well as a blessing. They had to part with friends and relatives, home and it's comforts, worldly possessions, all for the Gospel of Jesus Christ and the desire to worship God in a new world. Their ideals as parents were high education, culture, patriotism, and freedom was the pattern of their lives, the desire for their children.

They were patriotic and loyal to the Church they loved so much. Great Grandfather was a well to do man in Denmark. He had servants who helped care for household and did much of his work. When he was almost ready to come to America, he hired a man by the name of Hyrum Arnoldsen to help him and his family to America. He paid his way to this new land.

They sailed on the Westmoreland, from Liverpool, 25 April 1857. The leader of their company was Matrthias Cowley. There were some 544 souls who come to America on this ship.

They landed in Philadelphia. It was only two months since they had left their home in the Old Country. On 15 June 1857 they were prepared to begin their trek across the plains to the Great Salt Lake Valley.

They joined the 7th Handcart Company under the leadership of Christian Christiansen. (Interesting to me was this notation. He was the first Elder ordained in Scandinavia. This was done by Erastis Snow in 1851.)

There was much to be done in preparation for the journey to Zion. The conditions they had left in their homeland were heart rendering---friendly relationships and family ties were often broken. Fathers, Mothers, sisters and brothers became almost strangers. Many showed enmity towards their loved ones, who had embraced Mormonism. With sad and broken hearts, but with the testimony burning in their soul, they faced another new experience different than crossing the water. Now they must pull a handcart across the plains. These activities were carried out with joy and anticipation.

There were 330 souls in this company, three wagons, and 68 handcarts. Rightly, it was named the "Christian Christiansen Handcart Company". In one these handcarts were all their possessions. Christian had a family of five children, his wife, himself and a hired man. He had a baby of two who had to ride or be carried and a little boy almost five. I have heard him (Martin) tell many times how he walked all the way, or most of the way, barefoot. His feet were so callused that he could step on prickly pares and not even flinch. He told how happy he was when his mother would pull the handcart and his daddy would carry him a little way. He also told of how his father would hold him at night until he went to sleep. He also told how he liked to see the campfire at night, hear them sing, climb on his daddy's lap and go to sleep.

They built fires only once in a while because the Indians were beginning to attack the Saints. In fact the first attack they had by Indians was in 1857.


The weary travelers moved slowly every day, stopping only long enough to eat and sleep. Behind them was the Johnson Army. They preferred to keep out of their way. But one afternoon some supply wagons that were ahead of the army caught up with the handcart company. They moved slowly pulling the handcarts and so many walking. The army had a lame oxen. They told the pioneers they could have half if they would dress it by the next evening. During the night a heavy rainstorm made the roads so muddy the army wagons mired deep in the mud and moved very slowly. The Saints pulled their light carts out of the ruts and moved on, soon leaving the army wagons far behind. The Saints had all the oxen. That night they camped near a large stream of water. The Indians helped the women and children across the stream. The Saints didn't ever see Johnson's Army again.

They had many hardships but I feel my Great Grandfather was really blessed. He and all his family reached their destination.

Here is one experience Grandpa told that happened while coming across the plains. A little girl that was the same age as baby Ann died. They had nothing to bury her in, so they wrapped her little body in a blanket, put her head in a brass kettle to keep the dirt from her face and placed her in a lonely grave. These were the heart-rending experiences that tested their faith. Sometimes they felt they couldn't carry on.

One of the abilities that God gave us when he created us was the ability to see ahead, the vision to do today what will be best for us tomorrow. Great Grandfather's faith was really tested.

Besides the hardships they endured crossing the plains, he could see every day he was loosing his wife's love. For reasons we do not know, she became the object of another man's desire to covet a lovely woman. Great Grandfather was very kind and understanding with her. He loved her very much. He needed her to help rear their children. His oldest girl was only nine years old. He had a baby only two and three other children. They all needed a mother's love and tender care. Christian told her this, "If you are dissatisfied, I will not prevent your leaving." He must have been a good man with an understanding heart. The man who took his wife was none other than the man whom Great Grandfather had hired to help him while crossing the plains. He had paid his way and in return Mr. Arnoldsen took his wife. We can't find if Great Grandfather took his wife with him into the settlement at Ephraim or if when they reached the Great Salt Lake Valley she went with this other man.

They reached the valley on Sunday, 13 September 1857. They lacked two days of being three months crossing the plains. When they had finished their journey over, in fear of Johnson's Army, most of the company was sent by the church leaders to Ephraim. The tired souls struggled on to Fort Ephraim. There Christian housed his family in a cellar or dug-out until the spring of 1859.

I have read from history that trail of the Saints, who went to Ephraim, could be followed by blood on the snow. The first winter they almost starved. Grandfather Martin tells of the winter of 1858 when they only had a little mound of wheat, in a corner to last until the next harvest. His father would raise his hands, close his eyes and pray to the Father in Heaven to bless this little bit of food that it would last them. Martin, only a boy, testified that it seemed to not diminish very fast and it lasted so that these faithful pioneers could subsist until the weeds began to grow in the spring and they could dig roots to eat.

My heart aches for Great Grandfather Christian with the sadness that he must carry in his heart alone. He had five children under ten years of age whom he must love, instruct, feed and care for. He must be a mother and father to them. What his faith and courage must have been. We owe him so much.

In the spring of 1859 he came among the first settlers to what they called Hamilton Settlement. He helped to build the stone fort. His name appears on the Pioneer Monument erected in honor of the first settlers. He took up land and built his first home in America. It was on the corner just south of where Alton Brotherson now lives. He lived in a cellar or dug-out until he and his boys finished their first home in Hamilton Settlement which later became Mt. Pleasant.

They lived here until the children all married. Then Christian moved to the north part of town. This was in his declining years. They say even then Great Grandfather's home was the play ground for all the neighborhood children. He always had lump sugar, raisins, or candy to give to them. Sometimes when he didn't have these, he would give them an egg and let them take it to the store and get what they would like. Many people of Mt. Pleasant have told me Christian always wore a long beard, and it was white as long as they could remember. If the children loved to play around his door, I think the story of his life and what he was has been pictured.

After his wife, Elsie, had gone with the hired man, they settled in Ft. Green. Later, they moved to Moroni where they made their home. Great Grandmother Elsie regretted what she had done before very long. She wanted her children but her new husband did not. She would come and get the children and have them one or two days. She still loved them and realized she had made a mistake. When they were with her, her new husband was mean to them.

One time, when Martin, my grandfather, was only seven, he was going from Mt. Pleasant with Arnoldsen to see his mother. They got to what we all know as Fiddler's Green. Later it was known as Riverside  Park. (It was a dance hall, race track, and swimming pool). A nice place at one time but it was rather wild and was disbanded. They said they called it "A place between Heaven and Hell".

Arnoldsen stopped the wagon and told Martin to get out. He said he was going to stop and water and rest the horses. So the little fellow climbed down from the wagon. The man hurriedly whipped the horses to a run and drove away. The child was astounded when he realized he was left alone and it was getting dark. He was all alone, the Indians were real ferocious. He might get lost or even perish in the darkness of the night. He sadly thought, "What shall I do, go home to Dad or go on to see Mother?" He quickly made up his mind and began to run after the wagon. He thought, "If I can just stay far enough behind so he doesn't see me but I can see the dust of the wagon, I wont' be afraid."

After separating from his step-father, he fairly flew. He began to tire after he had followed a trail out through the fields and over the hill for a long way. It was a shorter way. He said, "I prayed in my heart as I ran faster and faster that the Lord would help me get to my mother first. I did get to Mother before he did and told her what he had done." Grandfather tells of how his mother took him in her arms and cried like her heart would break. "You must go back and live always with your father. He is a good man and will always be good to you." When Arnoldsen arrived, he was surprised to see the boy and also angry. He made Martin go to bed without any super. Great Grandmother sent him home the next day with a friend as I remember. I do remember what his father said to him when he returned, "My little Mart, I felt I should never have let you go after you had gone."

On another occasion when Martin was helping Arnoldsen haul hay, he was pitching the hay on the wagon and I felt impressed to move. He looked up just in time to dodge a pitch fork. The man had aimed it at his head.

Martin tells this story about his boyhood also. "I went for a walk up in the hills. I was sitting on a big rock, I felt the presence of someone, I knew not whom. I knew I was being watched, likely by Indians. What should I do? Suddenly, I began singing loudly, so I could be heard by anyone nearby. The fear left me; I was not molested or harmed, for which I was thankful."

Great Grandfather Christian probably loved or had a great deal of respect for Elsie. He always knew how she was and when she needed help. Grandfather said, "My father often took her flour, meat, fruit and other foods and clothing for her and her children." She had a real hard life and many times didn't know which way to turn. Her husband lived in polygamy. He had four wives. It was hard for him to care for all in those days.

Great Grandmother was a beautiful woman. She had light brown hair with beautiful dark blue eyes. She was slender and average height; had a pleasing disposition but was quiet. Sometime in her life she hurt her shoulder. Some say it was from her helping pull the handcart across the plains. We don't know. But we do know her one shoulder drooped and hurt all her life.

She was sealed to Arnoldsen in the old endowment house in Salt Lake City on 16 August 1862. She told Christian many times she wished she could break that sealing.

She didn't want Arnoldsen. Christian[1] evidently wanted his first wife because he went and had her sealed to him 19 September 1889. His children were married at this time and so they made the choice of who they would be sealed to. My Grandfather, Martin Brotherson said, "I want my father." He was sealed to his father and his mother's sister, Ann, Christian's first wife. Christian died on 9 August 1893. He was buried in Mt. Pleasant City  Cemetery. Christian was 82 years old when he died. Elsie was 67 years old when she died. He lived a year and four months after she passed away.





A picture of the Hans Brotherson family circa 1901

Soon after the Death of Hans Brotherson
Background:  Hans Brotherson .(In Picture Frame)

Back Row (Left to right)t: Parley [Parley Pratt], Tina [Clementine], Francis [Francis], Boone [Bohney], Lora [Lorenza Christine], Hans [Hans}, Chris [Christian],


Middle Row (Left to right)Orsen [Orson Hyde], Rakkie, [Fredrickka], Rhea [Maria], Maggie [Annie Margaret], Grandma Frederikka [Frederickka Andrea], Nels [Nels Douglas]


Front Row: Floyd [Ferdnand Floyd] on the left, Vernon [Vernon Hamlet] and Heneretta [Heneritta] on the right.





A Portrait Picture of Hans Brotherson 






[1] Christian Brothersen (Brodersen) was endowed in the Salt Lake Endowment House on 8 July 1865.