HISTORY OF DENMARK AND OF THE HANS ANDERSON FAMILY

By a great granddaughter of Hans Andersen, Zelda Andersen Merritt

The History of Denmark and its people is full of romance and adventure. Although it is one of the oldest kingdoms, little is known of its early history..Far into the Eighth century, tradition is the only source of information we have of it and only at the end of the century does it commence to take the form of actual history. Stirring stories are told of the early so called Vikings; their expeditions to the coasts of foreign countries, and their heroic and daring deeds at home. During the eighth century, Christianity was introduced into Denmark and though it was sometime before the new religion was accepted, it gave an opportunity for the Northlands and those of the south to become acquainted with each other.

Denmark itself is composed of the peninsula of Jutland and several islands lying between it and the Scandinavian Peninsula. Zealand is the largest, and between it and Jutland is a rather flat, fertile island called Funen. South of them are Lolland, Fuester, Moen and others.

Once Denmark had dominion in Scandinavia across the sound and even in Germany and Russia. Margareth, the daughter of King Valdemar and one of the greatest characters in the history of the Northlands, reigned after the death of her husband and son, over Denmark and Norway as well. She engaged in a war with Sweden which resulted in that country being added to the Danish crown. To consolidate the union, she brought together an assembly of the nobles and leading men of all three countries. After her death, her successors proved unequal to the task and the three countries were frequently separated and reunited. Wars and contentions filled the years which followed. By 1652 Denmark had lost all of Sweden except Scania and then Charles X of Sweden crossed the sea of Ice which separated them and captured Odense, the capitol of Funen and invaded Copenhagen itself. The Danes held out for sometime under their King, Frederick III, until largely by the mediation of the English envoy, a truce was arranged. But that did not bring peace and the war continued until 1679 when the position of the combatants was left much as it was in the beginning.

It was during these troublesome times that there lived the earliest known of our Andersen ancestors Niels Laurnsen. He was born in 1621 at Agernas, in the county of Odense, which covers the eastern part of the island of Funen. Married to Annie Hansen be became the father of at least one child. It was a son who, as did all Danish children, took for his own last name, his father=s first name to which has been added Asen@(meaning, son of), and so Anders, son of Niels became Anders Nielsen.

The name of the wife of Anders Nielsen is unknown but between the years of 1686 and 1695, seven children were born to them: Jorgen, Olef, Barbara, Anders,Morten, Peder, and another son they named Jorgen. The first child with that name died in infancy and it was not at all uncommon for two or even three children to receive the same name if those previous died.

Of these children, Peder Andersen (Anders=son) was the one that carried the direct lineal descent, He was born at Baardeso on the 12^th of September, 1694. When he was about fifteen, King Frederick IV invaded Sweden. For eleven years the war went on, and then through the intervention of England a treaty was made. By it Sweden lost all the advantages she had won. Denmark realized the wastefulness and futility of war and decided to avoid conflict. They adopted a policy of peace which has largely governed Denmark=s political actions ever since. In 1731 Peder married Maren Nielsen of Gynstrurp, and to them were born 3 children, Anna, Maren, and Niels.

Niels grew to manhood during a time of comparative peace. About the year 1758 he married Kirsten Andersen, a daughter of Anders Hansen and Anna Hiersen. They had nine children: Anne, Kirsten, Peder,Anders, Anders, Maren, Hans, Anna, and Anders. The same year that the last child was born, the wife and mother died. Sometime later, Niels married Maren Jorgensen and became the father of three more children. Jorgen, Kirsten and Joanne. The family had a very nice place in which to live. The Island Funen, was protected from the extreme cold and was well wooded and very suited to the agricultural life which flourished there. But all was not well with the family. The greatest difficulty was that they did not own their own land and home. Like so many of the other inhabitants of Denmark, they were able only to rent part of the land that belonged to the great landlords or noblemen of the country. In those days a man could get great tracts of land because of his bravery in war, his services to his country or perhaps just because he happened to be born to rich parents and had money or servants with which to acquire it. He would build a palace for himself and a home for those who would come and rent his lands. Many of these manorial houses are still in existence. The patriarchal order prevailed and family farming was the rule. Generations of the same family would live in the same place and work for the same man and his descendants. It was on such a farm that Niels and his family lived and worked. Family tradition has it that he rented many acres, but the landlord began to take pieces of it and re-rent to others although Niels still paid rent on it. Presently so much of the land was tilled by others that Niels had scarcely enough to live on.

Abut this time (1783) Frederik VI, son of Christian VII, was appointed Regent which position he held until his father=s death. During his regency some very wise laws were passed and reforms carried through. The peasants living on crown lands were emancipated. Many of the nobles and great landlords adopted the same course. Niels, encouraged by this, decided to see if justice couldn=t be obtained for his family. He planned to see the king and started his journey. The landlord must have heard about his plans for Niels never reached his goal and the family soon received the news of his death. It would be no easy task for Niels= widow to take the twelve children and move from the home where the family had lived for years and years, but they were able to find other land to rent and there they went to live.

And so the land which had been unjustly held was divided between those who had tilled it and Niels= children received their portion of it. Anders, the last son of Niels and Kirsten, disposed of his portion of the property and bought land in Bredstrup (The name Bredstrup means Abroad strip@). Here he married Maren Knudsen, the daughter of Knud Andersen and Birti Jorgensen. Three children were born to them: Niels, Knud, and Ann Kirsten. After the birth of the latter, Maren died and some time later Anders married her sister, Mette. They had two children. The first one, Knud, was born the 9^th of September, 1814, and the second, Hans, was born the 22^nd of December 1819.

By the time Hans was twenty-five, his father and mother and all his brothers and sisters were dead except one half-brother, Niels, who had taken his share of property and moved away. Hans was known as a thrifty farmer and a good match for any girl. Although it was a strictly kept custom that people associate and marry in the group to which they were born, many a rich man offered his charming daughter to Hans with a certain amount of money as a dowry. Hans chose to wait, however, and soon he found the girl of his choice.

This particular girl lived with her parents; five brothers and one sister,on a farm nearby. Her father, Jens Jorgensen was the proud owner of a flour mill that had been in the family for generations. It was built on the highest hill on the island and its owners took pride in preserving it and the reputation which went with it. Far and wide they were known and called the AHonest Millers@ and people came from all over the island to trade with them. The miller also was proud of his children. The oldest was a boy named Hans Peter. He knew that because of the law of primogeniture (which means that the first born is the heir) that he should some day have the mill. The second was George who later became a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and emigrated to Utah. Before he left he carved his testimony on one of the bins in the mill so that all who came might read it.

Maren was loved by Hans Andersen and became his bride. She was born on August 2, 1827. They were married on the 17^th of October, 1845 and seven of their ten children were born in the same place that their parents were.

They told a legend of a prophecy about the mill. That if it were ever to fall into the hands of strangers, it would be destroyed. This prophecy was fulfilled for Hans Peter had no sons and his son-in-law sold it to strangers. Shortly afterward, it burned to the ground.

The farm which Hans and Maren owned was located in Bredstrup and consisted of about seventy Atinner@ of land. A tinner was just a little less than an acre. As years went by they prospered greatly. The principal crops were rye and barley. They kept on an average of ten or twelve cows, six team of horses, twenty sheep and a flock of geese. They were blessed with children too. Mette Catherine came first on the 29^th of September 1846. She was followed by Berti Marie and the 5^th of July 1849 and Andrew on the 24^th of October 1851. Then came James on the 9^th of February 1854 and Mary and the 22^nd of June 1856.

The farm and its products offered plenty of work for all. The two oldest boys were soon able to help with the geese. The young geese would fly and then they had to be herded. This was just the job for the boys. For their lunch they would be given a cornpone, a piece of cheese and if they=d been good, a jug of beer. Both of them remembered as the most interesting thing about these geese was the way they were prepared for market. A certain number were fattened and then given a good bath and locked up on fresh straw. To kill the goose, its head and bill were held firmly and a hole made in the top of the head. A small stream of blood would spray away from the feathers so that they would be kept clean and white. There was always a demand for down and feathers for pillows and featherbeds.

School for the children came every other day. They would recite their lessons and receive their assignments. The next day was spent at home where the lessons were studied and the assignments prepared for the following day at school.

One day two strangers knocked at the Andersen=s door and asked them to listen to the message they had traveled so far to bring. The strangers were invited in and given something to eat and a room to sleep in. Hans and Maren then listened to what these Mormon Elders (for Mormons they were) had to say.

They were greatly impressed at the Gospel message, but were not eager to accept it. From that time on, however, every elder that came to Funen was a guest at the Andersen home. Among those that came were Jessie Smith, William W. Cluff, Charles C. Rich, H.K. Brown and Amasa Lyman.

That Hans and his family were greatly influenced by these visits is shown by a little incident told by James. He relates that one day while out in the landlord=s forest with his father they came to a spot where there was a number of low limbed trees. His father knelt and placed his arms on one of the alter-like limbs and told his sone to do likewise, where for the first time in his life, James saw the miracle of prayer.

And then one day, Andrew, the oldest boy, was kicked in the head by a horse. His skull was crushed so badly that the doctors said he could not live. Hans went into the woods nearby and prayed. He asked the Lord to heal his son and give him the wisdom to know and the courage to accept the truth. He promised that if his child would live that he would join the church and give of his time and his property to the upbuilding of the Church. When he returned, his son was very much improved and with the administrations of the Elders, made rapid recovery. This was a strong testimony to the family of the truthfulness of the words of the Elders and Hans never forgot to live up to his promise.

Their sixth child had just been born. It was the custom of the mothers belonging to the Lutheran Church to go to the church as soon as she was able and have her child baptized and sprinkled. Because of their uncertainty as to just what they should do, Mrs. Andersen did not take Sena Georgina to church and the minister came to see what was the matter. Has saw him coming and again sought divine help. Then, although he thought very little about it, he was able to defend the authority of Joseph Smith and to confuse the minister in his convictions about his own.

On March 13, 1861, Elder H. K. Brown baptized Hans and Maren and their oldest child and confirmed them members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. This step greatly influenced the life of Hans Andersen and his family. They who could boast of never having had an enemy were now often ridiculed. Home in Denmark had lost much of its pleasantness. They decided that the very best thing to do was to go to Zion in America. They sold what they had interest in and prepared to go to Utah, the home of the Mormons.

The family, since the coming of Anna on the 13^th of November, 1862, now numbered nine. Hans, in the generousness of his heart, offered to take with him those of his hired help who had accepted the new religion. All together, the group numbered fifteen. The strings of his big purse had to be pulled open very often and very regularly. He brought with him what household furnishings he could from his home in Denmark, such as brass buckets, iron kettles, and other kitchen equipment. He also brought carpets and bedding - sixteen featherbeds, for instance, and pillows for that many beds.

They crossed the North Sea and Atlantic Ocean in a sailing vessel, being five weeks from Liverpool, England to New York, where they landed June 1^st, 1863.

Of the story of the emigration, we turn to AHistory of the Scandinavian Mission@, Chapter 13. About four hundred saints emigrating to Utah sailed from Copenhagen, Denmark, April 20, 1863. This was the first division of a large emigrant company of Scandinavian Saints which left Copenhagen that spring. The emigrants, after a pleasant voyage on the Baltic, landed at Kiel, Holstein, whence they traveled by railroad to Altona, Germany. Here the group divided, the larger group boarded the ATiger@ bound for Hull, England, and the rest took the steamer ALord Cardigan@ bound for Grimsby, England. Elders Smith and Larsen went on board the ATiger@ at Altona in order to accompany the larger group. Stormy weather caused a delay of thirty-six hours at Cuxhaven at the mouth of Elbe, but at last the ship put to sea. The magnificent vessel fought bravely against the strong contrary wind and the angry sea, and though the voyage was long and unpleasant, they arrived safely in Hull on the morning of April 23. At the landing the emigrants were met by Elder John W. Ray who was awaiting them with a small steamer which after an hours sailing landed the passengers from the ATiger@ at Grimsby where a large and convenient house had been hired for the use of the emigrants during their brief stay in Grimsby. The emigrants with Pres. N. Smith and Carl Larsen who had sailed from Altona on the steamer ALord Cardigan@ arrived in Grimsby by April 27^th. On both steamers, the officers and crews treated the emigrants with all the due courtesy. From Grimsby, the journey continued by rail to Liverpool where company arrived April 28^th and there joined the second division of Scandinavian Saints which left Copenhagen April 23^rd.

A second company of emigrating Saints (about 200) bound for the gathering placed of the Saints in the Rocky Mountains, sailed from Copenhagen April 23, 1863, per steamship AAurora@. This was the second division of a large company emigrating saints who left Scandinavia that spring for Utah. The steamer AAurora@ arrived in Kiel in the morning of April 24^th and the same day the Saints went by special railway train to Hamburg where lodgings were secured for them in a large emigrant building, while their baggage was being transferred to the large and beautiful steamer AGrimsby@ on which they went on board in the evening. This steamer sailed from Hamburg on the 25^th and after a successful voyage of two days on the North Sea arrived at Grimsby, England, Monday morning, April 27. Here the emigrants spent the night in a freight house. The following day the company went by train to Liverpool where the Scandinavian emigrants companies and 103 English Saints boarded the ship AJohn J Boyd@, the total number of saints new being 776. The company was organized by Pres. George Q. Cannon, who appointed William W. Cluff leader with Elders Knud H. Brown and William S. Baxter as his counselors. Later the company was divided into seven districts. The ship sailed from Liverpool the evening of April 30^th but anchored out in the River until the next morning. May 1^st the AJohn J. Boyd@ lifted anchor and started on the voyage across the Atlantic. The voyage proved a pleasant one and lasted on 29 days. On board, the emigrants received good food in abundance. Every seventh day a ration for each person was issued consisting of one and one-half pounds rice, two pounds peas, one pound pork, two pounds of beef, three pounds of potatoes, three pounds of oatmeal, one fourth pound of tea, two ounces of pepper, two ounces of mustard, one-half pint vinegar and a quantity of English sea biscuits. Besides this, the sick obtained wine, milk, sego, sugar and soup from the captain=s kitchen.@

Elder Peter O. Thomasser writes that Brother William W. Cluff won hor himself the admiration of the Saints and gave perfect satisfaction in performing his difficult duties as leader of the company. Hans Andersen liked him so well that he later named a son in his honor. The sanitary conditions on board were very good, only four or five persons died on the sea. The monotony of the voyage was one day (may 21^st) broken by seeing eight mighty icebergs swaying in majestic grandeur upon the shining billows, glittering in forms of giant crystals. They were accompanied by a wintery degree of cold and to make the illusion of the polar sea more effective, five whales were seen playing about the ship, sending the water-like fountains high into the air. At times during the trip, the captain permitted the Mormons to dance. Soon acquaintances were made that resulted in marriage and friendships which lasted as long as life itself. In all, the trip was very much enjoyed.

The AJohn J. Boyd@ arrived safely with its precious cargo of souls in New York harbor Sunday afternoon of the first day of June. The emigrants landed in Castle Garden. IN the evening of the same day, they took a train to Albany, New York and continued by rail to St. Joseph, Missouri. Of this part of the way Peter O. Thomasser writes: AThe journey by rail was more pleasant than we had expected to find it as the train stopped often and at some length at some of the principal cities we passed through, giving us an opportunity to straighten our legs and move about; see some of the country and satisfy our ever increasing appetite for sight-seeing. An old conductor who claimed to have been acquainted with the Prophet Joseph Smith, was clever enough to stop the train at Palmyra, New York, where the Prophet first entered upon his remarkable career. He showed us the house in which the Prophet resided, the woods in which he received heavenly visions and the Hill Cumorah where he obtained the Book of Mormon plates. This information went like wild-fire from car to car and who possibly could, got out to have a view of those dear historic places and to pluck a flower or glade of grass from the locality as a memento to carry with them. A few moments later, after the whistle of the engine had signaled for Aall aboard@ the train again glided onward towards the object of our journey.@

At St. Joseph they went by boat down the river to Florence, Nebraska. This place was then called AWinder Quarters@, and they arrived there on the 12^th of June. Here they met with a large body of the Saints and with the advice of the leaders there, Hans prepared to make the journey across the plains. At New York he had converted his money into United States currency which amounted to about $20,000.00. A great deal of money for those days, especially among those poor people with whom he had chosen to cast his lot. He first purchased three new shettler wagons, one light wagon in which his family should ride, three yoke of oxen (the Saints used oxen for several reasons, the best one that they were something the Indians would not steal), two yoke of cows and one span of horses with all necessary equipment for wagons and teams. He then proceeded to load his wagon with provisions for fifteen people constituting his group and the implements and tools that his great foresight prompted him to take to his new home. He procured such things as large iron kettles, brass buckets, hard crosscut saws ans other necessary equipment for a mill. Then there were chains, axes, shovels, nails, belts of factor, and even sheets of plate glass.

Equipped as well as possible for those times, the group started westward. The date was July 7, 1863. Even at the very best, such a trip could not be pleasant and there were several things that made it even less enjoyable. The journey was unusually hard for the baby Anna who was only five months old. She was sick much of the way and at times they did not think she could live to reach Salt Lake which was 1400 miles away.

Captain John R. Young told some interesting incidents about the trip. He writes: AFor the first week we made only from five to ten miles a day, but at the end of two weeks we could make twenty-five. At Woods River Center, the Western line of civilization and the last telegraph station I received a dispatch from our immigration agent, Feramorz Little, telling me that the Sioux were on the war path and that we must be watchful or they would run off our cattle. As a word of encouragement, he added that Captain Preston would overtake me in a few days and would give me four mounted Utah men to aid me as scouts and night guards for my cattle. Thus cheered, I pushed boldly out into the hunting grounds of the Sioux. But day after day passed and Captain Preston did not come. At last I reached Ash Hollow where there was a stockade and five Utah men guarding supplies left by the Adown-going train@. Leaving early the next morning we made a drive for twenty-five miles across the big bend of the Platte. In the evening a squad of US troops camped on the opposite side of the river and Ahelloed@ to us to look out for as they put it, AThe devil was let loose@, (meaning that Sitting Bull was on the warpath). In the morning they were gone and when we brought up our cattle, one of our best oxen was missing. It belonged to a Swede who had only a light wagon and one yoke of oxen. Selecting a large cow from the herd, I yoked her in and started the train on in charge of the interpreter. I borrowed a large horse from Hans Andersen. Then I circled the night herd ground and being a good trailer, I soon found the track of the ox going back. At Ash Hollow, twenty-five miles from camp, I caught up with him. After giving my horse AFan@ a feed of grain and taking lunch with the men, I started with the ox to overtake the immigrant train.

AThe long weary day went by. The sun near setting and I had just passed the night camp-ground I had left that morning when a small cloud of dust coming from the foot hills attracted my attention. Just as I was entering a gorge I drove the ox into the wash, then turned back up the hill until I could see the dust again. With the aid of my telescope, I made out four Indians rapidly driving a herd of horses toward a patch of timber of the river. A careful inspection convinced me that the loose animals were American horses and soon I recognized them as Captain Preston=s. It now flashed through my mind the reason why he had not overtaken us - the Indians had stolen his horses and crippled his movements.

AThere I was twenty miles from camp, alone with no weapon but my revolver and almost face to face with the robbers who had stolen my friend=s horses. I stood and watched until they reached the timber. Selecting a large tree for a camping place, they threw down their traps and three of them bunched the horses, while the fourth caught and hobbled them. Then they cut poles and started down the river, evidently to catch fish for their supper. I saw that the arroyo that I was in emptied into the river near their camp and knowing that the moon would not rise until a few minutes after dark, I instantly formed a plan and went to work to put into execution. I was averse to shedding blood, having always been taught to avoid it except in self-defense. I resolved, however, to recapture the horses, and then if followed, I would fight. Leaving the ox, I moved cautiously down the ravine and reached the mouth of it just as the gloom of night settled over the plain.

AThe Indians had returned and built a large fire. One of them walked out and bunched the horses and their movement attracted the attention of my mare. She threw up her head and started neigh, but I gave the bit a jerk in time to check her. The movement, slight as it was, showed me how dangerous was the work I had undertaken.

AThe Indians soon returned to camp and threw some more wood on the fire, which in the still night flamed high in the air, rendering objects visible for some distance around and greatly assisted my movements. I felt that now was the time to act. Approaching carefully the outer circle of horses and dropping my bridle-reins, I moved quietly from horse to horse cutting their hobbles, then regaining my own horse, moved the band slowly until they found they were unfettered. Then I leaped into my saddle and started them on a run. The wild yell that rang out on the night air curdled my blood and made my hair stand on end. For a moment I was quite unnerved but soon recovered and lashed the horses at a wild rate across the plain. By the time I reached the ox, the moon had risen and it seemed as light as day. I drove the horses and the ox across the gully and wheeled back and stood in the darkness at the bottom of it, waiting for my pursuers.

ASoon the pattering of feet reached my ears and holding my breath until two dark forms came into view, I opened fire. The quick somersault and rapid retreat convinced me that Mr. Indian had been twice surprised by the white man. Emptying my revolver to give the idea that there were several of us, I sent the stock hurrying toward camp. The road was straight and free from hill and hollow, and I was not much afraid of being ambushed.

AAs several hours passed without interruption, I concluded that my shots had taken effect, at least so far as to discourage the Indians from following me. But I was suddenly aroused from this feeling of security by another danger I had not counted on. It was the low distant howl of a wolf. Soon the answer came, then another and another. I smiled for I had contempt for the whole tribe, believing them to be cunning and cruel, but cowardly. I turned the cylinder of my pistol to see if it were properly reloaded and finding it all right, calmly awaited the gathering of the howling pack. With lolling tongues and fiery eyes, they came galloping up, falling into small groups, snapping, snarling and writhing. I hesitated to shoot for fear the smell of blood could whit their ferocious appetites. My hesitation ceased, however, as a large gray wolf trotted up to my side and crouched to spring at me. Instinctively I put a bullet through his shoulder and he fell backwards with a yell. In an instant a score of hungry brutes sprang onto him and tore him to pieces. At the same moment a fresh pack came sweeping across the road in front, enclosing us in a circle. The frightened horses recoiled back upon me and I began shooting right and left. One of the excited ponies suddenly bolted from the herd and ran wildly across the plain. Instantly every wolf joined the pursuit. For a moment there was a rushing sound which gradually died out in the distance, and I was left alone with my trembling ponies and my wildly beating heart. At four a.m. I reached the camp in safety. The dames had put the children to bed but the men and women were sitting around the fire in the center of a corral formed by the wagons. When I rode up they greeted me with four hurrahs and strong hands lifted me triumphantly to the watch fire where they had been watching and praying all night that I might return in safety. When the joy had somewhat subsided, I said, ABoys, that ox has traveled one hundred miles and I have ridden seventy-five. These horses are Captain Preston=s. I took them from the Indians who had stolen them. Now double the guards around the camp and cattle, put out your fire and let me sleep until sunrise.

AThe first day after my adventure (July 27) passed pleasantly. We made a good drive and camped on a small clear stream and the usual horseshoe corral was formed. At dusk the horses were placed on the inside and the guards placed themselves at the ends of the corral. In the morning it was reported that the horses had been restless. I circled the camp and near the mouth of the creek I found where two Indians had jumped across. I knew that mischief was intended. That night I was cautious in selecting a camp ground and careful in forming the corral, being sure that no gaps were left. Before our company had left Omaha, two American families joined us. They were rough Nebraskan farmers, and one of the men, named Jerry, was a great service to us. He was good-natured, strong and fearless. A younger brother of mine was also with me. He, too, was quiet and reliable. I told the people that I feared the Indians were following us and that they would try to stampede our stock. This I dreaded above all things. I had seen the effects of stampedes in my first trip across the plains. A tornado is but little more to be dreaded than the rush of a large herd of crazy, frightened cattle. I have seen wagons smashed to stove wood and strong men trampled to death. I, therefore, requested Jerry and my brother to spread their blankets near me, and I kept my best horse saddled ready for any emergency. And the emergency came about three o=clock in the morning. A wild yell like an Indian war-whoop rang out on the air, followed by a rush of cattle. In an instant was confusion, women and children tumbled pell-mell out of the wagons in their night clothes, screaming and fainting. The men, guns in hand, formed hands and rushing in front of the cattle fought desperately to keep them from bolting and caused the crazy beasts to run in a circle. Every round brought them nearer the wagons and I knew that if they struck them that they and we were ruined. Grasping my two trusted men, I urged them to mount their horses and throw themselves between the cattle and the wagons and force the cattle, if possible, to bolt from us. I seconded their efforts by mounting my horse and getting my interpreter, hurried to the men who were fighting the cattle. I led them to where I could hear Jerry and my brother=s voices vainly trying at each returning surge of the dark mass to force the cattle farther from the wagon. Massing my men at the most exposed angle of the corral, I ordered them on the return of the cattle to fire a volley into the air. The sheet of flames from the guns seemed for a moment to paralyze the stock and then with a rush that shook the ground beneath our feet, away they thundered towards the foot-hills on the north. I lay flat on my horse and crowding him into the jam was swept along with the herd for about three miles. When I was satisfied no Indians were following then, I straightened up and began talking to them. This had the effect of quieting them. They slowed up and began lowing as if calling to each other and finally stopped. I was soon joined by my brother, but Jerry=s horse was so slow he was soon out-distanced and we did not see him until he reached camp the next day.

AAs soon as it was light we moved the cattle back to camp. But they were nervous and great care had to be taken in yoking them up. About nine o=clock we broke camp. I put my brother=s team in lead and told him to drive briskly as I wanted to keep the wagons some distance apart. I strung out the team and instructed the drivers not to close up. I purposed to drive fast until we should reach Goose Creek fifteen miles away and then to camp. All went well and as I desired until we reached the summit of the last ridge. From there we had a mile of downhill grade to the creek. I glanced back and could see the line of white covered wagons following each other like birds of passage moving in orderly columns to a warmer clime. A feeling of joy filled my bosom, for I felt that the labor of the day would end in peace. I spurred my horse and galloped rapidly to see the front to select the best spot on which to form my camp. Crossing the creek and ascending the bench a few rods to the west I turned and looked back just in time to see two Indians ride from the head of a hollow on our left. As they rushed past the rear of the train they gave their wild, bloodcurdling war-hoop. As quick as lightening an alarm seemed to flash from one end of the train to the other and every team rushed wildly down the hill. My pen is too weak to describe the heart-rendering scene that followed the fearful rushing of the wild,stampeded cattle. Wagons were jolted against wagons with such force that inmates were thrown out; to be run over by other teams following in their rear. On they came, tearing blindly in any direction that their crazy fear led them. Wagons were embedded in the mire of the creek and the tongues jerked out. At last they began to scatter and then stop. Children ran instinctively to their parents for protection. In groups they wandered from their teams, avoiding them as though they had become beasts of terror to them. I rode to my brother and directed him to the selected camping place. He unhitched his team and driving the oxen some distance away, unyoked the right ox and turned its head toward the left one=s tail then yoked it again. In this shape as long as yoke and bows held, there was no danger of stampeding. The people took new courage. I rode from wagon to wagon directing the movements, checking noise and confusion. By evening the camp was formed, the cattle secured and the guards placed and fires lighted. Then I turned my attention to the wounded ones. I had little knowledge of surgery but all eyes were turned to me. With a prayer for God=s blessings to attend my efforts, I sewed up gaping flesh wounds. Providentially there were no bones broken, but there were two women and one man who needed no help of mine. Loving hands smoothed the tangled hair and closed the eyes of the dead and loving lips licked the pale brows, then white sheets were spread over them and they were left to rest. The next day on the hillside we dug their graves and of the old family chests coffins were made. Then a venerable man, in workman=s garb, spoke words of comfort.@

They arrived in Salt Lake Valley the 12^th of September, 1863. A great many of the immigrants stayed there and many others went south. But Hans felt impelled to go north. He selected Cache Valley as his home and at once prompted by his generosity and guided by his promise to the Lord that he would do all in his power for the upbuilding of His Church and Kingdom. He looked for its greatest needs and began, so far as he was able, to supply them. He bought land north of Logan. He built the first sawmill in Logan Canyon paying $900 for the wheel. It was the first mill in the northern settlements to be equipped with a circle saw. He bought and brought into the valley its first threshing machine. He saw the need of a better flour mill and proceeded to spend some twelve hundred dollars for machinery and bolting cloth for such a mill. All this equipment he had freighted across the plains and brought to a point near where Hyrum Dam has been constructed. The foundation of the mill was laid, the canal began, the materials assembled and everything rapidly moving towards what would have been a first class flour mill. (Hans had counted on his brother-in-law to operate the flour-mill). There came to him some who had been selected as leaders whose vision was not as keen as his and advised him against completing his mill. Rather than oppose any of those in authority over him, Hans abandoned it and for years the people of Cache Valley went without properly milled flour.

Another thing that proved his faith and unselfishness was the fact that though he entered the valley with enough cash to purchase a great portion of it, he obeyed strictly the advice of President Brigham Young and obtained only that which he needed for his own use. It consisted of 160 acres of land north-west of Logan which is now the Petersboro district, a few acres in Logan City and some pasture land. Always his teams, his plows and implements, and even his money were loaned without return to those who needed them. Any of the immigrants which came into the valley knew that he would care for them until they were able to provide for themselves. Most of the homes were log cabins with a Asod@ (dirt) roof. Hans Andersen=s home was one of the three in Logan that had shingles instead of a sod roof.

The 18^th of May, 1877, President Brigham Young and company came to Logan to dedicate a Temple site. They chose an elevated flat just a few miles south-west of the mouth of Logan Canyon which they called ALittle Bench@. (Big Bench located north and east of it was used for the AC College grounds.) President Young gave them just seven years in which to complete the Temple and a great deal of Hans= time, labor and money went into the building. The Temple was completed and dedicated the day before the seven years were up. Mrs. Andersen paid all her eggs gathered on Sundays. When the proceeds from these eggs were counted up it was found that she had paid forty dollars by the time the Temple was finished.

Three more children were born to Hans and Maren after their arrival in Utah. They were blessed with 10 children in all. The first was a boy (born in Utah), born the 13^th of July, 1865. They named him Hans after his father. The second was another son William born the 27^th of January 1869, and then there was a daughter Hannah born the 27^th of August, 1872. On the 16^th of November 1879 Maren died. It was a sad day for the husband and father as it was for his children. The succeeding days were hard for him. He could see how much his children needed a mother. Two years later, feeling that he found the very one to provide for the need, he married Maria C. Ek. She was a convert from Sweden and had immigrated to Utah just two years before.

Hans married Maria C. Ek on July 16, 1881. Her family lived in Ekeby where her father, because he had served his country well, had been appointed head corporal of the town of Ekeby. When he was appointed to this position his name was changed from Benson to Ek. In those days the corporal of a town was highly honored such as our Chief of Police are today. But Maria was very industrious, so she moved to the city of Upsala, twenty-eight miles away, which is noted for its schools and colleges. There she went into business for herself mending rubbers and galoshes at which she became so proficient that the college boys and girls all patronized her shop.

She had the privilege of hearing the Mormon Elders preach and was greatly impressed with the Gospel message, so much so, that she asked to be baptized into the Church. Her parents, however, were greatly prejudice against the Mormons and told her that they would rather see her dead than know she was a Mormon. But Maria was very courageous and the more she listened to the Mormon Elders the more convinced she became that their Church was the true Church so on April 10, 1876, she was baptized by Elder Ephraim Johnson, after which she prepared to come to America. She was very thrifty and while in her shop she saved a large part of her earnings and in a few years had enough to do a great deal of good. She helped three of her friends to come to America, not asking any returns from them. She arrived in Logan July 18, 1879, where she went to work for a family by the name of Chris Garff. In 1881, she married Hans Andersen and helped him to raise part of his first wife=s family, also giving birth to two daughters of her own. Lydia was born the 17^th of May, 1882 and Hilda born the 21^st of July 1884.She joined the Fourth Ward Relief Society and served for some time as a visiting teacher. After years of service her President have her a surprise party in honor of her good service.

August 1882 Hans received a call to return to Denmark as a missionary. There he had the privilege of preaching the gospel to his friends and relatives. After seeing the condition the people were in he never regretted the bringing his family to America. After his return Hans served the Church as a High Councilman in the Cache Stake which, at that time, included all the settlement to the north, even into Montana. He was then ordained a Patriarch by Brigham Young.

Brother Andersen was always a friend to the poor and needy. He was known as the rich Danishman. Many immigrants found shelter at his home until they could get something for themselves. His life was one of service to his fellow man and to his God and when the Church called he never shirked, but always did the best he could. He helped 15 people immigrate to Zion for which he never received pay.