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Accounts of Thomas Greenhalgh, his wife and seven children, migrating to America
From the passenger list of the steamship Nevada, Departure date: 14 May 1862
GREENHALGH, Thomas <1821> Belle Wood 1865
Age: 44 Origin: England Occ: Warper
Note: BMR, p. 174; Customs, p.6.
GREENHALGH, Mary <1827> Belle Wood 1865
Age: 38 Origin: England Occ: Wife
GREENHALGH, Mary Ann <1850> Belle Wood 1865
Age: 15 Origin: England Occ: Spinster
GREENHALGH, Sarah <1854> Belle Wood 1865
Age: 11 Origin: England Occ: Spinster
GREENHALGH, Abraham <1856> Belle Wood 1865
Age: 9 Origin: England
GREENALGH, Thomas <1858> Belle Wood 1865
Age: 7 Origin: England
Note: BMR, p. 174; Customs, p.6.
GREENHALGH, Magaret <1860> Belle Wood 1865
Age: 5 Origin: England
GREENHALGH, William <1862> Belle Wood 1865
Age: 3 Origin: England
GREENHALGH, Francis <1865> Belle Wood 1865
Age: infant Origin: England
Note: "Infant" (BMR).
Ship: Belle Wood
Date of Departure: 29 Apr 1865 Port of Departure: Liverpool, England
LDS Immigrants: 636 Church Leader: William H. Shearman
Date of Arrival: 31 May 1865 Port of Arrival: New York, New York
Source(s): BMR, Book #1048, pp. 163-193 (FHL #025,692); Customs #444 (FHL #175,608)
Voyage Notes:
"DEPARTURE OF THE SHIP BELLE WOOD. -- We had the pleasure of clearing this fine ship upon Saturday, the 29th instant. She sailed in the afternoon of the same day, having 636 souls of the Saints on board. We shall publish, in our next impression, a list of the elders who have returned home this season, and other particulars connected with the emigration, which might prove interesting to the Saints."
<MS, 27:18 (May 6, 1865), p.285>
"Sat. 29. [Apr. 1865] -- The ship Belle Wood sailed from Liverpool with 636 saints on board, bound for Utah, under the direction of William H. Shearman. The company landed at New York June 1st, and arrived at Wyoming, Nebraska on the 15th."
<CC, p.72>
PERSONAL ACCOUNS:
"Arrivals--Summary of Letter"
Autobiographical Sketch of Merlin Eastham Kearl
Autobiography of Catherine Hagell Naisbitt
Autobiography of Mary Ann Greenhalgh Mace
Autobiography of Robert Pixton
Letter of William H. Shearman - May 30, 1865
Letter of William H. Shearman - June 17, 1865
Reminiscences of Agnes C. Hefferan Rich
“Arrivals--Summary of Letter”
ARRIVALS--We are in receipt of mails from America, with letters from Elders Taylor, Shearman, Reynolds and Barfoot. Brother Reynolds arrived in New York per steamship “Persia,” on the 31st ultimo, in good health and spirits.
. . . Our readers will also be pleased to learn form the letter published in this week’s “Star,” of the safe arrival of the emigrant ship Belle Wood. Brother Shearman, in writing, expresses himself to the effect, that taking into consideration the usual inconveniences of a sea voyage, the passage (31 days) was very pleasant. The provisions furnished, with the exception of the peas, were first class, and had given great satisfaction. The extras and comforts provided by the church were abundant in quantity, excellent in quality, and gratefully appreciated by the Saints, who also speak highly of the untiring exertions of Brother Shearman and his counselors on their behalf. Elder Thomas Taylor was well, but busy arranging for the departure of the Saints to Wyoming, and anxiously awaiting the arrival of the “B.S. Kimball” with the Scandinavian emigrants. [p.397]
BIB: “Arrivals [Summary of Letter],” Latter-day Saints’ Millennial Star 27:25 (June 24, 1865) p. 397. (HDL)
Autobiographical Sketch of Merlin Eastham Kearl
. . . I was born in the little village of Macsbro, Yorkshire, England on Nov. 6, 1852. My mother’s and father’s names’s were John Eastham and Jane Huntington.
When I was seven years old we moved to the city of Leed’s and lived there twelve years. On April 29, 1865, we left England for the United States, on an old sailing vessel called the Belle Wood. We had a nice voyage across the Atlantic. There occurred two deaths, one an old lady and the other a little baby. It was quite sad to see them put into the ocean.
We were four weeks on the water and landed in New York about a [-] after President Lincoln was killed. All the immigrants were unloaded at Castle Garden. We stayed there for two or three days and then started across the continent by rail. We had a short trip on water also, and after a few days were landed bag and baggage on the shore of the Missouri River.
There were six hundred of us with no shelter but a storm cellar. There was not a thing in this cellar and the people made their beds on the dirt floor.
We camped there nine weeks and there was thunderstorms nearly every day. The place was called Wyoming and was six miles north of where Nebraska City is now. Some of the men went to Omaha to buy oxen, cows, and wagons for the company to use. This was [p.10] what took so long. When we were ready to start Mother bought each of us a shaker (a kind of sunbonnet) and mine blew off the first day and was lost. We did not see an Indian on the trip, but one night just as we were going to camp we were told not to, as Indians had made a raid on a Danish camp the night before and had stolen a woman. They shot seven arrows into the husband who was trying to rescue her. This man lived and came on to Salt lake City, but he never saw his wife again. This happened on the Platte River only three miles from Fort Laramie, but the soldiers could not get there in time to do any good.
We arrived in Salt Lake on November 7th. . . . [p.11]
BIB: Kearl, Merlin Eastham, [Autobiographical Sketch], Utah Pioneer Biographies, vol. 17, pp. 10-11. (FHL)
Autobiography of Catherine Hagell Naisbitt
. . . I, Catherine Hagell Naisbitt, was born in London, England, March 28th, 1849, the second child of a family of eight. My parents’ names were John Hagell and Mary Eliza Lee. I was barely 13 years of age when my mother died, leaving a family of eight children ranging in age from one week to 14 years. I being the oldest girl naturally felt the loss most keenly. We had planned on emigrating that year, but Mother’s death prevented our starting on so perilous a journey, especially with such a young baby. However, the following year, Father sold out his business and we started on what we children thought was to be a pleasure trip, but, alas, the first night aboard the ship proved to be anything but pleasant. We begged Father to take us home, but his reply was “We have no home, we are going to make one in Zion.” Little did we realized the hardships we would encounter before we reached there. Shortly after we set sail, the baby, who was only one week old when Mother died, took suddenly sick and died soon afterwards. He was buried in the sea when he was just fourteen months old. We all felt this loss very keenly, especially Father. The name of the ship we sailed on was the Belle Wood. We set sail on the 29th of April 1865, and were six weeks and three days on the ocean. When we arrived in New York, word had been sent from Utah that no wagons would be sent from there as had been the custom in other years. Therefore, only those who had the means could go on. These gave their money to Brother Taylor, who had charge of the emigration and he was delegated to purchase oxen to take us on. Father had enough money to send one, though he did not have sufficient for the whole family. He was, therefore, advised to send me, which he decided to do. He had a wealthy brother in New Jersey who was willing to help him in any way, provided he would give up his religion and keep me with him. When he found Father would not do this, he refused to help in any way.
I never will forget the homesick feeling I experienced when they bade me goodbye. We were detained in Castle Garden ten days after this, and I can assure you if it had been possible I would have gone back. I did not know his address, however, so, heartsick and weary, I started with the company, feeling that I was leaving all worthwhile behind me. When we arrived at the frontier I found a letter from my uncle asking me to return to those poor motherless children. I was overjoyed at the prospect, but it seems I was destined to disappointment, for when I told the captain that I was going back with the missionaries who were going East from Utah, he said, “No, my girl, there is no going back in the Church.” So once more I was headed toward Utah with no prospect of returning to my family in New Jersey.
. . . We did not arrive in Utah until the 15th of November. . . . [p.112]
BIB: Naisbitt, Catherine Hagell [Autobiography], Our Pioneer Heritage, comp. by Kate B. Carter, vol. 10, (Salt Lake City: Daughters of Utah Pioneers, 1967), pp. 110-12. (HDL)
Autobiography of Mary Ann Greenhalgh Mace
I, Mary Ann Greenhalgh Mace, was born April 21, 1848, at Maulesfield, Cheshire, England, the daughter and eldest child of Mary Moorcroft and Thomas Greenhalgh. My father was a silk warper and worked at his trade in the city of Manchester in Lancashire. He learned this art when a very young man. I can [p.125] not remember the time when he had any other trade than that of a silk warper. At the age of twelve years I started to work in a cloth factory where my father warped. I never attended school as my parents were in need of my help at home. At nights, however, when my father came home from work, his working hours were from six until six, he taught me to read, write, spell and figure. When I was twelve years old the Civil War broke out in America. This made it necessary for me to work in the factory with my father to help support the family, which by this time included five children. I earned about three and one-half dollars each week winding skeins of yarn on spools.
On April 29, 1865, our family of nine children with Father and Mother, left Liverpool for America on a sailing vessel called the Belle Wood. This ship was in charge of Captain Freeman, a large red-headed Yankee, who said he had crossed the ocean six times. Our trip on the ocean lasted five weeks and two days. The captain said it was the nicest trip he had ever taken across the Atlantic Ocean. We landed at Castle Garden, New York, June 2, 1865, and found the county in deep mourning over the tragic death of Abraham Lincoln. Everywhere we saw soldiers who were returning home from the Civil War. I remember one troop carrying what remained of a huge American flag. The center had been taken out by a cannon ball, and soldiers were carrying it down the street by its corners. They looked ragged, tired and sick as they dragged themselves down the street to their quarters amid the sound of cheers and martial music.
My baby brother, who had been sick on voyage, died one month after we landed in New York and was buried in the Green Wood Cemetery. A short service was held at the grave. The undertaker’s name was John Mace. Our family stayed in New York City until the middle of September, where my sister Sarah and I obtained work in a silk factory. We were dissatisfied here because Father could not find work and we did not like living in a city either, but we were obliged to stay until we could do better. In a short time we heard of a manufacturing town called Cohoes, which was eleven miles from Albany, so we moved there. Here we obtained a comfortable house in which to live, and secured work for us all; that was, for my sister Sarah, Father, and myself. It was while we were living here that I attended one quarter of night school, the only school I ever attended in my life. We lived here until July 10th or 12th, 1866, when Father decided to move west to Utah. When all was ready we sailed down the Hudson River for about three hundred miles from Albany to New York. Here we waited for more people whom we learned were also going to Utah. We were obliged to take a round about way to come west as a satisfactory agreement [p.126] could not be made with the company which had been handling the immigrant traffic.
Our route took us into Canada by way of the Great Lakes of Huron and Michigan, then to Chicago, from here to a place called Wyoming. We rested a few days and left on July 24, 1866, about noon after we had cooked our dinner around a camp fire. We were met by a company of eighty-two covered wagons which had been sent out from Utah by Brigham Young to meet the immigrants. Two families were assigned to travel in each wagon on the journey to Salt Lake City. This arrangement did not meet with my mother’s approval, as she did not like the looks of some of the immigrants. She thought they might have vermin, or that we children might contract some disease from them. After talking with several of the drivers, we were assigned to ride in a wagon that carried some freight. It consisted of two large flat wooden boxes which just fit into the bottom of the wagon box and completely covered the floor. Packed into these boxes were the materials for the great Salt Lake Tabernacle organ. . . .
. . . After reaching Utah, the first settlement we came to was Coalville at Silver Creek, a small village with a few buildings. We did not stop here, however, as our destination was Salt Lake City, where we arrived Oct. 4, 1866. Here we camped in the lot east of the Tabernacle grounds in the tithing office sheds. The roof had been put on the tabernacle and the foundation for the temple was just laid. Not far from these was the old Salt Lake Theater, which was completed and had been in use for four years. We were to stay in the sheds until we could find another place. . . . [p.127]
BIB: Mace, Mary Ann Greenhalgh, [Autobiography], Our Pioneer Heritage, comp. by Kate B. Carter, vol. 15, (Salt Lake City: Daughters of Utah Pioneers, 1972), pp.125-127. (HDL)
Daughters of Utah Pioneers, 1967), pp. 110-12. (HDL)
Autobiography of Robert Pixton
On the 13th of April I left Coventry for Liverpool. Arrived about 3 o’clock p.m. went to 42 Islington found Brothers Wells and Young and stopped to supper, visited around a day or two and then went to Manchester and found Uncle Wrigley all well. Next day I saw my nieces Jane and Ann Pearson. I went with them and had their photographs taken, then went to Stoningham to see my cousins. I went to the clerk [-] Bowden and next to find out my father’s genealogy but could not.
On the 20th I took train to Farrington to see Brother John and the folks, found them all well. Was glad to see me and I stayed several days then went to Liverpool. President [-] dedicated the vessel, spoke to the Saints.
On the 29th of April we was on board the vessel Belle Wood, the tug boat took us in tow and we set sails and moved past Holyhead. Brother W. H. Sherman [Shearman] was appointed president of the company. Brothers C. Taylor and S. S. Willis his counselors and I was captain of the guard. The ship began to leak [-] we had to pump her three times a day.
On the 16th of May a child of Brother Hefferan’s died. It was consigned to the deep.
On the 28th Sister Haved died aged 69 years.
On the 29th we saw land.
On the 30th we saw land in sight, Sandy Hook.
On the 31st the tug boat came for us and we dropped anchor at Castle Garden. At 11 o’clock Brother Taylor came on board to make arrangements to go on shore. The Saints had to do the best they could [p.43] this night as they had destroyed their beds expecting to go on shore.
The next day the government officers came on board to inspect us. We all got landed with our luggage in Castle Garden expecting to take the cars next day, but the man that Brother Taylor made the contract with wanted to back out but after waiting 5 days we got started on the 4th of June and went to Williamsburg. On the 6th we took train for St. Joseph by Albany & Niagara Falls, through Chicago & Quincy and arrived at Wyoming on the 14th of June. We had to stay here for 8 weeks, there was much sickness. We could not do anything until Brother T. Taylor came which was in July then we had to buy cattle and some wagons. The first company of Danes started on the 1st of August; we started from Wyoming on the 11th, about the 25th we passed Fort Kearney. On the 6th of Oct. We camped just west of Devil’s Gate, was at the 3 Crossings on the 9th and 10th. Snow on the ground which delayed us 3 days. The roads was now bad and we traveled slow. We was met by some teams from the valley with flour. . . . [p.44] [ABRUPT END TO JOURNAL]
BIB: Pixton, Robert. Autobiography (Ms 5474 fd. 1), pp. 43-44. (HDA)
Letter of William H. Shearman - May 30, 1865
Ship Belle Wood.
Presidents Wells and Young.
Dear Brethren,--After the departure of yourselves, and the elders who accompanied you, from your visit to our vessel in the Mersey, we all stood gazing after you, with emotions only known to Saints who have long enjoyed each other’s society, until your forms were no longer distinguishable, when we turned our attention to the practical duties before us, and proceeded to get the luggage below, and all made secure for the night. We then held a council meeting, at which the ship was divided into nine wards, with the following elders as presidents:--1st Ward, Charles Carpenter; 2nd Ward, E.F. Bird; 3rd Ward, William Willes; 4th Ward, George Sims; 5th Ward, F.W. Cox and Henry Walters; 6th Ward, M.P. Romney; 7th Ward, G.W. Grant; 8th Ward, Alfred Lee; 9th Ward, Matthew Lyon. Elder Robert Pixton was also appointed captain of the guard and police, and Elder George Sims clerk. Most of the people were too sick to attempt to hold meetings the next day, and those who were well were busily occupied in ministering to the [p. 397] comfort of the rest. The number of aged, feeble and sick, rendered it necessary to appoint some persons whose special business it should be to attend to them. Accordingly, Elder William Willes and a Female Sanitary Committee, consisting of Sisters Cecilia Campbell, Maria Wixley and Eliseman Savage, were appointed to that important labor of love. This office they cheerfully accepted, and faithfully performed the onerous duties devolving upon them, dispensing sago, tapioca, arrowroot, hot tea, coffee, soup, boiled rice, and dried apple sauce, with other little luxuries, which were carefully prepared, and proved very grateful and nourishing to the invalids. By the kindness of Captain Freeman in permitting these nourishments to be prepared at his own galley, it enabled us to supply the sick with a little light refreshment at an earlier hour than could have been done at our own fire, which was a source of much comfort to many in a debilitated condition. The Saints are unanimous in their expressions of satisfaction and gratitude, for the liberal provision made by you for their comfort and health on the voyage. It was really amusing, if not interesting, to watch the variety and number of dishes sent to the galley, and many on board lived better than they had done for many years.
Sister Campbell and her associates were untiring in their exertions both day and night, to nourish and nurse the sick, and to the providence of the Lord, the ministrations of the elders and these careful attendants, including Elder William Willes, may be attributed the rapid recovery of many, and the general good health that has been enjoyed.
Elder Barfoot has proved himself invaluable, having been most efficient in the discharge of his duties as passenger steward, and both he and Elder Fowler merit the gratitude of the whole ship’s company for their indefatigable labors. We would not omit to mention Dr. Fitzpatrick, who, by his gentlemanly, mild and obliging manners, and by his patient and constant attention to the sick, has proved himself a man eminently suited to the position.
To supply the Saints with regular meals, an organization of brethren for cooking was formed. Elders Shaw and Holt were appointed superintendents to preside alternately, and direct the labors of Brothers May, Wise, South, Richards and Bowen, who were very vigilant and patient in the discharge of their duties, supplying three good meals a day. The Saints were notified to prepare their dishes, which were brought to and taken from the galley, by brethren appointed for that purpose from each ward. The wards cooked in rotation, commencing with the 1st Ward one morning, and the 9th Ward the next. Water and provisions were served in the same order. This arrangement gave the middle wards about the same hour for cooking every day, and gave general satisfaction.
Our first Sunday meeting, May 7th, by the permission of the captain, was held on the quarter deck, where the mate, Mr. Graystone, had prepared a sort of pulpit by spreading the union jack on the harness cask, and had also arranged seats for the accommodation of the elders. The ship’s bell was tolled for half an hour previous to each meeting. The captain, officers, and as many of the crew as could conveniently do so, favored us with their presence, and paid marked attention. It is but justice to the officers of the ship to state that, during every meeting which was held upon deck, they maintained the strictest order and decorum among the crew. The sacrament was administered, and addresses were given by several of the elders. The Spirit of the Lord was copiously poured out upon both speakers and hearers, and your presence was all that was lacking to make it equal to any conference that we have had the pleasure of attending in England. The speeches were powerful, animated and instructing, inspiring each heart to renewed diligence and faithfulness, and were very comforting to the afflicted. All the wards had meetings morning and evening, at which prayers were said, and instructing remarks made by their presidents, and frequent testimony meetings were held. The weather governed us in the choice of deck or steerage to hold our meetings [p.398] in . A council meeting was held daily at 3 p.m., to provide for any contingency that might arise, and to continue to arrange for order, comfort and cleanliness.
Brothers Fowler, Palmer and Stonehouse, were appointed a committee to make arrangements for social parties for the recreation of the Saints, at which well-selected pieces were recited, and anthems and songs, both spiritual and secular, were executed in a very creditable manner. A small brass band, assisted by one or two good violinists, also by a flute and clarinet, made sweet melody to beguile the leisure hours of our trip, and filled the air with pleasant strains of music. Among the amusements may be classed the publication of a paper, entitled the Bell Wood Gazette, elder George Sims, editor, in which daily appeared sundry communications from the different correspondents, telegrams from various parts of the world, poetical contributions, reports of the board of health, advertisements for matrimonial alliances, lost property, essays, editorial instructions, &c.
Union in good feeling, characterized the conduct of the Saints during the entire trip, and our hearts are thankful to him who rules on high, for the operations of his Holy Spirit, which produced these most desirable results.
We regret to have to inform you of three deaths that have occurred during the voyage. First, John Edwin Hefferan, of consumption, on May 16th, born Jan. 5, 1864, at Dinpore, Bengal, East Indies. Second, William James Hazell, of convulsions, on the 24th of May, born March 12, 1864, at London. Third, Ann Eyre, of general debility, brought on by dysentery, on the 28th instant, born in Eckington, Lincolnshire, in 1798. A few cases of measles have occurred, but which have all terminated favorably.
The pilot boarded us this afternoon, (May 30th,) and as we hope to anchor in New York Bay tomorrow, we are preparing our letters to send on shore by the captain.
We have had an exceedingly pleasant voyage thus far, having experienced very little rough weather, but considerable rain. Captain Freeman has been gentlemanly, courteous and patient in his intercourse with us, he proved himself a skillful and careful officer, expresses himself as highly pleased with his passengers, and very desirous of carrying our people in future.
We feel thankful to our Father in heaven for his protecting care which has been over us, and the many blessings we have enjoyed from his hands. We earnestly pray for a continuance of his goodness and protection during our further journeyings, and for the choicest blessing that accompany his Holy Spirit to rest upon you, and all the faithful elders and Saints over whom you preside. Your brethren in the gospel,
W. H. Shearman,
C.B. Taylor,
W. S. S. Willes.
George Sims, Clerk. [p.399]
BIB: Shearman, W. H., et. al., [Letter], Latter-day Saints Millennial Star. 27:25 (June 24, 1865), pp. 397-99. (HDL)
Letter of William H. Shearman - June 17, 1865
Wyoming, N.T., June 17, 1865.
President Wells.
Dear Brother,--As I informed you by previous letter, we anchored in New York Harbor on May 31st, and were landed at Castle Garden, with our luggage, on the following day. We experienced no difficulty in passing the doctor and custom house officers, who were very courteous and accommodating. Of course we did not fail to show our appreciation of their kindness in enabling us to pass our effects without going through all the tedious formalities of the custom house regulations. In consequence of unwillingness on the part of railway contractors to fulfil their engagements with Elder Thomas Taylor, we were detained in Castle Garden between five and six days. The weather was intensely hot, the Saints suffered much from various sources of annoyance, and disease made its appearance and began to spread rapidly. I am thankful, however, to be able to say that, by the blessing of the Lord, we escaped with the loss of but one child, who died of the croup. Under these circumstances Brother Taylor had no alterative but to take steps to obtain legal redress; which, when the contractors found he was determined to do, they concluded to fulfil their agreement.
We accordingly left New York for Albany, by the Hudson River Railroad at 8 p.m., on the 6th. We arrived safely at this place on the 15th instant, having had a very agreeable trip, without any material detention, with the exception of the short distance between Quincy and the Palmyra Junction, which we had to ride in miserable dirty cattle trucks. At the latter place the Saints - men, women and children - were turned out into the pitiless storm without shelter. We remonstrated with the officials in vain, until assuming to have more authority than I really possessed, I told them I should certainly send our following company by some other route, where they would be treated with something like decency and humanity. The station master then concluded to let us into the depot where the people were tolerably comfortable till they proceeded to St. Joseph. About a mile east of St. Joseph the flood, during the night, had washed away a portion of the railway, causing a detention of a few hours. We experienced no material difficulty along the route, and were treated with great courtesy and kindness by nearly all with whom we came in contact. We have had a great many cases of measles, but all have done well with two or three exceptions. One child, aged eleven months, (Frederick Wilson Simons) died in the cars near, and was buried at St. Joseph. Sidney Biddle, aged 9 months, from Walsall near Birmingham, died of decline, and was buried at this place yesterday; Samuel A. [p.461] Shaw aged 3 years, from the same place died today of measles.
During the journey from New York to this place, every possible attention was given to the sick and feeble, the best railway carriage was always appropriated exclusively to their use, and the preference was given to them in all things.
It has been very stormy ever since we have been here, making the country very muddy and disagreeable. The thunder and lightning have been of that fearfully grand and, to me, sublimely magnificent character peculiar to America. Elder J. G. Holman has done everything in his power to make the Saints comfortable and to provide for their necessities. Several merchant trains for Salt Lake City are starting for Nebraska City, seven miles below this place, and are engaging many of the brethren as teamsters, paying from $40 to $50 per month. Twenty-six men and four women engaged and went to Nebraska today, under the presidency of Elder William Willes. Elder Holman has selected twenty more men, half of them with families, whom he expects will start with another train on Monday, under the presidency of Elder E. F. Bird. From present appearances it is likely that many more will be wanted , and Brother Holman hopes to be able in this manner, to get off many who would otherwise have been unable to go to Zion this season. We all feel very grateful to the Lord for thus opening the way for the gathering of his poor Saints. The wagon masters and the rest of the teamsters are Gentiles, but Brothers Naisbett, Hampton, Basset, and others have done all in their power to ensure the comfort and welfare of our brethren and families who go with them.
In consequence of the fall of gold, and the high prices of every article needed for emigration, Brother Holman and Taylor are seriously embarrassed for means. Brother Holman called a meeting for the brethren who wished to drive teams over the plains, and stated the case to them, when nearly everyone nobly and cheerfully volunteered to give their wages to the Church, to assist to gather the aged and females who are here without means. I do not think there has ever been a company of Saints come from Europe who have been more generally united and willing to obey counsel than this one. Provisions are very high here at present; flour is five dollars per cwt., bacon is 18 to 20 cents, sugar 25 to 30, coffee 45, tea $2.50 cents, and other things in proportion.
There has been a great deal of luggage brought this season, the freight of which, over the railway, will I fear be lost to the Church, as there was no possibility of weighing it - individually - in New York, and no means of doing it here.
The health of the returning elders is generally good. Matthew Lyon has greatly improved, as also Father Lee. Brothers C. B. Taylor, and F. W. Cox have gone to see their relatives in the States, but we are expecting them here in a few days. Brother T. Taylor was very anxious that I should accompany the Saints to this point, and I am now waiting their arrival at Nebraska of Brother W. T. Godbie (whom I had the pleasure of meeting at New York) and George Reynolds, when we expect to take stage together for Salt Lake City.
I forgot to mention that while detained in New York, we had some excellent meetings at Williamsburg, in the Aldelphi Hall at which a great number of Saints from Castle Garden attended. By the liberality of Brother W. T. Godbie and the kindness of Elder T. Taylor and others, a very refreshing and substantial repast was provided for all had come from Castle Garden, consisting of rich sweet milk, new bread, and good fresh butter, spread in our liberal American style. The food was very acceptable, and refreshing to the bodies of the fatigued Saints, and the kindness that prompted the movement was still more grateful and invigorating to their spirits, as it showed an interest in their welfare and comfort, that can only be fully appreciated under such circumstances.
Brother Holman says he hopes to be able to get the last of the Saints off by the 10th or 15th of next month.
Ever praying for your welfare and [p.462] prosperity, as also for all the elders laboring under your watchcare, I remain your brother.
William H. Shearman
P.S. - Sunday, 18th. Brothers Godbie and Reynolds arrived today. We leave by stage in the morning at 7. [p.463]
BIB: Shearman, W.[William] H. et al. [Letter], Latter-day Saints’ Millennial Star 27:29 (July 22, 1865) pp. 461-63 (HDL)
Reminiscences of Agnes C. Hefferan Richardson
Shortly after arriving in England, the children all had the measles but they never broke out on the baby. He was a big fat beautiful baby until this time but after having the measles, he went into a decline and never recovered. Father told Mother that the ocean trip would either kill or cure him and to be prepared for the worst. He died just a few days after sailing, on January 5th, and was buried at sea.
The Mormon immigrant vessel left the first of the year. It was not a very good boat, [p.10] it only had 3 cabins. Father wanted to wait and go later on a better boat and where he could get better accommodations, but Mother insisted on going with the Mormon group. She was always afraid of Father’s life.
The boat had three decks. On either side of the second deck bunks were built. It was here that the family lived for three months. It took them that long for the crossing.
The captain gave Father the best place on this second deck. It was right where the light filtered down a little during the daytime. The married people all slept in bunks on one side, while the single people slept on the other. A woman and her two daughters looked after the little girls at night. The two babies Johnny and Fred slept with Mother and Father.
The kitchen was on the hurricane deck. Here they had large stoves. The people had to have their food all prepared, then they would take it into the kitchen to have it cooked. There was no dining room.
I was always ready to do all the errands. One day Father sent me to the kitchen. As I was running toward the cook-house, a wave struck the ship, it lurched and sent me spinning toward the rail. I grabbed some ropes just in time to save myself from going overboard. A sailor helped me up and said, “You sure missed going overboard that time.” Everything on the stove was pitched off onto the floor. Everyone had to wait until the things were cleaned up and more dinner prepared before they could eat.
The second and third decks were lighted day and night by large lamps suspended from the ceiling by chains. This allowed for the movement of the boat. Every day a man came cleaned and refilled the lamps. One day while cleaning them, he spilt some coal oil on the steps. A lamp toppled over and immediately the whole stairway was ablaze. Father and others rushed to help and it was quickly put out before any damage was done.
On this vessel were converts from all the European countries. Most of them couldn’t speak a word of English, yet they all had one thing in common, the gospel, and one common destination, Utah. Father became great friends with a Brother Bird, a man who was returning from his mission. [p.11]
One day Father took me down into the third class which was the hold. There the conditions were really terrible. People packed in like cattle, about seven or eight hundred of them. The stench was terrible. This was all very shocking to Father.
One old lady died during the crossing. Brother Bird presided at her funeral. He had also taken charge when our baby died.
It was a happy day for all when the boat finally docked at Castle Garden. There we were all bathed and checked at the customs house. Brother Bird took we three girls and walked up Broadway in New York. We were thrilled at the sight. It was just at the close of the Civil War. There were soldiers stationed everywhere.
After we were cleared through the customs the family got onto a small steam engine and went up the Hudson River to the railroad. The day they transferred from the steamer to the train. Father helped check all his luggage. It was raining hard and very cold. He took a bad cold, it settled in his bowels and he never really recovered.
I do not remember a great deal about our trip across the continent, and Mother never told me anything about that part of the journey. One thing I do remember was that the train was very dirty. The immigrants before us had left refuse and dirt on the seats and floors. They didn’t have porters in those days as they do now and we had to clean places ourselves before we could sit down. In 1865 the railroad had not yet been built into Salt Lake. Upon reaching Wyoming we had to wait there until the cattle came. Brigham Young would send companies of men from Salt Lake to meet the emigrant trains in Wyoming. They would organize them into companies, have cattle for them to buy to pull their wagons and guide them across the plains into the city of the Saints.
The one in charge of this particular group of men was a Bishop Taylor. Brigham Young had given him money with which he was to purchase cattle that were already broken in, to pull the wagons. But he didn’t do this, he bought unbroken, wild steers, just off the range which were cheaper and kept the remaining money for himself. These cattle had not yet come when the emigrants arrived in Wyoming, so it was for them that they had to wait. Leaving the company in charge of other men, Bishop Taylor left and went back to Salt Lake. When the cattle finally arrived, Father refused to have any of them. . . .[p.12]
[THERE IS NO SALT LAKE CITY ARRIVAL DATE GIVEN]
BIB: Richardson, Agnes C. Heffera
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Narratives of the Emigration from the Scandinavian Mission 1852-1868 (not sure if relevent)
from excerpts of the History of the Scandinavian Mission, by Andrew Jenson.
1866 (p. 191-195)
Link
As the transportation of the emigrants in 1865 from Hamburg direct to New York had proved a success, it was decided by the presidency of the European Mission in Liverpool that the larger emigration from Scandinavia in 1866 also should embark at Hamburg and sail direct to New York, and with this object in view President Brigham Young. jun., and Elder John W. Young personally went to Hamburg in the month of May to assist President Carl Widerborg to make the necessary arrangements to that end. A company of emigrating, Saints the first of the year's emigration) left Copenhagen by steamer "Aurora", May 17, 1866, and arrived early on the following day (May 18th) in Kiel, from which city the company went by train to Altona. From there the women and children continued in a small steamer to Hamburg, while the men walked to the same place. 0n their arrival in Hamburg, the emigrants were lodged for the night in a large emigrant building, and the following day went on board the double-decked ship "Kenilworth" (caps. Brown ) . On Tuesday, May 22nd more emigrants (who had left Copenhagen the preceding day) together with Elders Carl Widerborg, Niels Wilhelmsen, Geo. M. Brown and Chr. Christiansen, arrived in Hamburg, and on the 23rd the ship sailed a few miles down the river Elbe, where it anchored. On the 24th President Carl Widerborg, accompanied by Elders Niels Wilhelmsen and Christian Christiansen, came on board and organized the company, appointing Samuel L. Sprague president with Elder Morten Lund as his assistant Fred R. E. Berthelsen was appointed secretary and Elder Ole H. Berg captain of the guard. The emigrants were divided into forty-two messes, each containing from twelve to seventeen persons, and a president appointed over each mess.
The ship "Kenilworth" lifted anchor in the River Elbe at Hamburg May 25, 1866, and commenced its long voyage across the North Sea and Atlantic Ocean, with its precious cargo of 684 souls on board; of these 583 were from Denmark, 23 from Norway, 73 from Sweden and five from Germany. The route around the north of Scotland was chosen and one day the ship, driven by contrary winds out of its course, got so close to the west coast of Norway that its rocky cliffs were plainly seen. The Shetland and Orkney Islands were soon passed and the winds were favorable for about three weeks. After that there was continuous headwinds and fog for five weeks, which made the voyage both long and dreary. Capt. Brown and the ship's crew treated the passengers in a kind and generous manner, allowing them all the privileges that could reasonably be expected. The provisions were satisfactory and the sick received good attention. Eleven or twelve persons died during the voyage. Among these was a man who willfully jumped overboard on July 15th, just as land was in sight. A boat was launched in an endeavor to save him, but with. out success. The following night the ship anchored off Staten Island, and on the 17th of July the emigrants were landed at Castle Garden, the weather being exceedingly hot. Elder Thos. Taylor, who again acted as emigration agent for the Church in 1866, had experienced much trouble in making the necessary arrangements for transporting the emigrants from New York to Wyoming, Neb. The railroad companies, whose lines went out from New York, had apparently planned to speculate at the expense of the "Mormons", and hence asked an unusual high price for conveying the emigrants westward. At length, after making a trip to Boston, Elder Taylor succeeded in closing a satisfactory contract for their conveyance, by an entirely new route, which was several hundred miles longer, but much cheaper than the more direct route used to be. On the evening of the same day that the passengers of the "Kenilworth" were landed at Castle Garden, the emigrants proceeded on their journey on a large freight steamer to New Haven, Conn., where they arrived on the morning of July 18th. After staying there a few hours, the journey northward by train was begun, passing through the States of Connecticut, Massachusetts and Vermont to Montreal in Canada. Here the emigrants had to accept passage in some very uncomfortable and dirty freight and cattle cars, in which they traveled through Canada, the route of travel being along the north bank of the St. Lawrence River and the shores of Lake Ontario and Lake Erie, to the St. Clair River. On the evening of July 20th, a part of the train jumped the track near Port Hope on the banks of Lake Ontario, but through the interposition of a kind Providence no one was hurt. The emigrants were ferried over the St. Clair River to Port; Huron in the State of Michigan, where better cars were obtained, and they wended their way via Chicago to Quincy, Ill. A steamer took them across the Mississippi River to the Missouri side, where they found temporary shelter from the burning sun in a nearby grove. While stopping there, a young toy who ventured too far out while bathing was drowned in the river. After a very disagreeable ride through the State of Missouri, where the inhabitants at nearly every station did all they could to insult the emigrants, the company arrived at St. Joseph July 27th. From this place they sailed two days on a steamboat up the Missouri River.
On this most unendurable passage up the river they suffered all kinds of insults and abuses from a wicked crew. Finally, the company reached Wyoming, Neb., Sunday morning, July 29th, and in the afternoon camped on the heights in and near the town. The 450 teams sent by the Church in 1866 to the Missouri River to assist the poor had already waited some time for the arrival of the emigrants in Wyoming, wherefore the necessary preparations were hurriedly attended to in order to begin the journey across the Plains as soon as possible. Another company of emigrating Saints, bound for Utah, sailed from Copenhagen at 1 o'clock p.m. on May 28, 1866, on the steamship "Aurora". The weather was fine and continued thus during the following night. On the morning of the 29th the emigrants arrived at Kiel (Holstein), where a stop of about three hours was made in order to bring their luggage to the railway station. The journey was then continued to Altona, where the emigrants arrived at 1 p. m. The Norwegians and others went on board the ship "Humboldt" three hours later, while others boarded the ship "Cavour". Of the large company of Saints which had sailed from Copenhagen, May 28th, 201 souls, who boarded) the Norwegian ship "Cavour" sailed from Hamburg June 1, 1866. The "Cavour" was commanded by Capt. Floyn, and Elder Niels Nielsen, a Utah Elder, was appointed president of the company with Jens Gregorsen and Carl Fred. Rundquist as his assistants. This ship had, on account of head winds, calm and for a long voyage, notwithstanding the vessel took the shortest route, viz., through the English Channel. The emigrants were organized into four districts in charge of Elders Jens Gregorsen, Carl F. Rundquist, a Bro. Jacobsen and Ole Nielsen. Two old sisters, who had been sick for several years, and two children died during the voyage.
The "Cavour" arrived in New York July 31st, and the emigrants were at once conveyed over the same route as the one taken previously by the "Kenilworth" company, they arrived at Wyoming, Aug. 11, 1866. Already, on board the "Cavour", cholera had broken out among the emigrants. It made its first appearance in Brother L. Larsen's family, of whom most of the members died later. But on the travel by railway that terrible malady raged fiercely among the emigrants, claiming its victims one by one. The rough treatment the emigrants received was in part responsible for the heavy death rate. Just before the train arrived at St. Joseph, Mo., one of the passenger cars took fire, and it was with great exertion that the sick were removed from it to escape from being burned to death. At St. Joseph a number of sick and dying had to be left in the hands of wicked people. Their friends obtained no further knowledge as to their fate, and never learned whether they were buried alive, or killed by force, for the people there were seemingly so hateful, that they actually thirsted for the blood of the Saints. On the voyage by steamer up the Missouri River nine of the emigrants died, four of them being buried one night and five of them the nest.
The ship "Humboldt" (Capt. Boyson) sailed from Hamburg, June 2, 1866, with another company of Saints bound for Utah. This was the third division of the emigration of Scandinavian Saints that year and numbered 328 souls, who were organized with George M. Brown, Sven S. Jonasson and Christian Hansen as leaders. The company was organized into four districts, which were subdivided into nine lesser divisions with a president appointed for each of them.
Besides the Saints, sixty or seventy other passengers were on board. The "Humboldt" was tugged down the River Elbe to the North Sea by a steam-tug boat. Taking the route north of Scotland, the ship passed the Shetland Islands on the 6th of June with Cape Telsit on the right and the small island Fair on the left. In the beginning of the voyage much seasickness prevailed among the passengers. Passing the New Foundland Banks the fog was intense, and with the exception of the first ten days, the ship encountered headwinds most of the time. The captain, who was very kind to the Saints, admitted that he had never witnessed so good and orderly a company of emigrants crossing the Atlantic before, and he was very kind and sympathetic to the sick, sending them extra food from his kitchen. Five persons, two adults and three children, died during the voyage. On July 18th the "Humboldt" arrived safely in New York, and the emigrants were at once started westward by steamer and railway to Wyoming, Neb., arriving there on Aug. 1st.
A part of the Scandinavian emigrants crossing the ocean that year in the ships "Kenilworth" and "Humboldt" crossed the Plains in Capt. Jos. S. Rawling's ox train, which left Wyoming Aug. 2nd and arrived in Salt Lake City Oct. 1st. Another part of them left Wyoming with Capt. Peter Nebeker's ox train, Aug. 4th and arrived in Salt Lake City Sept. 29th. A third division left Wyoming with Capt. Andrew H. Scott's company, Aug. 8th, and arrived in Salt Lake City Oct. 8th.
When the "Cavour" company arrived at Wyoming there was no time to rest, as the last train of the Church teams had already waited a long time for the arrival of these emigrants, and it was now so late in the season that the start across the Plains could be postponed no longer, with any hope of getting across the mountains that year. Consequently, this cholera-infested company had to get ready in the greatest haste for the long and wearisome journey, and on Aug. 13th the emigrants left Wyoming with sixty ox-teams, in charge of Capt. Abner Lowry.
If the details of the journey across the Plains of this company were written, it would probably present one of the most pitiable and heartrending chapters in the history of the Church, but it is perhaps better to close the episode and not revive the memory of something so touching and sorrowful. At some future day undoubtedly, more details will be published about the experience of that ill-fated company, and in the great hereafter those who laid down their lives on the way will have an opportunity to give an accurate and truthful account of their sufferings. The survivors of Captain Lowry's company arrived in Salt Lake City Oct. 22, 1866.
Only a few of the Scandinavian Saints crossed the Plains this year with their own teams, nearly all going with the Church trains. The death list among all companies was quite heavy, the cause being, chiefly. cholera. Thus ten persons died in Capt. Rawlings' company, about thirty in Capt. Nebeker's company and about the same number in Capt. Scott's company. It was the last year that emigrants traveled all the way from the Missouri River to Great Salt Lake City with ox-teams, as the Union Pacific Railroad was being built from Omaha westward, and the following year ( 1867) was opened for several hundred miles west of the Missouri River.
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