Crossing the Plains—Westport, Iowa, to Salt Lake City, Utah
Compiled by Wendy Kay Smith
Annie, Mette Catherine, Hans, and Yern crossed the plains in the Hans Olsen Company. The company stayed in Westport, Iowa, for several weeks while provisions were obtained and those who were sick could recover. The company left on June 15, 1854. Jens had purchased a wagon and oxen before they left Denmark so they would be ready for them when they got there. Jens had also paid for a young man named John to come to Zion with them. In return, this young man would help them on their journey. Little did Jens know that by providing John with a means to come to Zion, he would also provide needed help for his family after his death. I am sure that this wasn’t a coincidence, but a tender mercy of our Heavenly Father who knew what the family would need. Hans, only ten at the time, helped John to drive the wagon along with the other chores.
Lessons from the Trail
Letting Go of the Past
Before they left Denmark, Jens had made a sturdy wooden chest to carry their belongings into Zion. Jens had already purchased a wagon and oxen for them. Annie, her children, and John shared that wagon with another widow, Serena, and her children. As they started across the plains, the wagon was too heavy, and the oxen were struggling to keep up with the rest of the company. Their leaders asked them to lighten their loads. Annie was a little reluctant, but obedient. With help from John, they removed the chest from the wagon and emptied its contents back into the wagon, leaving the chest on ground amidst the prairie grass. What memories that chest must have held, carrying precious treasures from Denmark of her home and family, as well as memories of the loving hands of her husband Jens who had crafted it. I can imagine her tear-filled eyes as she unpacked it and the flood of memories that entered her mind. I can’t imagine how hard it would have been for her as she looked back to see it on the prairie. What strength, courage, and faith she had to let go of the past to look to the future in Zion. We can draw on her strength and courage and faith when we are faced with hard things. (1)
Sacrifice on the Plains
Toward the end of the journey across the plains, their rations were getting low. They had some beans and a few cups of flour to feed nine people. Annie, Serena, and the children began praying for “manna.” Annie and Serena needed help to provide for their children. Shortly after, they began fasting. The women would pretend to eat their morning meal, so as to not alarm the children, but they would keep it for later. Annie and Serena would walk until they were delirious and even stumbling because they didn’t have the physical strength they needed because of their fast. This fasting went on for a few days, until one of the brethren sent by Captain Olsen to take an inventory of the food that everyone had left, came and found out what Annie and Serena had been doing. That night, Captain Olsen got the company together and the divided out what food they had left so that everyone would have something to eat. It wasn’t much food but it they all had something to eat It was an answer to Annie’s and Serena’s prayers. Heavenly Father uses other people to “run His errands” and to answer the prayers of His children. The love that Annie had for her children and the sacrifice that she made is something that any mother would do. It is also the same love that the Savior has for us as He willingly suffered in the garden for us. (2)
Arrival in Salt Lake City
On October 5, 1854, Annie, Mette Catherine, Hans, and Yern arrived in Salt Lake City. Ten months after they left their home in Denmark. They left as a family of seven and arrived in Salt Lake as a family of four. Their journey was not an easy one and was filled with sorrow, but they never wavered in their faith. Annie said “The Lord gave me strength to go through everything for his names sake with patience. I recognize the Lord’s hand in everything, and I know that everything will go good for everyone that loves the Lord.” What a legacy we have been given to follow. (3)
Annie’s Testimony and Admonition to Her Posterity
Below is the testimony that Annie gave to her children and the admonition that she gave to us as her posterity.
“Standing tall, I looked into the eyes of our young ones and began. ‘I would like everyone to listen for a moment.’ I continued. ‘I am so grateful for every one of you. I have failed to tell you how proud I am of you. For that, I hope to change my ways. In the beginning, every member of our family was given particular responsibilities, and because each other has faithfully performed their work, we find ourselves within a few short miles of our destination.’
‘Know with certainty how much I love you. Catherine, Hans, and Yern, I want you to always remember that your father loved you. Each one of us are also loved and protected by our Heavenly Father.’
‘It was the desire of your parents to bring their families to the land of Zion, to the city high in the mountains, where we will find peace and prosper. Remember this my children and never forget, I have a sure knowledge of God, the giver of life and in His son Jesus Christ. We follow the teachings of ancient scripture, the Bible and the Book of Mormon, as well as teachings of our modern-day prophet, Joseph Smith. It is my desire that you come to know this truth, as do I, and for generations to come, you will teach this truth to your children. Remember, oh remember what we have sacrificed for this truth.’” (4)
Sources:
1) Annie’s Journey: Denmark to Zion, Harleen Gross, pg. 170.
2) Annie’s Journey: Denmark to Zion, Harleen Gross, pg. 198–200.
3) “Ane Marie Jesperson Personal History,” digital image, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org > Annie Marie Madsen – Hansen, person ID KWVM-8P1 > Memories > Documents: accessed 27 December 2020).
4) Annie’s Journey: Denmark to Zion, Harleen Gross, pg. 226-227.