Born 15 Nov 1805/6 in Denmark to Ole Rasmussen and Kirsten Hemmingsdatter
Married Ingeborg Sorensdatter 4 August 1836 in Denmark
We are descended through Rasmus-Jens Peder-James Peter-Raymond-Earl
Died 18 May 1888
Rasmus is buried in Ephraim.
There are various bits of his journal and other odds and ends from his life. His journal apparently has much more, but I haven't seen it. This is a letter Rasmus wrote to his daughter with some more information. And don't miss this link to Rasmus' diary even though it's in Danish.
1880 Census
His Estate in Denmark was in a most beautiful location. It was on a cliff overlooking the ocean.
They called him Rasmus the wise. He was a great record keeper. He kept a record of every thing that happened. Later he kept a map of Ephraim in blocks and kept a record of the families with names and dates.
He was a weaver of fine linens and was as good as a doctor. He raised herbs, trees, and beautiful flowers.
When the family joined the church and planned on emigrating to Utah, the townspeople came to him and tried in every way to get him to stay there. They even sent to the Pope to see if he could persuade him to stay there, but he was firm in the faith and came to Utah in 1854.
PIONEER TREK
Portions of the overland Journey towards Salt Lake City from the diary of Rasmus Olsen, translated by Richard L. Jensen
Thursday, the 29th day of travel.
During the night I had much aching in my limbs, and in the morning I believed it was impossible for me to walk today, but when I arose and had moved a little the Lord was so merciful to me that I was able to walk.
Thursday the 38th day of travel
Today we had dome hollows to drive over. We drove close to the hills–even over the lower part of some of them. I followed the wagon part of the way, but then it came to me that I should sit down, and it lasted a long time, for I felt some pains as I sat. Because of that I got a little behind. I had more than a little pain when I walked, and since I had to sit down several times I got so far behind that I did not reach camp until a little after the last wagons had driven away at noon.
Monday the 48th day of travel
Strange to see these rocky mountains; many of them resemble ruins of large castles and buildings of many odd kinds.
Thursday the 51st day of travel
We went past many Indian tents, which where there by the hundreds down by the river, at a distance of 5 to 6 miles. They had an enormous number of horses. While we passed through this area a great number of them were walking, standing, and sitting on both sides of the trail.
Journal
Note: Here and there in Rasmus Olsen’s diary for 1862 are pages and parts of pages which were crossed out, with the notation that they had been copied into another diary. That other diary has not been found, and these are apparently all that is left of his original record of the trek to Utah. The numbers he gives in addition to the dates appear to refer to the number of days he had spent to that point on the trip, and to the number of actual traveling days.
Independence is about 3 Danish miles east of the first camping place which we had on the plains. It is located near the river. From there to Salt Lake can be traveled for 50 dollars, with 50 pounds luggage and free provisions. Keokuk is 200 English miles from St. Louis on the way to Kansas.
Olsen warned in a meeting that the brethren and sisters should take care to get as much fresh air in their tents as possible, which is done by opening it at the back so that the air can pass through.
Thursday, the 29th day of travel.
During the night I had much aching in my limbs, and in the morning I believed that it was impossible for me to talk today, but when I arose and had moved a little the Lord was so merciful to me that I was able to walk. After some walking we came to a wood, beside which there were some houses. Here there was a path through the woods, which I had a feeling we should pass by; nevertheless some of us stayed until Olsen arrived (some had gone through the woods). When Olsen came we asked him whether we should take that path through the woods. He said yes. We then crept down the path. In the meantime Olsen rode over to the English guides who had stopped by their wagons and tent down by the houses. Here he was informed that we could not pass through the woods by that path. Olsen then called to those who had gone
past him and showed us a path–I think it was to the West–so that we had the woods on the woods on the left hand. Here we walked a ways along that path, and then camp was made. It was much earlier than last night. Here there was good water and firewood. Today we had 2 oxen and ____cows; in other words, 8 for 1; yesterday cows were for . . . (end of page)
Saturday the 15th
A child about 2 or 3 years old fell in front of a wagon and the one front wheel rolled over the child’s back. On Sunday it could walk and had hardly any ill effects. Example of the Lord’s guidance.
Monday the 31st - 35 - 33.
Today our company rode in front. At noon we camped close by the Platte River. Immediately after we had driven from the place a pair of oxen became separated, and the one which had the yoke became angry, and they bolted, and the oxen from several wagons began to run. I believe it was most of the oxen from our company. But the Lord protected us so that no one was harmed. In the evening we did not make camp until the sun was just about to go down. It was about one mile from the river. No firewood. A chain of hills on the left side. The weather was good.
Tuesday 1 August - 36 -34.
Today, also, all went well. In the evening we camped a little earlier than yesterday, almost right next to the river. A little after noon we met 10 wagons with teams, and 2 other wagons, which were tied behind 2 other wagons. Olsen said it was wagons which had been to the fort with freight.
Thursday the 3rd - 38.
Today we had some hollows to drive over. We drove close to the hills–even over the lower part of some of them. I followed the wagon part of the way, but then it came to me that I should sit down, and it lasted a long time, for I felt some pains as I sat. Because of that I got a little behind. I had more than a little pain when I walked, and since I had to sit down several times I got so far behind that I did not reach camp until a little after the last wagons had driven away at noon, and Olsen came riding to find me, since I had not arrived while they had dinner. I then rode in the wagon all afternoon. Today we passed several (prairie) dogtowns, and I saw one of the m today. It was small, yellow, and had a long tail like a fox. We have seen several of their cities earlier. The hills changed so that the last of them were rocky, which they were not before.. . . In the meantime some of the brethren had shot one buffalo and other brethren asked Olsen whether it might be permissible to hold a little hunt. He gave permission and participated himself. We stayed in camp the whole day. Ole and Jens had gone out where they had shot the first one. They soon got a piece of meat. I cut as much of this into strips as I could in order to dry it. We boiled soup from the bones. Very warm.
Sunday the 6th - 40.
Today we traveled and had good weather in the morning. Very warm at noon. Water but no firewood. Afternoon, good trail, very hot day. Camped by the river. No firewood. In the evening after the prayer Olsen warned the brethren to unyoke all their oxen and cows at night, that they must watch closely to see that the lead cattle did not drink so hard for they could not survive that. Said that the fathers of families should pass out to each person his rations of provisions, particularly flour or bread, so that it would not be used up too soon.
Monday the 7th - 41.
Morning, good trail and warm. At noon we reached the river where we shall cross it. When we had had dinner we drove across the river. We had the oxen from 2 wagons for each wagon, and all went well. When we had crossed the river we camped there. Somewhat later a company came which was led by Brother Clar (?). They camped on the other side of the river. Two wagons of Mexicans or whatever they were came from the other side with some horses and donkeys and crossed the river. I was watchman from 12 to 3 o’clock. At night after prayer Olsen said that in the morning the horn would be blown at 4 o’clock, and then people should arise so they could be finished with their things before we should leave, and tomorrow we should leave a little earlier than usual because we have 17 to 18 miles to drive before we come to water and firewood. At noon we did not come to water or firewood, and we will come down a hill where stops will have to be placed on both wheels. Therefore it is necessary to see that the chains are ready. He said about the watchmen that no one could be excused because of sickness, but must ask his neighbor to take his watch duty and then trade him after recovering.
Tuesday the 8th - 42. At first the trail over which we drove was somewhat hilly; later it was level until along in the afternoon, when it again became hilly, ending with a large hill which was very steep to drive down. After that we had much gravel and sand to drive through to the river, where we camped. These hills here are rocky hills, and so large that they can be called mountains. We camped almost right beside the river, which is called the Platte River. Here on these rocky mountains a kind of tree grows which is called Sidder Tree. It is the kind which is called Sibenbom in Denmark. Very hot, particularly right after noon. We had cherries tonight, a lot of them, but they are just small.
Wednesday the 9th - 43.
We drove between chains of mountains and the river. The former on the left, the latter on the right hand. In the beginning it was rocky mountains; later more sandy. In the morning we had a very bad trail with some driving down and up, and besides that, much loose sand to drive through, and the same in the afternoon. The first thing in the morning, a short distance from where we had camped, there was someone who was building a house. A little west of our camp were 4 wagons which had camped, which were said to be the mail. I was watchman by the tents from 9 to 12 o’clock. We camped close to the river. There was no firewood.
Thursday the 10th - 44.
This morning we had a good, level trail except for a couple of places where there was some sand. Very hot. There was no firewood where we camped at noon. In the afternoon, more sandy. One time in the afternoon a (thunderstorm?) gathered, and a cloud gathered over us and grasshoppers rained down just like heavy snow, but no rain came. The wind was southerly. It became so full that it was impossible to put a foot on the ground without stepping on them. There wasn’t any firewood where we camped at night, either.
Friday the 11th - 45th day.
Today we had a rather good trail except for certain places where there was some sand. We had a strong headwind, so the we got our eyes full of sand and gravel, for it was the same regardless of which side one walked on. However, it was somewhat better in the afternoon because the trail turned a little so it was not blowing so much on the one side. Today we met 10 wagons from Laramie which presumably were going some place to pick up freight. There was no firewood where we camped at noon or in the evening. Some oxen and cows turn up missing now and then; some have been lost, drowned, and died. This afternoon we came past a rock which was all by itself and resembled a castle, or building.
Saturday the 12th - 46th day - 431/2 day.
In the morning, when some had begun to hitch up, the horn was blown for a meeting for the brethren, and an inquiry was held concerning Christen Larsen and Hermand Baek, who could not agree to be together. Hermand Baek claimed that Christen Larsen had much, much more weight than he had a right to have and there was great disunity between them. The result was that a committee was to be chosen which should look after and weigh Christen Larsen’s things to find out who was right.
When it was investigated it was found that Christen Larsen had 1900 pounds of freight, in addition to provisions, and he had only permission to have 100 pounds, and he also had too much provisions. When the meeting ended the rest of the wagons except one, and except Chr. Larsen’s, drove off. When we got a ways out on the train a wagon came driving up with 3 horses in front. In it were 2 English brethren, and behind it came Brother Bentzon riding. When we had driven until about 10 o’clock we camped in order to stay in place the rest of the day. A council was held concerning Pratt’s company, which had the misfortune first of losing many people who died. In addition some of their oxen died and the others became wild and ran away so that they could not get them. They are greatly in need of help, for they cannot get anywhere. A couple of companies have helped them to poke along, but now they could do no more. It was a matter of arranging things so that they could get some oxen so that they could go ahead. The English who had camped in front of us would leave them some. Now the question was whether we also could give them some. They lacked 15 pair. It was proposed that those who could spare reserve oxen should do so. After some objections they were finally given the 15 pair, and some brethren were sent back with them.
Some days ago Hans Hansen, or Hans Strand, stayed at a camping place and refused to go further, but one day later he came running to us with only a shirt and pants on and wanted to go with us. So a wagon and some brethren had to go back to get his things and it took a few days before they caught up with us. Much disunity has arisen between various of the brethren. The devil is carrying on his game as far as he can get permission. At night it was said by one of those who had helped examine Christen Larsen’s things that he did not apparently have too much weight, but that Jorgen, who was with him, had a little too much weight. But it appeared to me that there was something one-sided in that. It was told that Hans Strand had now agreed with his group to remain together. (We have) now come half way.
Sunday, the 13th - 47th day - 44 1/2 days.
Christen Larsen’s case was still not concluded, but as far as I know Olsen and some others stayed behind in order to settle it. I was on watch duty from 3 to 6 o’clock in the morning. When we had driven a ways we came past a rock which was like a tower with spires on it and is 250 feet high. Afterwards we passed many rocks of peculiar formation. In the morning the path was good. We had dinner by the river. No firewood. In the afternoon the trail was a little poorer. In the evening we camped close by the river. Got a little firewood out on some small (islands?) Which lay out in the river. Good weather. In the afternoon we passed a trading house on the right side of the trail; (another farther along?).
Monday, 14 August 1854 - 48 days - 451/2 days.
In the morning, good trail. Toward noon we came in between 2 rows of mountains, and for a while before and during our dinner there was rain, accompanied by thunder. In the afternoon we crossed over the mountains, whereupon the trail became somewhat unpleasant. Well along into the afternoon we had somewhat flat land to go on. We camped at night, a little ways from a little stream which flowed from a spring, but no firewood. Where we camped at noon there was no water, only a little grass, and there was firewood in the mountains, but it was a long way to carry it. Strange to see these rocky mountains; many of them resemble ruins of large castles and buildings of many odd kinds. Along in the afternoon the rocky mountains were replaced by sand hills. In the evening Olsen talked somewhat about guard duty, about a B______, about provisions, and other things.
Tuesday the 15th - 49 days - 461/2.
In the morning and almost all forenoon, cold. In the morning good trail, except for some few places. We crossed 2 small streams not very far from each other. After we had crossed the last one we had dinner. There was no firewood here. In the afternoon the trail was more hilly and sandy. When evening approached we again reached the river, and we camped a ways from it. Here there was water, good grass, and some firewood.
Wednesday the 16th - 50th day - 471/2 days.
I was on guard duty by the tents from 12 to 3 o’clock. The trail was good at first; later it became somewhat more hilly and sandy, but still good. At noon we were by the river. Here there was only (?) A little (?) Grass. Just before we had dinner we came past a house where there was a blacksmith and a shop with several different things for sale. In the afternoon we had a rather good trail. We camped early because there were some Indian encampments not very far ahead of us. We camped by the river, and on the other side of the river were some Indians encamped, and many of them crossed over to us, both riding and walking. Many of them were totally naked except for a little (skirt?). Some of them wanted to sell horses, some shoes, and still others were begging. Cool weather the whole day.
Thursday the 17th - 51st day.
In the morning we had some hills and sand to pass through. We went past many Indian tents, which were there by the hundreds down by the river, at a distance of 5 to 6 miles. They had an enormous number of horses. While we passed through this area a great number of them were walking, standing, and sitting on both sides of the trail. Some of them followed with us a little of the way, and some of them had shoes to sell. Some of them wanted to sell horses, and others begged. A large number of (beeves?) were there.
The weather was very warm this morning. We passed 2 trading houses this morning. Where we camped at noon there was only a little grass. Immediately after we had dinner we drove over the river, beside where we had been. It was not the Platte River, but a branch which ran out into the Platte River. When we then had driven a little way we passed Fort Laramie. After that we had very hilly and sandy driving. We did not reach the river where we camped before somewhat after the sun had gone down. It was ascertained that the Indians had not been as peaceful towards the hindmost wagons as to the others, for they shot and cut up one cow so it had to be left, and they shot an arrow into the stomach of another, but it kept walking to the camping place. It died at night. The whole arrow was inside the cow’s stomach. The weather was warm today. Here there was only a little grass. A house was by the river on the side we crossed over to. One pound of coffee costs 40 cents, 1 pound of pork 25 cents.
Friday the 18th - 52 days.
Because of the scarcity of grass and because the cattle have had to stay in at night we stayed a while before driving off, so that the cattle could get something to eat. The trail was rather good. We had a few hollows to drive down and a very steep hill to drive down. Almost without wind. A little before we had dinner we passed a trading house. Here 100 pounds of (flour?) cost 20 dollars. In the afternoon we stopped because we have about 8 miles to drive before we can camp and it is a bad trail, so we cannot reach it this afternoon. We drove the wagons into a corral and unyoked our oxen. It was by the river. Yet here was some grass and plentiful firewood. We were so closely surrounded on all sides by rocky mountains with some trees on them. Now for about a week we have been free of mosquitoes; earlier we were bothered somewhat by them for a time.
Saturday the 29th of August - 53 -50. I had guard duty with the cattle in the corral from 11 to 2 o’clock. At first when we were driving we had some rocky hills to drive up and down and between. Afterwards we had high land to drive upon, with sandy ascent and descent down to the river, which we reached and drove across, and then we had dinner. There was only a little water in the river, so that on some small rocks I could walk across with my wooden shoes on without getting wet. Very warm today, for it was almost without wind. Today our company drove it in the front. In the afternoon the trail and the weather were the same. We passed a place where there was a large hill or mountain on which there were signs that there had been a city, for it appeared to me that there were large pieces of wall visible. We camped in the evening about 1 little mile from a river.
Sunday, the 20th - 54 days - 51 days.
In the morning we had Hans Andersen come to wedge the nearer back wheel, because the hoop had come loose. We broke camp and drove away from the camping place about 10 o’clock. We did not stop for dinner but drove for only a bit (?) And camped by a river a little before evening. We had the misfortune on the way of losing the hoop of the nearer front wheel, so we had to stay behind to wedge it. Today the trail was good. The weather was warm. Today we caught up with an English Company which was driving close in front of us. It is said to be Bouurs (?).
4th Company. Jens Jorgensen’s
1. Mads Poulsen 1
2. Peder Jensen 1
3. Christen Larsen 2
4. Chr. Christensen 2
5. Herman Bech 2
6. Mads Peter Jensen 3
7. Jens Larsen 3
8. Morten Rasmussen 3
9. Peder Madsen 4
10. Jes Jessen 4
11. Anders Larsen 5
12. Svend Larsen 5
13. Jens Petersen 6
14. Jacob Petersen 6
15. Claus Rasmussen 7
16. Hans Petersen 7
17. Rasmus Olsen 8
19. Hans Hansen 8
20. Niels Nielsen 10
21. I. M. Blach 10
No comments:
Post a Comment