They Came First

They Came First
By: Gary Fredericksen

They were both born in 1813. They both had the same last name. They were both born in Holbaek, Arhus, Denmark. Christian Nielsen and Maren Nielsen met and were married on November 27, 1837 at the age of 24. They had nine children (Jens, Karen Sophie, Niels, Hans, Ane Marie, Niels (the first Niels had died as an infant), Gjertrude, Peder and Emma). At least three of the children died quite young (as was common in those times). In the Danish tradition of the time, the last name of the children was Christiansen (from the father's first name and "sen" or son).

Missionaries from the Mormon Church reached Denmark in 1850. The Book of Mormon was translated into Danish and published in 1851.

As early as 1855, they were listed in the Census of Hojbylyng as being Mormon. When their daughter, Emma, was born in 1857 she was listed as Mormon. But in the 1860 Census they were listed as Lutheran. (As family historians know, census takers are notoriously inaccurate in recording details.)

Why did Maren and Christian seek a new church? What attracted them to the Mormon faith? What challenges did they face in converting to this new religion? There was widespread discrimination practiced against Mormons in Denmark (and other countries). That they felt strongly about their religious faith is obvious but what other economic and social conditions impacted this family?

In 1884 - when they were 71 years old! - they emigrated to America and made the long and difficult journey to their new home in Richfield, Utah. Richfield had a large Danish immigrant community and this perhaps attracted them there. They certainly would have traveled by train to Salt Lake City and perhaps south for some distance and then probably a wagon or stage journey to finish the trip 160 miles south of Salt Lake City.

On May 9, 1890, their daughter Ane Marie, her husband, Jens Peder (JP) Larsen, their granddaughter, Anna Christine Hansine Christiansen Fredericksen, and her husband, Frederik Frederiksen arrived in America and headed to Richfield, Utah, partly to check on them. What a joyous reunion it must have been.

Christian died on Christmas Day, 1893. Maren died the 29th of September of 1899. Both are buried in Richfield City Cemetery and share a beautiful marker with Ane and JP.

In 1898, their son, Hans Christiansen came to America following the death of his wife in 1897 and brought his two youngest daughters with him. All three figure in our family history. Hans followed his daughter, Anna Christine Frederiksen, to Kilgore, Idaho. He died there November 11, 1900 and is buried in Kilgore Cemetery.

Lessons:
With the patronymic naming in Danish society, there are many similar names. Research is difficult and requires great concentration with attention to original sources.

Family histories are best done with a reading of the social history of the country and era. Social and political events had an important impact on the decisions of individuals.

Sources:

This story would not be possible without the meticulous research conducted by Mr. Don Dalling, Mrs. Anita Cook and others. It also would not have been possible without the sharing of family history done by these two individuals as well.
The Diary of Frederik Frederiksen, translated from the Danish by his wife's sister - Mrs. Janna Crapo.

The Letter of Anna Christine Hansine Christiansen Frederiksen to her new husband who was working in the mines at Pioche, Nevada.
The Eulogy of Ann Christine Hansine Christiansen Frederiksen.

Christian and Maren Nielsen are my great-great-great grandparents. Hans Christiansen is my great-great grandfather and Anna Christine Hansine Christiansen Frederiksen is my great grandmother.