Niels Christensen

Niels Christensen, Utah Pioneer of 1857 in the little town of Nykobble, Soro, Denmark. Niels Christensen was born August 4, 1844 to Peter and Ellen (Andersen) Christensen. His great-grandfather had been an officer in the Danish army, and as a reward for gallantry received from the government a section of beautifully wooded land to be held by him and his descendants. At his death his son in[h]ereted the land, then the daughter Ellen Andersen fell heir. It was here that Niels Christensen was born. Shortly thereafter, his father died leaving his mother with two small sons, Paul and Niels. Two Mormon missionaries were to change the whole future of this little family. Their mother was inspired with their messages and soon joined the church and became anxious to start for America and Utah. They sailed from England April 11, 1857 on the ship Westmoreland. After six weeks voyage on the ocean, they rejoiced in reaching American and soon started for Utah on foot pushing a handcart. They reached Utah in July 1857 first settling in Lehi then moved to American Fork.

By this time, Paul was 14 years of age and Niels a year younger. As these boys grew into manhood, they acquired land and became farmers. Paul managed their own farms and Stephen Chipman asked Niels to manage his farms. This Niels did for ten years. After the death of Stephen and Phoebe Davis Chipman, Neils married their oldest daughter, Phoebe Adelaide and helped her raise her little brother and sisters. Niels and Phoebe had seven children. His wife Phoebe passed away July 14, 1894 leaving him with six young children. From this time on, he assumed the double role of mother and father. He was ever faithful and watchful of his children always keeping before them the image of their sainted mother. He had always expressed the wish that he be permitted to die with his boots on. On May 18, 1923 he went to his favorite field to plow. He had completed one furrow around his field. He was found there beside the plow his spirited horses had dug great holes in the earth, but stood patiently waiting his command (he died with his boots on). It was sunset on Utah Lake. -- Stephen Chipman Pioneer, 1805-1868, Dean W. Chipman, 1980, 464.

Transcribed by Emily Barker Farrer, March 2013