Johan P. B. Johansen

Johan Peter Benthaag Johansen was born Feb 6, 1815 in Gudum, Denmark to Johann Peter Benthack and Maren Nielsdatter.

History

"I remained with my parents until I was confirmed in the Lutheran Church in the year 1830. After that I hired out, to Lars Jens in Kombrup, and remained in his employ for two years. After this I stayed at home with my parents until I was married."1

Johan married Hedvig Sophie Jensen on June 23, 1837 in Gudman, Denmark. The Johansen family continued to live in Gudum until 1845 when they moved to Mou, Denmark and built a small home for their growing family.1

"I did not undertake anything further in the year 1850 except that I praised my God for what I had been permitted to accomplish. I repented from my sins and became a convert to the glorious Gospel which was declared in our part of the county in 1851. We were baptized December 26th, 1851, by Niels Peterson. I was confirmed by the laying on of hands by Christen Christiansen and Hans Peter Jonsen in Aalborg at the conference held there Januray 4th, 1852, any my wife was confirmed Januray 6th, by Christian Christiansen."1

After a failed missionary attempt, Johan was ordained with the Priesthood in May 1852. In Nov, Johan was ordained an Elder and appointed Brach President of the Kjeldaard Branch in Denmark.1

In 1861, Johan was able to sell his home and used the money to begin his journey to Utah. The Johansen family made there way to Liverpool and joined the Franklin on April 15, 1862 and arrived in New York City, New York on May 29.2 The Johansen family journeyed to Florence, Nebraska Territory and joined the John Riggs Murdock Company on July 24, 1862 and arrived in the Salt Lake Valley on Sep 27.

The Johansen family lived in the Salt Lake Valley until 1863 when they moved to Richmond.

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