Neils Isaacson

Neils Isaacson was born Jan 5, 1817 in Asker, Norway to Isak Nelsen and Massi Evensdatter. Neils was a musician in Richmond's early history.

History

The early life of Neils is unknown. When Neils was 10, his mother died. His father remarried and had two children with his second wife. Niels married Bertha Catherine Aagesdatter on Sep 8 1850 in Asker, Norway.1 

The exact date Neils was baptized into the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is unknown. Family histories state that he was baptized in October 1859 in Jellom Lake by C. Hanson. Soon after, the Isaccson family sold their land via auction to obtain the means to travel to Utah.1

The Isaacson family sailed from Norway to Liverpool, United Kingdom. They joined the Monarch of the Sea on May 16, 1861 and traveled to New York City, New York on June 16.2 From New York they traveled to Florence, Nebraska Territory. While in Florence, their daughter Petra became very sick and died. The remaining family joined the John Riggs Murdock Company on Independence Day, 1861 and arrived in the Salt Lake Valley on Sep 12.

During their time in the Salt Lake Valley, Neils became associated with Christian Hans Monson. Christian convinced Neils to move his family to Cache Valley. The Isaacson family moved to Logan, Utah in 1861, then to Richmond in 1865.1

Neils had some musical talent that was valuable for the city of Richmond. Christian Monson asked him to play music for the small settlement to bring a spirit and lift the Pioneers. He played the violin and clarinet and would play for dances on Wednesday evenings and for a choir.3 For work, Neils was a tailor.1

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