Anders Marius Smith Hansen

Anders Marius Smith Hansen is one of four sons born to Peter Hansen and Ane Danielsdatter, both of Denmark. The Hansen Family boarded the ship “Cavour” to immigrate to America. Cholera (a bacterial disease caused by contaminated water) infected many on the ship, including Anders’ mother, Ane. After arriving in America, the family traveled to Nebraska. On the way, Anders’ mother passed away and buried in St. Joseph, Missouri.

Disease, injury, lack of food and medicine, prematurity, and weather were some of the greatest threats to pioneers. Peter and his sons made it to Nebraska where three of the boys were suffering from Cholera. Along with other members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, they joined the Abner Lowry Company and left Nebraska on August 13, 1866 for the Great Salt Lake Valley.

Peter buried one son, Niels on August 27, 1866, and four days later, 2-year-old Anders Marius passed away. As he had done with Niels, he tenderly wrapped his little son’s body in a sheet and buried Anders on the plains of Nebraska along the Mormon Trail. Peter built a smudge fire with buffalo chips on the grave so that the wolves couldn't smell the body.