Hans Johan Hansen

Hans Johan Hansen is one of three four sons born to Jens Hansen and Christine Johansen, both of Denmark. Hans’ father passed away in 1865. His mother, Christine, immigrated to America with her three children on the ship “Kenilworth.” After arriving in America, they traveled to Nebraska and joined the Peter Nebeker Company to go west with other members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The company left Nebraska on August 7, 1866 bound for the Great Salt Lake Valley.

Disease, injury, lack of food and medicine, prematurity, and weather were some of the greatest threats to pioneers. While traveling through Wyoming, 11-year-old Hans suffered from typhus fever (caused from fleas, lice, or chiggers) and passed away. He is buried along the Mormon Trail in Wyoming.

His mother’s history records: “Hans John, age 11, our oldest boy lead the cow but on the way he took Typhus Fever and as he was about to die Kjerstine said "Oh what shall I do if he does?" She talked to the Lord and asked him to spare John that they might get to Zion. If he wanted one of them to take one of the others, but John died and was buried on the plains.”