Niels Anton Hansen

Niels Anton Hansen is the son of Peter Hansen and Ane Danielsdatter, both of Denmark. The Hansen Family boarded the ship “Cavour” to immigrate to America. Disease, injury, lack of food and medicine, prematurity, and weather were some of the greatest threats to pioneers. While on the ship, Cholera (a bacterial disease caused by contaminated water) infected many of the passengers.

After arriving in America, the family traveled with other members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to Nebraska. Along the way, Niels’ mother, Ane, passed away and is buried in St. Joseph, Missouri. Once in Nebraska, the Family joined the Abner Lowery Company bound for the Great Salt Lake Valley. However, boys continue to suffer from the effects of cholera. The company left Nebraska on August 13, 1866. Peter and his sons made it to Nebraska where three of the boys suffered from the effects of Cholera.

From the history of Peter (father) Hansen: “Niels quietly told his father that if he could just eat a small potato, he thought he could get well. Peder made up his mind that if there was a potato in the camp, his son would have it. He went from wagon to wagon begging for a potato, but none could be found. Little Niels died the next morning Monday, Aug. 27th.”

His father tenderly wrapped his small body in a sheet and buried his son. He then built a smudge fire with buffalo chips on the grave so that the wolves couldn't smell the little body and devour it. Niels was buried in Nebraska along the Mormon Trail. Four days later, his brother Andreas (Anders) passed away, then a month later another brother, Daniel, passed away.

Peter and his surviving son traveled to the Salt Lake Valley, mourning the loss of his wife and three sons.