Nils Jenson

Nils Jenson is one of 10 children born to Andrew Nilsson Jenson and Caroline or Karna Olsson, both of Sweden.

After joining The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints the family immigrated to America in 1866 with their two children, 3-year-old daughter Gunilla and their 2-year-old son Nils. While on board the ship, many became ill because of poor food and water.

Karna was the first to become ill followed by little Gunilla who died and was buried in the Atlantic Ocean.

After arriving in America, they traveled to Nebraska and with other Saints, joined an unknown wagon company to journey to the Great Salt Lake Valley.

Andrew walked most of the way, but Karna and their little boy, Nils, who was still sick, had to ride. While going over the dugway of a canyon, the oxen swerved and nearly sent them to the bottom of the canyon. The quick action of the teamster prevented a tragedy, saving Karna and Nils from being killed.

During the journey in Wyoming, 2-year-old Nils succumbed to his illness and was buried along the Mormon Trail.