Baptism LDS Note: Source: Record submitted after 1991 by a member of the LDS Church to request LDS temple ordinances.
Search performed using PAF Insight on 03 Apr 2004
Baptism LDS Note: Source: Record submitted after 1991 by a member of the LDS Church to request LDS temple ordinances.
Search performed using PAF Insight on 03 Apr 2004
Baptism LDS Note: Source: Record submitted after 1991 by a member of the LDS Church to request LDS temple ordinances.
Search performed using PAF Insight on 03 Apr 2004
Baptism LDS Note: Source: Record submitted after 1991 by a member of the LDS Church to request LDS temple ordinances.
Search performed using PAF Insight on 03 Apr 2004
Endowment Note: Source: Record submitted after 1991 by a member of the LDS Church to request LDS temple ordinances.
Search performed using PAF Insight on 03 Apr 2004
Endowment Note: Source: Record submitted after 1991 by a member of the LDS Church to request LDS temple ordinances.
Search performed using PAF Insight on 03 Apr 2004
Individual Note:
From Ancestral File (TM), data as of 2 January 1996.
Many entries in AF, none that list parents names. A mish-mash of place spellings, all probably deduced from Husband's birthplace.
NOTE: in 1870 census she was listed in the adjacent household to Niels and his first wife, along with the third wife Bodil.
Who is the Maria, only 6 years younger than Christine, that is present in the census with her?
Anna was actually Niels HANSEN's #4 wife.
Christening:
Date: 30 Sep 1832
Place: Trostrup, Korup, Odense, Denmark
Burial:
Date: Dec 1902
Place: Preston, Franklin, Idaho, USA
Baptism LDS Note: Source: As of 11/2000 says pre-1970.
Endowment Note: Source: As of 11/2000 says pre-1970.
Individual Note:
birth and chr film 50266 trostrup census 1834, 1840, and 1845
BIOGRAPHY: from the LDS Euro Project on the Internet at http://www.ldsep.org in the Branch History for the Trostrup-Korup Branch on the Island of Fyn, county of Odense
Niels was the first branch president of this branch, from 16 Mar 1852 (at age 20) until he was called on a mission to Norway in August. He served a second time beginning 28 Nov 1853, suceeding his brother Jens who emigrated to Utah at that time. He served this second time until 7 Jan 1855. According to this record, a few months before, he was called to concurrently serve as Branch President to the Langeland Branch, on the Island to the southeast of Fyn. He doesn't show up, though under either of the Langeland branches at LDSEP. From another source it says he spent time presiding over two branches in Jutland - I find at LDSEP a couple listed that are close to each other and spelled similarly - Hvejsel and Grejs. There are not yet any branch histories there. These are in South Jutland.
Under the branch history for Svendborg (where Niels first wife was born) it says he was called at a conference in Fredericia 19 Sep 1853 (says he was a priest which conflicts with the note below) to labor as a missionary around Svendborg and Nyborg. (http://www.ldsep.org/denmark/fyn/svend/index.html)
NOTE: Per History of Scandinavian Mission he was ordained an Elder in August 1853, after having served as a Branch President and on a nine month mission to Norway.
FOLLOWUP: Should see if I can find the polygamous wives in 1860, 1870, 1880, 1900 censuses.
NOTE: I was called by Allen Jorgensen, P.O. box 2133, Hastings, NE 68902; near Grand Island (402) 463-3665 10/9/93; he is descended from Jacob Mortenson, half brother to Maren Jensen, one of Niels wives. Hmmmm... as of 8/2002 I can't find any wife named Maren Jensen. Ahh... I bet this is his first wife, Karen, whose patronymic would be Jensen. I can see there is a half brother named Jacob Mortenson.
NOTE: I've discovered a town in western Box Elder county was called "Etna" and settled by a Tanner family. I wonder if that's where the name of Aetna in Alberta really came from? Hmmm.. there is also an Etna up in Wyoming where some of the family went during the polygamy persecutions.
BIOGRAPHY: Niels Hansen and his first wife Karen Jensen traveled from Liverpool on the "John J. Boyd," leaving 12 December 1855 and arriving in New York 16 February 1856. This was a sailing vessel of 1311 tons under Master T. Austin. The 512 Mormon emigrants aboard were under the leadership of K. Peterson. Their trek west was delayed when Niels was called on a a short mission to work with some Norwegian settlers in Clay county, Missouri. They then traveled on to Florence, Nebraska and joined the second wagon company of the year led by Canute Peterson. This group consisting of about 320 pioneers and about 60 wagons left Florence, Nebraska about the 10th of June 1856 and arrived in Salt Lake on the 20th of September.
Necessary Explanations:
#8 sld 1898
#5 sld 1893
SOURCES: Family Records; Temple Index Card; ALBERTA No. 16489 Book 21 Page 686; ENDOWMENT HOUSE No. 167 Book 1 Page 7; LOGAN No. 12568 Book A Page 350;
Church blessings reconfirmed for #3 & 5 13 Oct 1967 and #2 5 Oct 1967
BIOGRAPHY: From cousin in Canada; Niels Hansen was born at Trostrup, Island of Feyen, Denmark, August 11th. 1832. He was the sixth child of Hans Jorgensen and Maren Christine Petersen. They were strict Lutherans and Niels was nurtured in that faith. When seven years of age he was stricken with scrofula, which clung to him for the next eight years, interfering with his schooling. He finally recovered, and although not advanced in book learning, his mind was alert and concentrative. Being unable to engage in laborious work, he became a tailor and while so engaged, he met a mormon preacher in the person of Elder William O. Anderson. Upon listening to him Niels was at once convinced of the truth of the utterances, and was baptized in December 1851, his parents and several others doing likewise.
Friends then became enemies, and persecution became so active that the brethern had to vacate for a season. Niels was ordained a Teacher in 1852 and later that year went with his brother to work in Copenhagen. This same year he was called on a mission to Norway.
At Moss, the authorities sought the Elders expulsion, having previously expelled Brother Folkman and his companion. Niels vigorously protested and defended his rights with such convincing argument that finally he was permitted to stay, and much good was accomplished. After facing varying challenging experiences, he endured a seven month term of imprisonment, the latter part of which was greatly mitigated through unforseen friendly intervention.
At a Conference held in Copenhagen in August 1853, he was ordained an Elder and called to preside over the Trostrup, Korup Branch. He served in this call for a year, and was then sent to take charge of Hvissel and Grep Branches in Jutland. In the fall of 1855 Niels was released and sailed from Liverpool on December 12th. 1856. He made a number of moves after his arrival, finally settling in Cache County.
When the Cache Stake was organized in 1877 he was ordained a High Priest and set apart as a High Councilor. In 1886 he was called to preside over Providence Ward, being ordained a Bishop by John W. Taylor.
Niels took six wives, two of which bore him children. When the polygamy persecution became intense in Utah, Niels took his young wife Eva Leota Hochstrasser to Canada in 1889, settling at Cardston Alberta. When a good man was needed to open the Manitoba Mission the lot fell to him and he served the cause faithfully and well.
Upon his return he was appointed Bishop of the Aetna Ward, which position he held until his death, which occured at Aetna, Dec. 13th. 1902. Under his leadership the Ward increased numerically and flourished spiritually. His labors were incessant and very valuable. His whitened hair and beard gave him a venerable and fatherly appearance which the Saints admired and respected.
NIELS - EVA LEOTA HANSEN FAMILY IN CANADA:
Niels and his young wife Eva Leota arrived in Canada 26th. February 1889. They settled on a homestead four miles east of Cardston, on the beautiful Saint Mary's River, currently owned by the East Cardston Hutterite Colony. They raised cows, horses, pigs, chickens, and grain. They milked twenty five cows, by hand, setting the milk in pans for the cream to rise. This was skimmed off and made into butter, which was in turn taken to the new Lethbridge, some sixty miles away, by wagon and horses. The rock cellar built by them to keep the pans of milk and butter cool is still in good condition, currently used by the Hutterites to store their apples.
From a book by Jane Eliza Woolf Bates and Zina Woolf Hichman "The Founding of Cardston And Vicinity".
While Niels lived on the homestead he was a very busy man. In June 1890 the decision to control the store and other manufacturing enterprises which by that time had arisen, resulted in him becoming a director of the business that later became part of a corporation cheese factory, piggery, implement store and others.
Eleven children were born to Niels and Eva Leota in Canada, and with them many General Authorities from Salt Lake were entertained. At one time President Wilford Woodruff, his wife, and counselors George Q. Cannon and Joseph F. Smith, along with Apostle Brigham Young, son of the Late President, were at the Hansen home for dinner. Niels took them fishing in the Saint Mary's River. President Woodruff caught eighteen fine large trout, to which we might add,"to his great satisfaction".
On the Homestead Niels had built a room with desks for a school for the children, and hired a teacher to teach them. In the fall of 1899 a large home was built by them in Aetna. A two room school house was built there two years later.
While in Aetna Karl G. Maeser came to live with them. He was to become the first President of B.Y.U. but at this time responded to an appointment of the First Presidency to encourage school Boards to hold religion classes for one half hour to teach the gospel of Jesus Christ.
NOTE: Following were references from Folio online database
Andrew Jenson, Church Chronology, October 14, 1852 (Thursday)
Elders Jeppe G. Folkman and Niels Hansen were arrested at Ingolsrud, Norway, for preaching the gospel. John F. F. Dorius, Christian Knudsen, Christian Larsen and Svend Larsen were arrested the following day, and Peter Beckstrom on the 16th, on similar charges. Christian Larsen, Svend Larsen, Dorius and Beckstrom were imprisoned at Frederikstad, while Ole Olsen (who had been arrested two weeks previously), Christian Knudsen, Jeppe G. Folkman, and Niels Hansen were confined at Elverhoj.
Andrew Jenson, Church Chronology, October 1886
Bishop Niels Hansen, of Providence, and Thomas W. Kirby, of Hyde Park, Cache Co., were arrested for u.c. and placed under bonds.
Andrew Jenson, Church Chronology, February 12, 1899 (Sunday)
Niels Hansen was installed as Bishop of Aetna Ward, Alberta, Canada, having succeeded Richard Pilling as acting Bishop Dec. 18, 1898.
Andrew Jenson, Church Chronology, December 13, 1902 (Saturday)
Bishop died at Aetna, Canada. Later, Nathan W. Tanner succeeded him as Bishop.
NOTE: From Infobase search on Aetna
BH Roberts, Comprehensive History of the Church, Vol.6, Ch.171, p.274-6 He reported favorably of locations in southern Alberta province; and, in the following spring, in company with Thomas E. Ricks of Rexburg, Idaho, president of the Bannock, now (1930), the Fremont stake of Zion; Bishop Thomas Smith of Logan, Utah; and Elder Nills Monson, he located a place for settlement on Lee's Creek, a tributary of St. Mary's river, Alberta, Canada. A few days later settlers from Cache county, Utah, arrived and plowing and other work of founding the colony began in good earnest. By October of the year following the colony had increased to such numbers that at a conference of the settlers held on the 7th of that month, an ecclesiastical ward was organized by Francis M. Lyman and John W. Taylor, of the council of the twelve apostles. Anthony Woolf was made the bishop, and the settlement was named Cardston, in honor of its founder, Charles O. Card.
Seven years later there were in existence three bishop's wards in Alberta province; Cardston, already described, Aetna, on St. Mary's river, and Mountain View, on Fish Creek, the last two having been organized 1893. The three wards were organized into a stake of Zion on the 9th of June, 1895, with Charles O. Card as president, and John A. Woolf and Sterling Williams as counselors. After this settlements multiplied quite rapidly throughout the southern part of the province of Alberta, until it was found necessary, in August, 1903, to divide the Alberta stake of Zion into two stakes; the group of settlements in the western division retaining the name of Alberta stake, and the group of settlements in the eastern division forming Taylor stake, named in honor of John W. Taylor, then a member of the apostles' quorum, who had been active in promoting the development of these Canadian colonies. Since then, viz., 1910, another stake, known as the Lethbridge stake of Zion has been organized. This also in the province of Alberta.
The colonies are prosperous and constitute a permanent territorial division of the church. In proof of which it is only necessary to state that on the 27th of July, 1913, the site for a temple was dedicated at Cardston by President Joseph F. Smith and a company of nigh church dignitaries from Salt Lake City. It was the first temple site to be designated and dedicated by the church outside of the United States.
Andrew Jenson, Church Chronology, December 17, 1893 (Sunday)
The Saints who had settled on the St. Mary's river and tributaries, southeast of Cardston, Alberta, Canada, were organized as the Aetna Ward; Richard Pilling, Bishop.
Andrew Jenson, Church Chronology, June 9, 1895 (Sunday)
The Saints comprising the three Bishops' Wards (Cardston, Aetna and Mountain View) in Alberta Canada, were organized as the Alberta Stake of Zion; Charles O. Card, president; John A. Woolf and Sterling Williams, counselors.
Andrew Jenson, Church Chronology, December 29, 1906 (Saturday)
Bishop Richard Pilling, a pioneer of Cardston, Alberta, Canada, died at Aetna, Canada.
From Infobases LDS Family History Suite:
LDS Biographical Encyclopedia, Andrew Jenson, Vol. 2, p.18 Hansen, Niels, Bishop of Aetna Ward, Alberta Stake of Zion, Canada, was born at Trostrup, Island of Fyen, Denmark, Aug. 11, 1832, being the sixth child of Hans Jorgensen and Mares Christine Petersen. They were strict Lutherans and the boy was nurtured in that faith. When seven years old he was attacked by scrofula, which clung to him for eight years, thus interfering with his schooling. He finally recovered, and although not advanced in book learning his mind was alert and concentrative. Being unable to engage in laborious work he became a tailor, and while so engaged he met for the first time a "Mormon" preacher in the person of Elder William O. Anderson.
Upon hearing him the young man was at once convinced of the truth of the utterances and was baptized in December, 1851, his parents and several others doing likewise. Friends then became enemies and persecution became so active that the brethren for a season had to vacate. In 1852 he was ordained a Teacher and later that year he went with his brother to Copenhagen to work, the same year being called on a mission to Norway, proceeding with others to his field of labor at once. At Moss the authorities sought the Elders' expulsion, having previously expelled Brother Folkman, an associate; but Brother Niels so vigorously protested and defended his rights with such convincing argument that finally he was permitted to stay and much good work was [p.19] done.
After varying experiences embracing a seven months' term of imprisonment, the latter part of which was greatly mitigated through unforeseen friendly intervention. At the conference held in Copenhagen in August, 1853, he was ordained an Elder and appointed to preside over Trostrup-Korup branch, where
he remained a year and was then sent to take charge of Hvissel and Grejs branches in Jutland. In the fall of 1855 he was released and sailed from Liverpool December 12th, following. The ship was eleven weeks on the ocean, and was the means of saving a shipwrecked crew of forty-two persons. The company landed in New York and went to St. Louis, Mo., where in April, 1856, he was called to go on a mission to some Norwegian settlers in Clay county, Mo., after which he crossed the plains, reaching Salt Lake City, Sept. 20, 1856.
Circumstances necessitated various residences thereafter, but finally he located in Cache county. In 1862 he was ordained a Seventy, joining the 64th quorum. When Cache Stake was organized in 1877 he was ordained a High Priest and set apart as a High Councilor. In 1886 he was called to preside over Providence Ward and was ordained a Bishop by John W. Taylor. In October of that year he was gathered in by the U. S. marshal's dragnet on the prevailing charge-unlawful cohabitation-and subjected to repeated trials, but all to no purpose; they could not convict.
In 1889 he went to Alberta, locating in Cardston, where he became so popular that when a man was wanted to open up the Manitoba mission, the lot fell on him and he served the cause well and faithfully; upon returning he was appointed Bishop of Aetna Ward, which position he held until his death, which occurred at Aetna, Dec. 13, 1902. Under his supervision the Ward had increased numerically and flourished spiritually. His labors were incessant and invaluable. His whitened hair and beard gave him a venerable and fatherly appearance, which the Saints admired and respected. He left a good family.
From Ancestral File (TM), data as of 2 January 1996.
MISSION: From LDS Missionary Index #1,913,087
C:38 ?? Manitoba, Set apart 21 Dec 1896, Returned
NOTE: From http://www.leth.net/fhc/Legacy.htm,
Our Legacy of Faith and Sacrifice, The Founding of the Alberts Stake, is published jointly by the Cardston Alberta Stake and the Cardston Alberta West Stake, of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, 1995, Cardston, Alberta and was prepared by a Joint Stake Centennial Committee consisting of T. M. Matkin and K. J. Taylor, with the assistance of V. A. Wood. Submitter has printed copy as well.
In April 1893 Pres. Card wrote to Salt Lake requesting consideration be given to having the Cardston area added to the list of quarterly conferences to be held under the direction of the First Presidency. In the letter Pres. Card stated that in the Cardston area there was one ward and several branches and with the growth taking place he felt a stake orgaization could be considered in the near future.
The Canadian Mission held its first quarterly conference at Cardston under the direction of Apostle John W. Taylor on Sunday November 19 and Monday November 20, 1893. At the conference several Branches or districts were established. Richard Pilling was sustained as President of the Snake Creek Branch, Neils Hansen, President of the East Cardston Branch, Oliver L. Robinson for the West Cardston Branch, James W. Kearl for the Boundary Creek Branch and Jos. H. Gold for the Fish Creek Branch. It was also stated that monthly priesthood meetings were to be held the first Saturday of each month. It was evident that the population of the Cardston area was growing steadily.
On Friday December 8, 1893 Apostle John W. Taylor and Bishop John W. Woolf of Cardston with Richard Pilling selected the new townsite of Aetna. Later on December 17, 1893 the Aetna Ward was organized with Richard Pilling as Bishop and Neils Hansen and John Pilling as counsellors.
The Gentile Comes to Cache Valley; A. J. Simmons; p.28 footnote 50; at the Peoples party meeting to select candidates there was some controversy; both C. O. Card and Niels were present and ultimately Niels was on the nominating committee that selected the slate of candidates. Charles Card was on the slate twice, as Alderman and School Trustee. Interestingly, among the smattering of votes for someone other than the Peoples and Opposition Party slates, was a single vote for a Niels Hanson for Alderman.
A transcription of the Logan Block Teachers Quorum records include a listing showing that Niels was a member; the originals should show which ward he covered.
CENSUS: 1901 Canada Aetna N.W.T. in Aetna which is first entry for NWT on film 1,843,632; probably should extract all of Aetna as many relatives here. fewer than 50 homes/families. Hard to read but possible.
NOTE: None of Niels' wives is recorded in the TIB, have found first three in EH Records.
BURIAL: Preston City Cemetery; SW section, block one, lot two (just SW of the central war memorial near a Fjelstead stone surrounded by family)
CENSUS: 1880 CD - Note that his plural wives are listed following as separate households
Census Place: Logan, Cache, Utah
Source: FHL Film 1255335 National Archives Film T9-1335 Page 152A
Relation Sex Marr Race Age Birthplace
Niels HANSON Self M M W 47 DEN
Occ: Road Super. Fa: DEN Mo: DEN
Caroline HANSON Wife F M W 46 DEN
Occ: Keep House Fa: DEN Mo: DEN
Niels HANSON Son M S W 21 UT
Occ: Labr Fa: DEN Mo: DEN
Ezra HANSON Son M S W 17 UT
Occ: Labr Fa: DEN Mo: DEN
Hyrum HANSON Son M S W 15 UT
Occ: Labr Fa: DEN Mo: DEN
Emma HANSON Dau F S W 12 UT
Occ: School Fa: DEN Mo: DEN
Kate HANSON Dau F S W 10 UT
Occ: School Fa: DEN Mo: DEN
James HANSON Son M S W 8 UT
Occ: School Fa: DEN Mo: DEN
Mary Ann HANSON Dau F S W 5 UT
Occ: Home Fa: DEN Mo: DEN
Nicholess WRIGHT Other M W W 67 SCOT
Occ: Servant Fa: SCOT Mo: SCOT
Census Place: Logan, Cache, Utah
Source: FHL Film 1255335 National Archives Film T9-1335 Page 152A
Relation Sex Marr Race Age Birthplace
Christena HANSON Wife F M W 31 DEN
Occ: Keep House Fa: DEN Mo: DEN
Maria PETERSON Dau F S W 12 DEN
Fa: DEN Mo: DEN
Census Place: Logan, Cache, Utah
Source: FHL Film 1255335 National Archives Film T9-1335 Page 152A
Relation Sex Marr Race Age Birthplace
Bodel HANSON Wife F M W 57 DEN
Occ: Weaver Fa: DEN Mo: DEN
Sources of Information:
Family Records.
Temple Index Card
ALBERTA No. 16489 Book 21 Page 686
ENDOWMENT HOUSE No. 167 Book 1 Page 7
LOGAN No. 12568 Book A Page 350
Church blessings reconfirmed for #3 & #5 13 Oct 1967 and #2 5 Oct 1967
Submitted by:
A SHORT HISTORY OF NIELS HANSEN'S EARLY LIFE.
Niels Hansen was born at Trostrup Island of Fyen, Denmark, August 11th, 1832, being the 6th child of Hans Jorgensen and Maren Christine Pedersen. They were strict Lutherans, and the boy was nurtured in that faith. When seven years old, he was attacked by Scrofula, which clung to him for eight years, thus interfering with his schooling. He finally recovered, and although not advanced in book learning, his mind was alert and concentrative. Being unable to engage in laborious work, he became a tailor, and while so engaged, he met for the first time a Mormon preacher in the person of Elder William O. Anderson. Upon hearing him, the young man was at once convinced of the truth
of the utterances, and was baptized in December, 1851, his parents and several others doing likewise.
Friends then became enemies, and persecution became so active that the brethren for a season had to vacate. In 1852, Niels was ordained a Teacher, and later he went with his brother to Copenhagen to work. The same year he was called on a mission to Norway, proceeding with others to his field of labor. At once, at Moss, the authorities sought the Elders expulsion, having previously expelled Brother Folkman, an associate, but Niels vigorously protested, and defended his rights with such convincing arguement that finally he was permitted to stay, and much good work was done, after varying experiences, embracing a seven month term of imprisonment, the latter part of which was greatly mitigated through unforseen friendly intervention.
At the Conference held in Copenhagen in August, 1853, he was ordained an Elder, appointed to preside over the Trostrup-Korup branch, where he remained a year, and was then sent to take charge of Hvissel and Grep branches in Jutland. In the fall of 1855, he was released and sailed from Liverpool on December 12th, following.
The ship was eleven weeks on the ocean and was the means of saving a ship-wrecked crew of forty-two persons. The company landed in New York, and went to St. Louis, Missouri, where in April, 1856, he was called to go on a mission to some Norwegian settlers in Clay County, Missouri, after which hecrossed the plains, reaching Salt Lake City, September 26th, 1856.
Circumstances necessitated various moves thereafter, but finally he located in Cache County, Utah.
In 1862 he was ordained a Seventy, and joined the 64th Quorum.
When Cache Stake was organized in 1877, he was ordained a High Priest, and set apart as a High Councillor.
In 1886 he was called to preside over Providence Ward, and was ordained a Bishop by Elder John W. Taylor.
In 1889, he went to Alberta, Canada, locating in Cardston.
HISTORY OF NIELS HANSEN AND EVA LEOTA HOCKSTRASSER HANSEN
Niels Hansen was born in Denmark. His Father, Hans Jorgensen was born in Denmark. His mother, Maren Christine Pederson Jorgensen was born in Denmark. Eva Leota Hockstrasser was born in Salt Lake City, Utah. Her father, Rudolph Hockstrasser was born in Switzerland. Her mother, Mary Ann Lanz was born in Switzerland.
Niels Hansen and Eva Leota Hansen arrived in Cardston, February 26th, 1889. No children were born until after they arrived in Canada.
Niels Hansen homestead was four miles east of Cardston, Alberta, on the St. Mary's River - a beautiful place. The present owners, The East Cardston Colony of Hutterites.
Father raised cows, horses, pigs, chickens and grain. They milked 25 cows by hand, set the milk in pans for the cream to rise, skimmed off the cream and made it into butter. They had to freight the butter to Lethbridge to market 60 miles away by wagon and horses. The rock cellar that they used to keep the pans of milk and butter in is still standing and in good condition, and is still used by the Hutterites to store apples. They are kept in good condition all year round.
I shall now quote from the book, "The Founding of Cardston and vicinity," by Jane Eliza Woolf Bates and Zina Alberta Woolf Hickman.
"While Niels Hansen lived on the homestead, he was a very busy man. On June 15th, 1890, the decision to control the store and other manufacturing enterprises which by that time had arisen. The Cardston Company Limited with $10,000.00 capital, $5,000.00 which was subscribed at this meeting. The Articles of Incorporation were drawn up by the Honorable F.W.J. Haultain of
Macleod, later Premier of Alberta. The directors of this company were C. O. Card, John A. Woolf, Niels Hansen, S. F. Allen, and Ephraim Harker. The businesses that later became a part of this corporation were the cheese factory, the piggery, and the Cardston Implement Store. Officers and Directors were C. O. Card, John A. Woolf, Josiah Hammer, Samuel Matkin, and Andrew Archibald." (end quote)
Father and mother entertained many of the Church Authorities from Salt Lake in their home on the homestead. At one time, President Wilford Woodruff, his wife, and counselors George Q. Cannon, and Joseph F. Smith and Apostle Brigham Young, son of the Late President, were at our home for dinner. Father took them fishing in the St. Mary's River. President Woodruff caught 18 fine large
trout, to his great satisfaction.
On November 29th, 1893, at a Quarterly Conference, Apostle John W. Taylor was there to represent the General Authorities. The local authorities were sustained - Charles O. Card as President of the Alberta Mission, John A. Woolf as Bishop of Cardston with Johannes Anderson first, Henry L. Hinman second counselors, Richard Pilling - President of the Snake Creek Branch, Niels Hansen
- President of the East Cardston Branch, O. L. Robinson - President of the West Cardston Branch, Joseph H. Gold - President of the Fish Creek Branch, James W. Kearl - President of the Boundary Creek Branch.
On December 11th, 1893, at the home of Richard Pilling, with Apostle John W. Taylor there to represent the General Authorities, John A. Woolf and counselors Johannes Anderson and Henry L. Hinman, Elder O. L. Robinson, Joseph Gold, Truman Leonard, Robert Leishman, Josiah Hammer, William Wood, Ephraim Harker, Andrew Archibald and the members of the Cardston Ward choir. Apostle John W. Taylor conducted the meeting, Andrew Archibald led the choir in singing the
hymn "Guide Us O Thou Great Jehovah", Elder Ephraim Harker gave the opening prayer, the choir sang "O Say What Is Truth". Apostle Taylor stated that they had met together to organize a ward and officer it, and if requested, to name it. He stated that he, with Brother Pilling and Bishop John A. Woolf had looked over the country, and had selected land for a townsite. At first, sixteen families were to comprise the ward. These were soon increased to 23 families and 116 souls. Richard Pilling, Niels Hansen, Ezra Hansen, John Gregson, Joseph Ellison, George M. Hudson, Hyrum Hansen, John W. Woolf, Alva Merkley, Peter Skriver, James W. Kearl, Frank Bevans, Widow Rolph, John Pilling, Joseph Pilling, and James Cook were heads of the families comprising the new ward. It was moved by Apostle John W. Taylor and seconded by President Card that Richard Pilling be the Bishop of this ward. Bishop Pilling was unanimously sustained. All the people then went to the townsite, and after
singing by the choir, the ground was dedicated by Apostle John W. Taylor for the building.
December 17th, 1893, Conference assembled in Cardston. The Aetna Ward was completely organized with Richard Pilling Bishop, Niels Hansen and John Pilling first and second counselors, Thomas Owen King as Clerk, Joseph Ellison Superintendent of Sunday School with Richard A. Pilling and George M. Hudson first and second assistants, William Sheffield choir leader, and chorister of
Sunday School, C. F. Jensen, James Kearl, John Gregson, and Elias Pilling were sustained as acting Priests; Peter Skriver, George Bennett, James Hansen, John W. Woolf, Alva Merkley, and Frank Bevans as acting Teachers; James and Rufus Pilling, Enoch Jensen, Edgar Hudson, and Christian Jensen were sustained as acting Deacons. Thus every man and boy, from twelve years of age and older, who resided within the limits of the new ward, had his duties to perform in the ward and within the organization of the Priesthood. President Card told the conference assembled that the new townsite of Aetna had been selected by Elders Taylor, Woolf, and Pilling, with a view to as many natural advantages as possible. Officers of the new auxiliary associations were sustained as
follows: Relief Society President and counselors - Catherine Pilling, Johannah Jensen and Eva Leota Hansen, Amanda Pilling secretary-treasurer.
Eloas Pilling, Emma Pilling and Lavina Ellison were sustained as Presidents respectively of the Y.M.M.I.A., Y.W.M.I.A. and Primary.
April 10th, 1895, C. O. Card was set apart as the President of the Alberta Stake of Zion; President George Q. Cannon was mouth; (that is to say, he was acting under the direction of the General Authorities of the Church). President Card was requested at this time to present names of Stake counselors and High Council of the Stake. For his first and second counselors in the Stake Presidency, he chose John A. Woolf and Sterling Williams, with Josiah Hammer to replace John A. Woolf as Bishop of the Cardston Ward. For the Quorum of the High Council, the following were chosen - James May, Johannes Anderson, Jonathan E. Layne, Simeon F. Allen, Niels Hansen, Ephraim Harker, Oliver L. Robinson, Samuel Matkin, Mark E. Beazer, Hyrum N. Taylor, James Quinton, Robert
Leishman, and Sylvester Low who was set apart as Stake Clerk and President of the High Priest's Quorum with William Wood as first counselor.
In the fall of 1897, the Manitoba Mission of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints was opened. The following were the first missionaries to be sent out to Eastern Canada - Niels Hansen, Frank May, Alva Merkley, and Edward Leavitt, all of Cardston. Accompanying them were W. S. Baxter and J. G. Steward from Wellsville, Utah. These missionaries left Cardston January 28th, 1897. These men, as do all other L. D. S. missionaries, left their homes and families at their own expense to teach the Gospel of Jesus Christ according to their belief. Niels Hansen served the cause well and faithfully.
On Sunday, December 18th, 1898, the Aetna Ward was reorganized, with Niel Hansen as Bishop. Under his supervision the ward had increased in numbers and flourished spiritually. His labors were incessant and valuable. His whitened hair and beard gave him gave him a venerable and fatherly appearance with the saints, which was admired and respected. He held this position until on
December 13th, 1902. His funeral was here in Aetna, then his body was shipped to Preston, Idaho to be buried.
Eva Leota Hockstrasser Hansen was sustained President of the Aetna Ward Relief Society February 24th, 1901; her counselors Lavina Ellison, first and Emily Olsen second, and Annie Green secretary-treasurer.
Niels Hansen and Eva Leota Hockstrasser Hansen had built a large house in Aetna, and moved there in the fall of 1899. While they lived on the homestead Father fixed up a room in their house with little two seated desks for a school for his children, and hired a teacher to teach them. Also in the home in Aetna, until a school house was built two years later. The new school was a two-roomed school house.
There was an old man named Rasmus who lived with Father and Mother for many years. He came from Denmark, and knew Father when he lived there. Rasmus took care of the garden. He always raised a good garden, and wouldn't allow us children to go into the garden. He also took care of the pigs and helped with the chores. He would sing to us in the Danish language, and would take hold of our hands and we would jump up and down while he would sing. He also taught us to count in Danish. He had a quarter section of land one mile south of Aetna which mother received for taking care of him until he died - that was in the contract.
In the winter of 1904, Rasmus took sick. Leota, my oldest sister and I were home alone. I went for our neighbor, Brother Daniel K. Green. He sent me over to Chris Anderson to get liquor for Rasmus, as Brother Green thought it would bring Rasmus around. It was a very cold day, and I froze both my hands.
Rasmus passed away while I was gone. Mother kept the land for a few years, and my brother, Fred, put up hay from the land.
At the death of Niels Hansen, Eva Leota Hockstrasser Hansen was left with 11 children to care for. Mother worked very hard to care for her large family. She took in the school teachers, two at a time to board. The names of some of them are: Mr. Berten, Mr. McDonald, Mr. Steele, Miss Ball, Miss Scott, Miss Hutt, Miss Westwood, Miss Mercer, Miss Hall. Mother would also let children going to school there stay with us - Mildred Gardener, Larue Cleveland, and others. She took in sewing. She would always be up at four a.m. each morning, and often she would be up until one a.m. sewing. When there was a death in the ward, many times she would be up all night making burial clothes. She was a mid-wife, and delivered many babies. She cared for the sick; she never complained, but kept her mind on the needs of others, and she could do to help people. This was her work as President of the Relief Society, and she did it well.
While we lived in Aetna, Carl G. Maeser came to Aetna. He was the first President of B. Y. U. in Provo, Utah. He was appointed by the First Presidency of the Church to encourage the school boards to hold a religion class for 1/2 hour a week to teach the Gospel of Jesus Christ in the schools. We held these classes for some time in the Aetna school. He stayed with us in our home while
he was there. When he left, he left his blessings with us in our home.
Mother taught us the guidance of prayer, and the virtues of life - to lose one's virtue was second to murder in sin. How thankful we were that she was so strong
When we girls grew older we would go out on working jobs for $2.50 a week, and did the janitor work for the school for $5.00 a month.
Mother worked along with many doctors. They suggested that she move to Cardston and establish a maternity home for women having babies, which she did on February 25th, 1914, when she made the move to Cardston. She sold her home in Aetna, also the land one mile south of Aetna to Andrew Jensen. At that time she was released from the President of the Relief Society at Aetna. While she lived in Cardston, she was sustained President of the Relief Society there for some time.
The 'flu' hit Alberta the summer of 1918, and many died at that time. The doctors and nurses were over-worked. Mother was taken ill with the 'flu', which left her with leakage of heart, so she was unable to carry on with her profession. She left Cardston for Weiser, Idaho in 1920 to live with her son, Oliver, and family, selling her home in Cardston. Later she bought a home in Weiser. While she lived in Weiser, she was sustained President of the Relief Society there for five years.
April 7th, 1943,she took a severe stroke and was very sick for a long time. The doctors said she couldn't get well, but with the faith and prayers of her family and the people of the Weiser Ward, she did get better and partly regained the use of her limbs. She learned to walk with the help of her cane.
She made several trips to Canada in the summertime, to see her four girls who lived there.
While she was in Canada, she took another stroke on January 21, 1950, and passed away January 22, 1950. Her funeral was held in Cardston, and her body was shipped to Weiser, Idaho to be buried by her three sons who were buried there.
She was a wonderful mother - very beautiful. Her family loved and respected her very much. Everyone who knew her loved her. She had many friends.
Niels Hansen and Eva Leota Hockstrasser Hansen had 1 1/4 sections of land 4 miles east of Cardston. The land was sold to Delbert Cazier, but Alf McCune ran the place for Cazier. The East Cardston Colony of Hutterites bought the land from Delbert Cazier in 1918. At this time it was Reverend David Hofer who was the Boss, Paul Walter was the Work Manager. The rock cellar in the side of the hill is still there; it is being used still by the Hutterites to store apples in. There is another building nearby that father used as a bunkhouse for the hired men to sleep in. It is now used as a storage place.
Louisa and Owen Archibald were out and took pictures of the rock cellar two years ago (1975). My father Niels Hansen built this cellar just after they arrived in Canada, February 26, 1889.
I, Louisa Hansen Archibald, was born there July 12, 1899. I am the 9th child of Niels Hansen and Eva Leota Hockstrasser Hansen.
(written by - Louisa Hansen Archibald - 1977)
Other wives - 2 - Anna Catherine JENSEN
3 - Bodil HANSEN
4 - Anna Christine ARVESON
5 - Jensine ARVESEN
6 - Eva HOCHSTRASSER
Sources: Temple Index Card
Alberta No. 16489 Book 21 Page 686
Endowment House No. 167 Book 1 Page 7
Logan No. 12568 Book A Page 350
Church blessings reconfirmed for #3 and #5 13 Oct 1967 and for #2 5 Oct 1967 Niels Hansen: Birth, christening and names of parents from Korup Parish records in Odense Co. Denmark - Film #9208, pt 1, page 4.
Note: His mother's name is recorded as Maren Christina Pedersdatter.
Recently all names with the suffix "datter" were changed to end in "sen" by the Genealogical Department. The family used the title "Munch" attached as part of the surname for at least three generations before Maren's time. Therefore, it is included in brackets in the name. Served the cause faithfully and well.
Upon his return he was appointed Bishop of the Aetna Ward, which position
he held until his death, which occured at Aetna, Dec. 13th. 1902. Under
his leadership the Ward increased numerically and flourished spiritually.
His labors were incessant and very valuable. His whitened hair and beard
gave him a venerable and fatherly appearance which the Saints admired and
respected.
1 NAME Niels Hansen /Jørgensen/
information from family record of Wilford A. Hansen with familyrepresentative
Sybil C. Christensen great grand daughter of Hans Jørgensen
Name: Niels HANSEN -711
Birth: 11 AUG 1832
Also known as Niels Hansen JORGENSEN.
Name: Niels HANSEN -711
Birth: 11 AUG 1832
Also known as Niels Hansen JORGENSEN.
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