John Stettler Stucki (1850 - 1933) Profile

Johannes Samuel or Stettler Stucki (1850 - 1933) Profile

Individual

death-date-qualifier-death

Johannes Samuel Stucki

birth-date-qualifier-birth

First Presidency missionary calls and recommendations 1877-1918

First Presidency missionary calls and recommendations 1877-1918.

Missionary Department missionary registers, 1860-1959

Missionary Department missionary registers, 1860-1959, Vol. 1, Page 81, Line 60.

Missionary Department missionary registers, 1860-1959.

Christian Stucki life story, Library of Congress collection of Mormon diaries, 1935-1938

Christian Stucki life story, Library of Congress collection of Mormon diaries, 1935-1938.

We came to Salt Lake City, Utah in July 1860, and came to Santa Clara, Utah in 1861. Before we crossed the plains we stayed at Florence where my father [Samuel Stucki] who was a turner and carpenter made many of the handcarts which were used by the Pioneers. My father bought a cow intending to harness her to the handcart to pull it across the plains. The cow ran away and tipped the handcart over and threw myself and my sister Rosina, who was about three years of age out. Father then gave the cow to a Danish company in return for which one of the men helped my father pull the handcart.



My mother [Magdalena Stettler Stucki] helped also but her feet got blistered and although she still had to walk she couldn’t help pull the handcart. My brother John S[tettler]. Stucki (9 years old) also had to walk, as did my sister Mary Ann who was six years old.

Transcript for Christian Stucki life story, Library of Congress collection of Mormon diaries, 1935-1938

Deseret Evening News

The Immigration

"The Immigration", Deseret Evening News, August 22, 1860.

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The following are the names of persons in the Second Hand-cart company, Capt. Oscar O. Stoddard, which left Florence July 5, 1860:



 



Carl J. [Johan Ellersen] Fjeld and family, Gustav Nilsen and wife, Gunil [Gunild] Larsen, Lorent e Goesh [Lorentz Gvesh], Ingbor Fredericson [Ingeborg Fredericksen], Lars Anderson [Andersen] and wife, Dorthea Petersen, Angette Ukermaur [Ukermann], Neils [Niels] Sorenson and family, Nils Bonderson and family, Jens Jensen, Lars Larser [Larsen], Anders Rasmussen and family, Nella Petersen, Hekael Olsen, and wife, Lars Haborsen [Halvorsen] and family, David Fisher and family, Zebidee [Zebedee] Hallam, William [Henry] Horn and family, Margarett [Margaret] Howard, Samuel Ashton and wife, Henry Jackson and wife, Stephen [King] Taylor and family, Francis Kerby and family Rasmus Rasmussen and family, James Fisher and family, John Hirshi [Hirschi], James Hubler [Hafter], Maria [Anna Maria Dietschweiler] Hess and family, Samuel Stuker [Stucki] and family, Honrad [Konrad] Alder and wife, Michael Roston and wife, Louise Chatloin [Louisa Chatelain], Anders Christensen, Soren Jensen, Rasmus [S.] Moller, Allen Olsen, J. [Johannes] G. Anderson, C. F. Anderson, Ane Chas [Chris] Sorenson, Ann [Ane] Anderson, Moroni Petersen, Ann Petersen, Bent Sorenson, Ane Sorenson, Bengt Bengtsen [Bengtson], Ane C. Olsen, Bent Benson [Bengtson], Christen Christensen, Gatfredine [Gotfredine] M. Jensen, Matt K. Moller, Soren Christensen and family, Peter Sorensen and family, Neils Anderson Dorthea Petersen, Maren [Thomasen] Olsen and family, Anders Petersen.



In the company there were 126 persons, 22 hand-carts, and 6 wagons.



The following are the names of persons in Captain Wm. Budge's Wagon company:



Charles F. [Frederick] Jones and family, Enoch Williams, David [W.] Evans, Ann Lewis, Elizabeth Staples, John McComie [McOmie] and family, Joseph Bennett and family, Surah [John] Drakeford and wife [Sarah], John R. Eardley and family, Sarah E. Overd, Elizabeth Armstrong, William Herbert and family, Francis F. [P.] Pascoe and family, Ann Shackelton; Thomas J. Jordon, Isaac [Wilson] Fox and family, Thos. Williams and family, Alexander Eckford and family, Isabella Gibbs and family, Martha Moore, Fanny McCorme [McComie], John Crostan [Croston]and wife, Joseph Colledge and family, James Davis, Isaac Chilton and family, Nephi Johnson, William Budge and family, Eliza Stratford, Eliza Jones, Thomas [Scott] Budge and family, John Hamilton, James Wood, Jane M. Buckley, Amelia A. C. Taylor, John Bourne, Jane [Day] Bourne, John Bourne and family, Joseph Humphrey and family, John Stock and family, Thomas Gurbutt, Thomas [Charles] Shirley and family, Thomas P. [Phillip] White and family, Charles Wood and family, Robert Bodily and family, Thomas Sandall and family, Harry Stringer and family, Clara [Wilhelmina] Huey and family, Samuel N. [Nathaniel] Slaughter, George Prince and family, Nicholas Paul and family, Elizabeth Hold [Kold] and family, Wm. Cooley and family, John Keller and family, James Hafften [Hafter], Maria [Anna] Traber, Gottleb Enz [Gottlieb Ence], Henry Reiser and wife, Mariana Rupp, Ana Muller, Christian Staffer [Stauffer], John Diethelm and family, Joachum Dietshwigler [Joachim Dietschweiler], John Alder and family, Fredrich Kruesi [Fredrick Kruse] and wife, Kathrina Naf, Henry Bar [Heinrich Baer] and family, Anna [Barbara] Abderhalden, Arnold Neesor [Neeser], Christian Wittver [Wittwer] and family, John Reidal, Katherina Stuki [Kathrina Stucki] and family, Peter Pfister and wife, Charles Widerborg and wife, Anna B. [Bolette] Thomussen and wife, Thomas T. [Frederik] Trane, Soren Madson and family, Jens Larsen and wife, Maren Olsen and wife, Neils Larsen and family, Jorgan Mortenson and family, Lars Williamson [Williamsen] and wife, Anders Rasmussen, Kirsten Knudsen, Lars Erickson and family, Stina Nielsen, Jens Nielsen and family, Ola Peterson, Mads Paulson [Paulsen] family, Anna Wardstrom, Lars Larson and family, Peter Frederickson [Fredericksen] and wife, Anna M. Jorgensen, Maria Madsen, Hans Pedersen and wife, Peter Peterson and family, Peter Petersen and wife, Christen Jensen and wife, Karen M. Goretsen [Jorgensen or Sorensen], Jens Larsen and family, Peter [Madsen] Jensen and family, Jens Sorenson, Hans M. Nisson, Jens Knudson and wife, Bodil Rasmussen, Maren Mortensen, Maren Chritensen, Anna Johnson, Ingwart Hansen and family, Anna M. Kraiberg, Soren Christiansen and family, Adolph A. Nickel [Adolph August Nichols] and wife, Johanna Stephenson, Anna [Anne] K. Madsen and wife, Ane [Anne] Hansen, Ingri Borg, Christian Jensen and wife, Hans Jensen and family, Maren Peterson, Elizabeth C. Madsen, Hans P. Madsen and wife, Anna M. Sorenson, Elsa [Else] Madsen and family, Christian Lilholdt, Christian R. [Peter] Larsen, Hans C. Stiselt and wife, Niels Christensen, Jens Petersen and family, Anna [C.] Bentson and wife, Jens P. [Pedersen] Aagaard and family, Susannah Peterson, Swan M. [Sven Monson] Lovendahl and family, Soren [Rasmussen] Moller, Anna Melsdatter [Nielsdatter], Jeppe Olson and wife, Niels Christensen and family, Dorothea C. Johansen, Johan F. [Frederik] Carlson and wife, Anna [Grethe] Gottfredsen [Gotfredsen], Raren [Maren or Karen] Christensen and family, Ols O. [Ole Olsen] Gaarder and family, Lars Larsen, Eric Eliason and wife, Swain [Sven] Carlson and family, Jens Jensen and wife, Elna Grourall [Gronvall], Pear [Pehr] Anderson and family, Andreas Anderson and family, Benta Swanson [Swenson], Elsa Neilsson [Elsa Nielsen].



In the company there were 394 persons, 55 wagons, 215 oxen, and 77 cows.



The following are the names of persons in Captain John Taylor's Wagons company:



John Taylor and family, Sarah Zalkner [Falkner], Mary [Taylor] Maddock and family, John Harris, Stephen Taylor and family, Levi B. Jones and family, William Hall and wife, Joseph Dockerson [Dickerson] and wife, James Camp and wife, John Isaacs, M. [Naomi T.] Brett, William Owen and family, Thomas Fisher and family, George Weaver and family, Charles Cad [Cox], Edw. [Edward] Jefford, Ann Jefford.



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Jens Peter Christensen and family, Hilberg Christensen, Frederick Holst, Bergitti Holst, N. C. [Nils Christian] Holst, Christian Holst, Kristine Holst, Rasmus Rasmusen and family, Line [Sine] Madsen, M. C. [Mads Christian] Andersen and family, Marie Wogn and wife, Soren Wilson and family, Johanne Margrette [Margrethe] Kofort [Kofoed] and wife, Anders Larsen and family, Soren Jenson and family, Stine Larsen, Lars Jacobson and family, Ane Ellsine Kofod [Anna Elsina Kofoed], Marias [Marcus] Jensen and family, Paul Nielson and family, Christian Jensen, Ane Jensen, Hans [Archer] Kofod [Kofoed] and family, Hanne [Hannah Hemmert] Wilhelmsen and family, Christian Peter Nielson and family, Andreas Hammer [Hmer] and family, Jens Hanson Kofod [Kofoed], Jens Svenson [Swenson] and family, Anders Bloomdale [Blumdoll] and family, Kirstine Coombs, Mathilda Blumda [Blumdoll], Ane Staal [Svalle].



In the company there were 123 persons, 23 wagons, 61 oxen and 32 cows.

Transcript for "The Immigration," Deseret News, 22 August 1860, 197

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The following are the names of persons in the Second Hand-cart company, Capt. Oscar O. Stoddard, which left Florence July 5, 1860:



 



Carl J. [Johan Ellersen] Fjeld and family, Gustav Nilsen and wife, Gunil [Gunild] Larsen, Lorent e Goesh [Lorentz Gvesh], Ingbor Fredericson [Ingeborg Fredericksen], Lars Anderson [Andersen] and wife, Dorthea Petersen, Angette Ukermaur [Ukermann], Neils [Niels] Sorenson and family, Nils Bonderson and family, Jens Jensen, Lars Larser [Larsen], Anders Rasmussen and family, Nella Petersen, Hekael Olsen, and wife, Lars Haborsen [Halvorsen] and family, David Fisher and family, Zebidee [Zebedee] Hallam, William [Henry] Horn and family, Margarett [Margaret] Howard, Samuel Ashton and wife, Henry Jackson and wife, Stephen [King] Taylor and family, Francis Kerby and family Rasmus Rasmussen and family, James Fisher and family, John Hirshi [Hirschi], James Hubler [Hafter], Maria [Anna Maria Dietschweiler] Hess and family, Samuel Stuker [Stucki] and family, Honrad [Konrad] Alder and wife, Michael Roston and wife, Louise Chatloin [Louisa Chatelain], Anders Christensen, Soren Jensen, Rasmus [S.] Moller, Allen Olsen, J. [Johannes] G. Anderson, C. F. Anderson, Ane Chas [Chris] Sorenson, Ann [Ane] Anderson, Moroni Petersen, Ann Petersen, Bent Sorenson, Ane Sorenson, Bengt Bengtsen [Bengtson], Ane C. Olsen, Bent Benson [Bengtson], Christen Christensen, Gatfredine [Gotfredine] M. Jensen, Matt K. Moller, Soren Christensen and family, Peter Sorensen and family, Neils Anderson Dorthea Petersen, Maren [Thomasen] Olsen and family, Anders Petersen.



In the company there were 126 persons, 22 hand-carts, and 6 wagons.



The following are the names of persons in Captain Wm. Budge's Wagon company:



Charles F. [Frederick] Jones and family, Enoch Williams, David [W.] Evans, Ann Lewis, Elizabeth Staples, John McComie [McOmie] and family, Joseph Bennett and family, Surah [John] Drakeford and wife [Sarah], John R. Eardley and family, Sarah E. Overd, Elizabeth Armstrong, William Herbert and family, Francis F. [P.] Pascoe and family, Ann Shackelton; Thomas J. Jordon, Isaac [Wilson] Fox and family, Thos. Williams and family, Alexander Eckford and family, Isabella Gibbs and family, Martha Moore, Fanny McCorme [McComie], John Crostan [Croston]and wife, Joseph Colledge and family, James Davis, Isaac Chilton and family, Nephi Johnson, William Budge and family, Eliza Stratford, Eliza Jones, Thomas [Scott] Budge and family, John Hamilton, James Wood, Jane M. Buckley, Amelia A. C. Taylor, John Bourne, Jane [Day] Bourne, John Bourne and family, Joseph Humphrey and family, John Stock and family, Thomas Gurbutt, Thomas [Charles] Shirley and family, Thomas P. [Phillip] White and family, Charles Wood and family, Robert Bodily and family, Thomas Sandall and family, Harry Stringer and family, Clara [Wilhelmina] Huey and family, Samuel N. [Nathaniel] Slaughter, George Prince and family, Nicholas Paul and family, Elizabeth Hold [Kold] and family, Wm. Cooley and family, John Keller and family, James Hafften [Hafter], Maria [Anna] Traber, Gottleb Enz [Gottlieb Ence], Henry Reiser and wife, Mariana Rupp, Ana Muller, Christian Staffer [Stauffer], John Diethelm and family, Joachum Dietshwigler [Joachim Dietschweiler], John Alder and family, Fredrich Kruesi [Fredrick Kruse] and wife, Kathrina Naf, Henry Bar [Heinrich Baer] and family, Anna [Barbara] Abderhalden, Arnold Neesor [Neeser], Christian Wittver [Wittwer] and family, John Reidal, Katherina Stuki [Kathrina Stucki] and family, Peter Pfister and wife, Charles Widerborg and wife, Anna B. [Bolette] Thomussen and wife, Thomas T. [Frederik] Trane, Soren Madson and family, Jens Larsen and wife, Maren Olsen and wife, Neils Larsen and family, Jorgan Mortenson and family, Lars Williamson [Williamsen] and wife, Anders Rasmussen, Kirsten Knudsen, Lars Erickson and family, Stina Nielsen, Jens Nielsen and family, Ola Peterson, Mads Paulson [Paulsen] family, Anna Wardstrom, Lars Larson and family, Peter Frederickson [Fredericksen] and wife, Anna M. Jorgensen, Maria Madsen, Hans Pedersen and wife, Peter Peterson and family, Peter Petersen and wife, Christen Jensen and wife, Karen M. Goretsen [Jorgensen or Sorensen], Jens Larsen and family, Peter [Madsen] Jensen and family, Jens Sorenson, Hans M. Nisson, Jens Knudson and wife, Bodil Rasmussen, Maren Mortensen, Maren Chritensen, Anna Johnson, Ingwart Hansen and family, Anna M. Kraiberg, Soren Christiansen and family, Adolph A. Nickel [Adolph August Nichols] and wife, Johanna Stephenson, Anna [Anne] K. Madsen and wife, Ane [Anne] Hansen, Ingri Borg, Christian Jensen and wife, Hans Jensen and family, Maren Peterson, Elizabeth C. Madsen, Hans P. Madsen and wife, Anna M. Sorenson, Elsa [Else] Madsen and family, Christian Lilholdt, Christian R. [Peter] Larsen, Hans C. Stiselt and wife, Niels Christensen, Jens Petersen and family, Anna [C.] Bentson and wife, Jens P. [Pedersen] Aagaard and family, Susannah Peterson, Swan M. [Sven Monson] Lovendahl and family, Soren [Rasmussen] Moller, Anna Melsdatter [Nielsdatter], Jeppe Olson and wife, Niels Christensen and family, Dorothea C. Johansen, Johan F. [Frederik] Carlson and wife, Anna [Margrethe] Gottfredsen [Gotfredsen], Raren [Maren or Karen] Christensen and family, Ols O. [Ole Olsen] Gaarder and family, Lars Larsen, Eric Eliason and wife, Swain [Sven] Carlson and family, Jens Jensen and wife, Elna Grourall [Gronvall], Pear [Pehr] Anderson and family, Andreas Anderson and family, Benta Swanson [Swenson], Elsa Neilsson [Elsa Nielsen].



In the company there were 394 persons, 55 wagons, 215 oxen, and 77 cows.



The following are the names of persons in Captain John Taylor's Wagons company:



John Taylor and family, Sarah Zalkner [Falkner], Mary [Taylor] Maddock and family, John Harris, Stephen Taylor and family, Levi B. Jones and family, William Hall and wife, Joseph Dockerson [Dickerson] and wife, James Camp and wife, John Isaacs, M. [Naomi T.] Brett, William Owen and family, Thomas Fisher and family, George Weaver and family, Charles Cad [Cox], Edw. [Edward] Jefford, Ann Jefford.



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Jens Peter Christensen and family, Hilberg Christensen, Frederick Holst, Bergitti Holst, N. C. [Nils Christian] Holst, Christian Holst, Kristine Holst, Rasmus Rasmusen and family, Line [Sine] Madsen, M. C. [Mads Christian] Andersen and family, Marie Wogn and wife, Soren Wilson and family, Johanne Margrette [Margrethe] Kofort [Kofoed] and wife, Anders Larsen and family, Soren Jenson and family, Stine Larsen, Lars Jacobson and family, Ane Ellsine Kofod [Anna Elsina Kofoed], Marias [Marcus] Jensen and family, Paul Nielson and family, Christian Jensen, Ane Jensen, Hans [Archer] Kofod [Kofoed] and family, Hanne [Hannah Hemmert] Wilhelmsen and family, Christian Peter Nielson and family, Andreas Hammer [Hmer] and family, Jens Hanson Kofod [Kofoed], Jens Svenson [Swenson] and family, Anders Bloomdale [Blumdoll] and family, Kirstine Coombs, Mathilda Blumda [Blumdoll], Ane Staal [Svalle].



In the company there were 123 persons, 23 wagons, 61 oxen and 32 cows.

Deseret Evening News.

Hafen, Mary Ann, Recollections of a Handcart Pioneer of 1860 [1938], 21-26

Hafen, Mary Ann, Recollections of a Handcart Pioneer of 1860 [1938], 21-26.

When we reached Florence, Nebraska, near present Omaha, we were forced to stop for a while because there were no teams enough to take us across the plains to Salt Lake City. The men set to work making handcarts and my father, being a carpenter, helped to make thirty-three of them. Ours was a small two-wheeled vehicle with two shafts and a cover on top. The carts were very much like those the street sweepers use in the cities today, except that ours were made entirely of wood without even an iron rim.	
When we came to load up our belongings we found that we had more than we could take. Mother was forced to leave behind her feather bed, the bolt of linen, two large trunks full of clothes, and some other valuable things which we needed so badly later. Father could take only his most necessary tools.	
My son Roy in his research in Western history, has made a special study of the handcart companies that crossed the Plains to Utah, from 1856 to 1860. There were 2,969 persons, using 662 carts. Five of the companies crossed in 1856. The last two of these started too late—leaving Florence on August 16 and 27 respectively. They were caught by early snows in present Wyoming and suffered terribly. The fourth company, comprising 500 persons, lost over sixty; and the fifth company, of 576 persons, lost between 135 and 150 through freezing and starvation. Compared to them, our company was very fortunate and got along real well. 	
He says our company was the tenth and last to cross the Plains in handcarts. We had crossed the ocean in the William Tapscott, leaving England on May 11th and reaching New York on June 16th. There were 731 Mormons on board this vessel, including 312 from Scandinavia and 85 from Switzerland. Not all of these were to go by handcart, however.	
Our company was organized with Oscar O. Stoddard as captain. It contained 126 persons with twenty-two handcarts and three provision wagons drawn by oxen. We set out from Florence on July 6, 1860, for our thousand-mile trip. There were six to our cart. Father [Samuel Stucki] and mother [Magdalena Stettler Stucki] pulled it; Rosie (two years old) and Christian (six months old) rode; John (nine) and I (six) walked. Sometimes, when it was down hill, they let me ride too.	
The first night out the mosquitoes gave us a hearty welcome. Father had bought a cow to take along, so we could have milk on the way. At first he tied her to the back of the cart, but she would sometimes hang back, so he thought he would make a harness and have her pull the cart while he led her. By this time mother’s feet were so swollen that she could not wear shoes, but had to wrap her feet with cloth. Father thought that by having the cow pull the cart mother might ride. This worked well for some time.
One day a group of Indians came riding up on horses. Their jingling trinkets, dragging poles and strange appearance frightened the cow and sent her chasing off with the cart and children. We were afraid that the children might be killed, but the cow fell into a deep gully and the cart turned upside down. Although the children were under the trunk and bedding, they were unhurt, but after that father did not hitch the cow to the cart again. He let three Danish boys take her to hitch to their cart. Then the Danish boys, each in turn, would help father pull our cart.	
Of course we had many other difficulties. One was that it was hard for the carts to keep up with the three provision wagons drawn by ox teams. Often the men pulling the carts would try to take shortcuts through the brush and sand in order to keep up.
After about three weeks my mother’s feet became better so she could wear her shoes again. She would get so discouraged and down-hearted; but father never lost courage. He would always cheer her up by telling her that we were going to Zion, that the Lord would take care of us, and that better times were coming.	
Even when it rained the company did not stop traveling. A cover on the handcart shielded the two younger children. The rest of us found it more comfortable moving than standing still in the drizzle. In fording streams the men often carried the children and weaker women across on their backs. The company stopped over on Sundays for rest, and meetings were held for spiritual comfort and guidance. At night, when the handcarts were drawn up in a circle and the fires were lighted, the camp looked quite happy. Singing, music and speeches by the leaders cheered everyone. I remember that we stopped one night at an old Indian camp ground. There were many bright-colored beads in the ant hills.
At times we met or were passed by the overland stage coach with its passengers and mail bags and drawn by four fine horses. When the Pony Express dashed past it seemed almost like the wind racing over the prairie.
Our provisions began to get low. One day a herd of buffalo ran past and the men of our company shot two of them. Such a feast as we had when they were dressed. Each family was given a piece of meat to take along. My brother John, who pushed at the back of our cart, used to tell how hungry he was all the time and how tired he got from pushing. He said he felt that if he could just sit down for a few minutes he would feel so much better. But instead, father would ask if he couldn’t push a little harder. Mother was nursing the baby and could not help much, especially when the food ran short and she grew weak. When rations were reduced father gave mother a part of his share of the food, so he was not so strong either.	
When we got that chunk of buffalo meat father put it in the handcart. My brother John remembered that it was the fore part of the week and that father said we would save it for Sunday dinner. John said, "I was so very hungry and the meat smelled so good to me while pushing at the handcart that I could not resist. I had a little pocket knife and with it I cut off a piece or two each half day. Although I was afraid of getting a severe whipping after cutting a little the first few times, I could not resist taking a little each half day. I would chew it so long it got perfectly tasteless. When father went to get the meat on Sunday noon he asked me if I had been cutting off some of the meat. I said ‘Yes, I was so hungry I could not let it alone.’ Instead of giving me a scolding or whipping, father turned away and wiped tears from his eyes.”	
Even when we were on short rations, if we met a band of Indians the Captain of our Company would give them some of the provisions so the Indians would let us go by in safety. Food finally became so slow that word was sent to Salt Lake City and in about two weeks fresh supplies arrived.	
At last, when we reached the top of Emigration Canyon, overlooking Salt Lake, on that September day, 1860, the whole company stopped to look down through the valley. Some yelled and tossed their hats in the air. A shout of joy arose at the thought that our long trip was over, that we had at last reached Zion, the place of rest. We all gave thanks to God for helping us safely over the Plains and mountains to our destination.

Transcript for Hafen, Mary Ann, Recollections of a Handcart Pioneer of 1860 [1938], 21-26

Historical Department journal history of the Church

Historical Department journal history of the Church, 1830-2008. Supplement after 31 December 1860: Page 36.

Historical Department journal history of the Church.

Mary Ann Stucki Hafen life story, Library of Congress collection of Mormon diaries, 1935-1938

Mary Ann Stucki Hafen life story, Library of Congress collection of Mormon diaries, 1935-1938.

{Pages 6-7}



So we started on the thousand mile trip, father anf [and] mother pulling the cart,the two young children riding, and John and I walking. The first night out the mosquitoes gave us a h[e]arty welcome, Father had bought a cow to take along so we could have milk on the way. At first he tied her to the back of the cart but she would sometimes hang back so the thought came to him that he would make a harness and have her pull the cart while he led her. By this time mother’s feet were so swollen that she could not wear shoes, but now wrapped her feet with cloth. Father thought that by having the cow pull the cart mother might ride. This worked well for sometime, until one day a group of Indians came riding up on horses. Their jingling trinkets and strange appearance freightened the cow and sent her chasing off with the cart, and children. We were afraid the children might be killed, but the cow fell into a deep ditch and the cart fell upside down. Although, the children were under the trunk and bedding they were unhurt. This happened twice, but after that time father did not hitch the cow to the cart again. He let two Danish boys take her to hitch to their cart and one of the boys helped father pull our cart.



Of course we had many other difficulties. One was that it was hard for the carts to keep up with the provision wagons. There were three of these provision wagons drawn by oxen. Often the men pulling the carts would try to take a short cut through the brush and sand in order to keep up. After about three weeks my mother’s feet became better so she could wear her shoes again. I used to feel sorry for poor mother; she would get so discouraged and tired. But father never lost courage; he would always cheer her up by telling her there were better things coming. Even when it rained the company did not stop traveling. A cover on the hand cart shielded the two young children. The others found it more comfortable moving than standing still in the drizzle.



I remember stopping one night at an old Indian camping ground. There were many bright colored beads in the ant hills, that Indians had left. At times too, we met the overland stage with its passengers and mail bags. When the pony express passed by us it seemed almost like the wind racing over the prairies.



Our provisions grew low. One day a herd of buffalo ran past and the men of our company shot two of them. Such a feast as we had when they were dressed. One evening my father came in with two fine rabbits saying he had shot them both with one bullet.



The provisions finally became so low we were put on rations. So word was sent to Salt Lake and in about a week fresh supplies arrived which were equally divided among the imigrants [emigrants].



At last when they reached the top of Emigration Canyon on that September day, 1860, the whole company stopped to look down through the valley. A shout of joy arose at the thought that our long tiresome trip was over, and there was a place to rest. When we arrived in the city we were welcomed by the people....

Transcript for Mary Ann Stucki Hafen life story, Library of Congress collection of Mormon diaries, 1935-1938

Perpetual Emigrating Fund Company financial accounts, 1849-1886

Perpetual Emigrating Fund Company financial accounts, 1849-1886.

Stucki, Christian, [Interview], in "Utah Pioneer Biographies," 44 vols., 27:136

Stucki, Christian, [Interview], in "Utah Pioneer Biographies," 44 vols., 27:136.

We came to Salt Lake City, Utah in July 1860, and came to Santa Clara, Utah in 1861. Before we crossed the plains we stayed at Florence where my father who was a turner and carpenter made many of the handcarts which were used by the Pioneers. My father bought a cow intending to harness her to the handcart to pull it across the plains. The cow ran away and tipped the handcart over and threw myself and my sister Rosina, who was about three years of age out. Father then gave the cow to a Danish company in return for which one of the men helped my father pull the handcart.	
My mother helped also but her feet got blistered and although she still had to walk she couldn't help pull the handcart. My brother John S[tettler]. Stucki (9 years old) also had to walk, as did my sister Mary Ann [Anna Maria] who was six years old.

Transcript for Stucki, Christian, [Interview], in "Utah Pioneer Biographies," 44 vols., 27:136

Stucki, John S., Family History Journal of John S. Stucki [1932], 42-46

Stucki, John S., Family History Journal of John S. Stucki [1932], 42-46.

As father [Samuel Stucki] was not able to talk or understand a bit of English (traveling partly by land and partly on rivers), we could not always get what we needed so [we] were hungry again a good part of the time. At last we arrived at a place called Florence from where we were to start on our journey across the plains. There we learned that we had to cross the Plains with the Martain [Martin] Handcart Company in 1860. So instead of better times ahead of us our hardships increased as my parents had three small children to haul in the handcart. There was no room for much else except a very little clothing and bedding and as there were no team and wagon outfits, except to haul about half enough provisions for the large handcart company, we were told that they could not take those large boxes that my parents had filled with their good clothing and bedding. They could not be put in the small handcart with the three little children in it so father went to see if he could find someone who could talk German as he wished to find someone that could interpret for him and then try to sell those boxes filled with good clothing for a little something. He could not find anyone to interpret and we had to leave them there without getting a cent for them. Later on we needed the contents of the boxes in the worst way for when we got to Salt Lake City we were almost without clothing and bedding. If we could have brought them with us we would have been well supplied with clothing and bedding for a few years.	
There were only four wagons with oxen to pull them to haul provisions for about fifty families (if I remember right). Soon after we started we were told we could only have half rations, that is, just half as much as is considered an average person needs to live on. So we had to do our traveling on just half enough to eat. My dear mother [Magdalena Stettler Stucki] had a little baby [Christian] to nurse and only having half enough to eat and to pull on the handcart all day long, day after day, she soon got so weak and worn out that she could not help father anymore. Nor was she able to keep up with the Company till evening without pulling on the handcart. Sometimes when we camped she was so far behind the Company we could not see anything of her for quite a while so that I was afraid she might not be able to get to the Camp.	
Father let mother have a little bigger part of the half ration. This shortage of food, together with having the three children with everything else we had in the handcart, made it too heavy for him to pull alone. In this hungry and also nearly worn-out condition, I have never forgotten how when I, a nine year old boy, would be so tired that I would wish I could sit down for just a few minutes how much good it would do to me, but instead of that my dear, nearly worn-out father would ask me if I could not push a little more on the Handcart.	
I will never forget how hungry I was all the time. When one of the teamsters, seeing two Buffalos near the oxen, shot one of them and the meat was divided among the whole handcart company. My parents also got a small piece which my father put in the back end of the handcart. That was in the forepart of the week. He said that we would save it for our dinner next Sunday. I was so very hungry all the time and the meat smelled so good to me while pushing at the handcart, and having a little pocketknife, I could not resist, but had to cut off a piece or two each half day. Although I was afraid of getting a severe whipping after cutting a little the first few times, I could not resist taking a little each half day. I would chew it so long it got perfectly tasteless. When Father went to get the meat on Sunday noon he asked me if I had been cutting off some of the meat. I said "yes," that I was so hungry that I could not let it alone. Then instead of giving me the severe scolding and whipping he did not say a word but started to wipe the tears from his eyes.	
As we had so little to eat I wondered why they did not shoot more Buffaloes when there were herds of many thousands traveling the opposite direction from which we were traveling. I afterwards learned that it was awfully dangerous to shoot into a big herd as they were easily stampeded and when stampeded they would run over emigrants or anything in their way. The morning that the one was shot there were only two separate from the herd near the oxen.	
We were tired even in the mornings and hungry and weary. Still we had to keep traveling on and on until we got to a ranch. Here my father, with the rest of his money (except one dollar), bought a cow and some ropes to make a rope harness and halter to hitch the cow to the cart. He hitched the cow to one side of the tongue of the cart and father and the cow made a team together. At first the cow would not pull much, so father had to do most of the pulling. After a while the cow started to pull pretty good. Not long after we had her broke to pull, a big band of Indians met us and caused other troubles. They had their tent poles tied in bunches with the little ends tied to the sides of the horses with great packs, back of the horses, tied on the long, dragging poles of buffalo hides with different kinds of ugly looking things which they dragged along close by the side of us. This scared the cow so badly that she jumped and tore around till she got loose from father. Then she ran away with the handcart and three little children in it for quite a long ways. Then she got the handcart turned upside down with the three little children under it and the bows were all broken off. We were very much afraid that some of the children might have gotten their arms or legs broken or perhaps killed, but to our great relief found that none of them were seriously hurt. My father, and some of the other brethren, ran as fast as they could to get the little children from under the handcart and to see how they were.	
Father fixed up the bows of the cart and made a different rope halter for the cow, thinking that perhaps he might better be able to hold the cow if Indians should meet us again. A few days later quite a large army of Indians met us again and as they dragged their horrible packs right close by the side of the cow she took such awful sidejumps that she got loose from father again and ran as fast as she could go until she turned the handcart upside down again. Again we were greatly relieved to find that not one of the three children were seriously hurt. Although the handcart had been turned upside down twice, with the little children in it, God had wonderfully protected them from all harm. Now, my father, not knowing but what we might meet some more bands of Indians, was afraid to use the cow anymore.	
As there were three young Danish men to one handcart, he went to see if he could get one of them to help pull our handcart and the other two to take the cow to pull their cart. By that time the cow was quite a good puller and they kindly consented. So one of the young men helped father one day and another the next day, and so on in turn. At this rate we got along pretty good on the latter end of the journey except that dear mother got so sick it was almost impossible for her to walk the long distances each day. I began to be afraid that we might lose her before we could get to the end of the journey, but two of the Brethren laid their hands on her head and blessed her for the restoration of her health. After this she began to improve and got so that she was more able to walk.	
Although we had to travel on half rations all the time, when we met those bands of Indians the captain of our company had to give them quite a lot of provisions. I suppose that he did so because the Indians demanded it and would not let us go on until he did so. They stopped our company and got what they wanted, then they let us go on in peace. Oh, how we longed for the time when we would get to the end of this tiresome and tedious journey that we might have a chance to rest up a little.

Transcript for Stucki, John S., Family History Journal of John S. Stucki [1932], 42-46

Johannes Samuel Stucki

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