John Frederick Ferdinand Dorius (1832 - 1901) Profile

Nebraska Conference

Individual

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John Frederick Ferdinand Dorius

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First Presidency missionary calls and recommendations, 1877-1918, Church History Library

First Presidency missionary calls and recommendations, 1877-1918, Church History Library.

John F. F. Dorius autobiography and journal, circa 1851-1853, Church History Library

John F. F. Dorius autobiography and journal, circa 1851-1853, Church History Library.

Missionary Department missionary registers, 1860-1959

Missionary Department missionary registers, 1860-1959, Vol. 1, Page 1, Line 16.

Missionary Department missionary registers, 1860-1959, Vol. 1, Page 33, Line 1397.

Missionary Department missionary registers, 1860-1959.

Missionary Department missionary registers, 1860-1959, Vol. 2, Page 1, Line 16.

Missionary Department missionary registers, 1860-1959, Vol. 2, Page 36, Line 1397.

Missionary Department missionary registers, 1860-1959, Vol. 3, Page 28, Line 335.

Northern States Mission history, 1875-1976, Church History Library

Northern States Mission history, 1875-1976, Church History Library.

Transcript for 1st Presidency missionary calls and recommendations 1877-1918: CR 1 168, Church History Library

Anthon H. Lund, Scandinavian Jubilee Album (Salt Lake City: Deseret News, 1900

Anthon H. Lund, Scandinavian Jubilee Album (Salt Lake City: Deseret News, 1900.

C. C. A. Christensen, "By Handcart to Utah: The Account of C. C. A. Christensen," translated by Richard L. Jensen, Nebraska History 66 (1985): 332-48

C. C. A. Christensen, "By Handcart to Utah: The Account of C. C. A. Christensen," translated by Richard L. Jensen, Nebraska History 66 (1985): 332-48.

Transcript for C. C. A. Christensen, "By Handcart to Utah: The Account of C. C. A. Christensen," translated by Richard L. Jensen, Nebraska History 66 (1985): 332-48

C. C. N. Dorius in Our Pioneer Heritage

C. C. N. Dorius in Our Pioneer Heritage, Vol. 2.

C. C. N. Dorius in Our Pioneer Heritage.

Dorius, C. C. N., Autobiography of Carl Christian Nicoli Dorius, 19-21

Dorius, C. C. N., Autobiography of Carl Christian Nicoli Dorius, 19-21.

We were at once shown to our camping ground, which was two or three miles out of Iowa City, by John Taylor and Abrah[a]m Cannon. We pitched our tents in a circle, 18 persons to be accomodated in each tent.



We stayed about one month to get our hand carts and provision in order to make everything ready. The handcarts were in poor condition and they soon became worse as we went over ditches and rough hills and hollows. This was the beginning of our trip across the plains, our goal being Salt Lake City, Utah. It was something to tackle, as the two previous handcart companies the year before had almost perished, so we were warned to start as soon as possible on account of the winter weather. Our first captain of the handcart company was Elder James R. Park, whom the Scandinavians did not understand, and he did not understand them. So a new captain was named. A number did not have enough means to go on and stayed in the valley. Many went by ox team, which was somewhat better, although our company, which was the 7th, made almost as good time.



There were 300 souls, 68 handcarts, 3 wagons, 10 mules. Christian Christianson, the man the saints love so much and who baptized three of my father’s family, became our captain from Florence to Salt Lake City. We were so thankful for this wonderful man to take charge, and then went much better. He divided the company into four divisions under four other captains. I was made captain of one division of 16 handcarts. The other captains also had 16 handcarts to oversee. This helped to make our traveling more unique.



We traveled on one side of the Platt[e] River, while the Johnston Army was traveling also toward Salt Lake City. Little wee knew who were and what their aims were, but the army stayed at Fort Bridger that winter and did not come toward Salt Lake until the next summer. There was joy and sorrow in that trek. When we camped we held meetings. We also danced barefoot and sang when we camped, and all tried to be happy. One tenth of the company died for want of care and nourishment. We had to send to Salt Lake for provisions, which were most too late for help. We also saw that thrilling never-to-be-forgotten experience of a buffalo stampede.



Our shoes were entirely worn out, and the women had to use burlap around their feet, which my wife, Ellen, often spoke of. When we crossed the small streams the thin ice would tear our bleeding feet, and oh! how swollen they would be. But we five couples walked almost all the way. Being young, we soon forgot the hardships we had endured. We pulled and pushed the handcarts, side by side with our wives as true partners of this hectic journey, but no one ever complained. We tried to be pioneers true blue.



Even the Johnson Army came to our rescue, as almost a miracle, just when we were almost without food. One of the captains approached our company and said very kindly that one of his oxen had its foot crushed, and if we could use it and care for it, we could have it. This came as a blessing and kept the trek from starving, as they had been without meat for weeks. This certainly was a real treat. By using the meat sparingly, it lasted until help came from Salt Lake, consisting of food and something special for the sick and those most in need.



We landed in Salt Lake City the 13th of September, 1857.

Transcript for Dorius, C. C. N., Autobiography of Carl Christian Nicoli Dorius, 19-21

Dorius, C. C. N., [Journal], in Earl N. Dorius, The Dorius Heritage [1979], 107

Dorius, C. C. N., [Journal], in Earl N. Dorius, The Dorius Heritage [1979], 107.

During our stay at Florence, making ready for our trip across the plains, the Civil War was raging. Although Florence was some distance from roaring cannons and shooting guns, the people were in a state of excitement and confusion. John [Johan Frederick Ferdinand Dorius] and I [Carl Christian Nikolai Dorius] bought a yoke of oxen and a wagon, for our transportation to Salt Lake City. It seemed much better to be crossing the plains with oxen and wagon than when we covered the same route six years before with handcarts.
When all was in readiness we left Florence on July 24, 1863, under the guidance of our captain, Peter Nebaker [Nebeker]. Our company was well organized. We made good progress, traveling from 12 to 16 miles per day. The trip was not without some tragedy. Some sickness was experienced. Two women and seven children died on the journey. We arrived in the Salt Lake Valley on September 25, 1863. . . .
As the wagon came closer I recognized my dear wife Ellen, sitting in the front seat with our little boy, Charles, now nearly four years of age. She had come to meet us with someone who was traveling East. The happy surprise she gave me will always remain vivid in my memory. John was disappointed that Kaia did not come also.
We came into Salt Lake City, and proceeded to the campgrounds with our oxen and wagons. I waited to see that our people had places to stay.

Transcript for Dorius, C. C. N., [Journal], in Earl N. Dorius, The Dorius Heritage [1979], 107

Dorius, Carl C. N., Letter, in Journal History of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

Dorius, Carl C. N., Letter, in Journal History of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, September 24, 1863.

Elder Carl C. N. Dorius who crossed the plains in this company returning as &lt;from&gt; a mission to Scandinavia writes:	
We left Florence in the afternoon of July 25, 1863, climbed the hill back of Florence and camped that night together with Bro. Cederström. The following day we reached &lt;the&gt; Elkhorn, where the company was encamped. I noticed a fault-finding spirit amongst some of the Norwegian saints, who disapproved of the action of those of us who had separated from the rest of the company and kept more to ourselves, but in our little circle <s>we enjoyed ourselves</s> &lt;the best of feelings existed&gt; and though the journey was somewhat fatiguing and tiresome, we felt satisfied &lt;with our lot.&gt; My brother &lt;John&gt; F. F. [John Frederick Ferdinand Dorius] was teamster most of the way. Much rain fell as we journeyed along, but the grass was good &lt;the first&gt; half &lt;of&gt; the way. One of our oxen gave out after traveling the first 200 miles, and it was with much difficulty that I drove him into Laramie where I sold him for $5.00. On the 24th of September the company passed through Parley's Canyon and in the middle of the day we had our first view of Salt Lake City which was still 7 miles distant. About a mile from the city I was surprised to see my wife sitting in a wagon which had come out to meet us. We rolled into the camp ground where we received the company. My brother John F. F. was yet behind and did not arrive till the following day. During the journey across the plains two adults and seven children had died among the Norwegians. <s>and throughout</s> The journey was no pleasure trip for any of us, but I now feel very thankful to the Lord for our safe arrival &lt;in the Valley.&gt; We were made welcome in the house of Shure Olsen &lt;in Salt Lake City,&gt; and attended the general conference of the Church on the 6th, 7th, 8th and 9th of October. I reached my home in Sanpete Valley on the 16th and thus ended my mission of three and a half years duration."

Transcript for Dorius, Carl C. N., Letter, in Journal History of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 24 Sept. 1863, 1

Dorius, Carl C. N., Letter, in Journal History of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

"Excerpts from the Journal of John F. F. Dorius," Church emigration, 1857

"Excerpts from the Journal of John F. F. Dorius," Church emigration, 1857.

Tuesday, June 9. We arrived in Iowa City in the afternoon, and were at once guided to the camp place about two or three miles <distant>, and here we raised our tents which were pitched in a circle like fashion, each tent was <to accommodate=""> <s>intended</s> for 18 persons; each family obtained a handcart from the railroad station. Here I saw, among others, Bro. Christian Christiansen who had brought me into the Church. <s>by baptism and had</s> <he> emigrated to Zion in 1852, and had been sent out from Utah on his mission (two years) to the United States, and <s>he was here</s> to assist in the emigration.</he></to></distant>



Friday, June 12. In the afternoon we broke up our encampment and commenced our journey westward with our handcarts. After traveling 2 miles we camped for the night on an attractive place, where everything was green and beautiful. It was a fine &lt;sight&gt; <s>vision</s> to see the many tents which were placed in a couple of rows and people engaged in cooking and <s>making</s> attending to camp duties. I felt glad <s>over</s> &lt;in enjoying&gt; this free life outdoor <s>in the open</s> &lt;outdoor&gt;, and it was a pleasure to haul green branches, and to listen to the hymns of thanks which arose from the different tents before the occupants retired to their rest for the night. Sunday, June 14. On this day the camp was divided into eight districts, each with its captain. My brother Carl [Dorius] and I were appointed captains over two divisions, consisting of nine handcarts each. <s>The</s> &lt;We spent the&gt; rest of the days of this week <s>passed with us</s> &lt;by&gt; traveling forward, not very fast on account of the many sick among us. So many were sick among us that the four vehicles hauled by mules were often filled to capacity.



Sunday, June 21. An old sister who <s>had</s> died <s>while we were</s> in camp was buried in the woods. We continued our journey thru Iowa westward each day, and the sick continued to delay us, causing us to proceed slower than was intended. The weather was good though warm, but we, as a rule, remained in camp two or three hours in the middle of the day on account of the heat.



Thursday, July 2. We reached <s>the town of</s> Council Bluffs, and made camp nearby that town for the night.



Friday, July 3. We crossed the Missouri River in the morning on a steamboat; passed by a little town called Omaha, where some Saints from Scandinavia were living. They came and greeted us. Our eyes then saw for the first time those people called Indians, or wild men. They were nearly naked. On the same day, we traveled on to Florence, where we arrived about noon and was met by many good Saints from Scandinavia, some of whom were making preparations to go to the Valley, while others lived temporarily here. We made our camp near the town of Florence, in the evening we were visited by brethren from Zion, among whom <s>were</s> &lt;was a son&gt; Brigham Young's <s>brother</s> &lt;who spoke encouragingly to us. &gt; The Indians visited us and we gave them some of our food and drinks.



Sunday, July 5. While we were in camp near Florence our company was re-organized into four divisions. Elder Christian Christiansen from Zion was appointed our leader and captain for the whole company, with <s>and</s> Elder &lt;James P.&gt; Parks and Elder [blank space] Rudd as his assistants. C.C.A. Christensen, Johan F.F. Dorius, Ole C. Olsen and Carl C.N. Dorius were &lt;each&gt;{C}{C}{C} appointed captains <s>over</s> &lt;<s>such</s>&gt; sixteen handcarts, about one hundred persons.



Tuesday, July 7. We left Florence in the afternoon and began our journey with handcarts across the plains or wilderness. We continued our journey each day, and a general good understanding prevailed in the whole company, &lt;for&gt; which a great deal of honor belonged to that good man, Bro. Christian Christiansen, who acted as a father to us. There were, of course, several sick in the company, &lt;but&gt; <s>yet not so many, and</s> only a few deaths occurred among us. <s>which is something that cannot be avoided on so long a journey.</s>



After many trials and exertions we arrived in Salt Lake City on Sunday, Sept. 13, 1857, about 2 o'clock in the afternoon.

Transcript for "Excerpts from the Journal of John F. F. Dorius," Church emigration, 1857

Handcart Veterans Association. Handcart Veterans Association scrapbook, 1906-1914, folder 6

Handcart Veterans Association. Handcart Veterans Association scrapbook, 1906-1914, folder 6.

Handcart Veterans Association. Handcart Veterans Association scrapbook, 1906-1914, folder 7

Handcart Veterans Association. Handcart Veterans Association scrapbook, 1906-1914, folder 7.

Journal History of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

Journal History of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, September 13, 1857.

Journal History of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Lever, W. H. History of Sanpete and Emery Counties, Utah

Lever, W. H. History of Sanpete and Emery Counties, Utah.

Perpetual Emigrating Fund Ledger Index, [1992, 2013]

Perpetual Emigrating Fund Ledger Index, [1992, 2013].

Richardson, Arthur Merle, The life and ministry of John Morgan : "For a wise and glorious purpose" ..., Nicholas G. Morgan, Sr., historical research and publication [Salt Lake City : s.n., c1965], 25-30

Richardson, Arthur Merle, The life and ministry of John Morgan : "For a wise and glorious purpose" ..., Nicholas G. Morgan, Sr., historical research and publication [Salt Lake City : s.n., c1965], 25-30.

Thomassen, Peter Olaff, Report, in Andrew Jenson, History of the Scandinavian Mission [1927], 178-79

Thomassen, Peter Olaff, Report, in Andrew Jenson, History of the Scandinavian Mission [1927], 178-79.

Elder Peter O. Thomassen, who, after having remained in Florence six weeks, started with other Scandinavian and English emigrants across the Plains in Capt. Nebeker's company July 25, 1963 [1863], gives the following report of the journey across the Plains:
"The company I traveled with counted no less than 70 wagons, nearly all of which were drawn by eight oxen each. It is remarkable to see how easy the teamsters guide these heavily loaded wagons and long strings of oxen without reins or harness, using only a long whip and the three words, "Haw," "Gee" and "Whoa" (which the oxen, through serious lessons, have learned to understand).
"The journey across the Plains was successful, but somewhat monotonous, and most of the travelers were glad to see the wagons drawn up to form the corral and rest their weary feet; but the young people, as a rule, were bent on having their lively sports before retiring at the call of the horn. Then all sang, music and dancing ceased, and the utmost quiet prevailed throughout the camp, while one of the Elders offered up a prayer and thanksgiving to the Almighty for his Fatherly guidance.
"On the 16th of August, we found a buffalo skull, having the information written thereupon that a company of more than 50 wagons had experienced a frightful stampede resulting in three persons being killed and several injured. The names of these, all Scandinavians, I have been unable to learn.
"The same day on which we found the skull, an extended prairie fire, which had started from one of our camp fires, spread with great rapidity, fanned by a high wind. It was a great sight to see this might mass of flames travel over hill and dale to the extent of many miles, while a herd of antelope, frightened by the blazing fires, sought refuge among our cattle, where they scarcely were discovered before everyone who possessed a gun or pistol was ready to shoot down these pretty animals. Most of them, however, escaped unharmed—thanks to their swift legs.
"On August 21st a German sister was struck by lightning and fell to the ground dead. A small bundle of keys, which she carried on a string around her neck, could not be found, and this, no doubt, had attracted the lightning which killed her. With the exception of a small hole in the head and a little mark under one foot, no marks of injury to the body were found, wherefore it was supposed that the electric current had passed directly through her body. The same stroke of lightning felled seven of the oxen to the ground, although without serious damage to them. The company lost 50 oxen on the journey.
"With weary feet but glad hearts we arrived at the pleasant homes of the Saints in Zion, September 24th, 1863, after the long tramp over the wide deserts of America. It was a pleasant and delightful sight to see the beautiful city spread out before us when we passed out of Parley's Canyon, a rough pass about 12 miles in length. The city far exceeded my expectations, both as to extent and beauty; the streets are wide and bordered with shade trees, which already have reached a considerable size; the houses, which are of course all new, are built in a nice, and in many cases elegant, style."
 The total number of Saints who emigrated from Scandinavia in 1863 were 1,458, besides eight returning missionaries namely, Wm. W. Cluff, Hams Peter Lund, Johan F. F. Dorius and Hans C. Hansen. These Elders had all labored faithfully as missionaries in Scandinavia. Elder Peter O. Thomassen, who for several years had labored in the mission office in Copenhagen as writer for "Skandinavian Stjerne", also emigrated with his family that year, and so also did Elders P. Wilhelm Poulsen, Nils Rosengren and Christoffer S. Winge, who had acted as presidents of conferences.

Transcript for Thomassen, Peter Olaff, Report, in Andrew Jenson, History of the Scandinavian Mission [1927], 178-79

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Served a local mission in the Vendeyssel district of northern Denmark and Norway.

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Served as first counselor to older brother Carl who presided over the Saints in Norway.

John Frederick Ferdinand Dorius

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