Transcript

Transcript for Jensen, Sophus E., [Interview], in "Utah Pioneer Biographies," 44 vols., 15:119-20

They traveled by train from New York, to Florence, (or Nebraska). From there the family crossed the plains with an ox-team, to the Salt Lake Valley with Mr. John Sanders of Fairview, Utah, as its leader, and captain. Sophus and his sister [Ida] were obliged to walk the distance from Missouri to Salt Lake Valley.

This ox-train of emigrants saw the Indians at different times but was never molested by them. On one occasion the Indians came into their camp[.] An oxen had died, and the Indians wanted to eat it, but they were stopped from doing so by one of their chiefs. This incident happened close to Fort Rawlings, Wyoming.

While crossing the plains Mr. Jensen saw thousands of head of Buffalo. Mr. Jensen said that when a herd of buffalo would come stampeding through they would clear everything in their path. They ran in herds, bulls, calves, and cows all together. These buffalo would for the rivers at will, regardless of high water.

Many times while on this journey, Mr. Jensen with others, went to the river and caught fish to eat.

The ox train reached Echo Canyon, and made camp, while Mr. Jensen's mother [Mette Marie Pedersen Jensen] was cooking supper on an open fire, some bacon she was frying caught fire, the pan of hot greese [grease], and bacon was accidently spilled on Mr. Jensen's foot, causing a major burn. He was unable to walk, so rode in the wagon to Salt Lake Valley.

The company arrived in Salt Lake in September 1862.