Peter and Cecelia Jensen
Information comes from the "History of Bear Lake Pioneers" by Geneva Hairup Williams published in 1968
Peter Jensen was born 29 Oct 1829 in Harolstad, Denmark, the son of Jens and Karen Christiansen Martensen. Cecelia Nilson was born 9 Sep 1836 at Tarstad, Sweden, the daughter of Swen and Petronella Akerstrom Nilson. Peter and Cecelia were among the first pioneers to settle St Charles in the spring of 1864.
Peter and Cecelia became acquainted after they boarded the ship that took them to England. The John J Boyd that took them to Zion, leaving 30 Apr 1863. From New York to the Missouri River they had to detour because a battle of the Civil War was being fought on that route. Peter and Cecelia were married in Brigham City, but left there with a small group to go to the Bear Lake Valley to settle St Charles.
Peter was a farmer and adobe maker, making bricks for the first church, amusement hall and for many homes and fireplaces in St Charles. Cecelia put everything to good use, making her own carpets, rugs and clothes for the family. She dyed her own cloth, spun yarn and was an very good seamstress. She learned to read from her daughter Eliza and often read late into the night. Winters were harsh in St Charles and it was difficult to survive but survive they did keeping their testimony with them. Their son John served a mission in Scandinavia and was there when his father died.
Children of Peter Jensen and Cecelia Nilson
1. Josephine Jensen b-7 Apr 1865 in St Charles;
m-John Axel Blade; d-1946 in St Charles
2. Eliza Jensen b-6 Dec 1866 in St Charles; m-Nels Hairup; d-1955 in St Charles
3. Charles Jensen b-St Charles; m-Elizabeth Blackburn; d-Pocatello
4. Nephi Jensen b-St Charles; m-Louisa Wardell; d-Salt Lake City
5. John Jensen; b-St Charles; m-Anna C Anderson; d-Pocatello
Peter Jensen died 3 Feb 1903 in St Charles and Cecelia died 13 Dec 1925 also in St Charles.