September 25, 1868
On this day, September 25, 1868, the Holman Ox train company arrives into the Salt Lake Valley. The four Thorsted children walked into the valley that morning. The company passed through Echo City on Wednesday the 23rd, then entered into the valley on Friday the 25th.
This photo represents what it would have looked like as the Holman Company passed through Echo Canyon.
The walk from Wyoming took 24 days, 37 died during the journey over the water, 22 more died along the trail to Salt Lake. Luckily the four Thorsted children arrived safely and healthy.
When the wagon trains reached the valley it was common for them to travel to the tithing house to unload the wagons. This is where I assume the four Thorsted children met their aunt, their mother’s half sister Bodil Christoffersen. She had immigrated a few years before and took the children in until they were able to make it on their own, they settled in the Ogden, Lynne area. You can read more about the family in this book. Our Great Danes.
Many reports have the Holman company as the last wagon train of the season. And to many, the last ever wagon train to bring emigrants to Utah, but in a few days, the rest of the emigrants from the Emerald Isle will make the journey, those being truly, the Last Emigrant Train.
Monday, 21—We traveled down Echo canyon and camped for the night near Coalville, Summit county, Utah.
Tuesday, 22—We passed through Coalville, where I met Bishop William W. Cluff; camped on Silver creek, for the night.
Wednesday, 23—We traveled by way Kimballs, or through Parley’s park.
Thursday, 24—We crossed the summit of the mountains and camped for the night at the mouth of Parley’s canyon.
Friday, 25—We arrived safe and well in Salt Lake City.
The following Sunday, Sept. 27. Elder Hans Jensen was called to the stand in the tabernacle, Salt Lake City, and gave a report of the journey; he recommended that the saints “never cross the Atlantic with sailing vessels any more.” And they never did.
September 14, 1868 – October 3, 1868
