SMITH CHRISTINA JORGEN by MAY NIELSON JONES

The History of Grandfather Jorgen Smith

and

 Grandmother Christena Marie Berkdall

written by

MAY NIELSON JONES

Jorgen Smith was born 28 of May 1823 North Sleseberg Europe.  My Grandmother Christena Marie Berkdall Smith born 11 April 1825 in Denmark.  Came to Utah in May 1855.  Jorgen Smith's grandfather, Christian Andrew Smith, was born August 15, 1782 at Sleandrope, Prussia.  His grandmother Mary J. S  was born 11 Jan 1785 in Prussia.

Jorgen Smith with his wife Christina Maria, and three small children came to Berlington, Illinois.  Before leaving Denmark he served in the German and Danish War for three years until 1848.  In 1855 he and his wife my grandmother and five children started to Utah with a wagon company.  The children were Mary, born 28 July 1851, in Denmark; Christian M., born February 1853 in Berinling in Denmark; Bertel, born September 18, 1854, born and died on the plains. 

They drove a yoke of Oxen hitched to a wagon where his wife and five children and their belongings were hauled on the long journey to Utah.  He was a very good hunter and help supply game for the company.  After reaching Utah, they lost two children.  They settled in Fountain Green, Utah, but moved to Richfield in 1862. 

Their oldest girl, Mary, with a young married coupled were going to Glenwood about seven miles from Richfield to do some trading at a store.  After reaching the top of Cove Hill near Glenwood, some Indians shot and killed the woman friend.  Mary was shot in the arm but managed to run to the bottom of the hill where the Indians again shot her in the back, killing her instantly.  The man friend was killed with arrows.  This took place near Glenwood.  the people of Glenwood saw the tragedy and reported to the Soldiers.  The Soldiers followed the Indians, killing 18.  They kept the rest of the Indians away while all the people from the small towns moved to Richfield, where they could be protected in a Fort.  Grandpa drove his oxen into the Fort with his provisions and family; they stretched a wagon cover for protection against sun and rain.  They stood guard night and ay.  Two Indians were shot trying to start a fire on the outside of the fort door.

 By Artie Smith Taft.

Note:  Treasured Trails by Adelia Mott Pierce shows many dates and places that differ from the above story.               Shirley Ann Burbank Oreno