The surname of some of the children in this family was eventually changed from Sorensen to Peterson.
Most of the genealogical research on the ancestors of Baltzar Sorensen and Mette Margrete Juulsdatter was originally done by Inger P. Ludlow, A.G. This research is in the possession of R. Clayton Brough, West Valley, Utah.
History of Baltzar (Sorensen) Peterson
History of Baltzar (Sorensen) Peterson and Mette Margrete Juulsdatter.
Compiled and edited by Chaundelle Hill Brough from multiple historical sources on July 9, 2004.
Baltzar (Sorensen) Peterson was born on December 3, 1834, in Ingerslev, Tiset, Aarhus, Denmark. His parents were Soren Pedersen and Ane Margrethe Baltzarsdatter. He had one brother Peter and four sisters: Karen, Ane Margrethe, Mette Kirstine, and Ane Marie. When Baltzar was six years old he went to school, which was under the direction of the Lutheran Church. The Priest knew his mother was interested in the LDS church and tried to persuade her not to join. When she did he made it unpleasant for the children by ridiculing their religion before the class. To avoid this unpleasantness his mother always made sure he and his siblings were well prepared for their lessons.
Mette Margrete Juulsdatter was born on January 11, 1834, in the Parish of Holme (Skaade) in Aarhus, Jutland, Denmark. She was the seventh of eight children born to Juul Eskildsen and Karen Nielsdatter. Her father was a small lease-hold farmer and weaver. He died on December 24, 1836, when Margrete was just two years old. Great were the responsibilities that were put upon her mother at this time. She had much financial turmoil, but saw to it that all her children were educated in the state school at Holm (which was also under the direction of the Lutheran Church).
Both Baltzar and Margrete’s family records date back as far as the date when Denmark officially began to keep records on its subjects. The record states that they were people respected in their communities. They supported their nation when duty called, were industrious, and took advantage of every opportunity in education, though there were few. They were known for their hospitality and were respected citizens of Denmark.
On May 30, 1857, Baltzar and Margrete were married in Holme. The young couple went to the city of Aarhus, Jutland to make their home. They lived at #539 Fredricksgaade and by 1860 were at #1052 Bestugaade. Baltzar obtained good work as a coach and transfer man hauling freight and passengers to and from the ocean liners that docked at Aarhus. He took pride in the four head matched black horses that he owned and used for his freighting. There were four children born to them while they lived in Aarhus City: Niels Juul (Oct. 13, 1857), Soren Baltzar (Jan. 16, 1860), Laura (Dec. 24, 1861) who died in Aarhus on March 1, 1863, and James Joel (Feb. 23, 1863).
Although Baltzar's mother had joined the LDS Church around 1852 after the first elders arrived in Jutland, he and Margrete did not join until late in 1862. They were baptized on November 20, 1862, by Niels Knudsen, and were confirmed members of the church by G. Garretson and A.W. Winberg. All four of their children were blessed this same day by the same gentlemen mentioned before. Baltzar’s father Soren Pedersen also joined the L.D.S. Church around this time and the two families began hasty preparations to emigrate to Utah and Zion.
On April 30, 1863, the two families boarded a steamer that took on board about 400 emigrating Saints from Jutland. They arrived in Kiel, Germany and then went by railroad to Altona, where they walked to the docks at Hamburg (about a 20 minute walk). Here they boarded the ship “Roland”. There were nearly 600 emigrating Saints in this group. The journey was anything but comfortable with this many people not to mention the 40 steers, and several hundred sheep which were also aboard. They arrived in Grimsby, England, early Sunday morning May 3. The main body of Saints left Grimsby around 5 o’clock in the afternoon and went by railroad to Liverpool, where they arrived during the night.
They sailed from Liverpool on the B.S. Kimball May 9, 1863, under the direction of Hans Peter Lund. There were 644 Scandinavian Saints and 13 English Saints aboard on this trip. The crowded conditions were most inconvenient causing several folks to travel in steerage class. Before the voyage ended the water, food, and sanitation conditions were very bad. Some deaths occurred on board and those people were buried at sea. Two children were born and eleven couples were married. The B.S. Kimball arrived in New York harbor on the 13th of June. However, they were not permitted to go ashore until the 15th because of rigid fumigation and inspection.
In the evening on June 15th the emigrants continued by train to Albany, New York. Their journey by railroad was far from pleasant. They were detoured North near the Canadian border to avoid danger of southern Civil War Battles. They were crowded into freight cars which caused much discomfort; their legs and feet would swell from standing so many hours. This was especially difficult for Margarete because she had to care for a three ½ month old baby. When they reached the Missouri River they were taken to Winter Quarters by riverboat. While on this trip a young boy died when he fell in the water and drowned, his body was never found. Another little boy fell in a vat of hot water and was burned terribly.
After a short time at Winter Quarters the families began the trek across the barren plains to Utah as members of John F. Saunders Ox Team Train. Because of limited wagon space they were obliged to leave much of their good bedding and homespun clothing behind, which they had worked so hard to make and which would have been appreciated later in the winter. It was at this time, near Florence, that Soren Pedersen purchased a cow that provided much needed milk along their journey. The cow made it all the way to Richville and was with the family for many years.
The season during the summer of 1863 was extremely hot and dry, causing the waters of the Platte and Sweetwater Rivers to dry up in places. Some children became ill and died in route. Their experiences were similar to those of thousands of pioneers. At one time while wading across a river, Margrete, who was holding baby James, was swept off her feet while trying to help little Niels and Soren across. A nearby man rescued the baby and helped them to shore. When their company was encamped in the vicinity of the headwaters of East Canyon Creek and East of Big Mountain, Baltzar made his way down East Canyon to the settlement of Richville, in Morgan County. He contacted his sister Karen (then Mrs. Mads Peter Rasmussen) and his brother Peter, both having emigrated previously in 1859 and 1861 respectively, and who were both living in Richville. Arrangements were made for Peter Rasmussen and Peter Peterson to go by way of Weber Canyon to Salt Lake City to meet the family with their ox teams and wagons and help them move to Richville. After the arrangements were made Baltzar made his way back to the company and went on to Salt Lake with them. They arrived in Salt Lake City on September 5, 1863. They were able to obtain some supplies before moving on to Richville. Baltzar was fortunate enough to obtain a sack of seed wheat from Bishop George Nebeker. Baltzar’s younger sister Ane Marie remained in Salt Lake to work.
The first two seasons in Richville were difficult. Baltzar and Margrete’s first home was a dug-out with no windows and a roof that was impossible to keep the rain from leaking through during the rainy season. Margrete’s petticoat hung for a door. It was in this shelter that two more children were born: Joseph Joel (May 5, 1865), and Baltzar Jr. (May 29, 1867). Their food supply during the first winter was adequate, but during the second winter they mostly ate cooked grain, which they ground in a coffee mill, and they even rationed that. Baltzar grew a crop of wheat from the sack of seed he obtained from Bishop Nebeker, and as soon as the harvest was made he carried a full sack of wheat over the mountain to Salt Lake to pay him back. Tragedy struck on September 1, 1866, when their baby Joseph was drowned in the old mill race. His body was found on the screen where the water plunged over the water wheel in the old grist mill at Richville.
A new log house was soon built. This home was where five more children were born: Charles Coulsen (July 15, 1869), George Lorenzo (July 2, 1871), Anna Eliza (Nov. 26, 1873), William (Feb. 29, 1876) who died April 18, 1877, and Frederick Leander (Feb. 12, 1879). In 1886 a new, large, two-story, brick home was completed. It was considered one of the finest in the county for a period. The Peterson home at Richville was a gathering place for the young folks for many years. Many parties occurred at the home. Everyone sang and danced. Baltzar and Charles played their violins and step dancing was a specialty of George and Baltzar. Margrete was the perfect hostess, always pleased to entertain, and making sure there was plenty of food and good things to eat. Baltzar and Magarete enjoyed life most when the young folks came and participated in good home entertainment.
Baltzar improved his land, built buildings, and durable fences. His wisdom and judgment in agriculture was unsurpassed for his time. Within about a 25 year period these Danish emigrants, who started with nothing, gradually became prosperous and developed quite the estate. In fact, Baltzar at one time was considered the most financially independent man in his community. He never lost interest in the welfare of his family. As his boys became grown men he helped them acquire farm land of their own. In 1877 he filed on a large tract of land on the Preston Flat. Niels, Soren, Baltzar, and Charles went there as farmers.
Much of the credit for their success is given to Margrete. She was well educated and had a natural ability to manage. She was resourceful and her judgement sound. She gave advice when it was needed and when it would do the most good. She was quite small (considered tiny in stature) but she was quick and accurate, full of energy, and most immaculate in her dress, person, and behavior. She was an artist with the needle, making all of her own clothes. When she had the means to buy, she always insisted on the finest quality, not only for herself but also for her family. She was anything but extravagant, for nothing was wasted or misused. She insisted everything be cared for properly. She was a beautiful letter writer both in the Danish and English languages. Her letters seemed to carry the same feeling and expression as if she were visiting in person. If she ever had any favorites among her children or grandchildren they never knew it. If she passed a favor to one, she never failed to give to all. Baltzar and Margrete were also generous to family members that remained back in Denmark. They forwarded money and helped in other ways to enable a sister “Maren” and a niece “Caroline Jensen” to emigrate to Utah, as well as others.
In 1909, Anna Eliza and her family moved from Lyman, Wyoming, bought the family home and most of the farm, and moved in to take care of Baltzar and Margrete. Baltzar had suffered a severe stroke and Margrete was not well. Baltzar passed away on November 21, 1910. Margrete lived for eight more years. She eventually became ill with congestive heart failure and had to remain in bed. Her legs became terribly swollen. She passed away on January 18, 1919, at the age of eighty-five. She is buried beside her husband in the Richville Cemetery which was once part of the Peterson farm and was donated by them to the community.
History of Mette Margrete Juulsdatter
History of Baltzar (Sorensen) Peterson and Mette Margrete Juulsdatter.
Compiled and edited by Chaundelle Hill Brough from multiple historical sources on July 9, 2004.
Baltzar (Sorensen) Peterson was born on December 3, 1834, in Ingerslev, Tiset, Aarhus, Denmark. His parents were Soren Pedersen and Ane Margrethe Baltzarsdatter. He had one brother Peter and four sisters: Karen, Ane Margrethe, Mette Kirstine, and Ane Marie. When Baltzar was six years old he went to school, which was under the direction of the Lutheran Church. The Priest knew his mother was interested in the LDS church and tried to persuade her not to join. When she did he made it unpleasant for the children by ridiculing their religion before the class. To avoid this unpleasantness his mother always made sure he and his siblings were well prepared for their lessons.
Mette Margrete Juulsdatter was born on January 11, 1834, in the Parish of Holme (Skaade) in Aarhus, Jutland, Denmark. She was the seventh of eight children born to Juul Eskildsen and Karen Nielsdatter. Her father was a small lease-hold farmer and weaver. He died on December 24, 1836, when Margrete was just two years old. Great were the responsibilities that were put upon her mother at this time. She had much financial turmoil, but saw to it that all her children were educated in the state school at Holm (which was also under the direction of the Lutheran Church).
Both Baltzar and Margrete’s family records date back as far as the date when Denmark officially began to keep records on its subjects. The record states that they were people respected in their communities. They supported their nation when duty called, were industrious, and took advantage of every opportunity in education, though there were few. They were known for their hospitality and were respected citizens of Denmark.
On May 30, 1857, Baltzar and Margrete were married in Holme. The young couple went to the city of Aarhus, Jutland to make their home. They lived at #539 Fredricksgaade and by 1860 were at #1052 Bestugaade. Baltzar obtained good work as a coach and transfer man hauling freight and passengers to and from the ocean liners that docked at Aarhus. He took pride in the four head matched black horses that he owned and used for his freighting. There were four children born to them while they lived in Aarhus City: Niels Juul (Oct. 13, 1857), Soren Baltzar (Jan. 16, 1860), Laura (Dec. 24, 1861) who died in Aarhus on March 1, 1863, and James Joel (Feb. 23, 1863).
Although Baltzar's mother had joined the LDS Church around 1852 after the first elders arrived in Jutland, he and Margrete did not join until late in 1862. They were baptized on November 20, 1862, by Niels Knudsen, and were confirmed members of the church by G. Garretson and A.W. Winberg. All four of their children were blessed this same day by the same gentlemen mentioned before. Baltzar’s father Soren Pedersen also joined the L.D.S. Church around this time and the two families began hasty preparations to emigrate to Utah and Zion.
On April 30, 1863, the two families boarded a steamer that took on board about 400 emigrating Saints from Jutland. They arrived in Kiel, Germany and then went by railroad to Altona, where they walked to the docks at Hamburg (about a 20 minute walk). Here they boarded the ship “Roland”. There were nearly 600 emigrating Saints in this group. The journey was anything but comfortable with this many people not to mention the 40 steers, and several hundred sheep which were also aboard. They arrived in Grimsby, England, early Sunday morning May 3. The main body of Saints left Grimsby around 5 o’clock in the afternoon and went by railroad to Liverpool, where they arrived during the night.
They sailed from Liverpool on the B.S. Kimball May 9, 1863, under the direction of Hans Peter Lund. There were 644 Scandinavian Saints and 13 English Saints aboard on this trip. The crowded conditions were most inconvenient causing several folks to travel in steerage class. Before the voyage ended the water, food, and sanitation conditions were very bad. Some deaths occurred on board and those people were buried at sea. Two children were born and eleven couples were married. The B.S. Kimball arrived in New York harbor on the 13th of June. However, they were not permitted to go ashore until the 15th because of rigid fumigation and inspection.
In the evening on June 15th the emigrants continued by train to Albany, New York. Their journey by railroad was far from pleasant. They were detoured North near the Canadian border to avoid danger of southern Civil War Battles. They were crowded into freight cars which caused much discomfort; their legs and feet would swell from standing so many hours. This was especially difficult for Margarete because she had to care for a three ½ month old baby. When they reached the Missouri River they were taken to Winter Quarters by riverboat. While on this trip a young boy died when he fell in the water and drowned, his body was never found. Another little boy fell in a vat of hot water and was burned terribly.
After a short time at Winter Quarters the families began the trek across the barren plains to Utah as members of John F. Saunders Ox Team Train. Because of limited wagon space they were obliged to leave much of their good bedding and homespun clothing behind, which they had worked so hard to make and which would have been appreciated later in the winter. It was at this time, near Florence, that Soren Pedersen purchased a cow that provided much needed milk along their journey. The cow made it all the way to Richville and was with the family for many years.
The season during the summer of 1863 was extremely hot and dry, causing the waters of the Platte and Sweetwater Rivers to dry up in places. Some children became ill and died in route. Their experiences were similar to those of thousands of pioneers. At one time while wading across a river, Margrete, who was holding baby James, was swept off her feet while trying to help little Niels and Soren across. A nearby man rescued the baby and helped them to shore. When their company was encamped in the vicinity of the headwaters of East Canyon Creek and East of Big Mountain, Baltzar made his way down East Canyon to the settlement of Richville, in Morgan County. He contacted his sister Karen (then Mrs. Mads Peter Rasmussen) and his brother Peter, both having emigrated previously in 1859 and 1861 respectively, and who were both living in Richville. Arrangements were made for Peter Rasmussen and Peter Peterson to go by way of Weber Canyon to Salt Lake City to meet the family with their ox teams and wagons and help them move to Richville. After the arrangements were made Baltzar made his way back to the company and went on to Salt Lake with them. They arrived in Salt Lake City on September 5, 1863. They were able to obtain some supplies before moving on to Richville. Baltzar was fortunate enough to obtain a sack of seed wheat from Bishop George Nebeker. Baltzar’s younger sister Ane Marie remained in Salt Lake to work.
The first two seasons in Richville were difficult. Baltzar and Margrete’s first home was a dug-out with no windows and a roof that was impossible to keep the rain from leaking through during the rainy season. Margrete’s petticoat hung for a door. It was in this shelter that two more children were born: Joseph Joel (May 5, 1865), and Baltzar Jr. (May 29, 1867). Their food supply during the first winter was adequate, but during the second winter they mostly ate cooked grain, which they ground in a coffee mill, and they even rationed that. Baltzar grew a crop of wheat from the sack of seed he obtained from Bishop Nebeker, and as soon as the harvest was made he carried a full sack of wheat over the mountain to Salt Lake to pay him back. Tragedy struck on September 1, 1866, when their baby Joseph was drowned in the old mill race. His body was found on the screen where the water plunged over the water wheel in the old grist mill at Richville.
A new log house was soon built. This home was where five more children were born: Charles Coulsen (July 15, 1869), George Lorenzo (July 2, 1871), Anna Eliza (Nov. 26, 1873), William (Feb. 29, 1876) who died April 18, 1877, and Frederick Leander (Feb. 12, 1879). In 1886 a new, large, two-story, brick home was completed. It was considered one of the finest in the county for a period. The Peterson home at Richville was a gathering place for the young folks for many years. Many parties occurred at the home. Everyone sang and danced. Baltzar and Charles played their violins and step dancing was a specialty of George and Baltzar. Margrete was the perfect hostess, always pleased to entertain, and making sure there was plenty of food and good things to eat. Baltzar and Magarete enjoyed life most when the young folks came and participated in good home entertainment.
Baltzar improved his land, built buildings, and durable fences. His wisdom and judgment in agriculture was unsurpassed for his time. Within about a 25 year period these Danish emigrants, who started with nothing, gradually became prosperous and developed quite the estate. In fact, Baltzar at one time was considered the most financially independent man in his community. He never lost interest in the welfare of his family. As his boys became grown men he helped them acquire farm land of their own. In 1877 he filed on a large tract of land on the Preston Flat. Niels, Soren, Baltzar, and Charles went there as farmers.
Much of the credit for their success is given to Margrete. She was well educated and had a natural ability to manage. She was resourceful and her judgement sound. She gave advice when it was needed and when it would do the most good. She was quite small (considered tiny in stature) but she was quick and accurate, full of energy, and most immaculate in her dress, person, and behavior. She was an artist with the needle, making all of her own clothes. When she had the means to buy, she always insisted on the finest quality, not only for herself but also for her family. She was anything but extravagant, for nothing was wasted or misused. She insisted everything be cared for properly. She was a beautiful letter writer both in the Danish and English languages. Her letters seemed to carry the same feeling and expression as if she were visiting in person. If she ever had any favorites among her children or grandchildren they never knew it. If she passed a favor to one, she never failed to give to all. Baltzar and Margrete were also generous to family members that remained back in Denmark. They forwarded money and helped in other ways to enable a sister “Maren” and a niece “Caroline Jensen” to emigrate to Utah, as well as others.
In 1909, Anna Eliza and her family moved from Lyman, Wyoming, bought the family home and most of the farm, and moved in to take care of Baltzar and Margrete. Baltzar had suffered a severe stroke and Margrete was not well. Baltzar passed away on November 21, 1910. Margrete lived for eight more years. She eventually became ill with congestive heart failure and had to remain in bed. Her legs became terribly swollen. She passed away on January 18, 1919, at the age of eighty-five. She is buried beside her husband in the Richville Cemetery which was once part of the Peterson farm and was donated by them to the community.
In the 1851 Census, "Joseph Clayton" is listed as being 4 years old (born about 1847), born in Romiley, Cheshire, and residing with his parents, George Clayton (age 42) and Jane (age 42), and two siblings, at: Green Lane, Romiley, Cheshire, England.
History of Joseph Clayton and Grethe Jorgine (Margaret) Tollefsdatter (Olsen). Extracted from the book "George Clayton, 1810-1861, Roots and Shoots". by Gloria H. Jensen, 1983.
Joseph Clayton was born in Greenlane, Romily, Stockport, Cheshire, England, on 5 October 1847 to George and Jane Bingham Clayton. His parents had heard the restored Gospel taught in England and were baptized in 1842. Joseph’s father, George, left his family in England and came to Utah to help cut stone for the Salt Lake Temple. Joseph stayed with his Mother, sister Martha, and brother Edward until their father had established a home for them in Utah and saved enough money for them to come.
Joseph left England with his family in 1855. They sailed on the Charles Buck which arrived in New Orleans after six weeks at sea. They continued on to Atchison and there were outfitted for the trip across the plains. Jane and the children were in the Fourth Co. under Captain Richard Ballantyne. Joseph was only seven years old when he walked the long distance across the plains. They arrived in Salt Lake 25 September 1855. After one very hard winter in Salt Lake City the family moved to Lehi to homestead. Here Joseph was baptized 1 April 1857.
Margaret Olsen was born in Tronum, Norway 5 January 1853. She came to Utah with her parents, Toalf Hellikson and Laura Ann Olsen and her three brothers and one sister ub 1863. Their ship, the Atlanta, took eight weeks to cross the ocean and because of the long time the water became tank and food scarce. This caused much sickness and black canker. Just three days before they landed in America, Margaret’s only sister became ill and died. Her parent had such a dread of casting the little body into the sea that they asked the captain for permission to keep the child’s body until they landed and he agreed to let them.
Margaret was only nine and her girl friend, Julie Peterson, eleven when they walked across the plains a distance of one thousand miles. They walked most of the way barefooted because their shoes soon wore out or became too small. By evening most of the little children would have sore, bleeding feet. There were cows in this wagon train and so Margaret’s mother would take sweet cream from the milk and rub it onto the children’s sore feet. Margaret later recalled, “How it did smart, but it healed them up.”
One of the chores that Margaret and the other children had as they crossed the plains was to gather buffalo chips to keep the fires burning. One day as Margaret gathered chips, she strayed away from the other children and away from camp. Before she knew it, she was completely surrounded by buffalo! She couldn’t think of anything to do but she knew she didn’t want to see as the buffalo came to gore her so she picked up her apron and threw it over her head. That scared the buffalo and they turned and ran.
The Olsen family settled in Lehi where they lived for three years farming and working for other people. The Clayton family also lived in Lehi at this time and this is where Joseph Clayton and Margaret Olsen first met as children. One of the chores that Joseph Clayton had as a small boy was to herd the cattle. He would drive them up through Lehi’s main street every morning on the way to pasture. Margaret Olsen used to watch him and later told their children, “what an ugly little red-headed, freckled-face kid he was.” Both the Olsen and Clayton families joined the Saints who were homesteading in Franklin, Idaho. When they first arrived in Franklin they found that the Indians were hostile and troublesome to the Saints.
The first season that the Olsen’s were in Franklin their crops were looking very good when the grasshoppers came. They destroyed almost all the crops that the Saints had. A fast meeting was held and it was at this meeting that a sister spoke in tongues. One of the brethren arose and interpreted and said that the grasshoppers would leave. After the meeting the grasshoppers did begin to leave, flying so thick in the air that they were blessed to raise enough of their crops to get them through the winter.
Margaret’s mother was sick most of the time after they arrived in America which left most of the care of the family to Margaret as her father and brothers had to work to support the family. Margaret worked most of the time at home but also spent time working and spinning for other people. She braided straw and made hats. She made her own dyes in different colors, dyed the yarn, and had it woven into cloth for making her own dresses.
When Margaret was eighteen years old she was married to Joseph Clayton in the Endowment House on 17 October 1870. After their marriage they lived in Franklin for four years and then moved to Preston Flat in 1875. Preston at that time was a very lonely looking place with nothing but waving grass and rabbit brush for miles and miles. It wasn’t a very inviting place to live at that time. There were plenty of wild Texas cattle and nothing to hear but howling of coyotes, coo-coo birds and mourning doves.
There were three families that went to Preston with Joseph and Margaret Clayton: David Jensen, Charles Spongberg, and the Lundgreens. There was no water to cultivate the land and so to make a living the families took cattle to herd through the summer months. At times the herding took them through the summer months. At times the herding took them some distance from home and this would leave the women to look after the cows, pigs, and chickens at home. As there was not water on the flat, the cattle had to be taken to Bear River for water. While Margaret was out hunting the cows between her home and Bear River one day, she saw a great number of cattle and as they drew nearer they commenced to form in a circle, and completely surrounded her. She thought that she would surely be killed for there seemed to be no chance to escape. All at once she was prompted to take her apron and throw it over her head. This she did and the cattle became frightened and stampeded in ever direction. She then sent up a thankful prayer to God for sparing her life so that she could return home safely to her three small children whom she had left home alone.* (*This story has been told in two versions, both are presented here. Submitted by Linda S. Leavitt, 903 W. 1020 S., Provo, Utah, 84601, 30 October 1977.)
Joseph and Margaret struggled along as best they could and finally water was brought from Cub River onto the flat and from then on Preston began to look brighter. They then began to raise wheat, hay and all kinds of food.
Joseph and Margaret Olsen Clayton were the parents of then children all born in Preston, Franklin Co., Idaho.
• Anna Maria, born: 12 Mar 1872
• George Joseph, born: 23 Nov 1874
• Martha Jane, born: 18 Oct 1876
• Myron, born: 15 Jan 1877
• Marinda, born: 31 Aug 1878
• Francis, born: 30 Sep 1880
• Mahala, born: 10 Jan 1885
• Nessie, born: 1 Jan 1888
• Arvilla, born: 11 Sep 1890
• Lila, born: 11 Sep 1898
Besides caring for her own family, Margaret was busy helping with the sick in the neighborhood. She was an excellent hand in sickness. At the time of the diphtheria epidemic, Margaret was very busy. She was a practical nurse and a midwife. There were hardly any and babies born around the whole valley that she didn’t help deliver. Whenever anyone was in need of help for the sick, Grandmother was always sent for. Because of this, she was gone from home many hours. Grandmother’s home was always open to travelers who needed a place to spend the night before continuing on their way. As many as 20 people at a time would surround their table. Grandmother was a great friend to the poor and needy and could comfort those in distress. She worked in Relief Society all of her married life.
Margaret’s real name was Grethe Jorgine Helliksen. When her family came to America they took their mother’s maiden name, Olsen, and Margaret also changed her given name as she didn’t like Grethe Jorgine. Whenever Joseph wanted to tease Grandmother or make her angry, he would call her Grethe Jorgine.
Joseph was a happy man. He always looked on the cheerful side of every situation. He loved to build things for his children and take them on camping trips. He loved to play jokes and pranks on his children. He also enjoyed teasing other. Once he had been away working for several months and came home unannounced. He disguised himself as a tramp and knocked on his sister’s door asking for a meal. He was able to fool her for quite a while before she discovered who he was.
Joseph did much toward helping Saints immigrate. He also helped find homes for those who came to Utah during hard times. Margaret and Joseph Clayton were always ready to help in building churches and other public buildings. Joseph donated land in Preston for a school and also for the first chapel built there. He also helped in the building of both Salt Lake and Logan Temples.
Margaret was only forty-six when she passed away shortly after her tenth child was born. She was called to rest 21 April 1899. In 1901 Joseph remarried but he was never happy after Margaret died and he was only fifty-seven when he passed away 5 October 1904. Both Joseph and Margaret are buried in Preston, Franklin Co., Idaho.
Grethe Jorgine Tollefsdatter (Olsen)
The gravestone of "Margaret Olsen" is posted on FindAGrave website, Memorial # 54198164, which gravestone inscription states that "Margaret Olsen" was born in "1853" and died in "1898". Information attached to her FindAGrave memorial states that "Grethe Jorgine 'Margret' Olsen Clayton" was born on "Jan. 4, 1853" in "Vestfold Co., Norway", and died on "April 21, 1898" in Preston, Franklin Co., Idaho". She was buried in the Preston Cemetery in Preston, Franklin, Idaho. In addition, family records state that Margaret Olsen was born on 5 January 1853 in Hof, Vestfold, Norway.
Research Note: If Grethe's last child, Lila Clayton, was born on 11 September 1898, then Grethe probably died on 21 April "1899" and not on 21 April "1898" as her gravestone states.
In the 1870 Census, "Margaret Oleson" is listed as being 17 years old (born about 1853), born in Norway, and residing with her apparent parents, Tolof and Annie Oleson, and three apparent siblings, in Franklin, Cache, Utah Territory.
History of Grethe Jorgine (Margaret) Tollefsdatter (Olsen)
History of Joseph Clayton and Grethe Jorgine (Margaret) Tollefsdatter (Olsen). Extracted from the book "George Clayton, 1810-1861, Roots and Shoots". by Gloria H. Jensen, 1983.
Joseph Clayton was born in Greenlane, Romily, Stockport, Cheshire, England 5 October 1847 to George and Jane Bingham Clayton. His parents had heard the restored Gospel taught in England and were baptized in 1842. Joseph’s father, George, left his family in England and came to Utah to help cut stone for the Salt Lake Temple. Joseph stayed with his Mother, sister Martha, and brother Edward until their father had established a home for them in Utah and saved enough money for them to come.
Joseph left England with his family in 1855. They sailed on the Charles Buck which arrived in New Orleans after six weeks at sea. They continued on to Atchison and there were outfitted for the trip across the plains. Jane and the children were in the Fourth Co. under Captain Richard Ballantyne. Joseph was only seven years old when he walked the long distance across the plains. They arrived in Salt Lake 25 September 1855. After one very hard winter in Salt Lake City the family moved to Lehi to homestead. Here Joseph was baptized 1 April 1857.
Margaret Olsen was born in Tronum, Norway 5 January 1853. She came to Utah with her parents, Toalf Hellikson and Laura Ann Olsen and her three brothers and one sister ub 1863. Their ship, the Atlanta, took eight weeks to cross the ocean and because of the long time the water became tank and food scarce. This caused much sickness and black canker. Just three days before they landed in America, Margaret’s only sister became ill and died. Her parent had such a dread of casting the little body into the sea that they asked the captain for permission to keep the child’s body until they landed and he agreed to let them.
Margaret was only nine and her girl friend, Julie Peterson, eleven when they walked across the plains a distance of one thousand miles. They walked most of the way barefooted because their shoes soon wore out or became too small. By evening most of the little children would have sore, bleeding feet. There were cows in this wagon train and so Margaret’s mother would take sweet cream from the milk and rub it onto the children’s sore feet. Margaret later recalled, “How it did smart, but it healed them up.”
One of the chores that Margaret and the other children had as they crossed the plains was to gather buffalo chips to keep the fires burning. One day as Margaret gathered chips, she strayed away from the other children and away from camp. Before she knew it, she was completely surrounded by buffalo! She couldn’t think of anything to do but she knew she didn’t want to see as the buffalo came to gore her so she picked up her apron and threw it over her head. That scared the buffalo and they turned and ran.
The Olsen family settled in Lehi where they lived for three years farming and working for other people. The Clayton family also lived in Lehi at this time and this is where Joseph Clayton and Margaret Olsen first met as children. One of the chores that Joseph Clayton had as a small boy was to herd the cattle. He would drive them up through Lehi’s main street every morning on the way to pasture. Margaret Olsen used to watch him and later told their children, “what an ugly little red-headed, freckled-face kid he was.” Both the Olsen and Clayton families joined the Saints who were homesteading in Franklin, Idaho. When they first arrived in Franklin they found that the Indians were hostile and troublesome to the Saints.
The first season that the Olsen’s were in Franklin their crops were looking very good when the grasshoppers came. They destroyed almost all the crops that the Saints had. A fast meeting was held and it was at this meeting that a sister spoke in tongues. One of the brethren arose and interpreted and said that the grasshoppers would leave. After the meeting the grasshoppers did begin to leave, flying so thick in the air that they were blessed to raise enough of their crops to get them through the winter.
Margaret’s mother was sick most of the time after they arrived in America which left most of the care of the family to Margaret as her father and brothers had to work to support the family. Margaret worked most of the time at home but also spent time working and spinning for other people. She braided straw and made hats. She made her own dyes in different colors, dyed the yarn, and had it woven into cloth for making her own dresses.
When Margaret was eighteen years old she was married to Joseph Clayton in the Endowment House on 17 October 1870. After their marriage they lived in Franklin for four years and then moved to Preston Flat in 1875. Preston at that time was a very lonely looking place with nothing but waving grass and rabbit brush for miles and miles. It wasn’t a very inviting place to live at that time. There were plenty of wild Texas cattle and nothing to hear but howling of coyotes, coo-coo birds and mourning doves.
There were three families that went to Preston with Joseph and Margaret Clayton: David Jensen, Charles Spongberg, and the Lundgreens. There was no water to cultivate the land and so to make a living the families took cattle to herd through the summer months. At times the herding took them through the summer months. At times the herding took them some distance from home and this would leave the women to look after the cows, pigs, and chickens at home. As there was not water on the flat, the cattle had to be taken to Bear River for water. While Margaret was out hunting the cows between her home and Bear River one day, she saw a great number of cattle and as they drew nearer they commenced to form in a circle, and completely surrounded her. She thought that she would surely be killed for there seemed to be no chance to escape. All at once she was prompted to take her apron and throw it over her head. This she did and the cattle became frightened and stampeded in ever direction. She then sent up a thankful prayer to God for sparing her life so that she could return home safely to her three small children whom she had left home alone.* (*This story has been told in two versions, both are presented here. Submitted by Linda S. Leavitt, 903 W. 1020 S., Provo, Utah, 84601, 30 October 1977.)
Joseph and Margaret struggled along as best they could and finally water was brought from Cub River onto the flat and from then on Preston began to look brighter. They then began to raise wheat, hay and all kinds of food.
Joseph and Margaret Olsen Clayton were the parents of ten children all born in Preston, Franklin Co., Idaho.
• Anna Maria, born: 12 Mar 1872
• George Joseph, born: 23 Nov 1874
• Martha Jane, born: 18 Oct 1876
• Myron, born: 15 Jan 1877
• Marinda, born: 21 Aug 1878
• Francis, born: 30 Sep 1880
• Mahala, born: 10 Jan 1885
• Nessie, born: 1 Jan 1888
• Arvilla, born: 11 Sep 1890
• Lila, born: 11 Sep 1898
Besides caring for her own family, Margaret was busy helping with the sick in the neighborhood. She was an excellent hand in sickness. At the time of the diphtheria epidemic, Margaret was very busy. She was a practical nurse and a midwife. There were hardly any and babies born around the whole valley that she didn’t help deliver. Whenever anyone was in need of help for the sick, Grandmother was always sent for. Because of this, she was gone from home many hours. Grandmother’s home was always open to travelers who needed a place to spend the night before continuing on their way. As many as 20 people at a time would surround their table. Grandmother was a great friend to the poor and needy and could comfort those in distress. She worked in Relief Society all of her married life.
Margaret’s real name was Grethe Jorgine Helliksen. When her family came to America they took their mother’s maiden name, Olsen, and Margaret also changed her given name as she didn’t like Grethe Jorgine. Whenever Joseph wanted to tease Grandmother or make her angry, he would call her Grethe Jorgine.
Joseph was a happy man. He always looked on the cheerful side of every situation. He loved to build things for his children and take them on camping trips. He loved to play jokes and pranks on his children. He also enjoyed teasing other. Once he had been away working for several months and came home unannounced. He disguised himself as a tramp and knocked on his sister’s door asking for a meal. He was able to fool her for quite a while before she discovered who he was.
Joseph did much toward helping Saints immigrate. He also helped find homes for those who came to Utah during hard times. Margaret and Joseph Clayton were always ready to help in building churches and other public buildings. Joseph donated land in Preston for a school and also for the first chapel built there. He also helped in the building of both Salt Lake and Logan Temples.
Margaret was only forty-six when she passed away shortly after her tenth child was born. She was called to rest 21 April 1899. In 1901 Joseph remarried but he was never happy after Margaret died and he was only fifty-seven when he passed away 5 October 1904. Both Joseph and Margaret are buried in Preston, Franklin Co., Idaho.
Louis Brough Dorny, Commander, US Navy, Retired, 2015:
Louis Brough Dorny is a retired Commander in the United States Navy. His Brough ancestry-through his mother's lineage-goes back hundreds of years in Staffordshire, England.
Commander Dorny was born in 1941 in Los Angeles, California. In the 1960's he served an LDS mission in Germany, and later earned academic degrees in German Language and Literature, History, Linguistics, and later Public Administration.
He served thirty years in the United States Navy, driving ships in the Atlantic and Mediterranean. He also studied Russian at Monterey and specialized in cryptology, submarine reconnaissance, and communications intercept and analysis against the Soviet Pacific Ocean Fleet during the Cold War. As an intelligence officer he served as the assistant naval attaché to the United States Embassy in Germany, then as a civilian with the State Department's Mission to Berlin as Deputy Director Berlin Document Center. As such he was in Germany both as the Berlin Wall went up in 1961 and as it came down in 1990.
He and his former wife are the parents of seven children. He now lives and works in Seattle, Washington, and is a very active father and grandfather and Latter-day Saint. As a researcher and writer he remains fluent in German and also conducts research on his Dorny and Brough ancestors in English, Russian, Dutch and Polish languages.
Commander Dorny has written extensively and published materials on the United States Navy and Dutch Navy use of the Consolidated PBY Catalina flying boat in the Pacific during World War II, and thus can speak directly to Davis Aitkens Brough's experiences in 1942.Commander Louis "Lou" Brough Dorney, USNR, retired, was buried on 19 November 2021 at the Tahoma National Cemetery in Kent, King Co., Washington state, USA.
Obituary of Walter Brough Dorny II (https://www.bunkerfuneral.com/obituaries/w-brough-dorny-ii/)
W. Brough Dorny II
08/29/1944 - 09/06/2020W. Brough Dorny II, our beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle and friend completed his earthly journey on September 6, 2020. Supported by family who loved him and with his wife by his side, he peacefully returned to his Father in Heaven.
Brough was born to Veda Mima Brough and Walter Otto Dorny in Los Angeles, California on August 29, 1944. He spent his childhood years learning, growing, and playing with his siblings Louis Dorny & Marsha Dorny Vannah.
After completing a 2 year mission for his church, Brough met and married the love of his life, Vonda Ray, while attending Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah. Brough was active in the ROTC while at BYU and was commissioned an officer in the United States Army at the time of his graduation. He was then posted to active duty during the Vietnam War and graduated from the Command and General Staff College as well as completed his MBA from Pepperdine University during his time of service. Brough was a firm believer in freedom and fiercely loved his country.
After leaving active duty, Brough worked to build a business within the community. He put his education and friendly personality to work and served his clients tirelessly as a State Farm Insurance Agent in Mesa. Brough was fair, friendly and loved by many. He was always keen to help those in need and easily shared his testimony of the Gospel and love for his Savior with everyone he met.
As an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, he served in many callings. He loved his time serving the Lord and spent hours during his retirement years working both in the Mesa & Gilbert Temples as an ordinance worker.
Brough loved family. Many hours were spent working on various projects with his wife and children at home as well as playing at the lake and in the mountains. He loved to laugh, gave great advice, and knew how to fix pretty much everything.
He is survived by his wife Vonda, children Jared Dorny (Janet), Valinda Hatch (Todd), Raylynn Dorny, Aaron Dorny (Lisa), Marissa Farnsworth (Benjamin), 17 grand children, and 1 great-grandchild.
Brough loved the temple and believed in eternal families – in lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the General Temple Fund of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
A family only service will be at 10am, Saturday, September 19 at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints building that the family attends. The brief funeral service will be streamed online.
The information on this family group record was provided by Mona Petersen Merz (457 East 570 North, Orem, Utah, 84097) to Clayton Brough in August 2004.
The information on this family group record was provided by Mona Petersen Merz (457 East 570 North, Orem, Utah, 84097) to Clayton Brough in August 2004.
Carma Moore Brown wrote in August 2004: "Steven Walker was adopted by Bill and Margaret Peterson Walker in the spring of about 1945 when he was 3 or 4 years old. It was a closed adoption. The birth mother and the "sperm donor" did not want to ever be known after the adoption. As I understand, even Margaret and Bill did not know who they were and had no way of finding out. ...Thus it is that Bill and Maragret Peterson Walker's names are on the birth certificate as though they were the birth parents."
Silvia Kelly stated via email in Mary 2010: "After extensive research, the following information was found through Steven's widow and death documentation: 1) Steve died of Renal Cancer on the 24th of April 1994; 2) Before his death, he was finally able to make contact with his birth mother and discovered that his birth father had died and he and his brother were put up for adoption. His mother kept his two sisters but couldn't keep the boys, so they were adopted out. He was also reunited with all ofhis birth siblings before he died; 3) He died in Rosarita, Baja California Sur, Mexico, where he was receiving treatment for his cancer. His ashes were then taken back to Washington by his wife and scattered in Blankenship Meadows near his home where he and his wife loved to ride their horses; 4) He was able to have 12 years of happiness before he died and had come to peace with his life of never knowing where he really belonged and to whom; 5) According to Margaret's divorce papers from Bill Walker, he [Bill Walker] disavowed anything to do with Steve and never supported him in anything after her [Margaret's] divorce was final; 6) We updated his information in the [LDS] church records to reflect all of this information, and to differentiate him from other Steve Walkers in the system. He will now be listed as Steven William Rusty Peck-Walker [as] Peck was his birth name." (See New Family Search PID# L7TB-K4Y)