By Christopher Olsen Folkmann

This, the second book of my biography, I'll start as we arrived in Salt Lake City, October 6, 1858.  I was heartily welcomed by my friend and countryman Anders Beck, who welcomed me to his house, where I offered a prayer and thanksgiving to God who had protected me through the travel and I was happy in Zion, the meeting place of the saints and I asked the Lord that he would bless me in my new home that I could serve him in Zion and be steadfast in the faith until the end.  We stayed in Salt Lake City for four days in which time we, namely Elea and I visited some friends and countrymen in the city, who welcomed us to Zion.  We got our horses and wagons, which we had together with a company divided, where I got one pair of oxen, which I valued at sixty dollars and a cow, which constituted all I had.  In spite of the fact that I had a debt of $200.00 for my trip.

October 10

My brother Jeppe, his wife, Ane, and my brother-in-law P. M. Peel, arrived from Lehi, where they lived.  They came to get us and we were ready to follow them.  On the morning of the 11th, we arrived in Lehi and were received well in my brother Jeppe's house, where we lived for a while.  It was a great pleasure to meet with my family again, namely my father, my brother Jeppe and his wives Ane and Karen and my sister's son Lauris, who were all in my brother Jeppe's house.  In my brother-in-law's house was my brother-in-law P.M. Peel, his wife, who was my sister, Christiane, and their children, who were Christian and Margret and my sister's daughter Dortea Svendsen.  All these had lived in Zion for four years and were well off.  My brother Peter and his wife, who had lived in Zion one year and had come in with handcarts had already built them a little house, had bought them a cow and they were all happy in the Gospel.  I took sick with Koldfeber (ague), with which I had been suffering for about a month and it held me in bed for a few days and I felt very weak.  My brother Peter helped me with the animals and Peter built a barn for me.  At the same time I worked for a while harvesting.  In the last part of October, my Elie was very sick and was sick for a couple of weeks, but through the blessings of the Lord, she got well.  In November 1858, I traveled in company with my brothers Jeppe and Peter to Weber County approximately 70 miles to find a place on which to build a new settlement, and build a canal.  We waited for the surveyor but he didn't come.  We were there for two weeks and did a lot of unnecessary work and then went back.  I rented an old basement which I repaired, made myself some furniture, rented a loom for my wife and I took work from my brother-in-law P.M. Peel.  I received one dollar a day and the food.  Then I started to work and felt happy.

December 1858

During the Christmas time, we had much company.  We were well provided with the good things of life and gave thanks to God for it.  For he had been good to us in this land, where we could serve him and enjoy the fruits of his labors.

January 1859

I was still working this month but there were no meetings and no teachers came around, the people were left to themselves and tried to remain steadfast.  We did not forget our prayers morning and night but prayed and worked and the Lord blessed us.

February 1859

My wife made me two suits of clothes and I was proud of it.  I got enough things put up, wheat etc., and prepared myself to go with my brothers to start a new settlement.  It was a very mild winter in Lehi.  My animals were outside a good deal.  My brother Peter helped me to take care of them with the little feed we had for them.

March 1859

My wife, my brothers, myself and others went to Weber County.  With a great deal of trouble we finally arrived there with my cousin Jens Madsen to Slatersville, where my brother had previously come and we lived in an old house.  We were so glad that we had come that far.  Our oxen just about gave up on the road as they were skinny and we had nothing to give them and the fields were covered with snow.  I let the oxen out on the fields and they had to seek their own feed as I could get nothing for them.  Jeppe wanted to give me some feed for them but he had gone twenty miles through snow to get it and he needed it for his own horses.  We began now to make preparation for our settlement.  The snow began to thaw and spring would soon be here.  We measured up our city and moved up.  The wagon we had borrowed we could not have any longer so I had to build myself a basement.  The fields were green enough to feed the animals and we soon had our names entered for our lots.

April 1859

Our cow which we brought with us now began to give milk and butter, the climate was good, the grass grew and our oxen got stronger so we began to plow our fields and to sow some wheat and we changed the five acres of prairie land to good fields.

May 1859

President Farr and Bishop West came out and talked to the people and organized a settlement and named it Plain City, and made W. Raymond, President and J.G. Folkmann and Cowlett his counselors and John Spiers, Secretary.  I was very happy that we were now organized and could have meetings where we could serve our God, which had not been our lot to now, except in our houses where I never forgot to praise God morning and night, together with my wife.

June 1859

Built a fence along my ten acres of land and we began the work on the canal.  It was dangerous for me to make a canal seven miles long with very little fall and have it ready quick enough to have water for all fields, which by the way didn't happen.  We spent the month of July working on the canal and we saw the fields dry and being eaten up by the animals and we didn't get our fence fixed in time.

August 1859

Everything in the line of food was gone and we went to Ogden where we took contract to make 10,000 adobe for Bishop West, which I and my brother Peter made.  We earned some wheat and were thankful to the Lord for it.

September 1859

My wife's parents and sisters came to Zion and my wife, Peter, his wife and myself went to Ogden City and met them, where they live on the Public Square.  What a pleasure for our wives to meet their parents and sisters in Zion and they were all well.  After a visit in Plain City, they went back to Ogden City and lived there during the winter.

October 1859

We moved to Ogden City rented a house and took work from Bishop West and receive two dollars and a half a day.  And received in the pay the things we needed.  Here we had a good chance to go to meetings in the neat Tabernacle and the School House for prayer meetings and we were very happy.

November 1859

I was received in the Elders Quorum in Ogden where Elder Steve Molony presided.  I met regularly for quorum meetings, Sunday's meetings and prayer meetings and worked steady.

December 1859

Now we had a chance to rebaptise and renew our covenants with the Lord, which has become a practice when immigrants come to Zion.  My wife was not well and I went alone and renewed my covenants with the Lord and was very happy in doing so.  December 23, we had company in my house where we had all my wife's family and my own family assembled, and enjoyed all the good things of life, sang and prayed, spoke and enjoyed ourselves very much, especially in the view of the fact that we could have all our relatives together.

January 1860

February and March went by and I had steady work on the week days and meetings in their time and prayer in the prayers time and the Lord blessed with the necessities of the house, which brought us happiness and joy.

April 1960

I dreamed that a lamp of gold fell in my hands and I wondered what it might mean.  On April 22 my wife, Elea, gave birth to a son.  Here came the meaning of the dream.  We called him George Derrik Folkmann and I blessed him with all the blessings my heart could favor.  I leased my land in Plain City to Louis Svendsen, who took care of the land.  I planted a garden by my house.  I had rented a place in Ogden and enjoyed working in the garden morning and night, and was still working during the day.  The summer went by in peace.  I was still working, and I bought myself a cow and four sheep and many things for the house which made myself and my wife happy.  I was made counselor to the President of the Elders Quorum in Ogden City.  Began to speak in English in the Quorum meetings.  The first part of November 1860, my wife got very ill and had to stay in bed.  I called a couple of the Elders to help me bless her but she remained ill.  Bishop West advised me to call Dr. McEntire.  This I did and he helped her and she felt much better although still very sick.  We had quite a burden in the child George, as he was only six months old.  It seemed as though my wife got a little better after a couple of weeks but about the 25th of November a terrific storm blew up during the night.  It blew down several houses and did much damage.  The window in the room in which my wife stayed blew out and we had to move her to another room, which caused her to take a cold again, which caused that the sickness got worse.  We tried to take care of her the best we understood, blessed her from time to time and it would help for a little while but not very long.  Her sister Hannah came from Cache Valley.  She got very friendly with the child and did all she could for my wife.

December 1860

On about the 2nd of December, 1860, my wife decided that death was near and prepared herself to go, called me to the bed and said, "One thing you must promise me before I go and you must not say no and it is that you shall marry my sister Hanne when I die," and at the same time to Hanne, that she must promise to marry me.  Then she changed her clothes and explained to Hanne the affairs of the house.  Shook hands with all of us and bade us farewell, closed her eyes and went to sleep.  Quietly.  We all cried and all wondered if she was really dead and tried to find out if there was still life but her pulse was still but she did not look like she was dead.  About an hour and a half after this time, she opened her eyes and looked around.  I began to speak with her and said, "Now when you have slept you must feel better.  I hope you will live with me and little George."  "No," she said.  "I know better."  "How do you know it?"  "Because they told me to come."  "Who?"  "My companions in the spirit world.  Yes, It was good to be there.  There was no sickness.  There I could both eat and sleep.  There were many people and there was no commanding for everyone knew what they should do."  "Was there anyone you knew there?"  "Yes."  "Who was it?"  "I have forgotten."  "I am angry at you for calling me away from the good place.  For here I suffer so much."  After she had rested a couple of hours, she asked me if she was really there.  I answered that she just slept, "I meant dead and you called me back," she said.  The sickness got worse and I had to quit praying that she might live, for she wished to die.  On December 4, in the morning, the fever left her.  She was more quiet until around eleven o'clock, when she was perfectly normal and a few minutes before died, she said, "Take care of George that he doesn't catch cold," and then she went away at about 11 o'clock in the forenoon.  On the same day H.P. Olsen from Sanpete came to receive payment for immigration, and I let him take my oxen and he receipted for what I owed him, which was $186.00, and I was very thankful to him for it.  On the 5th of December, my wife's family assembled and my neighbors, as well as Bishop West and daughter and McEntire, we all followed my wife, Elea, to the grave, in the Ogden Cemetery, where my brother Jeppe spoke.

Elea Mechela Funk was born September 16, 1826 in Bornholm Denmark, a daughter of Diderik and Kjerstine Funk, was baptized in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints on January 30, 1855 by Elder C. Larsen, laying on of hands the same date by J.G. Folkmann, immigrated in February, 1858.  Married me, Christopher Olsen Folkmann, on March 18, 1858 in Liverpool, England, arrived in Salt Lake City October 6, 1858, gave birth to a son April 22, 1860, died December 3, 1860.  She lived a Latter Day Saint and died in believing in Jesus Christ.  She was a lovely wife for two years eight months and seventeen days and hope to meet her again on the other side and I feel like saying, "O God, God of Israel, who is Joseph's and Brigham's God, how beautiful the hope you give us through your Gospel.  It gives us happiness in our sorrow, yes I feel like saying Death where is thy sting?  Hell, where is thy victory?

I began to work again but I felt lonely when I was alone.  Robert McGverre was a good friend to me.  Hanne Funk took care of George and kept house for me.  At Christmas time, I visited my brothers in Plain City.

January 1861

The past year will long be remembered in the history of the United States, and especially in the Saints' history, because the prophecy of Joseph Smith came to pass about the war, which was to come in South Carolina, which will finish up with the death of many.  The days will come when war will be on all nations, starting n this place.  This prophecy began to be fulfilled as the trouble started in South Carolina.  The winter went by without anything peculiar happening.  I lived a widower but my whole family was little George who grew up.  I brought him to meeting in 1861 and he was blessed by F.C. Hakman.  Up to this time I had only rented a house.  I now bought a place for $50.00 and built myself a little house of lumber 14 x 16 feet and I had it ready to move in, in October.  On October 6, 1861, I went to Conference in Salt Lake City where great things were taught by President Young and others.  This was the first time I met Sister Caroline Andersen, who was to be my wife.  This year there was a serious war between the South and North States in America, and thousands were killed in the war.  The Saints had peace in Utah and they took up more land, started new settlements and were happy in the fulfilling of the prophecies.

1862

On the 15th of March, 1862, I went in the House of the Lord in Zion and I received my blessings and endowments.  At the same time I was married to Carine Caroline Andersen, and at the same time sealed for time and all eternity to her.  And also sealed to my former wife Elea Mechelle Funk.  The wedding took place in the House of the Lord over the altar and President D.H. Wells was in charge.  Elea Mechelle Funk was born September 16, 1826, baptized January 30, 1855 by C. Larsen, laying on of hands by J.P. Folkmann, married to me for time on March 1858, died in Ogden City, December 4, 1860.  Her parents were Diderik Eskersen and Kjerstine Funk.  Caroline Ugland Anderson daughter of Gunder Andersen and wife Ugland was born on March 17, 1838 in Christiansand, Norge.  Baptized in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, August 22, 1856 by Gudmansen, laying on of the hands, same day, and by the same person.  Emigrated in 1861, married me March 15, 1862.  May the Lord bless me with power to keep all the things I promised to keep in the House of the Lord.

December 1862

This spring Bishop West went on a mission to England and he sold his work shop in which I worked before he left.  I took a contract with the owner N. Levet to work it a year together with W. Baker.  On December 21, 1862 my wife Caroline gave birth to a son who we called Christian Anton Folkmann.  On December 28, I called my family and my wife's family together and we had a nice time together.  (I blessed) my son Christian with the best of all blessings that I could think of.  From April, I worked as a teacher together with Brother Nielsen and enjoyed very much to have this opportunity of visiting the Saints and speak to them about the things they should do as Latter-day Saints.

January 1863

In the year gone by many thousands died in the war, and the loss seemed equal on both sides.  In the fall of 1862 California volunteers came to Utah and lived near Salt Lake, which they called Camp Douglas.  During the winter of 1863, these soldiers had a fight with Indians, where many soldiers were killed and wounded.  They killed many Indians, drove them away and took their food.  Although the soldiers bragged about the fight, it was nothing to brag about for a civilized army.  In April 1863, I moved with my family to Plain City, rented a house from Gunder Ugland (Andersen) and began to farm.  I and my brother Peter sent a pair of oxen to the states to help in the emigration, and had to get along with a pair of oxen which made it very difficult to get our work done.  But the Lord blessed us just the same.  I started a workshop for myself, bought tools and built a workshop.  I also built a new dobie house with a shingle roof 15 x 17 feet and had it so nearly finished that we moved in the new house about Christmas time where all my family and friends came.  This was a very hard working year for me as I always had more work than I could do.

January 1864

We were happy in again having a house.  I was made teacher in Plain City and had to spend winter evenings in visiting the Saints.  But they were all good Saints.  This year, I spend my time between the workshop and the farm.  I bought a couple of horses and a wagon and could now drive around and do much of the work on the farm.  On the 20th of May, 1864, we wife, Caroline gave birth to a son whom we called Elias Mechillas Folkmann.  He was blessed on the 4th of July by G. Folkmann.  I was very happy in having been blessed with three sons.

October 1864

On the 1st of October, my son Christian took sick.  We administered to him and did all we could to make him feel better, and my wife was very sorry and feared that the child might die.  I didn't fear this but felt that he should live.  On the 8th, my wife sent for me hurriedly while I was working in the garden.  I came in and found the child dying.  My wife felt very sorry and so did the rest of the family who were present.  We stood by the cradle and Christian died.  My wife said, "He's dead, he's dead."  I said, "No" and asked my wife to go outside with the others, which she did.  I put my hands on his head and prayed and life came back to him and I took him up, put him on my lap and he smiled at me.  Then my wife and her sister came and saw that the child lived and my wife said it was the greatest miracle she had seen, but she said, "You should not have called him back."  The child looked as though it wanted something to eat so I fed it, and I had hope that the child would be better.  On the 9th the sickness of the child got worse and it died at about eleven o'clock that night.  I felt sorry over my son dying at the early age, but I remembered the word of the Lord.  "The Lord came and the Lord took."  Christian was buried on the eleventh in the Plain City cemetery and Carver spoke.  On September 9, 1864 my father Jorgen Christopher Folkmann and my brother Jeppe came on the wagon and as they came in the city, the oxen started running and my father fell in the ditch where there was no water, and hurt himself so severely that he took sick and died on September 10th, which was his birthday.  He was then seventy-two years old.  I was with him during the night.  He spoke to me and said it meant his death, although he didn't feel any great pains.  He died quietly in the afternoon without any great pains.  I was not with him at his death but Peter and Jeppe was by his side.  He died believing fully in the Gospel.  We will meet again.

My father Jorgen Christopher Folkmann was born September 10, 1792 on Wavergarden in Aakkersogn.  His father's name was Christopher Olsen, and his mother Bergita and lived on Wavergarden in Aakkersogn.  When he was three years old he lost his mother and got a stepmother who was very strict with him.  In his … year he was married to Gjertrud Kjerstine, who had seven children, namely three sons and four daughters, of which two died while very young.  His wife died in 1848.  He lived as a widower since that time.  In the fall of 1851 he received the missionaries from the Latter Day Saints in his house.  He helped them much but was not baptized in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints until December 24, 1856 and as he had helped the missionaries a lot and also helped Peter to immigrate, he didn't have much left and had to go with hand cart over the desert.  And it happened while they walked through the desert in the Black Hills west of Laramie, my father didn't feel so good.  He came quite a way after the company and my brother Peter and his wife took care of the hand carts.  My father lost the direction and wandered around in the Black Hills, where for three days he had nothing else to eat but some berries.  He felt very sick and at night he made himself a bed and expected to die.  But next morning he felt rested and went to the river which he waded through and met a mountaineer, driving with his wife, an Indian.  He took him up in his wagon and the next day he took him to where the company was.  They had given up all hope of ever seeing him again.  My brother Peter had been looking for him two days but couldn't find him.  The next day my brother Jeppe came from Utah where he had been for three years, and he had been on a mission to Dyrkvik to help build a fort.  He took my father and helped him as much as he could and traveled with him home and was with him all the time until his death.  And he was well taken care of also by my brother Jeppe and his wife Ane.  He had worked hard in his days and needed the rest.  While he was in Denmark he worked as a black smith and also did a little farming and he was looked up to for his work and honesty.  As a Saint he was steadfast in his faith as an elder who was not afraid to stand up and preach the Gospel.  My father was buried in Plain City cemetery and his three sons namely Jeppe, Peter, and myself followed him to the grave.  This was on September 11, 1864 and a great deal of the people from the city followed him to the grave where my brother Jeppe and John Carver spoke.  My father had the privilege of getting his endowments in the House of the Lord before his death.  Also, last summer went to Sanpete to visit his daughter Christiane and his granddaughter Tea, who was now married and he saw his great grand children before his death.  I spent that year as a blacksmith and farmer and built and planted.  I acted as a teacher and spent the evenings either in meetings or visiting the Saints.  I was as well off as I had ever been.  There was a good market for all products and we got five dollars a bushel for wheat, which helped the Saints a lot as they had a good year and a good harvest.  A fulfillment of the prophecy when he last spring said, "That the one who stays home and sows potatoes will do better than if he goes to the gold mines to dig gold."  This year, there was a lot of killing in the war, which was also a fulfillment of the prophecy of Joseph, which has been named before in this book.

1865

In the thirty-fifth yearly conference on the 7th day of April, 1865 I was called to go on a mission to Scandinavia to preach the Gospel.  I wasn't present at this conference so it was a great surprise to hear the news as I had not heard anything beforehand.  On the 10th I went to Ogden City where my friends congratulated me on my call.  I received the following letter from the President.

President's Office G.S.                                            April 10th 1865,

Elder C.O. Folkmann,

Dear Brother:

You will be pleased to learn that you have been appointed at a general conference of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints to go on a mission to preach the Gospel in Europe.  You should be in this city on the 1st of May, prepared with means to carry you on this journey.

I remain your brother,

Brigham Young

I now began to think how to get the means for my travel, as I didn't own $5.00 in money, and it took about three hundred dollars for my trip.  I went over and talked with Brother McGow, who also was called to go on a mission, and we decided that the five of us who were called to go on a mission from Weber County, should get together and buy four mules and a wagon and the necessary things for our trip.  I decided to take my wagon and also bring my part of the food and feed for the horses.  I prayed to the Lord that a way may be opened so some of my things could be transferred to money, so I could have the necessary money for my trip.

I was lucky enough to sell my horses for oxen and my oxen for horses and thereby got the necessary means for my trip.  On April 15 the President of the United States, Abraham Lincoln was shot in Ford's Theater by one of the players, Wilkes Booth.  I got everything ready for the trip.  Saturday, April 29th my brother Peter drove my wife and myself to Salt Lake City where we arrived on April 30th, and lived for awhile at Sister Beck's place.  On May 1st a congregation of missionaries, about forty, was told to meet President Young in the schoolhouse where we received our blessings and instructions by the Twelve and the First Presidency.  My blessing is as follows:

A blessing upon the head of C.O. Folkmann setting him apart for a mission to Europe, given in President Brigham Young's school room, Great Salt Lake City, May 1, 1865, by Wilford Woodruff, reported by G.D. Watt.

Brother Folkmann in the name of Jesus Christ and by virtue and authority of the Holy Priesthood, we lay our hands upon your head and ordain you to be a member of one of the quorums of seventies, and we seal upon your head all the power and authority of the holy office and calling, praying God, our Heavenly Father to give unto you the Spirit thereof and the testimony and power thereof, that you may be enabled to magnify this calling in your day and generation.  We also set you apart unto the calling whereunto you have been called and appointed to go into the nations of the earth to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and the plan of salvation unto the children of men.  You are called to go on this mission in this day of wickedness and abomination to proclaim salvation to the world, and also that your garments may be clean of the blood of all men, that you may magnify your calling as one of the sons of Israel.  We say unto you be faithful and call upon the Lord in mighty prayer and trust in him and you shall be blessed and you shall go in peace and shall have power to overcome sin, and every temptation that shall be laid in your path and the Spirit of God will guide you and be constantly with you and with your companions on the mission by day and by night and you shall have power to do much good unto the children of men and gather souls into the kingdom of God and assist your (companions in spreading) righteousness and truth in the earth.  We seal upon you all these blessings with all blessings that have been sealed upon you heretofore, and every blessing your heart can desire in righteousness, we seal upon you and say be faithful and magnify your high calling and you shall be blessed on this mission beyond your fondest expectations.  You shall go in peace and return in safety to your family and friends.  All these blessings we seal upon you in the name of Jesus Christ.  Amen.

Instructions from President Young was to keep clean from the world and he promised us that we would come back safely, advised us to get some good rifles and pistols and at least one hundred rounds of ammunition and he told us to be careful that the Indians should not hurt us, although they were quite wild in the desert.  The President said that the reason that some of the elders died on their trip was that they committed sin and he said this was the case with P.P.P.  He committed adultery and his blood was shed and I am glad of it.  He told us to be careful.

On May 2 we again had a meeting of the missionaries where it was decided not to leave until May 22, on account of the bad roads in the mountains.  On May 3 we drove back to Ogden with the wagon, which we had fixed up to go over the desert with.  When we came to the Weber River there was so much water that we had difficulty in getting over.  I now went home again for awhile.  I had leased my blacksmith shop to Brother Halgreene.  I also fixed my house the best I could for my three years absence.  On April 28 I was invited to Bishop West's together with the other missionaries who were Jens McGow, Francis E. Brown, John Heglan and John Barker with their family as well as others at a farewell party, where the Ogden City brass band played tunes which we will remember until we get back.  The bishop gave us some good instructions, after which we ate a good supper.  Of those who helped with the means for our trip were P.C. Gronn $5.00 in money; Hans Petersen – 1 gallon molasses; and Brother Gats – 1 gallon molasses; Brother Maritsen – 1 shoulder of meat.  The Lord blessed them for it.  I paid two hundred and thirty dollars for different things and had otherwise $125.00 all in all $355.00 for the trip.

May 1865

On May 20 I said good-bye to my wife Caroline and my son Elias to leave for three years which I thought it would be.  We had prayer and I put my hands on my wife and my son and asked the Lord to bless them while I was away while I worked in his vineyard.  I asked, prayed to Him to bless me and protect me on my trip in the desert, on the rivers, on the railroads, and on the many waters, and on my mission that I could come back safe to my family again.  I also said goodbye to my brothers, their families and neighbors who all wished me the best blessings.  I went to Ogden City where I was invited to a party for a Brother McGow.  This was in the First Ward Schoolhouse and the prominent men, as well as the Ogden band was present.  I had a good dinner and listened to the good music.  In the evening they had a dance, but wasn't there, but went over to Brother McGow's where I stayed all night.  On May 21, I said good-bye to my son George, who had decided he wanted to stay at McQuerris till I came back.  I put my hands on his head and blessed him and went away.  We five missionaries got up in the wagon, we had four mules and were well equipped for the trip.  Our friends congratulated us, Bishop West said, "I hope I will live to see you come back.  I know you will come back."  We went away and we soon came to Salt Lake City.  The same evening I came into merchant Bassat.  On the 22, all missionaries were assembled in the tithing house in Salt Lake City and the company was organized.  W. Preston was made captain and this was sanctioned by Brother Brigham Young.  Then he took the initiative and suggested F.E. Brown for the chaplain, and Brother Thorber as the watch captain.  On May 23, I went to the President's office, where I had a chance to see President Young and Brother Kimball and T. Cannon and G.T. Watt who gave me my ordination, which is as follows.

Elder's Certificate

To all persons to whom this letter shall come.  This certifies that the bearer, Elder C.O. Folkmann is in full faith and fellowship with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and by the general authorities of said church has been duly appointed to a mission to Scandinavia to preach the gospel and administer in all the ordinances thereof pertaining to his office.  And we invite all men to give heed to his teachings and counsel as a man of God sent to open to them the door of life and salvation and assist him in his travels in whatever things he may meet, and we pray God, the Eternal Father, to bless Elder Folkmann and all who receive him and minister to his need and comfort with the blessings of heaven and earth for time and all eternity in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

Signed at Great Salt Lake City, Territory of Utah, May 22, 1865 in behalf of said church.

Brigham Young and Heber C. Kimball.

I received a passport from the Governor of the Territory of Utah, which says, Territory of Utah, USA, Executive office, to all whom it may concern, this certifies that C.O. Folkmann, the bearer hereof, is a citizen of the territory of Utah in the United States of America, resident therein and as such citizen entitled to protection and to pass without detention upon his lawful business.  In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and cause the great seal of the territory of Utah to be affixed at Great Salt Lake City, this 22nd day of May, 1865.

Jas. Duane Doty

Governor of Utah Territory

I also received my paper as a citizen of the United States

Certificate of Citizenship

United States of America, Territory of Utah.

Be it remembered that on the 6th day of May, in the year of our Lord 1865 Christopher O. Folkmann, late of Bornholm, in the kingdom of Denmark, at present of Ogden City, in the territory of aforesaid, appeared in the third Judicial Court of Utah Territory and applied to the said court to be admitted to become a citizen of the United States of America.  Pursuant to the directions and requirements of the several acts of Congress in relation thereto and the said Christopher O. Folkmann, having thereupon produced to the court such evidence, made such declaration and renunciation and taken such oath as of the said acts required.  Thereupon it was ordered by the same court that the said Christopher O. Folkmann be admitted and he was accordingly admitted to the said court to be a citizen of the United States of America.  In testimony whereof the seal of the said court is hereunto affixed the 6th day of May 1865, and in the year of independence, the 89th.

Patrick Lynch

Clerk

On May 29, in the afternoon we began to travel and as we came outside the city, we turned around and looked at the beautiful city with the wonderful fruit gardens and shade trees and said farewell to the city we loved so much for a few years.  As we came up the canyon one of the mules jumped up from a mudhole in the road and broke the brake but we fixed it with a piece of wood and continued our trip over Little Mountain and rested for the first night.  On the 25th, we passed Parley's Park, talked with William Kimball, son of H.C. Kimball, who lived there and had a beautiful place.  He gave us another brake for the one we had broken and gave us many congratulations on our mission.  We went to Silver Creek and stopped there.  It was a beautiful place, beautiful lawns and streams of water.  Here came Brother McGow, he had walked the whole way from Salt Lake City, where he had stayed to fix some of his private affairs.  He was so tired and happy to find us there, and he had supper with us.  We took a plank which we used in the wagon, put it on the lawn and all sat around it where we had our food.  We five brethren were just like one family.  We were now organized, and the watch-captain organized the watch, and the chaplain called us together for prayer, and the captain gave us the necessary instructions and we were then ready for 1000 mile trip.  On the 26th, we drove through Coalville and noticed the coal mines and we stopped at Weber.  On the 27th, we went to Echo Canyon and noticed the forts which the brethren had made in 1857 to protect them against the United States Army in case it had been necessary.  Brother Brown showed us where his tent had been and where General West's tent had been and told us many interesting things.  We stopped in the canyon as we had lots of time, still expecting two wagons which hadn't come yet, one wheel came loose and we used the time to fix it.  Then Brother Hill's team came, with four good mules and six brethren.  Sunday, the 28th, two mules were gone and the brethren went back to find them.  We went a little way up the canyon and met some who were going to California.  We stopped in Cash Cave to get some wood but we had to go a long way to find it.

May 1865

We found the mules and were altogether.  Approximately fifty persons in the company of which forty were missionaries.  The others were merchants and a family, not Mormon, of four persons, who had been visiting in Utah and were now going home again.  They had a Mormon's book from Utah and they had good mules on their wagon.  Of missionaries to Scandinavia, we were eighteen, namely Nels Wilhelmsen, from Bear Lake; Christian Christiansen from Sanpete; Soren Iversen from Salt Lake City; Peter Hansen from Cache Valley; Niles Nielsen from Boulder; Morten Lund from Sanpete; Hans Jensen from Sanpete; Anders Nielsen from Sanpete; Fredrik Christian Sorensen from Sanpete; Anders Larsen from Weber Valley; Swend Larsen from Sanpete; Hans Hansen from Cache Valley; Christopher O. Folkmann from Plain City; John Fagerperg from Sanpete; Gustave Olsen from Salt Lake City; Carl Christian Anton Christensen from Sanpete; Jens Hansen from Spanish Fork; Frederik Andersen from Salt Lake City.  Of the English missionaries W. Preston, Bishop from Cache Valley; Smith, Bishop from Centerville; W.S. Warner, Bishop Forbar, Bishop Brown, Hell, I. McGow, F.E. Brown, John Haglan, John Barker, Ezra Clark, W. McMaster, Abel Evans, W. Jipsen, Cambelan, a Welshman, Hale, an American; C.W. Penrose; W.W. Claff; Borkbeck, Englishmen; Jos. Horn, an American; and John Parri.

On the 29th we drove to Jolle Creek and had to stop to repair the road, stopped and had dinner and stopped four miles west of Maddy.  On Tuesday, the 30th, we drove three miles near Fort Bridger and stopped for dinner we drove eleven miles and stopped for the night.  Wednesday, the 31st we drove over Smith's Fork and had to pay $2.50 toll.

Thursday, June 1.  Went over Ham's Fork on a ferry by Brother Robertsen.  He was so nice to set us over for nothing.  While we were waiting, a big government train was sent over by the ferry and Brother Robertson got eight dollars for this.  This train was loaded with flour for the trappers in Utah, and they had left from the states last summer and had spent the winter in the desert.  The flour would cost them $30.00 per hundred where they could have bought it in Utah for $20.00.  Brother Robertson drove to Green River where he also had a ferry.  He set us over there for nothing.

Friday, the 2nd.  We drove over Little Sandy and stopped three miles from Little Sandy.

Saturday, the 3rd.  We drove to Pacific Springs, some brethren had shot an antelope, which was given to the whole company and we had a good steak that night.

Sunday, the 4th.  We drove about thirty miles and stopped at Antelope Springs.

Monday, the 5th.  Drove 15 miles and stopped for dinner where there was plenty of wood and water.  Drove an additional fifteen miles and stopped.  I stood watch during the night.  The 6th, drove 20 miles, drove by a place called Third Crossing, we spoke to the soldiers who were there, who told us that the Indians had broken up an emigrant company the day before, and they had cut the telegraph wire some other place.  We stopped about nine miles west of the Devil's Point.

Tuesday, the 7th, drove by the Devil's Point, Brother F.E. Grown and I got off at some of the highest points and looked down 400 feet, stopped for dinner and drove by Independent Rock.  We drove about 30 miles that day.

Wednesday, the 8th, drove about 30 miles and stopped 6 miles from Platbridge.

Thursday, the 9th, drove to Platbridge for breakfast, and drove on the north side of the Platte about 26 miles and stopped at Platte.

Friday, the 10th, drove about 30 miles and stopped at Platte.

Saturday, the 11th drove over mountains and hills in the forenoon, over hills in the afternoon on pretty good road, stopped at Platte.

Sunday, the 12th, drove over the mountains 25 miles and stopped at the Box Elder Springs.

Monday, the 13th, drove about 20 miles and stopped at Platte.  Got under the wagon and wrote a letter to my wife.

Tuesday the 14th.  Drove to Fort Laramie, saw a funeral for an Indian in a big tree, some brethren went over to the Fort with our letters.  The soldiers had caught three Indians and they were hung.  They told us to watch out for Indians as they were very angry and six hundred had just passed by.  We drove another eight miles.

Wednesday the 15th.  The mules got scared during the night and we had to have double watch, as we thought the Indians were sneaking up on us.  I had watched that night.  We drove eight miles, had breakfast, drove 12 miles and had dinner, drove another 12 miles and saw some Indians who hid themselves in the hills.  We also saw a funeral for an Indian who was hung up on a big tree in a red wool blanket.  We were sure that our pistols were in good shape as it looked as though the Indians might cause trouble.  Once in awhile we could see their heads in the hills but to our salvation a big thunder and storm blew up and we had to get all the wagons together and we watched in the lightning where the Indians were and they didn't have a chance to get up close.  We drove 32 miles and stopped.

Thursday, the 16th.  We saw two Indians ride over the hills.  We passed 171 wagons of emigrants who tried to get away from the war in the States and they were going west.  We drove about 30 miles and stopped at Platte River.  An emigrant train of 32 wagons stopped in the hills.  We were now close to Kjenle rak.

The 17th.  Drove early, when we drove up the road and found a man who looked as though he was dead.  His throat was cut with a knife and undressed to his shirt.  We found out that his name was David Shook and was from Iowa.  We drove about 30 miles on the 18th.  Drove about 30 miles and stopped at the river.

Sunday, the 19th, drove about 33 miles over sand hills, stopped at the Platte River and I had watched that night.  Met another emigrant train of 30 wagons.  They had 100 Indian soldiers dressed in the United States uniforms.  We drove another 28 miles and stopped at the river.

Tuesday, the 21st.  Drove over Rattle Snake Creek and north Black Fork, rather difficult road but drove 28 miles.

The 22nd.  Over Duck Creek, where we had the best water which we had had for 600 miles.  Drove 33 miles.

On 23rd.  They drove 26 miles but it was so warm all during the day that we could hardly stand it.  During the night there was such a thunder that I had … to get in the wagons to sleep during the night.

On the 24th.  Drove 28 miles.  The road was muddy.  I had watch that night, got wet and cold.

25th.  Drove early and stopped at Fort Kearney, where we met an emigrant train who told us several things about the Indians.  We drove then 26 miles.

26th.  We drove over a beautiful piece of land, about 20 miles, where they were building houses.  We stopped at the Wad River, after having driven thirty four miles.

27th.  We passed Wad River, where there was post and telegraph office and the captain telegraphed home.  Drove 35 miles.

28th.  Drove over Silver Creek, was set over Luke Fork by ferry for which we paid $1.25 for each wagon.  We drove 36 miles this day.

29th.  Drove by some Indians.  There were over 500 Indians.  It was a beautiful sight to see their tents.

On the 30th.  We drove through Plymouth City.

On July 1.  We drove about 10 miles and stopped at a place three miles from Omaha.  Happy and thankful to the Lord that we got through so good.  I like to remark that on our whole trip we stopped and had prayer morning and night.  On the 2nd Sunday we had meeting, song, prayer and some speeches.  And we arranged to sell the mules and wagons and get tickets for all of us.  We received $522.00 for our mules and wagons of which I got $53.00.  I loaned $10.00 to Brother John Barker.  On the 3rd, went to the city, stopped on the street with our wagons and sold the mules.  On the 4th, the United States Liberty Celebration took place.  Met a man who had left the church, Meilhederand, he invited me home and was as full of lies as Lucifer himself.  We had traveled together to Zion in 1858.  Talked to H. Kofod's Ankers daughter Stine who was married in Omaha.  Talked to many who had been Mormons, amongst others Aamonsen, who was now with the Lutheran Church; Poulsen from Denmark who acted as doctor.  I stayed in Omaha until the 8th to sell everything.  8th, I left on the steamer Montana to Wyoming to visit some emigrants who stayed there.  There were only a few I knew but it was a pleasure to see some countrymen on the way to Zion.  I stayed there over night and took the steamer, Douglas, to St. Joseph were we arrived the next morning and stayed at the hotel.

10th about noon, I bought a ticket for New York and paid $35.00 for it and left on the train.

11th, about 1 o'clock we arrived in Palmyra.  Went to the Mississippi River, crossed over to Quincy and drove to Chicago where we arrived at 5 o'clock in the morning.

On the 12th.  Stayed on the train until 6 o'clock in the evening when we arrived in Detroit.  Went over to Windsor, took the railroad over suspension bridge where we arrived in the morning.

On the 13th, stayed at the Trimont House.  We went out and noticed the Niagara Falls, which was a beautiful sight.  We went down near the falls on the 291 steps.  We left on the train again at 6 o'clock in the evening and arrived in New York at noon.

On the 14th, we met Bro. Christiansen, who took us to the Union Hotel where we had board and room for $1.50 a day.  We stayed there 24 hours and we had to pay $2.50.  There were two other brothers who each bought a bottle of rye brandy to take with us on the ship.  It was well sealed but when they opened it, it was nothing but water.  Someone stole $30.00 from S. Larsen.  He gave it to someone to have it exchanged and Bro. Christiansen had $10.00 stolen from him by a barber who shaved him.

On the 15th, received our ticket for the steamer Louisiana to Liverpool and paid $28.00 in currency, which was the same as $20.00 in gold.  We left at 12 o'clock noon.

16th, Sunday, felt good.

17th, stormy, sailed 12 miles an hour, got sea sick and had to stay in bed.

The 18th stormy, was sick.

19th, felt better.

The 20th, felt good, ate a little.

The 21st, the same.

22nd, beautiful weather but had a little rain in the afternoon.

23rd, terrible weather.

24th, 25th, 26th, beautiful weather.

27th, saw land in the morning.  Quite stormy.  Arrived at Gvenstown in the evening where some passengers got off.

On the 28th, arrive at Liverpool, got off the boat about three o'clock went to Emigration Hotel.  Went to the office in the evening, received our appointments and Bro. Wells taught us many things amongst others told us to stay away from strong drinks.  We wrote our names and took the railroad to Hull.

The 29th, took the steamer Exsessen and stayed on the ship overnight.

The 30th, sailed for Hamborg, where we arrived on August 1.  We got tickets for 11 shillings.  We got board and room in a Swedish hotel, took the railroad to Glykstad.  It cost us about 10 ore.  Then we went on the steamer to Jorsor, paid 5 crowns.  Had stormy weather all night, came to Korsor at five o'clock in the morning.

On August 2, and took the railroad to Copenhagen where we arrived at 11 o'clock noon.  Took a taxi to the office and met Bro. Petersen and Carlsen.  Brother Wederborg was in Norway to a conference, had a good dinner, and went to Bro. Niels Andersen on Amager.

The 3rd, went to the office, saw Wederborg who was home now.  I went to Norway after a visit to Bornholm to visit relatives.  Several brethren expressed their feelings and their pleasure.  Had a good supper, slept in the office over night.

On the 4th, visited Albertson on Christinashaven and his wife.  I told them of the gospel and left some tracts.

The 5th, wrote to my wife and told her of our arrival in Denmark.  Bought myself a new suit of clothes and paid 38 crowns.

The 6th Sunday, went to meeting.  I spoke in the forenoon and Bro. Wilhelmsen told about our trip.

On the 7th, took a steamer to Bornholm and arrived at Ronne at 10 o'clock in the evening.

The 8th went to Bro. Nielsen's where I met several from Zion.  Told them of my conviction of the gospel, visited several friends and relations and told them about the Kingdom of God.

The 10th went to Bro. Carlson and we baptized two sisters in the evening.

The 6th, visited Tindsted, where Peter Wavesten who had harmed me thirteen years ago.  We stayed there over night.  The 13th, meeting in Ronne.  I gave my testimony and had an opportunity to talk to many that I knew.  At night we had meeting at Brother Poulsen's place in Amager.

The 14th went to John Ols in Askirkeby and visited friends and witnessed to the truthfulness of the gospel.

The 15th visited Lt. Kofoed in Aakerkeby and had a long talk with him.  Spent about 5 hours.  We also visited Major Kofoed, J.C. Lund and Maaten Engel who once was an apprentice in my blacksmith shop.

The 16th went to my mother's sister Bold who regretted that she didn't go with her daughter to Zion.  We stayed there over night.

The 17th, on the Amager we visited Jorgen Olsen.  We came in his house and his wife told us that we were related.  She was Jeppe Sorens daughter, in other words, my mother's half sister.

The 18th, went to Riseskaven to Lars Torns for pedigree of their daughter Garie (Gorie) to whom I was engaged when I received the Gospel but had to leave her for the sake of the Gospel as her parents objected to her being baptized and now she was dead.  I told her mother that it was a shame they kept her from being baptized and they would regret it.  We visited A. Jarus and Carl Tora and went to Store Duejaard and stayed there overnight.

The 19th, visited Mads Engel who now lived in my father's house where I was brought up.  I remembered everything and noticed how the trees had grown, the trees I had planted.  Went into Martin Gronnegsand, went to A. Kofoeds and went to Askirkeby, visited Edward (Edvart) Sonne and pastor Mofin but he was so busy that he couldn't speak to me.

The 20th, had a meeting where I gave my testimony of the truth of the gospel.  Amongst the visitors were Edvart Sonne and J.C. Lund.  Hans P. Tonason drove us to Wallensgaard and we had meeting at 2 o'clock.  Many visitors were there.  I bore my testimony of the truth of the gospel so I thought the toughest hearts would be softened and all would have to believe.  In the evening, we went to Hans Christensen's house on Tindstad and had a meeting with many present.  There were many there who had harmed me 13 years ago and I gave them a powerful testimony and told them what they had done and told them they would have to pay for it unless they repented.  I told them that we had to let them know that we were strangers, had no place to sleep and if anyone wanted to get the blessings of God, that here was a good chance to take us in their house so Peter Waversten asked us to go with him and we stayed there overnight.

The 21st, got up happy and talked with the people, and Lars Martin Maansen Jornsen acted as though he liked to go to Zion to his brother Jorn Jornsen.  Went and visited Lisa Marker who used to belong to the church and now was married.

The 22nd, went to East Larsker and visited my father's brother Lars Christopher Folkmann.  They were very glad to see me and didn't know of all the good they could do for me.  We visited two … Niels Folkmann and his sister Sina.  I have all reasons to think that they will receive the gospel.  We visited others.  We stayed at my father's brother's place that night.

The 23rd, went and visited Esper Ipsen and they said they would go to Zion next year.

The 24th, we went to Master Badild and visited Peter Kock.  He liked to have a letter from his folks in Zion and a daughter of Anders Nielsen's liked to get a letter from him.  And if she received the letter she would be a Mormon and go to him.  He came up the year before last with Hans Funck.  Peter Kock liked to get a letter from Jorgen Sonne widow who had gone to Zion.  I said good-bye to my mother's sister who cried and wished that she had gone with her daughter.  We went to Jens Martins widow and she and her daughter wished that they were in Zion.  We stayed at Wallensgaard and it seemed as though the whole family believed.  They wanted to take us to Tiderskersogn but we didn't have time.

The 25th we said good-bye and went to Jacob Funck's and spoke to him and he believed in the Gospel.  Visited Maans Markers and went Aakerkeby to Pastor Masin.  We received a birth certificate for Jorgen Jorggeson and paid 2 marks for it.

The 26th said good-bye to friends and went Jorgen Blems and then went Arnager and visited Stenborg and old Riis.

The 27th Sunday, had meeting at P. Paul's place.  There was many present and they gave a powerful testimony that if they didn't all believe they ought to.  The saints said good-bye to me and gave me money for the trip.

The 28th said good-bye to the Saints and went to Ronne.  On the way we met two widows who worked at a cement factory.  I asked them how much they were earning and they said they had 2 mark and 4 shilling a day, and they paid 1 mark and 4 shilling for board and room.

The 29th sisters from the country came and said farewell and gave me some money for my trip.  And Brother Carlsen took us to the steamer Mercur which took us to Copenhagen.  I paid 5 Rd for the ticket and left at 10 o'clock at night and arrived in Copenhagen at 3 o'clock in the afternoon on the 30th.  After having seen Brother Wederbant and Brother Felt in the office, we went to Brother Nils Andersen and Amager and spent the evening.

On the 31st we went to town, visited Dosea Kofoed, whom I had baptized 10 years ago.  He didn't belong to the church anymore and I was very sorry to hear this.  I also visited Petria Peel from Bornholm who had also been in the church.

September 1, went to the office, bought a new trunk for 10 Rd and an overcoat for 24 Rd.  Said good-bye to the brethren in the office and took the steamer Exelensen to Christiania where I arrived on the 3rd at 9 o'clock in the evening.  Went to the Md Matten hotel and slept the first night in Norway.

On the 4th, I went to the office on Munkedamsbeien No. 17 and saw Brother Sprague and Bro. Christensen who was very glad to see me.  I was told to go to Bro. Isaksen and was well received.

On the 5th, went on a sail tour to King Oscar's Hall, went through all the rooms up in the tower and we could see the whole city and the country all around.  Came back and went to choir practice, and had a good choir.  As I came back a merchant waited for me to speak to me about religion.  I gave him my testimony which it seemed like he received with pleasure.

On the 6th, I went to Priesthood meeting where I spoke to the brethren for the first time in Norway and got acquainted with the brethren.

On the 7th, in the evening, I went to a meeting and spoke to those assembled there.  A gentleman visited us in the office and gave many good questions to us about religion.  My first trip to Trondhjen where I was to preside.  My calling is as follows:

Dear Brother:

You are hereby called to preside over the Northern part of Norway as well as other places where you might find members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, within this part of the Christiania conference under my supervision, as well as perform all ordinances wherever you find people who love the truth and are willing to listen to your teachings and good advice.  May God, our Eternal Father, bless you in your endeavor to spread the Gospel of Christ and may his spirit always dictate to you in the advice you give the people you may contact and may His be the honor.  Amen

C.C.A. Christensen

President for Christiania Conference

Christiania, July 16, 1866

 

Addenda

By Others

C.O. Folkmann was to marry Elea Funk, but when, in 1857, he was asked to preside over the Fredericia Conference (mission) in Denmark she went to Liverpool and waited there for him.  He married her in Liverpool in April, 1858 and they traveled to Utah together.

Their only child, George Derrick Folkman, had ten children and worked for the Utah State Legislature.  Elea died in Ogden when Derrick was a young child.  Christopher then married his second wife, Caroline Anderson.

He married Maximiliana Maria Olivia Lingwall (Lingvall) 26 April 1869, with whom he had seven children, five of whom survived to adulthood.  He had met Maria, in his 40's while returning from a Scandinavian mission.  She was in the same company.  She baked bread for those in the company to earn her food.  In Plain City she lived with him and Caroline for about 9 months.  Maria had chances to marry others but wanted to marry in polygamy – as it was part of her conversion beliefs.  She had a little house and garden in Plain City.

Christopher was called to serve a mission in Denmark and after presiding over the Gothenburg Conference for about a year he was released with permission to return home to his family in Zion.  In May, 1868, he left for home as leader of a large company of emigrating saints.

From the book, History of Scandinavian Missions, the following was taken:  "Christopher Olsen Folkman served a second mission to Scandinavia after having emigrated to Utah.  He arrived on November 2nd 1886 to serve in the Copenhagen Mission and labored there until he sailed for home on July 20th 1888."

Christopher was originally buried in the Plain City Cemetery but, per his previous request, was later moved to the Ogden City Cemetery where he is buried next to his first wife, Elea Macilla Funk.  Maria is buried in the Plain City Cemetery.

Following is a copy of a page in the center of the journal for 1858-1865.  It is not part of the other entries.  It is written in English and is in Christopher's hand.  (Original spelling).

December 1867

Br. J. Andreasen got Br. Eric Larsen to take us with him part of the way to Sho'skagen and with som waking we arrived to Br. Emili's haus but he was not at home but the sisters reseved us kinly and das us good.

The 10.  Went to the Nabors and found a woman their was converted and wished to be babtised.  So we went to the Lake and cut a hoel in the ise thayr was 9 inches tik and babtised her and I Confirmed her and she went home rejoising.

Stories as told to Nancy B. Egbert on Memorial Day, 2001 by Vera Brown Jenkins, Christopher's and Caroline's granddaughter.

In 1857, when Christopher O. Folkmann and family members were ready to leave Denmark for Utah, he was called to be president of the Fredericia Conference (Mission) in Bornholm.  He gave his saved passage money to others to help pay their way.  Later, in 1858, he emigrated to Ogden, Utah with his wife Elea.  Others of his family had gone to Lehi, Utah to attempt making a living there.  Lorin Farr, mayor of Ogden, told Christopher that there was good land to be settled in a plain place west of Ogden, but that it had no water supply.  He discussed this with family members in Lehi and on March 17, 1859 they went north and dug a seven mile canal from the Weber River to what they then named Plain City and moved there permanently.  Thus began a small town led by the Folkmanns, Ipsens and several other families of pioneers.

After Christopher and others joined the Church in Denmark they endured much persecution.  People stopped using their businesses and they were attacked by mobs.  On one occasion Christopher was struck on the head with a shovel and had a dent in his skull for the rest of his life.

When he died there was a viewing at their home in Plain City.  At that time all of the grandchildren were brought in to feel the dent in Grandfather's head to illustrate to them the sacrifice he had made for his beliefs.  Vera said that she remembered it well.  Later, as an adult, she realized that she was born three years after her Grandfather's death.  Her cousins' descriptions of that dent were so vivid that she thought she had actually been there and had also felt the dent.