A Danish Immigrant’s Sacrifice

Camilla Dorothy Jacobsen Corbett was born in Copenhagen, Denmark, December 4, 1840 (to Nels JACOBSEN,(AFN: 24D2-T5) Birth: 22 Mar 1784 Copenhagen, (Taarnby), Denmark Death: 1 May 1861 Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark and Ann Dorathy JORGENSEN (AFN: 24D2-VB) Birth: 25 Jan 1810 Brendekilde, Sogn, Odense, Denmark Christening: 26 Jan 1810 Wodenhuuset, Braendekilde, Odense, Denmark Death: 27 Nov 1863 (NOTE: there is some evidence Ann Jorgensen JACOBSEN came to Utah and died and was buried in Salt Lake City.))

Her father, Nels Jacobsen, was an architect. Through his ability he became very prominent among the wealthier people of the city. One of his very best friends from early boyhood was the butler to the King of Denmark, so no doubt he often visited the King's palace.

One of the things my mother loved to tell about was having the privilege of tasting the meat of one of the King's horses. When any of the King's white horses became too fat to drive they were killed and eaten. This was considered a very choice delicacy.

Before embracing the Gospel, her life was one of luxury. She never saw a loaf of bread baked until she landed in Philadelphia. However, every child in the old country had to learn a trade, wealthy men's children as well as the poorer class. She learned the glove-making trade.

When she was about twelve she first heard the Gospel from Mormon Missionaries. It appealed to her and to her mother, and so they were baptized without the knowledge of Grandfather Jacobsen, who had become very bitter and prejudiced against the Mormons. Without his knowledge they would put on black cloaks and veils and attend the meetings. Somehow this became known in the school that Mother attended, and the school teacher would tell the other children to kick the "Dirty Mormon's" shins. With the help of the teacher they abused her so badly her mother had to take her out of school. When Grandfather heard this he was very angry and broken hearted. He felt that no worse fate could have befallen his daughter.

While Grandmother Jacobsen was preparing her clothes (twelve pair of everything, and feeling sorry that she couldn't take more) Grandfather presented her with his last gift which was a cedar chest made by his own hands and very valuable. In the top of the lid he carved her name in fancy carving.

She was about 16 years old (*1) when she left Denmark with the M. Cowley company(*2), a group of Danish Saints making their way to the Salt Lake Valley and Zion.

They first traveled from Copenhagen to England. The following narrative, from the book History of the Scandanavian Mission" (p. 120-122, found at the web site: http://www.xmission.com/~nelsonb/enarrative.htm ) gives interesting historical insight into the voyage which, according to records, Camilla Jacobsen was on:

On Friday, April 18, 1857, a company of emigrating Saints, numbering 536 souls, bound for Utah, sailed from Copenhagen on the steamer "L. N. Hvidt," in charge of Elder Hector C. Haight, who accompanied the emigrants to England. After a successful voyage the ship arrived at Grimsby, England, April 21st in the afternoon, thence the journey was continued the following day by rail to Liverpool, where the emigrants, "together with four returning Utah Elders from Great Britain", went on board the ship "Westmoreland" and sailed from Liverpool, April 25th. [On April 25, 1857, Camilla, along with 544 other Saints, left Liverpool, England on the "Westmoreland", a U.S. ship with 999 passengers, mastered by R. Decan. She arrived in Philadelphia, PA, on May 31, 1857, having spent 36 days at sea.(*3)]

In the evening of the 24th, while the ship still lay at anchor in the River Mersey, five young couples were married, namely: Carl C. A. Christensen and Eliza Haarby, Johan F. F. Dorius and Karen Fransen, Carl C. N Dorius and Ellen G. Rolfsen, Lauritz Larsen and Anne M Thomsen and Jacob Bastian and Gertrud Petersen.
Matthias Cowley was appointed by the presidency in Liverpool to take charge of the company, with Henry Lunt and Ola N. Liljenquist as his counselors. The Saints were divided into four districts under the presidency of Elders George W. Thurston, Lorenzo D. Rudd, Chr. G. Larsen and Carl C. N. Dorius.
The following discipline or order was observed during the voyage: The emigrants went to bed between 9 and 10 o'clock in the evening and arose about 5 o'clock in the morning. Prayers were held morning and evening, and, as far as possible, also at noon. The Sundays were occupied with fasting, prayers and preaching. Schools were also organized in each district for the purpose of giving the Scandinavian Saints instructions in English. A musical company was organized and the Saints frequently enjoyed themselves in the dance and other innocent diversions. Splendid health as a rule existed among the emigrants and only two small children and an old man (82 years of age) died during the voyage. A child was born May 3, 1857, which was named Decan Westmoreland, after the captain and the ship.
After a successful voyage, which lasted 36 days, the company arrived in Philadelphia, Pa., May 31, 1857. Here they were received by Elder Angus M. Cannon, who, during the absence of Pres. John Taylor, acted as emigration agent; he made the necessary arrangements for the journey of the company through the States. On the 2nd of June, the emigrants continued by rail from Philadelphia, and, traveling via Baltimore and Wheeling, they arrived safely in Iowa City, Iowa, July 9, 1857. This place was the outfitting point for the Saints who crossed the Plains in 1857 the same as in 1856. During the railroad journey, a Brother Hammer from Bornholm and three children died.
About the 15th of June, a part of the company commenced the journey toward the Valley from Iowa City with an ox-train, under the captaincy of Elder Matthias Cowley, while another fraction of the company, about the same time, commenced the journey across the Plains with handcarts under the leadership of Elder James P. Park. Several of the emigrants who had not sufficient means to continue the journey to the Valley that year, remained in the States for the purpose of earning money with which to continue the journey later.
The ox-train, which consisted of 198 souls, 31 wagons, 122 oxen and 28 cows, arrived at Florence, Neb., July 2,1857, in pretty good health; but when the handcart company reached that place the following day a number of the handcart emigrants were sick, owing to the change of food and climate, and also because of over-exertion. Consequently, a council was called for the purpose of considering their condition, and, after some discussion, it was decided by unanimous vote that the company should continue the journey at once and that all who were not strong enough to stand the journey should remain behind, so as not to become a burden to the company.
The ox-train rolled out of Florence, July 6th, and the handcart company, which consisted of 330 souls, with 68 handcarts, 3 wagons and 10 mules, continued the journey from Florence, July 7th, under the leadership of Elder Chr. Christiansen, who returned home from a mission to the Western States. Both companies arrived safe and well in Salt Lake City, Sept. 13, 1857. (some difference in dates with Camilla's records and Handcart records; it is possible that the handcarts arrived earlier.)

At Philadelphia they went through her luggage and found that my Mother had too much to bring across the plains. Here she shared like the rest with one change of underwear and an extra dress tied up in a red handkerchief. The rest of her clothing and her cedar chest were thrown into the ocean, as only the bare necessities could be taken along on the handcart.There is speculation in the family that the cedar chest was not thrown in the ocean, but rather was left in the Midwest when she became part of the handcart company.

The trip across the plains was harder for her than for the other girls who had been taught to work. She was given a handcart with two big Danish girls from the country and was expected to do her share. She would trade work with them and mend their clothes sometimes staying up until morning, if they would mix bread for her when it was her turn. It was soon evident that she could never make it to the Valley of the Mountains. She became weakened and sick and was unable to push the handcart. It was then that the noble spirit of Mathias Cowley came forth. He was captain of the company, but he put her in his wagon and he pushed her handcart for her while she lingered between life and death for many days, but her mission was not completed. There was work waiting for her in Utah. With the prayers of the good Saints and her own courage she was pushing the handcart again.

She arrived in Salt Lake City September 9, 1857 (after a journey of more than 1,300 miles). She stood on the city square with the rest of the immigrants. She knew no one, so there was no one to meet her. She said when they took the handcart away from her that they were taking her home, for it was the only home she knew. Mathias Cowley took her to his mother and said, "Here, mother, teach this child to spin, and weave, and cook and wash so she will be able to make a living for herself." After staying with Sister Cowley for a few months, she went to work for Captain Hooper's family. She also worked in the Taylor family and the Homer family. Here she met my father, Samuel Corbett, a convert from Maine. They were married October 2, 1860 in the Old Endowment House in Salt Lake City, Utah.

By this time there were many well-to-do officers' wives in Salt Lake City. One of them came to mother and wanted her to embroider some baby clothes for her and she would pay her in ashes. Mother went over to her house to get the sewing and the lady pulled her baby box from under her bed. She raised the lid and mother fell across the box with both arms outstretched and crying. She had found her cedar chest that her father had made for her and that was thrown into the ocean (or left by the side of the trail. She begged the lady to let her have it. She promised to sew or do anything for this chest, but the lady refused and said that it was the most prized possession she had because she had never found such workmanship.

When Dr. Romania B. Pratt Penrose set up her school of obstetrics, Mother took the course. She passed every examination and received her diploma and was set apart by the President of the Church. My father moved into Rhodes Valley, which is known now as Kamas. They lived in Francis, Summit County, just north of Park City, Utah.

There was no doctor there, the closest being in Salt Lake City. She gave her life to this work. Two weeks before one of her children was born she was called to go to Jonnie Lambert's, whose wife was in a serious condition. She went horse back. At first father said "No, she couldn't go in her condition." But mother told them to take her and set her on a chair by the woman's bed, and she delivered the child.

At no time did she refuse to go, no matter how bad the weather nor how miserable she felt herself. Often times people would talk about her and wouldn't pay, but when they needed her they always came for her and she never refused. She brought over a thousand babies that we have records for; other records were lost.

She was the mother of eleven children. She bore a strong testimony of the truthfulness of the Gospel until the time of her death. Camilla Jacobsen Corbett passed away on 14 April, 1908, in Francis, Utah.

IN APPRECIATION -- To this great woman whose life was lived in faith, whose life was given to others, and who will inspire her children of all generations through her noble deeds, we of these generations find our hearts filled with love and gratitude and a determination to glorify our beautiful heritage.

Camilla found her beloved cedar chest, but then she left the house, and to this day no one knows where that cedar chest is. But in the minds of her posterity, it serves as an example of the sacrifices she was willing to endure to heed a Prophet’s voice and come to "Zion", to Utah, to be with the Saints and to be able to practice her faith.

Following is a poem written by Thora Corbett Page, her granddaughter.

CAMILLA

Camilla's eyes were blue
Like the waters of the bay,
And filled with light and laughter;
She was young carefree and gay.
She was born in Copenhagen
Near the palace of the King;
The idol of her father
Who could deny her, not a thing.

One day Camilla heard a messenger.
He had come from lands afar.
He had come to bring the gospel
And its teachings to restore.
Camilla's soul was wakened,
She could see that wonderous light.
So she embraced the gospel,
In the secret of the night.

But Camilla's heart was troubled
For her friends all turned away.
Her father's heart was broken
She could only wait and pray,
Pray, God would grant to them
The light he'd given her;
This inner joy and peace of mind
Which the Gospel can confer.

Then Camilla came to Zion
Across the ocean wide
Endowed with many gifts
Which her father's wealth supplied.
But these precious things she gave away.
These luxuries of the past;
For with the handcart company
Camilla's lot was cast.

Through weary days she plodded on,
Through heat and dust and grime;
She struggled bravely to endure
This long and dreary climb.
But Camilla's life of ease
Had not prepared her for the trail,
The hardness of it weakened her
And she soon was very ill.

With kindness she was nursed each day
Prayers in faith were said;
Till all the pain was gone from her
And the fever from her head;
While far across the water
A father grieving there
Still set a place at the table
And brought for her a chair.

In Deseret she learned to work
To cook, and spin, and sew.
She learned to nurse and tend the sick
To weed, and rake and hoe.

Here she fell in love with Samuel
And he claimed her for his bride
They set about to build a home
With courage, faith and pride.
Once more Camilla was a pioneer,

To Rhodes Valley* in the hills.
Life her was rugged, sparce and hard
And beset with many ills.
But she could not leave this place
No matter how hard or drear;
For God had set the pattern
And she was needed here.

Many times Camilla's home was lonely
Because Camilla wasn't there;
She was by some neighbor's bedside
Giving patient help and care.
A thousand babes she usered in
To bless the homes about.
They knew Camilla would be there
She would come without a doubt.

Camilla came on horse back,
On running-gear, on cart or sled;
Through roads deep rutted Camilla came
To be beside that bed.

But through it all the Lord stood by
Camilla was not left alone.
For when He handed out the blessings
She had eleven children of her own.

The story of Grandmother Corbett's life.
Written by Thora Corbett Page
(*Rhodes Valley, Utah is now known as Kamas Valley)
(The Elders were speaking in English and Camilla understood them in Danish)

Historical References
*1: Emigration from the LDS Scandinavian Mission 1854-1868; refer to the original record on LDS microfilm 025696 to verify this information.
*2 & *3: Saints on the Seas by Conway B. Sonne, p. 148-154 and Worldwide LDS Ship Registers: see also US Roster: #419654 and LDS Roster: #025691

A description of the Westmoreland follows:

Westmoreland
Ship: 999 tons: 170' x 36' x 18'
Built: 1851 at Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
With 544 Latter-day Saint passengers, the full-rigged Westmoreland of Philadelphia sailed from Liverpool on 25 April 1857. Of this company 540 were from Scandinavia, and four missionaries were returning from Great Britain: Elders Matthias Cowley, Lorenzo D. Judd, Henry Lunt, and George W. Thurston. Elder Cowley presided over the emigrants with Henry Lunt and Ola N. Liljenquist as his counselors. Among the emigrants was C. C. A. Christensen, the famous Mormon painter.
Master of the vessel was Captain Robert R. Decan. He had considerable experience at sea. before assuming command of the Westmoreland in 1854. For example, in 1848 he skippered the 339-ton bark Sultana; in 1849, the 624-ton ship Champlain; in 1851, the 738-ton ship Shenandoah; and in 1852, the 816-ton ship Saranak. Most of the vessels ran out of Philadelphia.
The crossing was one of harmony and good feeling among the emigrants. During the voyage an old man and two small children died. Five couples were married, and a baby was born and appropriately named for the master and ship-Decan Westmoreland Goff. After a thirty-six day passage the emigrants landed at Philadelphia on 31 May.
The Westmoreland was owned by John Burton and John R. Penrose of Philadelphia. She was a two-decker with three masts, a square stern, a figurehead, and was built of oak with iron and copper fastenings. In 1873 the vessel was wrecked by fire and sold at auction.

Most of the second-source information, including the narrative quotes and facts about the Westmoreland, can be found through the excellent web site "Tracing Mormon Pioneers", specifically at: http://www.xmission.com/~nelsonb/scand.htm

Following are the children of Samuel CORBETT, born 19 Oct 1835 Place: Farmington, Franklin, Me Died: 17 Jan 1902 Place: Francis, Summit, Ut Buried: 20 Jan 1902 Place: Francis, Summit, Ut Married: 2 Oct 1860 Place: Salt Lake City, Salt Lake, Ut to
Camilla Dorthea JACOBSEN, Born: 4 Dec 1840 Place: Copenhagen, Denmark Died: 14 Apr 1908 Place: Francis, Summit, Ut Buried: 16 Apr 1908 Place: Francis, Summit, Utah:

• Stella Cornella CORBETT (AFN:3S5L-1W) Born: 13 Jan 1879 Place: Hyrum, Cache, Ut; Christened: 4 Apr 1880 Place: Hyrum, Cache Co., UT Married John Llewellyn Jones (Click here for an outside link to the Jones family) (John was born 16 Aug 1880 in St. Charles, Bear Lake, ID); resided in Park City, Utah. Died: 22 Jul 1918 Place: Park City, Summit Co., Ut Buried: 24 Jul 1918 Place: Francis, Summit Co., UT
• Marion Leroy CORBETT (AFN:1CDC-ZJ)(married Martha Ellen WOOLSTENHULME (AFN:17MH-P5) Born: 28 May 1870 Place: Kamas, Summit, Ut Christened: 18 Jun 1870 Place: Kamas, Summit, Ut Died: 26 May 1944 Place: Kamas, Summit, Ut Buried: 29 May 1944 Place: Francis, Summit, Ut Married: 15 Jan 1890 Place: Logan, Cache, Utah. Her father was James WOOLSTENHULME Marion and Martha were the parents of Freda Belle Corbett, grandmother of the wife of this page's webmaster) Born: 20 Jan 1864 Place: Salt Lake City, S-Lk, Ut Christened: 22 Feb 1864 Place: Salt Lake City, Salt Lake, Ut Died: 5 Sep 1943 Place: Salt Lake City, S-Lk, Ut Buried: 9 Sep 1943 Place: Francis, Summit, Ut
• Francis Layfette CORBETT (AFN:24D3-VG) Born: 23 Oct 1876 Place: Hyrum, Cache, Ut Died: 5 Mar 1922 Place: Rochester, Olmstd, Minn Buried: Place: Lander, Fremont, Wy
• Samuel CORBETT (AFN:24D3-PL)Born: 31 Oct 1861 Place: Salt Lake City, Salt Lake, Ut Died: 22 Jul 1866
• Sophie Lenora CORBETT (AFN:24D3-T9) Born: 15 Mar 1874 Place: Smithfield, Cache, Ut Died: 12 Jun 1929
• Walter Nelson CORBETT (AFN:24D3-S4) Born: 19 Mar 1872 Place: Smithfield, Cache, Ut Died: 28 Oct 1873
• Thadeous Fernand CORBETT (AFN:4G15-G9) Born: 22 Mar 1885 Place: Kamas, Summit, Ut Died: 15 Dec 1928 Place: Roosevelt, Duchesne Co., Ut Buried: 18 Dec 1928 Place: , Provo, Utah Co., Ut
• Mary Emily CORBETT (AFN:1KHV-41) Born: 14 Jun 1881 Place: Hyrum, Cache, Ut Died: 29 Aug 1972 Place: Provo, Utah, Ut Buried: 1 Sep 1972 Place: Roosevelt, Duchesne, Ut
• Elmira Viola CORBETT (AFN:24D3-RX) Born: 24 Aug 1866 Place: Salt Lake City, Salt Lake, Ut Died: 17 Oct 1867
• Annie Camilla CORBETT (AFN:175Q-WP) Born: 7 Nov 1869 Place: Smithfield, Cache, Ut Died: 18 May 1929 Place: Consumers, Carbon, Ut
• Florence Romania CORBETT (AFN:1KHV-56)Born: 14 Dec 1883 Place: Salt Lake City, Salt Lake, Ut Died: 15 Aug 1937 Place: Salt Lake City, S-Lk, Utah Buried: 17 Aug 1937 Place: Salt Lake, Salt Lake, Utah