Laura Amalie Nielsdatter Højrup
14 February 1834 - 3 December 1889
Vitals
Birth
14 February 1834
Horns, Hjørring, Denmark
Death
3 December 1889
Brigham City
Burial
1889
Brigham City
Alternate Names
Given Name
Laura Amalie
Given Name Alternate Spellings
Laura, Amelia, Lauri, Amalia, Laura, Amidia
Last Name
Nielsdatter Højrup
Maiden Name Alternate Spellings
Højrup, Hierup, Nielsen, Nielsdatter, Christensen, Hosrup, Chrestensen, Christenson
Married Names
Knudsen, Knutsen
Family
Marriage
Children
Parents
Mother: Hanne Jensen (16 October 1808 - 8 March 1892)
Father: Niels Christensen Højrup (12 February 1799 - 30 August 1854)
Biography
Laura Amelia joined one of the earliest companies of Scandinavian Mormons who came to Utah. Her family appeared to affiliate with the church as well for a time, but she was the only one who came to gather with the saints. She transferred between multiple ships and trains throughout her journey. At one point, the company was caught in a terrible storm, but somehow managed to make it. They felt it was God protecting them, so they could join the saints and build God’s kingdom. Laura traveled with the family of the man who would later become her husband, William Otto Jensen Knudsen. It is unsure if the couple met in Copenhagen or Utah, but they were married in 1854, six months after she arrived in the Salt Lake Valley.
With little to no belongings, they moved up to Box Elder and were some of the first to settle there. The group there were hardworking and dedicated despite their poor circumstances. For example, there were so many snakes where they settled that it was a daily chore to get rid of them. Laura and William’s log cabin was the first built in Box Elder and it was where they had six of their 13 children. Of all their children, five of them passed away under the age of two. Laura taught her daughters how to sew which helped provide for the family when crops were poor. William’s determination helped them to find what crops grew best and he started a delivery service for produce, bottled water, and even ice cream. Their family was greatly associated with the development and success in Box Elder. Laura passed away in 1889 at age 55.
Events
Profession
Emigration
Departure: 1 January 1853
Copenhagen
Intermediary Places
Germany
Utah Arrival
Arrival: 30 September 1853
Salt Lake City