Maren Kirstine Sørensdatter

Biography

Maren Kirstine Sørensdatter was born on March 11, 1837 in Havreholm, Mårup, Vennebjerg, Hjørring, Denmark, to Søren Jensen Vibsig and Karen Andersdatter. She grew up in northern Denmark during a time of great social and religious change. In the mid-19th century, Maren embraced the teachings of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints during the early missionary efforts in Denmark. Moved by her faith, she made the courageous decision to immigrate to Utah, United States, in 1861, leaving behind her homeland and much of her extended family.

Shortly after arriving in Utah, she married Niels Christian Jensen I on September 24, 1861, in Milton, Morgan, Utah. Together, they built a life rooted in faith, hard work, and family. Maren and Niels had seven children, all born in Milton: Karen Marie, Niels Christian, Joseph, Peter F., Willard, Magdelena, and Anne. Tragically, three of her children—Willard, Magdelena, and Anne—died young. Maren was a devoted wife and mother, helping establish her family in the
growing pioneer community of Milton. She lived through the challenges of frontier life, contributing to both her household and the local Latter-day Saint congregation. She experienced the hardships of loss, particularly with the deaths of her young children and later, her husband in 1886.

Though records do not indicate any relocations, Maren remained in Milton, Utah, throughout her life, appearing in U.S. census records for the area. She was a woman of resilience and faith, dedicated to her family and the Latter-day Saint community. Her legacy lives on through her descendants, many of whom remained in Utah
and carried forward her pioneering spirit.