Wednesday, September 22, 2010

Peter Nilsson (Nielson) Oman (Mormon Pioneer)

An engraving of Kalmar, from 1700. Our ancestors lived on this small Scandinavian island at this time, and had for generations. Image found in internet search.

Born: 6 Jun 1806, Algustrum, Kalmar, Oland, Sweden
Parents: Nils and Elizabeth Pehrsson Jonsson
Died: 24 Dec 1878, Mt. Pleasant, Sanpete, Utah
Arrived in Valley: 5 Sep 1863, John F. Sanders Co.
Married: Anna Maria Tobiasson on 15 Jul 1827, Algustrum, Sweden

Peter was a hard worker and after his marriage, there were considered “well off” as to the world's goods. They had a good farm, horses and cattle.

One day he went “security” for a friend and lost nearly everything. Peter was a mason by trade. Hoping to do better, he moved his family to Denmark to obtain work in the coal mines. It was hard to leave their home and friends but the most difficult part was to leave behind the graves of their three children.

In moving to Denmark, the spelling of their name was changed to Nielsen with the name of Oman/Omann added, meaning “Man from the island,” where they lived. (Oland)

They met the missionaries in 1852, and were baptized. The entire family became active in the Church. The boys went on missions, and the missionaries spent much time in their home.

Because of limited funds, the family left for the Valley at different times over a five year period, finally meeting again in 1863 in Mt. Pleasant, where the rest of the family had settled. Anna Maria died less than a year after they arrived. Peter never remarried. They all remained faithful to the church.

Submitted by: Mary Kathryn Brotherson Baldwin

From the book “Conquerors of the West: Stalwart Mormon Pioneers” Pages 1868-1870.

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