The Willie Company

The Tugboat, 1856, Albumen print from a collodion-on-glass negative, 32 x 41 cm, Townshend Bequest 1868, Museum no. 68.000 (towing a sailing ship similar to the Thornton)

The Willie Company, headed by Elder James G. Willie sailed May 4, 1856 twenty one days earlier than the Martin company and bound for New York. They arrived in Iowa City on June 26th and departed July 15th, thirteen days earlier than the Martin company. While 500 emigrants left Iowa City just 404 were in attendance when they departed from Florence, Nebraska.

Following is an excerpt from the diary of Peter Madsen who sailed aboard the ship Thornton:

The presidency of the whole company, President: J. [James] G. Willie; counselors, Millen Atwood, J. Ahmanson, and Moses Cluff; Captain of the guard: John Chislett; Steward: Edward Griffiths; Clerk: George May.

Sunday, May 4, 1856. Weather: beautiful. This morning at 2 o'clock the anchor was hoisted and there after the ship was towed out of the river by a steam tug. 10 o'clock the Scandinavian Saints gathered for worship. Elders Ahmanson, Svensen, and Larsen delivered sermons and encouraged us to preserve a good spirit in love and unity. Let us be an example in cleanliness and order for the English section. Next Hans Rasmusen [Rasmussen] was called to the office of a priest and ordained; Anders Jorgensen to a teacher. The good weather caused the company to be happy and they rejoiced in song. [p.3] Four brethren made music to which there was dancing on the deck. Allen M. Finlay [Allan M. Findlay], late of the Bombay Mission, and Sister Ireland, of Dundee, Scotland, were joined together in the bonds of matrimony.

Wednesday, May 21, 1856. Weather: unstable. Course: north; 7 o'clock west. During the night a fire broke out and burned between the decks, but the Lord preserved us so that the fire did not over power us. An English boy who had stowed away on the ship was discovered. He had accompanied us without permission and ticket. For this action he would have been punished and caused to bear a wooden jacket or barrel; but since he was member of the Church he was forgiven. The two pounds which Captain Collins required for his passage were collected by free-will offering. The Danish Saints gave three dollars. 5 o'clock the president held council and instructed the brothers who had watch at night to have close supervision over the young people that no unallowable association and coming together would take place. It was discovered that such had taken place among the English; and an unclean spirit was found which should be rectified. On the other hand such lewdness was not found at all among the Danish Saints. 10 o'clock Captain Collins commanded the whole company to go on deck a few hours while the rooms were cleaned and aired. This was a necessity which must take place in order to prevent sickness, such as cholera or other pesky diseases, that could be dangerous to the company. He will therefore be very strict with those who will not obey when they are able. Yes, he will even use the whip if it becomes necessary, but he does not wish to do so. The leaders of the company were observant with regards to this. In honoring the opportunity Elder Ahmanson talked to the council that was gathered and gave the strictest instructions on obedience which would lead to blessings for us. The account was read which showed a deficit that in the morning will be collected. The council closed with prayer at 9 o'clock. 2 o'clock provisions: meat and pork. Hannah (Johanna) Bayliss from Lye in Chelkatlnaa (perhaps Legh in Cheshire) gave birth to a stillborn child. At 6 o'clock in the evening communication was received from an American ship heading for Liverpool which was answered by Captain Collins.

Thursday, May 29, 1856. Weather: beautiful; still; the wind southerly. This afternoon it blew. Course: west. The wind was good and the ship made good speed. 9 o'clock prayer. 10 o'clock the whole company was on deck while the rooms were washed and fumigated. This afternoon we passed a ship and three icebergs. Sophie Pedersen's [Peterson's] son Thomas, [p.7] seven years old, fell down from the top to the bottom deck. He hit hard but help was administered immediately by the doctor who believes he is out of danger. This afternoon at 6 o'clock an English brother had a preparatory marriage which shall be repeated in the valley. The ship's quarterdeck was covered with the American flag. President Willie spoke about the importance of marriage and joined the pair together according to the rules given in the Doctrine and Covenants. After the wedding there was singing and cheers for the bridal pair, for the company, and for Captain Collins. He arose and expressed thanks for the honor and rejoiced over the festive occasion. He said he was an American citizen, that his forefathers for several generations had been, and that he had a legitimate right to such. If several pair wished to follow suit (in marriage) he would be pleased. He was answered with repeated cheers, which were likewise extended to the doctor who is held with respect by the company among whom are the English sisters who have given birth to three children. Samuel Crook from Apperlie, Gloucestershire, and Sarah Haines from Tewkesbury, Gloucestershire, were married.

Excerpt taken from the following LDS website:
http://www.lds.org/library/display/0,4945,232-1-306-3,00.html