Item Detail
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Eggertsen, Annie Nielson
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1868-1961
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MSS 1377
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Autobiography; newspaper clippings
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Annie Nielson Eggertsen was born January 8, 1868 in Vedum [sic], Denmark to Mads and Metta Marie Christensen Nielsen. When Annie was four years old, her parents, previously Lutheran, began taking an interest in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and they decided to migrate to Utah. They arrived in Lehi in 1874 and lived there until the next spring, when they moved to Pleasant Grove. When Annie was eleven years old, she began attending George Harris's School, and two years later, was sent to American Fork to teach. She relocated to L.A. Wilson two years afterward, and then in 1883 and 1884, attended the Brigham Young Academy. After spending some time at home, Annie returned to BYA in 1885 and 1886, living with a friend. She became a certified teacher and taught for three years in Pleasant Grove. Afterwards, she moved to Provo, where she rented a house and worked while attending school. In November, she met Lars Eggertsen, whom she married on October 26, 1892. Afterwards, they lived with Lars's parents for some time, until they were able to move to a different house. There, they had their first child, Luther. The family later moved into Lars's sister's home, where they had a second child, Algie. In 1898, the family built and moved into a new home, where they had a third child, Thelma. They later moved homes again, relocating to Springville, where Annie taught second grade. Nearly six years following Thelma's birth, Annie had another child, Anna Marie. Lars became County Superintendent of Schools in 1904, and the family lived for four years in a house in Provo. There, Annie had her last children, Esther and Mark. After Lars became Weber County Superintendent, the family moved to Ogden, where they lived for one and a half years. Due to Lars's ill health, however, the family decided to move to Mesa, Arizona, where Lars taught seminary. After living there for two years, Lars and Annie moved back to Utah. Annie was appointed to take charge of the Utah County Infirmary, which she helped clean and refurnish. Lars died August 29, 1927 because of his progressively worsening health, and Annie began to rent out their house and moved back to the East. She also took some time to visit family in Denmark.
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This is a 121-page typescript autobiography, transcribed and compiled by Annie Eggertsen's great-niece, Anna Marie. The autobiography is entitled 'My Memories,' and is preceded by a foreword written by Annie's nephew, Glenn E. Nielson. Annie begins her autobiography with a description of the town where she was born. She describes the house in which she and her family resided and writes of several memories in and around her home, ranging from making food to doing laundry and making clothing. After her parents took interest in the Church, Annie writes of several religious feelings she experienced as a youth. She also recalls leaving Denmark and writes of the farewells and then the crossing of the Red Sea and Atlantic. While living in Lehi, Annie writes that she studied the Gospel. She describes the Anderson family that her own family stayed with, and proceeds to write concerning the numerous differences between the American farms and the farms in Denmark. She describes her childhood days in Pleasant Grove as having been very fun; she and the other children often partied, played in groups, and on occasion, ran into trouble with adults. When Annie was nine or ten, she decided to make a suit for her brother, N.K., and writes of her mishap with sewing. She later describes her years at school and also her attempts to raise money through selling fruit, book canvassing, and teaching dress-making classes. Annie further describes her years at BYA, from her living arrangements to her social experiences. On weekends, she occasionally returned home, and she describes learning several homemaking skills from her mother. Annie goes on to describe the hardship the family faced when Annie's older sister, Kate, married a man who was somewhat of a drunk. After Annie's return to BYA, she writes of her experiences there studying to become a teacher, and also of her experiences with Brother Maeser, whom she greatly admired. Annie also describes her time as a teacher, including details of the teachers' institute, which she attended once a year. After returning to Provo, Annie writes of meeting Lars, and their progressing relationship. She describes the wedding and wedding preparations. While living with Lars's parents, Annie writes of the hardships Lars's sister, Sarah, went through, and of the difficulty Annie had living with her.
Annie continues by writing of some of the Sunday School Conferences she attended while Lars served as Stake Superintendent of Sunday School. She provides details of the houses the family moved into, and of the surrounding neighbors and life in the home. She writes of Lars's change in occupation from that of business to school administration, and also of his increasing interest in art and drama. Included is a typescript of an article from the Springville Independent, dated April 19, 1907, which is concerning the increase of statues and art in schools.
Annie provides details about the work she did in the infirmary, cleaning and refurnishing the place. After Lars's death, she writes about the preparations for the funeral, and then proceeds to write about her children's accomplishments and activities. Annie includes various callings she served in, such as President of the YLMIA and leader in the Literary Department of the Stake Relief Society. Annie's last writings describe the work she did outside and inside her home, from picking fruit and making carpets to painting. Following Annie's autobiography is a nine-page copy of 'Remarks at the Funeral of Annie Eggertsen,' by Glenn E. Nielson, written January 7, 1961. In his remarks, Glenn writes about his experiences with Annie, as well as his memories of Lars's death. Following these pages are two newspaper clippings and photocopies of them. One is concerning Annie's birthday, and the other, concerning her death. Last, are eleven pages entitled, 'Translation of My Great-Grandfather's Diary,' apparently translated by Annie.