Jens P. Benson: A Bornholm Convert Who Gathered to Cache Valley (1850s-1860s)

Jens Peter Ipsen Benson (1831-1898) was born on the island of Bornholm, Denmark, and was christened Jens Peter Ipsen. He and his wife were converts to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in their native Denmark, and they forsook their homeland to gather with the Saints. After emigrating and crossing the plains, they became among the early settlers of Cache Valley, where a Daughters of Utah Pioneers camp now bears the Benson name in remembrance of the family. His journey from a Danish island to a northern Utah valley is a faith-promoting witness of the Scandinavian Saints who, having heard the restored gospel in their own tongue, crossed sea and plain to help build up the kingdom in the West.