Before beginning their journey from Keokuk, Iowa to Salt Lake City, Henry Maiben, his wife Caroline, and daughter Alice had already been in a long journey to get there.
This information comes from the Mormon Migration Database. The family sailed on a ship called the International from Liverpool, England on February 28, 1853. There were approximately 477 passengers on the ship. The ship was wind powered, so the journey took about 10 weeks to get to New Orleans in the United States. They arrived in New Orleans on April 23, 1853.
In New Orleans, the ship's passengers traveled by steamship up the Mississippi river to Keokuk.
One interesting note from the voyage. On April 6th, the passengers had a special meeting to commeration the organization of the Church. A journal entry from one of the passengers note this about the meeting,
"One of the songs composed on that occasion was a description of the officers on the ship and as I have said nothing about them, will give the parts of the song. I do not remember all of it but will give the parts that I remember.
It was set to the tune of Yankee Doodle and you may judge when four hundred were singing with all their [-] we at least made some noise, whether it was very musical or not."
That song was composed by my 3rd great grandfather, Henry Maiben. Below is the song. (Caution: language used that is considered to be in very bad taste in our modern times.)
An original song, Written and Sung, by Henry Maiben [Maibin] (of Brighton) on board the ship International, on the occasion of a Festival, held April 6th, 1853, in commemoration of the organization of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
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TUNE--YANKEE DOODLE
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On board the InternationalAll joyful, and lighthearted, Bound Zionward, four hundred Saints, From Liverpool we started. We're English, Irish, Scotch, and Welsh Assembled here together; Resolved to do the will of God, Whate'er the wind and weather.
CHORUS Then, sing aloud, ye Saints of God, In one united chorus; Old Babylon we'll leave behind, For, Zion is before us.
We had a noble president, You'll scarce find such an one, Sirs, He stands near six feet six, in height, And weighs near twenty stone, Sirs. But, best of all, he's full of love, He's frank, and open-hearted; And as sincere as any that From Bab'lon has departed.
Now, Elder Arthurs' counselors (I wish you all to know it) Are, Elder Lyon (from Glasgow), The celebrated Poet: And, Elder Richard Waddington, (From London's famous city) Who's been sick almost all the way, Which has drawn forth our pity.
And Elders are appointed to Take charge of wards and sections, And do all things according to The president's directions. Thus ev'ry regulations made Which is found to be needed; So that, there's not a soul on board Whose welfare is unheeded.
Then, of such fact, or incident That's worthy of remark here; We have a faithful record kept, By Elder Sims, our clerk here. [p.14 ] Amongst which you'll find, two deaths, five births, And twenty-five baptisms. Likewise (today) four marriages, But no such thing as schisms.
The Captain name is "David Brown," My muse cannot refuse its Verse, in reference to him; He comes from Massachusetts. Of course, he is tarnation 'cute,' Yet, he is honest, "rather," And must, ere long, become a Saint, And serve our Heav'nly Father.
The first mate's name is "Alfred Howes," The second mate's "Arch. Campbell," The third mate's is "John Marston," and Then, comes a sort of scramble: That is to say, a motley crew, Called sailors, or ship-riggers; Amounting to about eighteen, Swedes, Germans, Dutch, and Niggers.
The Captain's "Steward, and his wife," Next and forth our attention; Then "Richard Foulton" Captain's cook, I can 't omit to mention. And last (not least) the carpenter, "Calle Westerlind," a Swede, Sirs, The first of the ship's company T' embrace our Holy Creed, Sirs.
We've been on board five weeks and more, And have endured much sickness; We've also had headwinds and storms, T' impede the vessels quickness. Yet, we have cause, and do rejoice, Thanks to the God of Heaven! For unto us, his blessings have Abundantly been given.
Today's the 6th of April, and We now, are celebrating The glorious anniversary, With gladness unabating. And who? that could but witness now, Our festive, happy faces; But would obey the truth, to share The joy our faith embraces.
BIB: Lyon, John. Diary. (Ms 4687), pp.1-15. (CHL)
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