Lars Christian Larsen, son of Christian S. Larsen and Johannah M. Christensen was born at Albeck Allborg, Denmark, December 4, 1844. His father was a farmer and blacksmith, which occupation the son also followed.
After the family was converted to mormonism, through the Mormon Elders who presented the gospel to them, preparations were begun for their voyage across the Atlantic to America. In October 1855, the family consisting of the parents and the following brothers and sisters: Mary, Peter, Margret, Christian, Mads Peter, James, John, and Michael, left their home and started for Allborg which was their first step. It was necessary to remain here for a few weeks until all the emigrants from that part of the cuontry were ready to leave.
On November 29, 1855 they set sail for Keil, Germany and landed there at midnight. From there they took a train for Gluckstadt, Germany and arrived there at 2 P.M. the following day. They then boarded a vessel for England and were four days and four nights on the North Sea. They landed at Grimsby, December 4th; from there they went by train to Liverpool, arriving December 5th.
Being very tired and hungry, a dinner was prepared for them. It consisted of some kind of soup with bits of meat in it. It was so highly seasoned with salt, pepper, and ginger they could scarcely eat it, however, there were plenty of potatoes.
The people were on board ship several days before they sailed for America. They were being examined by doctors. If there were any sick among them they were left behind.
On December 12, 1855 they set sail from Liverpool harbor on the sail vessel The John J. Boyd. Canute Peterson was chosen president over the Mormon emigrants in the vessel.
Just before they sailed, Apostle Franklin D. Richards came on the vessel and gave many encouraging thoughts and bade them farewell, after which they set sail and were soon lost from all sight of land.
Many became very sea sick. The voyage was not a pleasant one. The vessel was not equipped for so many people, and being overcrowded they suffered many disadvantages. There were tiers of bunks around the sides and boxes in the center to sit upon. These boxes were also used for tables.
On December 19, a terrible storm came up and the vessel along with boxes etc., were rocked from side to side. The storm continued for sometime and on Christmas Eve there was a tornado which was so severe the boxes were all torn loose from where they had been tied and the people had to climb up on the bunks to keep from getting hurt. On January 1st the storm became so terrific that one of the masts was split and was wrapped with the chains. All the sails were taken down. The captain became so discouraged and wrought up over conditions that he treated the sailors very badly. He also forbade the emigrants to sing or pray on the vessel but this did not prevent them from fasting and praying in secret as President Peterson told them to do. It was not long before the storm abated and better weather prevailed.
A few days after the heavy storm had ceased, they came upon a vessel with broken masts and sails, drifting about on the sea. They almost had a collision with it. Life boats were lowered and the sailors from the John J. Boyd rescued those on the other vessel. About forty men were rescued, together with some valuables, and the large wrecked vessel was left to its fate upon the broad ocean. The sailors taken on board were of great assistance, since those of the Boyd were almost exhausted with the strain they had undergone.
A day or so later, a fire broke out under the captain's cabinet. The smoke poured in upon the emigrants in the lower deck almost sufficating them. Many became panic stricken and they intended to jump overboard, but their leader Brother Peterson said to stay on the ship, the fire would be extinguished and they would reach New york safely.
The fire was extinguished after much difficulty, and the saints were most greatful that they had been preserved.
Their rations were very course and simple and due to the long time taken on the journey, the water supply became very low.
There were six grown people and about fifty children who died on this voyage and were buried at sea in the watery grave, among them were the two small boys John and Michael of the Larsen family. One died on January 30th and the other a week later. The principal cause of death among children was measles, very little could be done for them. There was much sorrowing among the people.
After a long and tiresome voyage of eleven weeks and three days they arrived in New York, February 16, 1856. There was a great rejoycing among the emigrants when they left the vessel and were again on land.
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