Gaston, Joseph. "The Centennial History of Oregon, 1811-1912." Vol. 3. Chicago, Clarke Publishing Co., 1912. p. 503. LARS LARSEN a well known and highly esteemed resident of Astoria, is now living retired save for the supervision which he gives his business interests. His birth occurred in Norway on the 6th of March, 1854, his parents being Lars Torsen and Lareena Larsen, who spent their entire lives in that country. The father followed general agricultural pursuits throughout his active business career. Our subject was one of a family of ten children and one of the two who came to the United States, his brother Henry Larsen now residing in the upper town of Astoria. The other surviving children of the, family, Christina, Martha Elizabeth and Thore, still make their home in Norway. Lars Larsen obtained his education in the common schools of his native land and in 1873 crossed the Atlantic to America, first locating in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. In 1877 he removed to San Francisco, California, where he maintained his residence for two years, being a sailor during that period. In. 1879 he came to Astoria, Oregon, and became identified with the fishing industry, owning his boat and net and hiring some help. After being thus engaged for twelve years he opened a saloon at Astoria and has conducted the same continuously since. His is one of the fine homes of the town and he likewise owns property at Seaside. He still supervises his business interests but is living practically retired in the enjoyment of well earned rest. On the 17th of May, 1896, Mr. Larsen was united in marriage to Miss Amelia Ferry, who was born at Astoria in 1872, her parents being John and Kate (Miller) Ferry, the former a native of Guremeny-Italy and the latter of St. Louis, Missouri. Their marriage was celebrated at Oak Point, near Astoria. John Ferry has been engaged in salmon fishing throughout his entire business career and is now living at Aberdeen, Washington, at the age of seventy years. His wife passed away in March, 1895, when fifty-three years of age. Unto them were born three children, as follows: Mrs. Larsen; Annie, the wife of Joseph Watson, of San Pedro, California; and George, who is connected with the cold storage plant at Astoria. Mr. Larsen is a stanch democrat in politics but has never sought office as a reward for his party fealty. He was formerly connected with the Astoria fire department. and for six years acted as foreman of Company No. 3. Fraternally he is identified with the Knights of Pythias, belonging to Lodge No. 6 at Astoria. In religious faith both he and his wife are Methodists. Their home is at No. 647 Eleventh street in Astoria. ******************* Submitted to the Oregon Bios. Project in January 2008 by Diana Smith. Submitter has no additional information about the person(s) or family mentioned above.