Skip to main content

Niels S. and Ellen Gibson Smith Larsen Family photograph collection

 Collection
Identifier: P1294

Scope and Contents

The Niels S. and Ellen Gibson Smith Larsen Family photograph collection consists of 1 box containing 314 tintypes, cartes-de-visite, and black-and-white photographs of Niels and Ellen Gibson Larsen and their children. The collection primarily focuses on two of Niels and Ellen's children: Clarissa "Claire" Larsen Jackson and Wilford S. Larsen. Claire Larsen was the collector and photographer of much of the collection, particularly the two photograph albums contained within it. Primarily made up of family portraits and candid photographs, the collection also contains images of the Larsen family engaging in outdoor pursuits such as hiking and swimming at Saltair. The collection spans 1876 until approximately 1980.

Dates

  • 1876-1980

Creator

Language of Materials

Collection materials are in English.

Conditions Governing Access

Twenty-four hour advanced notice encouraged. Materials must be used on-site. Access to parts of this collection may be restricted under provisions of state or federal law.

Conditions Governing Use

It is the responsibility of the researcher to obtain any necessary copyright clearances.

Permission to publish material from the Niels S. and Ellen Gibson Smith Larsen Family photograph collection must be obtained from the Special Collections Manuscript Curator.

Biographical Note

Niels S. Larsen (1852-1942) was born on April 12, 1852 in Overby, Odden, Denmark. His parents were Lars and Sidse Kirstine Nielsdatter Larsen. In the early 1860s, Lars Larsen encountered a missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and made the decision to convert and immigrate to the Utah Territory of the United States with their four children: Peder, Niels, Hans, and Karen Christine. During their journey, the passengers experienced an outbreak of cholera. Lars, Sidse, and Christine all died from cholera, and Peder was separated from the family at Ellis Island. The surviving children, Niels and Hans, separately made their way west with the assistance of the New York Latter Day Saints Mission; they were reunited in Salt Lake City. Niels went to work in the mining camp of Alta cutting timber; however, at the age of 21, he suffered an injury to his eyes, the treatment of which permanently blinded him. After becoming disabled, Niels worked as a salesman. Niels married Eliza Harriet Porcher Toyn in the 1870s; together, the couple had three children.

After Eliza’s death in 1885, Niels married Ellen Gibson Smith (1864-1950) on May 5, 1886. Ellen was born on April 24, 1864, in Lake View, Utah, to John Browning and Margaret Gibson Smith. Together, Ellen and Niels had nine children. Both Niels and Ellen were members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Niels served on the Elders' Quorum in the old Farmers Ward. Ellen was active in the Relief Society and was a charter member of the McKinley camp of the Daughters of Utah Pioneers. Niels S. Larsen died on December 31, 1942. Ellen Gibson Smith Larsen died on August 19, 1950.

Extent

314 Items (1 box)

Abstract

The Niels S. and Ellen Gibson Smith Larsen Family photograph collection contains photographs of the Larsen family taken and collected by Niels and Ellen's daughter, Claire Larsen. The collection contains photographs of Claire, her siblings, parents, and friends, and dates from 1876 to 1980.

Arrangement

Arranged by subject

Immediate Source of Acquisition

Donated by Carol Kranes in 2006.

Separated Materials

Example: See also the Niels S. and Ellen Gibson Smith Larsen family papers (ACCN 2295) in the Manuscripts Division of Special Collections.

Processing Information

Processed by Special Collections staff.
Title
Guide to the Niels S. and Ellen Gibson Smith Larsen Family photograph collection, 1876-1980
Author
Finding aid created by Claire A. Kempa
Date
2022
Description rules
Describing Archives: A Content Standard
Language of description
English
Script of description
Latin
Language of description note
Finding aid encoded in English in Latin script.

Repository Details

Part of the J. Willard Marriott Library Special Collections Repository

Contact:
295 South 1500 East
Salt Lake City Utah 84112 United States
801-581-8863