Rasmus Hansen Lund was born 12 November 1840, a son of Hans Hansen Lund and Karen Rasmussen, in the area called Hallingskev, Fyen, Denmark. The family later moved to the beautiful island of Taasinge, or Thersing, meaning the God Thors Meadow, who was recognized as one of the early Danish gods.
Hans Hansen Lund secured the leasing of a large farm in the town of Gjesing. This island originally belonged to a nobleman by the name of Niels Juul, Admiral in the Danish navy, and presented to him by the Danish Government as an award for the successful sea battle in Kjge Bay (1677). Hence all lands were leased out, the title thereto remain vested in his descendants. The castle built in his honor is still standing and called "Valdemars Castle" and forms an attraction to tourists visiting Denmark.
Rasmus Hansen Lund participated in the War of 1864 between Denmark and Germany. Due to exposure during this war, he was stricken with rheumatic pain which he never overcame. For this service, he was awarded the "War Service Medal." He also received a small pension after he arrived in Salt Lake City, Utah, through the Danish Vice Consulate here, Vice Counsel Peter Hansen. After being discharged from the Army, he resumed work on his father's farm.
On 10 July 1866 he married Petrine Jensen, the daughter of a shipbuilder, Jens Hansen of Lundby, Taasinge. Petrine Jensen was born 20 November 1843. While they made their home at Lundby, two children were born to them: Hans Marius Hansen Lund on 24 November 1867 and Caroline Petrine Hansen Lund on 29 April 1869. In the year 1870 Rasmus Hansen Lund became the manager of the Cooperative Mercantile Institute of Gundsemagle, Falster, Denmark. The family left for the new field of activity, taking daughter Caroline Petrine with them. Marius Hansen Lund was left with his grandfather, Jens Hansen. The following children were born at Gundesmagle: Jens (James) Peter Alfred Hansen Lund born 3 December 1870, Theodore Hannibal Hansen Lund born 9 March 1872, Adolph Hansen Lund born 26 September 1875, George Guido Hansen Lund born 12 March 1876, and Ernst Sophus Paulinus Hansen Lund born 23 January 1879.
Rasmus Hansen Lund was very much liked by his employers and his courtsmen and when he decided to leave to go into business for himself in 1881, the Board of Directors offered him an increase in salary, but he wanted to be his own boss. Sollested, Lolland, the place of the new business was a railroad and telegraph station located about 8 miles west of the coast city of Nakskev. The property purchased consisted of about an acre of land and the necessary out-buildings for livestock and poultry.
While living in Sollested the following children were born: Djalmar Emanuel Hansen Lund born 4 May 1882, Balthasar Alexander Hansen Lund born 19 April 1883, Bothilda Antonette Hansen Lund born 5 November 1884, Elvira Kamilla Hansen Lund born 13 March 1886, and Rosamundi Adli Hansen Lund born in 1887. Bothilda and Rosamundi died in infancy; Bothilda died 27 June 1887 and Rosamundi died 24 June 1888.
With the business deal, Rasmus was allowed to sell drinks and refreshments at the Railroad Station. He was also to see that the telegrams were delivered. The Inn was also a stopover for traveling salesmen, and this also added to Rasmus' source of income. Uranienborg, the name of the inn, was known for some distance around for its accommodations and courteous service and so the business increased until it was necessary to add new buildings. A new two story brick building was erected, joining the other buildings. The first story was used for dances and public meetings, while the second story contained several guest rooms. There was also an outdoor bowling alley and well cared for garden.
Rasmus Lund was highly respected and enjoyed a reputation of fair and honest dealings. Believing and practicing "the Golden Rule," he was also religiously inclined. It was therefore easy for him to accept the teachings of the Mormon Elders with whom he came in contact. After a thorough investigation of the gospel as taught by the missionaries, he was baptized in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, 30 November 1887, in Nakskov, Fjord, Denmark. All of the children were later baptized at the same place.
After joining the L.D.S. Church, they were anxious to join the Saints in Utah, so properties were offered for sale, at a very reduced price. It was not until nearly six years had passed that a sale was made. Four of Rasmus's sons, Marius, Alfred, Hannibal, and Adolph emigrated to Utah four years before the rest of the family in the year 1889. In early August 1893, the rest of the family left Sollested for Utah, accompanied by the following children: Caroline, Sophus, Djalmar, George, Alexander, and Elvira. They arrived in Salt Lake City 3 September 1893 and resided there until 1895.
Rasmus H. Lund bought a grocery, hay and grain business which was located at 339 So. Salt Lake City, Utah. The business was conducted under the name R.H. Lund and Sons. The oldest son Marius was the manager. Due to the effect of the panic of 1892, the business was not very profitable. During the latter part of 1895, the property on State Street was traded for a small farm in Pleasant Grove, Utah where the family then moved.
Rasmus's son George Guido Lund died 21 November 1895 at 339 So. State St; his son Theodore Hannibal Lund had died prior to the arrival of Marius and Adolph on 11 May 1889 at Mt. Pleasant, Sanpete, Utah. They had both died from Typhoid Fever. Djalmar went on a mission to Denmark. When all of the children had married, Rasmus and Petrine sold their property in Pleasant Grove and moved to Crescent, Utah where they built a comfortable home on ground given to them by their daughter, Caroline and her husband Oluf Bohn. This property adjoined the Bohn home.
Rasmus Hansen Lund had always been a thrifty and economic person, a splendid provider for his family, a liberal contributor when help was needed. He had an attractive and pleasing personality which was a great factor in drawing people to him. He was joyful in his disposition, a fine dancer, a fair singer, and a good mixer among friends and the public. It must be said of him that he was a faithful Latter Day Saint member holding the office of High Priest. He was honest with his God and his fellowmen. Blessed be his memory.
The above was prepared by his eldest son, Marius Lund, from memory and other dependable sources and was read at the annual meeting of the Rasmus Hansen Lund Family Association, which was organized 20 November 1922, at the Moose Club Hall on 19 November 1941.