Oscar Leonard Larson

Oscar Leonard Larson was born July 2, 1876, on a farm near Mead, Nebraska. He was ordained in 1905 upon graduation from Augustana Seminary in Rock Island.

In October 1905 Pastor Larson and his wife, Lilie Liliedahl of Swedensburg, Nebraska, set sail for India. They were among the earliest foreign missionaries of the Augustana Lutheran Church. Assigned to the Tallapueli district of South India, he served in India for nearly 20 years.

Pastor Larson served as secretary of the Missionary Council, president of the Ministerial Mission treasures, and attorney. He also translated religious works and wrote missionary articles. Mrs. Larson managed a hostel for forty boys and accompanied her husband on his tours of the district.

In 1923 Pastor Larson and his family returned to the United States, where they continued in various ministries.

Description:
This series comprises the personal papers of the Rev. Oscar Leonard Larson, missionary to India from 1905-1924. Records are from 1899-1974 with the bulk dating from 1899-1923. Record types include correspondence, pamphlets, booklets, topical essays and writings, and financial records. Subject matter includes matters pertaining to Pastor Larson’s mission work, as well as his work as a professor and parish pastor. Records of note include correspondence related to the transfer of the Gossner Mission field to the Augustana Synod after World War I. Pastor Larson played an instrumental role in this event. Pastor Larson's papers are also available on microfilm.