Lorenz, who was born in Schleswig and then lived with his family in Tønder, went to Aabenraa (now Denmark) and becomes a ship carpenter (German: Schiffszimmermann). At that time, Aabenraa is a flourishing city, and its harbour plays an important role in Denmark. Ships from Aabenraa sail to places all around the world. Lorenz marries in Aabenraa the 17th March 1837. His wife, Maria Thomsen (born 8th February 1798) was the daugther of a ship carpenter in Aabenraa and gives birth to their first child the 13th June 1838:

• Hans Jürgen Engellenner (after his paternal grandfather, as this was a typical tradition at that time) (1838–1891)

They live in the city’s 2. Quarter, house No. 19, in the “Gildegade” that still today looks much like in historic times. In 1843, he became a citizen of Aabenraa. This implies, that he was quite more wealthy than his parents who suffered from poverty. To become a citizen at that time (and not just a resident) was only possible if you could afford it. In return, you got voting rights and other privileges.