Chris E Christensen

CHRISTENSEN

Posted By: County Coordinator (email)
Date: 5/4/2010 at 09:37:41

Chris E Christensen, who owns a valuable farm of 94 acres on section 12, Beaver township, is a native of Denmark, that little kingdom of northern Europe which is so justly famous for its farm achievements and it seems that he has brought with him a goodly amount of that agricultural talent which is conceded to be a gift of his race. He was born in March 1878, and is a son of Enevold and Carrie (Jensen) Christensen, Danish people. The father followed agriculture in his native land and there farmed until he passed away in 1885. The mother died in 1890.
Chris E Christensen enjoyed the educational advantages provided in his native land and there for a time worked as bookkeeper for a creamery company. He held this position in Denmark for three years, learning valuable business methods and becoming acquainted with the industry which is the greatest of that country. In 1904, Mr Christensen emigrated to America and located in Wisconsin, there remaining for three months. H then went o Winnebago county, Iowa for a short time and subsequently to Missouri, where for five months he hired out as a farm hand. At the end of that time he made his entrance into Boone county, continuing in the same occupation for six months. Being industrious and thrifty, he had by that time acquired the means which enabled him to rent a farm in Marcy township which he operated for six years. He then bought 94 acres on section 12, Beaver township, and he has improved this tract to such an extent that it is now considered one of the most valuable properties of his district. Mr Christensen is thoroughly imbued with modern ideas regarding farming and is ever ready to adopt new methods in order to increase the yield of his acres and to raise the standard of his output.
On March 1, 1911, Chris E Christensen married Ellen G Rockwell, daughter of James L land Mary E (Tattersall) Rockwell, native of New York. The father followed the blacksmith’s trade and worked in Minnesota until the civil war broke out, when he enlisted for one year’s service with a Minnesota regiment. He as sent home at the end of that time with an honorable discharge which was given him on account of disability. He now makes his home with his children. His wife died in June 1880.
Mr and Mrs Christensen have a son, Paul R, two years of age. Mr Christensen is a stockholder in the Independent Harvester Company of Plano, Illinois, and always a leader in modern agricultural thought. He has done much toward stimulating interest in his section and has introduced standards which have been adopted by others. He is a stock raiser, giving particular attention to cattle, and feeds about one car load a year. He gives his allegiance to the Methodist church and enjoys the high esteem of the community. Mr Christensen is a patriotic and public spirited man, although he is not politically active. He has thoroughly conformed himself to American ideas and combines the thorough knowledge which he acquired in his native country with the aggressive spirit of the successful American business man.

1914 Boone County History Book