CHRISTIANSON, Peter 1864-1924

CHRISTIANSON, JULIEN

Posted By: County Coordinator
Date: 4/11/2012 at 13:06:53

PETE CHRISTIANSON KILLED IN
AUTOMOBILE ACCIDENT FRIDAY

OTHER OCCUPANT OF CAR, PETE
FINSAND, UNHURT -- VICTIM
WAS 60 YEARS OLD

Pete Christianson was instantly killed late Friday evening, when the car he was driving turned over in the ditch, pinning him beneath the steering wheel and breaking his neck. Death was instantaneous. In some miraculous manner the other occupant of the car, Pete Finsand, who was in the front seat with Christianson, escaped unjury, and was only stunned for a short time.

The accident happened on the stretch of graveled road between the Weinberger corner, five miles west of Osage, and the pavement at Rudd. Those who claim to have witnessed the accident say that Christianson was driving at a moderate rate of speed. But seemed to get too close to the edge of the road, where the loose gravel caused the car to turn on its side, and then over again.

Help was near at hand, and Finsand had just extricated himself from the wreck when Sever Maakestad came along. He found that Christianson was dead, and left immediately to summon help, telling Finsand to stay where he was. Bad news travels mightly fast, however, and a brother of the victim, Ted Christianson, arrived a few minutes later, took his brother's body and Finsand to his home in Rock Creek. Mr. Maakestad was astonished when he returned to find both gone, and it was thought for a time that Finsand had become frightened and left. In the absence of a county coroner, Sheriff Art Hungerford was summoned and located Finsand about 11 o'clock that evening.

Because of the position of the body in the car, there was no question in the sheriff's mind as to who was driving the car, and he pronounced the death at once as accidental.

Mr. Christianson was about 60 years of age, and had lived in the 3rd ward with his brother, Andy Christianson, for the past two years, working at various jobs about town.

Peter Christianson was born in Aardalen, Ringerike, Norway, December 6, 1864. In this place he was also brought into fellowship with Our Redeemer through holy baptism.

At the age of five years he came with his parents to America and located in Rock township, Mitchell county, Iowa. In this congregation he was confirmed by Rev. Olson, April 20, 1879, and had always been a member. The days of his life have been spent in the parental home unitl three years ago, when he, with his brother, Eddy, moved to Osage, Iowa. During his sojourn in our midst his time has been mostly taken up with work on the farm.

The following are the only near surviving relatives: Andreas Christianson, his father, Ole, John, Eddy and Theodore, his brothers, all of this neighborhood, and Mrs. Victor Julien, a sister of Brownsdale, Minnesota.

He died on June 13, 1924. Funeral services were conducted form the Rock Creek Lutheran church, June 16, 1924, and interment was in Rock Creek cemetery, Rev. O.C. Myhre officiating.

MITCHELL COUNTY PRESS -- June 18, 1924