Charles Christian (1845-1913)

CHRISTIAN, ERICKSON, SOLBRACK

Posted By: Mark Christian
Date: 7/20/2020 at 19:43:56

From The Roland Record, Roland, Story County, Iowa, Thursday, August 7, 1913.

PIONEER RESIDENT LAID TO REST

Chas. Christian Passed Away Last Sunday After A Lingering Illness. Was A Pioneer Resident of Story County.

Charlie Christian, a pioneer resident of this community, passed away at his home in this city last Sunday afternoon Aug. 3rd. He had been in failing health for several months prior to his demise and almost from the very first appearance of the symptoms of the ailment, he was forced to take to his bed. The nature of his illness was such that he suffered a great deal, especially during the paroxysmal stages of the decease. He faced the inevitable crisis of life with an inborn spirit of fortitude, nurtured by the leavening influence of faith. With the passing of this ma a chapter in the history of that family is concluded. He was the last survivor of that generation.

Mr. Christian was born in Norway, Europe August 8, 1845. When but two years of age, his parents, prompted by the many favorable reports of prosperity coming from their relatives and friends who were already sojourners in the land where the proper tilling of the soil yields the golden grain and the tassled corn, filled them with the desire to share in the riches of their brethren on the other side of the ocean, and they became inhabitants of Uncle Sam's domain in the year 1847. Hearkening to the spirit of the time, Go West they continued their journey as far as Lisbon, Ill. where they began life in this country as tillers of the soil.

In June 1865 he came to central Iowa locating in Story Co. Three years later he realized the crowning happiness of life when he was joined in holy wedlock to Ellen Erickson. Shortly after the celebration of this happy event, they took up their abode on a farm four miles south of Roland, where they continued to make their residence until 1874 when Mr. Christian who was also an active politician, was elected to the office of sheriff of Story Co. on the republican ticket. He executed the duties of this office to the letter of the law and during his term in office he made Nevada his home. At the expiration of his time as a pubic servant he moved back to the farm where he lived for several years. Desiring a change of occupation he moved to Roland where he became engaged in the lumber business. This enterprise was under his supervision for a number of years. After disposing of these interests he has lived in retirement.

Another voice has been stilled in death Another name has been stricken from the ever-lessening roll of our old settlers. Another home has a vacant chair. The blessed tied of relationship and the bonds of friendship have been severed by the grim Reaper. But is must ever be so, there tender human ties cannot remain unbroken, for the living shall die, is the immutable law of nature.

Mr. Christian was an active church worker and as a deacon in the Trinity church was a power and influence for good in the service of his fellow men. He had filled the various relations in life, as son, husband, father, brother, friend, and filled them all well. No one can do more. He was a man of sound sense and strong convictions. A man with a personality. A character that commanded the respect and esteem of everyone who came within the sphere of his activity. One whose good deeds and influence will live in the hearts of kindred and brethren, while the fleeting moments are dimming with their agents of weathering the inscription on the brightest monument in the cemetery.

The funeral was held last Wednesday at the Bergen's church. Rev. Hjortholm conducted the services and a large concourse of neighbors and friends gathered to pay their last respects to the departed one. Interment took place in the Roland cemetery.

He leaves a wife, three daughters and three sons to mourn his death. They are: Mrs. Alice Solbrack, Mrs. H. O. Christian, Miss Sophia Christian and Messrs Jake, Louis and Clarence Christian.