BIOGRAPHIES: Charles CHRISTENSON, Prairie Farm, Barron County, WI

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This file was contributed for use in the USGenWeb Archives by:  
Vic Gulickson <vic@indy.net>  10 June 2001	
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Charles Christenson, a well known man of Prairie Farm village, formerly
county treasurer, former prominent merchant and now skilled carpenter and
successful tobacco grower, was born in Esterdalen, Norway, July 12, 1860,
the son of Andrew and Gunhild (Hagensdatter) Christenson, who brought him
to Minnesota in 1869, and to this county in 1872. He was but fifteen when
he went into the woods as a cook's helper. Thereafter for many years he
worked in the lumber woods winters, driving four oxen, and on the river
drives in the spring, spending his summers in helping on the home farm. In
1884 he saw the opportunity for another store in Prairie Farm Village.
Accordingly he formed a partnership with Herman Anderson in the general
mercantile business. In this he successfully continued for many years. He
already had a wide acquaintance when he started, and he constantly added to
his list of friends. He understood the needs of the community, he was a
good buyer, and he was widely known for his fair dealing and honest
methods. After his wife's death in 1901 he disposed of his interests. Since
then he has done more or less work as a carpenter and building contractor,
and he is also a successful grower of tobacco. He is a genial, kindly man,
liked by all who knew him, and esteemed for his many fine qualities of
personality and character. Coming in contact with so many people as he did
in business, and demonstrating his ability as a record keeper and
accountant, it is natural that his fellow citizens should have called him
to public service. For several years he did good work as town clerk, and he
also served efficiently as a member of the school board. In 1908 he was
persuaded to run for county treasurer. His friends here spread the story of
his worth and ability, and he received a heavy vote throughout the county.
He served with credit for one term in 1909 and 1910 and then returned to
his interests at Prairie Farm. Mr. Christenson was married at Prairie Farm
March 25, 1885, to Anna Beata Christenson, who was born at Esterdalen,
Norway, Sept. 30, 1864, the daughter of Gunder and Trina Christenson. She
died May 18, 1901. Mr. and Mrs. Christenson were the parents of eight
children: George P., Tilda, Anna, William, Herman, Mabel, Carl and Oscar.
After the mother's death, Mr. Christenson kept the family together until
they grew up, and all have turned out well.

--Taken from: History of Barron Co., Wisconsin, H. C. Cooper, Jr., & Co.,
1922, pp. 489-490.