My Genealogy Hound

CHARLES CHRISTENSEN. Prominent among the business men of Benton Harbor stands the name of Mr. Christensen, who is engaged here in the manufacture of pressed brick and tile, and is also a dealer in ice. Although this enterprise is of comparatively recent inception, the accurate system upon which the business is conducted, and the close attention paid to every detail connected with the work, have combined to produce most satisfactory results, and it may truly be said that the manufactory forms one of the most gratifying examples of success among the industries of Berrien County.

A native of Denmark, our subject was born April 22, 1851, and is the son of Christian Christensen. His father, who was born in the land of the Danes, spent his entire life there and followed the occupation of a contractor. After leaving school Charles learned the trade of a cooper, at which he served an apprenticeship of five years, receiving his board but no money for his services. When he reached his majority, realizing that America offered better opportunities than his native land, he determined to emigrate hither and establish his home in the land of the free.

Accordingly, in 1873, Mr. Christensen took passage on an American-bound vessel, and after the ship cast anchor in the harbor of New York he came direct from that place to Michigan and located in St. Joseph, reaching that city with twenty cents in his pocket. There he at once commenced to work on a farm, and later secured employment on a railroad, where he worked for a short time. In 1876 he engaged at his trade of a cooper, which he conducted in St. Joseph for two years. Thence he removed to Bainbridge, Berrien County, and embarked in business as a manufacturer of staves, at the same time following the cooper’s trade for six years.

In 1887, Mr. Christensen organized the Benton Harbor Pickle & Vinegar Company and served as its Vice-President, Secretary and Treasurer for four years. He then disposed of his interest in that enterprise and engaged in the real-estate business, and also as a dealer in ice, in both of which he is still interested. His attention, however, is necessarily largely devoted to the manufacture of pressed brick and tile, in which he carries on a large and profitable business. By nature and training he is peculiarly fitted for a successful business career, and undoubtedly he will attain a place among the foremost business men of southwestern Michigan.

While he devotes his attention principally to the details of his business, Mr. Christensen keeps well informed concerning affairs of local importance and the general issues of the day. In politics he favors Protection and gives his influence and ballot to aid the Republican party. He and his wife have a comfortable home on Morton Avenue, where they hospitably receive and entertain their large circle of acquaintances. Mrs. Christensen was in maidenhood Louisa Butzbach, and is of German parentage. She is the daughter of Philip H. Butzbach, and was born in Bainbridge Township, March 27, 1880, becoming the wife of our subject. They had one child born to them which died in infancy. In their religious belief they are devoted members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, with which they are actively identified.