New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1890-11-09

General Christian T. Christensen Is type OF the
foregn-born citizen who finds in this land the fuies'
scope for his natural abilities and the opportunity
for development which the conditions In his native
country might have hindered If they had not COM
pletely checked it, He was born In Copenhagen,
Denmark on January co. 1892. At tile early age OF
fourteen he set at work In dry goods store az
Elsinore and remained there until 1850 when ne
emigrated and came to this country. He began at
the bottom of the commercial ladder with the wine
brokerage firm of Davis Henliques. at No. 90 Wall
st. and served as bookeeper and afterward as cashier
for five years He then formed partner
ship with the firm Of Pepom, Nazoo ~
Co., note brokers, and remained In IL untii
the war broke out. He then hastehed "
give his services to his adopted country and formed
a company of fellow Scandinavians. lie was made
first lieutenant and the company was enrolled with
the LIST New York Volunteers For gallantry he was
speedily promoted and to the rank OF brgadier-
general before the closed. He took part In sew
era notable engagements from the battle Of Big Bethel
Va, in 1861, to the storminG Of Fort Blaksy, at
Mobile Ala, In 1862
when the war ended he resumed the business
career which had been interrupted four years before.
He became associated with the firm Of sturges Bennett.
A. Co. coffee importers and In 1903 he became one OF
the firm OF Il. c. Arnold Co., which succeeded IL.
He remained connected with this house for nine years
and was then induced to take charge Of the Nevada
Bank Of San Francisco. for Flood, o'Brien. Mackay
the bank In San Francisco for a time and afterward
had charge OF the branch Of it In New-iork.
In 1870 he became manager Of the banking house
of Drexel Morgan g. Co., and was regarded during the
ten years he filed this responsible place as one OF
the abest and most trustworthy men In Walst. Vast
business interests reposed implicitly In his hands
and he showed that he had mastered all the intricaces
OF the science of finance. 1t was with mnch regret
that the firm parted with him when he decided to
accept the post he holds in one Of the most i'm
portant financial institutions OF the metropolitan cir
cult. His keen judgment, native shrcwdness know
edge OF money matters and wild, public acquaintance
20 10 fit him for post which requires the skill of
master the power to feel the financial pulse, and the
ability to foresee the future Of monetary transactions
10 take advantage OF prosperous indications ano 10
avoid impending disasters.
General Christensen has held important public
places. From 1869 to 1875 I've was the Danish Con-
sul and Acting Charge dAraires for his native land at
the port of New York. lie was created a Knight Of
the order of Dannebrog by the King Of Denmark while
holding this Office. In 1880 he was made Brooklyn
Park Commissioner and served until the Legislative
Commission at the head of which was President ]. s.
T. Stranahan was retired to be succeeded by Commits
soners appointed by the Mayor. lie served as presi-
dent of the Excise League few years ago, and lie Is
now vice president OF the Association for Improving
the Condition of the Poor, and vcepresidcnt Of the
Philharmonic Society. lie has been director in the
American Exchange National Bank of New York, "a
trustee IN the American Missionary Association and
Chancellor OF the Military Order OF the Loyal Legion Of
the United States In many public and private Affairs
affecting the welfare of els adopted city lie has taken
lively interest and has not been sparing In time
money to further them.
The military career OF General Christensen ex-
| tended over a period Of ten years. He spent four
| of them In the army and the other six in the Ma.
tiona Guard. Entering the service Of the country
| with whose fortunes he had become identified as a
| first lieutenant April %, 1891 few days after
Fort Sumter was fired upon, he soon made
| an adede camp to General Phelps and afterward to
General Wool lie was also Provost Marshal Of Nor
folk and Portsmouth, Va. In 1862, with the rank Of
f, major In 1863 he made Assistant Adlutant-
| General OF the Department Of the East and also
served in the Office Of the Secretary Of War for time.
In 1864 he was promoted TO the rank Of lieutenant
| colonel and made Assistant Adjifant General Of the
| Military Division OF West Mississippi. On July 30,
1865 he was honorably discharged with the rank Of
| Brevet Brgadicr-Gencrsl. L. S. Y. III 1879 he en-
tered the National Guard major OF the 13th Regi-
! ment succeeding Major II. c. King. who had become
| Judge Advocate The same year he became
| lieutenant colonel. and In 1850 was put In com
mand Of the Third brigade. lie served as Brigsdcr-
temporary command OF the second Division and served
| until May 1854, when General hoineux took COM
msnd and General Christensen returned 70 his brigade
and served another year, when me retired tn leave
| National Guard work Y younger men, lie was highly
| regarded by all military men who were associated
| since 1887 General Christensen has been a mem
Der OF Plymouth Church. and he 'was great adnifer
and friend OF Mr.. Beccher. He has been deacon and
/ clerk until succeeded BY r. G. Marvel Since Mr..
BeecEsr's death be Ass Spshsa repeatedly q shsrch