Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1904-12-30
CHRISTIAN A. hENRIcksoN.
Death Of One Of WaterviIie's Most
Highly Respected Citizens.

The city OF Watervllle has been sad
drned by the unexpected death of one
M her oldest and most respected citi-
zrns, Christian August Henrckson,
who passed away at his home on Col
leg" avenue at about IL O'Clock,
Wednesday night.
When community suffers loss
from the departure of one Of its prom
incnt members, the public mourners are
wont to dwell upon certain sides of the
mans character. which have contribu-
ted mostly in marking his personality.
If he has been good citizen, the quail
tiles which made him such. naturally
come into strong relief and are recog-
nized as soon as his friends are made
aware of their loss.
In the case of Mr.. HenricksOn. one
hardly knows where to begin when he
attempts to recognize in what principal
directions the value of his life has been
the most appreciated. He seemed to
cmbody in his general makeup all the
qualities which are desirable in help
full member of an active community.
Having never been blessed with chill
drcn the natural affection of his dis
position was shown to "a lavish extent
in the devotion to his wife and his
kindly attitude toward all who had
come into touch with him as friends,
AMI. although beginning his career in
Il New England community as young
Norwegian of hut II years of age and
without the ability to speak word of
til" English language. he brought with
him IA force Of character and natural
ability which has been sufficient to
al, III, h., If
who have been able to pass their de-
Ginning days as an example of integ-
rity and industry to the rising genera
tons.
Mr.. Henrickson's life, considered
apart from all social relations, then is
one Of peculiar interest. as showing
what a man can accomplish. solely by
his own efforts. When in 1887. he land
cd in this country as a midshlpman.
without home or friends he showed a
quality which has since made his rise
in life possible. as none other could
have done, viz. the ability to make
friends. 1t was in the country schools
of Owls Head. Me-, that he first
learned and spoke his first word of
English. After availing himself of the
advantages of these schools, he had
acquired sufficient knowledge OF the
rudimentary branches to enable him
to secure employment as teacher OF
one of the schools in which the first
struggles in his new life began. He
continued this occupation until he had
entered and completed a college pre-
paratory course in what is now Coburn
Classical Institute.
He had entered and completed one
year of study in Watervilie college,
when his love for the country whicf
had opened her hospital shores OF
golden opportunity. babe him give ul
his present ambition and enlist IN the
cause Of the Civil war. The hardshlps
Of his early life were repeated with IL
fold severity before he was again priv
Ileged to take part in the struggles
which were to make him prosperous
citizen of the community IN wnicn ne
hoped to pass the remainder OF MS M
At the battle of Bull Run ne waS
made a prisoner of war ana treateu ~
nearly year of prison hardships. An
dersonvilIe Libby and New orleans
gave him experiences winch "ouiN
have entitled any citizen to an nohora,
BILE discharge but upon being hoera.eO
from the army he Immediately eiliis..
ed in the navy. He served there tnres
Years until Lees surrender ana iei
this branch of his country's servic'
with the rank of ensign, his promo'lo'
being granted for bravery ana co"pe
tent discharge of his duties.
e Mr.. Henrickson's business career oe
gan in waterville as book ana SD
tonery merchant in the year OF 100
Being Injured to seasons OF narosnp
! this beginning, without capital OF ous
II mess acquaintances was nothing NV
but it's result. is well known p w.
4 young man in the cit{ As nc 800 80
only three years - -. q !