Alameda County Biographies

PETER CHRISTENSEN

Transcribed by Kathy Sedler

This file is part of the California Genealogy & History Archives http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~cagha/index.htm

 

	No foreign nation has made better or more valuable contributions to the cosmopolitan 
population of this great republic than the little kingdom of Denmark, for the people of that 
land, coming to this country in search of new homes and fortunes, invariably develop into s
ubstantial, constructive, law-abiding citizens, who in most cases make their marks in the world 
and contribute materially to the prosperity of the communities in which their activities are 
centered. A good example of Denmark's excellent product was found in Peter Christensen, a well 
known and popular contractor of Alameda, who died suddenly on February 23, 1912.
	Mr. Christensen was born in the rural district of Fredericia, Denmark, June 21, 1845, 
the son of Peter Christensen, Sr., a well-to-do builder in that vicinity. Until he was fourteen 
years of age the son attended the public schools, and then became an apprentice to learn the 
trade of joiner and cabinet-maker. At the end of his two years of apprenticeship he went to work 
at his trade, and followed it for fourteen years, or until he was twenty-eight years of age.
	In 1875 Mr. Christensen decided to seek his fortune in the new world, so bidding 
farewell to his home and friends he set sail for New York. From that city he went directly to 
Wisconsin, the middle west at that time being the principal destination of the Scandinavian 
newcomers, but he remained in the Badger state only about a year. Hearing of the opportunities 
for skilled artisans in the Bay cities, he came westward and settled in Alameda. He immediately 
found ample opportunity to ply his trade of cabinet-maker, and within a comparatively short time 
he became a contractor and builder on his own account. His business grew rapidly, and as proof 
of his industry and success it may be stated that many of the finest residences in Alameda and 
also business houses and schoolhouses were erected under his personal supervision. He employed a 
large number of men in the execution of his contracts, and by his honesty and integrity and his 
straightforward dealing, he won the confidence of the people of the city.
	His prominence in business also brought him into the local political limelight. He was a 
pronounced republican and sturdily upheld his party's principles in and out of season. He was a 
valued member of the city council and was serving his second term when he died. Mr. Christensen 
also was prominent in fraternal circles, being affiliated with the following orders: Oak Grove 
Lodge, F. & A. M.; Alameda Chapter, R. A. M., of which he was past high priest; Oakland 
Commandery, No. 11, K. T.; Encinal Lodge of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, in which he 
was a past grand, having been identified with that order for more than thirty years; and Alameda 
Lodge, Loyal Order of the Moose.
	On October 4, 1878, soon after his arrival in California, Mr. Christensen was united in 
marriage with Miss Marie Nielson. They were married in Alameda and there established their home. 
Mrs. Christensen is also a native of Denmark and came to California as a young girl. Her father 
was a prosperous builder in his native land. To this union were born two sons: George W., now 
deputy city clerk of Alameda, and William P., a machinist and stationary engineer.
	Mrs. Christensen has for many years been a member of the Eastern Star and Rebekah lodges. 
She has held numerous offices in both orders and has been made the recipient of high honors. In 
October, 1910, she was chosen as the member from her Rebekah lodge to receive the Chivalry degree, 
which was conferred by the Independent Order of Odd Fellows at their convention held at Santa Anna 
that year.
	No higher compliment can be paid the memory of Mr. Christensen than to quote the resolutions 
passed by the city council of Alameda at the time of his demise, which are as follows:

 

					IN MEMORIAM.
	Whereas, It has pleased Almighty God to take from our midst HONORABLE PETER CHRISTENSEN,

	who has faithfully served the city of Alameda as a member of this Council for the past 
	five years, giving ungrudgingly of his time and ability in both an official and unofficial 
	capacity,

        Resolved, That in the untimely death of Peter Christensen, the city of Alameda has lost a 
	tried and faithful public official, the

	City Council a wise, true and upright advisor and the community an honored and public-spirited 
	citizen.

        Resolved further, As a mark of respect to the memory of

					PETER CHRISTENSEN

	that the flags on all public buildings be placed at half-mast until after the funeral of the 
	deceased, that the entrance to the City Hall be draped for a period of thirty days, that a copy 
	of these resolutions be sent to the family of the deceased and also spread on the minutes of this 
	body and as a further token of respect that this council do now adjourn.

        Adopted and passed by the Council of the City of Alameda, this 23rd day of February, 1912.   

                                                    E. B. BULLOCK,

                               Presiding Officer of the Council. Attest: F. E. BROWNING, City Clerk.

        Presented to and approved by me this 23d day of February. 1912.  W. H. NOY, Mayor of Alameda.

Past & Present of Alameda County, California � Vol II, S. J. Clarke Publ. Co., 1914, p. 230