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Transcribed and submitted by Linda Talbott
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Ludinton Appeal
Thursday, May 27, 1897

         AN EXEMPLARY CITIZEN GONE
         
         N. P. Christensen, of the Big Store,
          Crosses the River
          
         Tuesday afternoon was a sad time with the
       business men and merchants of this city. At
       that hour they were called upon to lay to
       rest the remains of the late N. P. CHRISTENSEN.
       Many of the places of business passed by the
       funeral cortege in its march to the grave 
       closed their doors and suspended business
       out of respect to the deceased while the fun-
       eral was in progress. The flag on the city 
       hall floated at half mast and the bell tolled
       slowly as the remains were conveyed to their
       final resting place. 
         Mr. CHRISTENSEN'S death occurred last Satur-
       day morning about 7:30 o'clock. The cause was
       typhoid pneumonia, preceded by congestive
       chills. A week ago Monday he spent the day at
       his store, attending closely to business. That
       night after returning home he was taken criti-
       cally ill, remained in that condition for the
       few days following and finally passed away
       Saturday morning on his 47th birthday. Mrs.
       CHRISTENSEN was absent in Milwaukee when her
       husband was taken sick, but arrived home sev-
       eral days before his death. The greater part
       of the time during the few days immediately
       preceding the end, Mr. CHRISTENSEN was un-
       conscious.
         The funeral was held Tuesday afternoon at the
       family home on Second street, in the Fourth ward,
       services being conducted by Rev. A. H. Sturgis,
       pastor of the Fourth ward Methodist church,
       assisted by Rev. R. Nelson, of Muskegon, and Dr.
       John Woods, of the Presbyterian church. The
       attendance on this occasion was large, the
       spacious family residence being able to hold
       but a small fraction of those present. The
       several fraternal and insurance orders of which
       he was a member paid their respects by attend-
       ing the services and escorting the remains to
       the grave.
         The order of the several societies in line
       was as follows:
       Ludington Band,
       Ludington Tent, K.O.T.M.
       I.O.O.F.
       Apollo Commandery, K.T.
       Pere Marquette Lodge, F. & A. M.
       Clergymen
       Casket,
       Carriages.
         The line of march through the city was crowded
       with people who took this means of testifying to
       their respect and admiration for the deceased.
         The services at the cemetery were according to
       the Masonic ritual, the Knight Templars having
       charge of this part of the ceremony.
         Mr. CHRISTENSEN was born in Denmark May 22, 1850.
       He came to America 29 years ago. For 11 years he
       was not permanently settled, but 18 years ago re-
       moved from Racine, Wis., to this city. He then
       went into business and became the partner of H. P.
       HANSEN, new of Milwaukee. In the course of time he
       bought out his partner and became sole manager.
       Eleven years ago he married in Milwaukee BERTHA
       KJETSEN, who was then living with his former part-
       ner, H. P. HANSEN, as an adopted daughter. Five
       sons, four of whom are still living, was the fruit
       of this union.
         With the death of Mr. CHRISTENSEN, the business
       interests of the city have sustained a severe blow.
       The deceased was one of our most successful mer-
       chants and had built up by hard perserving, ener-
       gentic work, a mercantile institution that was a
       credit to the city. His entire business career was
       successful and not only proves the natural ability
       of his countrymen, but shows that a man of strict
       business integrity can win in commercial fields,
       despite all assertations to the contrary. Before
       leaving his native land he was confirmed in the
       Lutheran church and his life has been one of up-
       rightness and sturdy honesty.
         The deceased carried $4,000 life insurance; all
       payable to his wife. This amount was divided be-
       tween a Masonic company and the Knights of the
       Maccabees. Large property interests, including the
       Big Store and Fourth ward real estate are also left
       for the widow and fatherless sons.
         Yesterday H. C. HANSEN of the Fourth ward was
       appointed administrator. He entered at once upon
       the duties of the office, which he will perform
       to the satisfaction of all concerned.
       
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