Buena Vista County, IA
USGenWeb Project

Those who contend that success is the result of propitious circumstances or the outcome of genius have but to examine into the life records of the great majority of successful men and they will find environment and influence have but little to do with individual progress in the business world.  On the contrary it is the man who in early life makes his services of value to his employer and who is diligent, persistent and enterprising that gradually works his way upward and eventually reaches the goal of prosperity.  This fact is evidenced in the life record of I. B. Christenson, who since 1885 has been engaged in merchandising in Sioux Rapids.  He was born in Christiania, Norway, July 12, 1860, and is a son of C. B. Christenson, who came to America in 1865.  He settled first in Chicago, where he remained for several years, and during that time followed the shoemaker's trade.  In the hope of bettering his financial condition in the growing west he removed to Sioux Rapids in 1880 and here in connection with work at his trade he also followed the occupation of farming.

I. B. Christenson attended the public schools in Chicago and being of an alert and receptive mind, quick to observe and comprehend, he soon acquired a practical knowledge outside of the information obtained from his text-books, learning to correctly value the people and circumstances that make up life's contacts and experiences.  He was but five years old when brought by his parents to the new world, and is thoroughly American in his ideas and interests.  In 1885 he became connected with mercantile pursuits in Sioux Rapids and under the firm name of T. B. Christenson has conducted a prosperous business to the present time.  Through close attention to every detail and unfaltering allegiance to the principles of fair dealing and honest treatment he has won an extensive patronage from the people of Sioux Rapids and the surrounding country.  No merchant of this part of the country stands higher in public regard and esteem or more fully enjoys the trust reposed in him.

Mr. Christenson is broad and liberal in all of his dealings and also in his views of life.  He is interested in those concerns which affect the public welfare, nor does he hesitate to give of his time and means to further measures for the public good.  He is a citizen of worth who has never been so absorbed in his own affairs as to forget his duty to his fellowmen or to the community at large.