Lawrence M. Christensen

NJGenWeb ~ Morris County, New Jersey

Numbered among the representative citizens of Morristown, whose successful careers set forth that they posses business ability of a high order and integrity of character, is Lawrence M. CHRISTENSEN, a native of Jutland, Denmark, born April 18, 1875, son of Jasper and Katherine (ANDERSEN) CHRISTENSEN.

Jasper CHRISTENSEN was born in Denmark, in the early thirties, was brought up in his native land, attended its public schools, and there followed the occupation of farming. He emigrated to the United States in 1883, locating in Dover, New Jersey, whence he removed to St. Paul, Minnesota, where he spent ten years, and then pursued a farm in Polk county, Wisconsin, where he still resides, prosperous and respected. He is a Republican in politics, and he and his wife are members of the Lutheran church. He married Katherine ANDERSEN, born in Denmark, who bore him eight children, namely: Mariann, wife of K. LOKKEGAARD, resides in Denmark; Christian C., a carpenter, resides in St. Paul, Minnesota; Andrew C., resides in Roosevelt, Long Island; Martin B., a farmer, resides in Wisconsin; child, deceased; Lawrence, died in infancy; Lawrence M., of whom further; Marie, deceased.

Lawrence M. CHRISTENSEN attended the public schools of St. Paul, Minnesota, whither his parents removed when he was eight years old, and at the early age of thirteen began his business career, his first employment being in a drug store in St. Paul, and two years later he had advanced to the position of clerk. At the age of eighteen he removed to Chicago, Illinois, and there attended the Chicago College of Pharmacy, and passed the Illinois State Board of Pharmacy before attaining the age of nineteen, after which he continued the practice of pharmacy in that city, remaining until 1902, in which year he came to Morristown, New Jersey. The last two years of his stay in Chicago he was making a study of cleaning and dyeing, preparatory to his coming and locating in Morristown, New Jersey, in that line of endeavor. His knowledge of chemistry especially fitted him for this business, which has proven to be a splendid success. He engage in the cleaning and dyeing business at No. 6 De Hart street, and by perseverance and straightforward business methods has built up one of the most extensive and remunerative concerns of that kind in the east. In 1912, finding it necessary to increase the facilities for handling his business, which has grown wonderfully in volume and importance in the decade, he purchased the property at No. 12 De Hart street, Morristown, remodeled the premises, erecting additions in which he has his offices and finishing rooms, all of which are equipped with every modern appliance for the transaction of business. He caters to the better element and his patrons are treated with every courtesy, due consideration being shown to their every wish and desire. He has attained success through no fortuitous chain of circumstances, but has made his own way by industry, thrift and probity. In 1913, he incorporated under the name of Lawrence M. CHRISTENSEN Inc., with main office and works at 12 De Hart street. Officers: Lawrence M. CHRISTENSEN, president and general manager; Clara J. CHRISTENSEN, secretary and treasurer. He holds membership in Norristown Lodge, No. 188, F. and A. M.; Madison Chapter, No. 27, R. A. M.; Ode de St. Amand Commandery, No. 12, K. T.; and Salaam Temple, Ancient Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine.

Mr. CHRISTENSEN married (first) in Chicago, October 28, 1897, Ida ENDERS, who died May 26, 1900, leaving one child, Adah Marie, born August 9, 1898. He married (second) in Morristown, August 13, 1904, Clara JENSEN, born in Dover, New Jersey, daughter of Christian S. and Frederika (ANDERSEN) JENSEN, natives of Denmark, and residents of Dover, Jersey, Mr. JENSEN following the occupation of cleaner and dyer. Mr. and Mrs CHRISTENSEN have one child, Claire F., born September 27, 1907.

Transcribed by John Cresseveur (1949-2003)