----Source: 1918 History of Clark County, Wisconsin

SAM CHRISTENSON, secretary and manager of the Garrison Mercantile Company, of Thorp, was born in Ogdensburg, Wis., Oct. 3, 1870. His father was Claus Christenson, and his mother's name before marriage. Marie Sorenson. The parents were from Denmark, coming to America in 1853, just after their marriage, and settling near Racine, Wis., Claus being a farmer by occupation. After remaining there two years they removed to Waupaca County, Wis., where Mr. Christenson died in 1916. He had served in the war of 1848, between Denmark and Prussia, and subsequently in the American Civil War, enlisting in 1864 in the 44th Wisconsin, Volunteer Infantry. He was a member of the G. A. R. Post at Ogdensburg, Wis.

His wife is still living on the farm in Waupaca County, being now in her 80th year. Sam Christenson left home at the age of 16 years, coming to Clark County, where he entered the employ of Nye, Lusk Hudson, remaining with them seven years. Then, in 1898, he started as a clerk with the  Garrison Mercantile Company, being appointed secretary and manager when they built their new store in 1898. This company is known all over the northern part of Clark County, and Mr. Christenson has seen the business grow from its early beginnings, when the Garrison brothers occupied a small frame building, to its present dimensions, and has the satisfaction of knowing that he has contributed to its success. He is now himself a leading citizen of Thorp, standing high in mercantile life.

Mr. Christenson was married March 19, 1899, to Amelia Banderob, of Thorp, and he and his wife have four children--Thelma, born Jan. 20, 1900, and who died the same year Helen, born July 10, 1902 Florence, born March 28, 1906, and Oscar, born Aug. 13, 1912. Mr. Christenson had four sisters and two brothers, all now living except one of the sisters. Their record in brief is as follows: Sarah, now the wife of Chris Peterson, of Waupaca, Wis. Mary, wife of E. Tarbox (Taxbox), of Waupaca Kate, who married W. Jensen, Ogdensburg, Wis. Ella, who is deceased Edward, of Waupaca, and Sam, the subject of this memoir.