Charles Andrew Christopherson Passes Away

Today in Masonic History Charles Andrew Christopherson passes away in 1951.

Charles Andrew Christopherson was an American politician.

Christopherson was born on July 23rd, 1871 in Amherst Township, Fillmore County, Minnesota. He attended local public schools. He eventually moved to Sioux Falls, South Dakota where he attended Sioux Falls Business College and Normal School. He graduated from the school in 1890. After graduating he read law with a local firm until he was able to pass the bar in 1893.

After passing the bar, Christopherson worked in an established practice before starting his own. He worked alone until 1913 when he took on a partner.

In 1908, Christopherson was elected to the Sioux Falls Board of Education. He served on the board until 1918. From 1911-1915 he served as president of the board. During this time, in 1912, he also served on the board of directors of the Union Savings Association.

In 1912, Christopherson was elected to the South Dakota House of Representatives. In 1915 he served as the Speaker of the House. In 1918 he ran successfully to serve in the United States House of Representatives. He served a total of 7 terms ending in 1932 when a sweep of Democrats were elected on the popularity of President Franklin D. Roosevelt. Christopherson ran again in 1934 unsuccessfully. He returned to Sioux Falls and resumed his legal practice.

Christopherson passed away on November 2nd, 1951.

Christopherson's lodge affiliation is not clear. He did serve as Right Eminent Grand Commander of the Grand Commandery of South Dakota. He also is a past Potentate of a Shrine temple.

This article provided by Brother Eric C. Steele.