Christian was born in the hamlet of Hämlismatt, located east of Biglen, Bern, Switzerland. Swiss records indicate he was born on 5 September 1836, although later family bible records 10 September as his birthdate. He was baptized on 23 September 1836.

Christian arrived in the United States from Switzerland on April 26, 1851. He sailed on the ship Northumberland which left from London, England and landed in New York City. He traveled with his parents, David and Magdalena, his brother, Johannes, and sister, Rosina. The family settled first in Holmes County, Ohio, before Christian and his parents moved to Clay County, Indiana.

Christian was a farmer. He also was a shoemaker [1870 census].

Christian served during the Civil War in Company B, 33rd Infantry Regiment Indiana from March 22, 1865 until July 21, 1865. He held the rank of private.

Christian was born in the hamlet of Hämlismatt, located east of Biglen, Bern, Switzerland. Swiss records indicate he was born on 5 September 1836, although later family bible records 10 September as his birthdate. He was baptized on 23 September 1836.

Christian arrived in the United States from Switzerland on April 26, 1851. He sailed on the ship Northumberland which left from London, England and landed in New York City. He traveled with his parents, David and Magdalena, his brother, Johannes, and sister, Rosina. The family settled first in Holmes County, Ohio, before Christian and his parents moved to Clay County, Indiana.

Christian was a farmer. He also was a shoemaker [1870 census].

Christian served during the Civil War in Company B, 33rd Infantry Regiment Indiana from March 22, 1865 until July 21, 1865. He held the rank of private.