Excerpt: Robert E. Christian, a leading man of this township, and one of the pioneers of the county, was born in Cocke county, East Tennessee, October 25, 1829, and was the son of Thomas E. and Mary Ann (Doughty) Christian, who were also natives of Tennessee. In 1852, the family moved to Missouri, locating in Atchison county, being among the early settlers of the county. Robert received a common school education and grew to manhood on a farm. He was married in East Tennessee, January 9, 1861, to Miss Mary Jane Holdeway, daughter of William Holdeway. She was born in Cocke County, Tennessee. Mr. Christian settled on his present farm in 1868, and has since been engaged in farming, though he is also interested in stock and the grain business. He has eighty acres of land, all improved, upon which is a good dwelling and a young orchard, his place being located on section 3, township 63, range 41. His residence is at Nishnebotna Station. Mr. and Mrs. Christian have 7 children: William T., born October 8, 1861, Sarah E., born in 1867, Olive Maud, born February 6, 1869, Wayne S., born September 21, 1871, Elmer E., born February 5, 1871, Flora N., born March 20, 1876, Lulie E., born February 5, 1882. Mrs. Christian is a member of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church. Mr. Christian belongs to the I.O.O.F fraternity.
