Christian Cecil Kohlsaat was born on January 8, 1844, near Albion, Illinois.

He was an engrossing clerk for the Illinois General Assembly from 1871 to 1872, and served as a member of the Board of West Park Commissioners.

[2] Kohlsaat was nominated by President William McKinley on February 23, 1899, to a seat on the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois vacated by Judge Peter S. Grosscup.

He was confirmed by the United States Senate on February 28, 1899, and received his commission the same day.

His service terminated on March 24, 1905, due to his elevation to the Seventh Circuit.