Martin Frederick Christensen

Martin Frederick Christensen (26 March 1849 – 10 October 1915) was a Danish inventor and businessman.

After his arrival in America, he began working in the drop-forge steel industry making various items such as tools and knives.

At age 50, Martin invented a machine that created spherical metal ball-bearings.

The machine is called an "apparatus for making small metallic spheres" in U.S. Patent No.

[8] The first machine-made marbles were created in a barn behind Christensen's house, which led to a manufacturing facility.

During this time, the entry of America into World War I halted the import of German-manufactured products, and likely contributed to the success of the company.

1916 was a very good year for production yields and 1917 looked just as promising before the United Started joined World War I.

[13] Several employees chose to stay on as there was enough stock and supplies to continue fulfilling orders for another 18 months.