Martin Frederick Christensen (26 March 1849 – 10 October 1915) was a Danish inventor and businessman. He is most known as the inventor of an automated machine that could manufacture glass marbles and founder of M.F. Christensen and Son Company.

Martin F Christensen was born in Denmark on 26 March 1849. He immigrated to the United States in 1867 at the age of 18. After his arrival in America, he began working in the drop-forge steel industry making various items such as tools and knives. In 1880, he settled in Akron, Ohio with his wife Catherine.^[1]

In 1903, Christensen and his 25-year-old son, Charles Frederick, established the M.F. Christensen and Son Company in Akron. Harry Heinzelman, who had worked for the Navarre Glass Marble and Specialty Company, was hired as the company's glass master.^[11] Heinzelman was paid 70 cents per 1000 marbles, which was 20 cents more than the average worker for similar performance at that time. By 1910, up to 10,000 marbles were being rolled per day by 33 employees. Each employee, working 10 hours per day, would make $5 for the day as a result. This was considered a good wage for the day.

With the success of Christensen's invention and manufacturing facility, focus shifted from (Germany) to the United States with regard to marble manufacturing. 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.^[12] By 1914, M.F. Christensen and Son was making 1 million marbles per month. 1916 was a very good year for production yields and 1917 looked just as promising before the United Started joined World War I.

Christensen died on 10 October 1915 of natural causes while attending dinner with his family.^[14] His son, Charles, assumed responsibility for the company.