Christian Carl was born on April 23, 1848 in Wurttemburg, Germany to Johann Ernst Obenland and Christine Kuemmel. He had 4 brothers, namely Christian Gottlieb Ernst, Gottlieb Friederich, Wilhelm Friederich and Gottlob. He also had 3 sisters, Louise Johanna, Catharine Maria and Maria Catharine.

On November 19, 1874, Christian married Marie Magdalena Krehr. The marriage took place in Wurttemberg, Germany. Their first child was born later that year. Her name was Marie Louise, born October 11, 1875. On September 11, 1876, Friederika Wilhelmina came along, followed by Christian Carl Albert, born on Christmas Eve, 1878. August Gottlieb was born on July 29, 1881. Their last child born in Germany was Katharine, born on August 10, 1883. Katharine died on October 28, 1883.

The family left Germany in the spring of 1884, on the steamship the Pennland. Traveling with the family was Christian's cousin, 23 year old Friederika Dorthea Obenland. The trip originated in Antwerp, Belgium. The Pennland was part of the Red Star line, in service from 1881-1903.

Christian and his family came to the United States in steerage. Between 3 adults and 4 children, they had 4 pieces of baggage. Christian listed his occupation as a farmer.

The Pennland arrived in New York harbor on May 9, 1884. The Obenlands then traveled to Clay County, Kansas, where they settled in the town of Clay Center. There, the couple had 5 more children: Ernst William (10/16/1884), Gustav Johannes (1/6/1887), Emma Katharine (2/1889), Frida Hulda (8/9/1891) and Edwin Eugene (7/20/1894).

Sometime after arriving in the United States, Christian switched jobs. Where he had listed his occupation as a farmer on the passenger list of the Pennland, all of the Census records show that he worked as a carpenter.

Christian passed away on November 29, 1917 in Clay Center.