Christy was a lawyer and soldier from Kentucky, born there in 1791. He was studying law when the War of 1812 started, and he paused his studies to join the fight, joining the First US Infantry. After the war he moved to New Orleans to run a business and resume his law studies. He paused his studies again to participate in the Long Expedition in 1820, ending up in prison in Mexico City. He returned to New Orleans in 1822 where worked as an attorney and served as an Alderman. He became a friend of Texas and helped raise money and volunteers to help with the fight for independence, securing loans for $250,000, and pledging his own funds. When Sam Houston went to New Orleans to recuperate from his wounds from the Battle of San Jacinto, he stayed at Christy’s house.
