Chris Petersen Sr. (1844-1917)

PETERSEN

Posted By: Cheryl Siebrass (email)
Date: 2/25/2010 at 23:06:40

Date of Death - April 5, 1917
Kimballton-Elk Horn Record
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Chris Petersen, Sr., Dead

Chris Petersen Sr. of Elk Horn, died of kidney trouble at the Atlantic hospital Friday evening, April 4th, after an illness of several weeks.

Deceased was born at Haals, pr. Aalborg, Denmark in 1844. He emigrated to this country and came to Atlantic in 1869. This was the year after the Rock Island built its line through this part of the state. Mr. Petersen was employed as brakeman and followed railroading till 1876 when he was compelled to give it up on account of an injured foot. He moved to the farm east of elk Horn, previously bought from the railroad company as prairie, and lived there for six years. During this time he was a prominent factor in the upbuilding of Oakland township and held several public offices.

In 1884 he moved back to Atlantic and was employed as head clerk in the Levi Downs Department Store, which position he held till 1896, when he moved back to the old homestead east of Elk Horn and remained there till 1913 when he retired from active service and moved back to Atlantic. In the spring of 1914 Mrs. Petersen died and Mr. Petersen has since that time made his home with Carl M. Petersen who lives on the home place.

Deceased is survived by one brother in this country, Paul Petersen, and three sons Chris, Carl, and Janus.

Mr. Petersen, though not one of the first to actually settle in this community has seen much of the early pioneer hardship and adventure. During the time he was employed by the Rock Island he helped clear up the track after a train had been wrecked by the notorious Jesse James gang.

He at one time rode horse back to South Dakota in the interest of some business matters. Many of the trees that adorn the home place were brought on foot across the prairies from Atlantic.

Funeral services were held at the Lutheran church at Elk Horn Wednesday forenoon, conducted by Rev. C. C. Kloth, and at the German Lutheran church at Atlantic Wednesday afternoon. Interment was made in the Atlantic cemetery.

Audubon Obituaries maintained by Cheryl Siebrass.
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