Peter Peterson (1828-1915)

PETERSON

Posted By: Karon Velau (email)
Date: 10/3/2022 at 09:59:23

Peter Peterson
(September 28, 1828 – June 5, 1915)

Nature seems to have intended that man in his later years should enjoy a rest from labor. In early manhood he is vigorous, strong, ambitious and helpful; in the prime of life his actions are guided by sound judgment and matured wisdom that arises from experience; but when the evening of life comes on, one's powers are not so strong and one is not so well fitted to perform the arduous labors so necessary to success in any calling. It is therefore evident that nature intended man to rest, in some degree, from his labors, and this Mr. Peterson is doing. So energetically did he conduct his business affairs in former years that he acquired a handsome competence and is now enjoying the fruits of his former toil, occupying a pleasant home in Manson. As his name indicates Mr. Peterson is a native of Sweden and is one of the worthy representatives of that land in Calhoun County. He was born September 28, 1828, and is the son of Peter Mobeck, who was also a native of Sweden. The father was twice married, his first union being with Margerite Oberg, by whom he had two daughters and a son all of whom lived and died in Sweden. After the death of his first wife, Mr. Mobeck wedded Mrs. Parnella (Mulson) Jones, also a native of Sweden, in which land they were married. The father
there occupied a position similar to that of sheriff in this country, acting in that capacity for forty consecutive years. He died in 1840, and the mother of our subject passed away in 1858. A half-sister of Mr. Peterson, Mrs. Ellen Lindquist, now resides in Galesburg, Illinois, but none of the other members of the family are in America. Mr. Peterson had no school privileges. He has had experience, observation and contact with his fellow men and they have made him well informed. When only twelve years of age he began to earn his own living and since that time has been dependent entirely upon his own efforts. He first worked as a farm hand, and realizing that there was little opportunity for advancement in Sweden for a poor young man, he resolved to try his fortune in the new world. Accordingly, in 1854, he sailed for America, crossing the
Atlantic in the sailing vessel, Great Britain, which reached the harbor of Boston after a pleasant voyage of seven weeks and four days. Upon landing, Mr. Peterson resumed his journey and crossed the country to Henry County, Illinois, where he remained for two months, working on the Rock Island railroad. He then went to Moline, Illinois, where he was employed in a sawmill. In his native land he had a sweetheart, and when he came to America it was with the intention of earning money to make a home for her. She bore the maiden name of Nellie Nelson and was born in Sweden, August 2, 1827, her parents being Nelse Swanson and Magnell Nelson, both of whom were natives of Sweden, in which country they were married. Her father was a carpenter and mason and erected a number of large and important structures. He also owned extensive farms. is death occurred in 1870, and in 1871 his wife came to America with Mrs. Peterson. The former died in Calhoun County in 1891. She was the mother of ten children, of whom two sons and a daughter died in infancy. The others are Nellie, who became the wife of Mr. Peterson; Betsey, who became the second wife of Mr. Peterson; Cecelia, the wife of Elias Swanson, now deceased; Nelse who died at the age of twenty-eight years; Swan, who married Cecelia Nelson: John N. Olean, who was twice married, his first wife dying in 1883, after which he married again, his home being now in Moline, Illinois; and Peter, the twin brother of John, who married Augusta Nelson and also resides in Moline. It was in September, 1856 when Mr. Peterson of this review brought his bride to America, their marriage being celebrated in Moline, Illinois. They remained there for eight years, living on the island, where Mr. Peterson owned a house and lot, which he afterward sold to the government. He then purchased three-quarters of an acre of land in the city of Moline, there making his home for two years, during which time he worked in a sawmill. On the expiration of that period he came to Calhoun County and secured a government claim of eighty-eight acres in Sherman Township. It was a tract of raw prairie land, with no improvements, but he broke the land with four yoke of oxen and a twenty- four-inch breaking plow. He also built a sod house with an old-fashioned fireplace, and in true pioneer style lived for several years, but annually was able to add more of the comforts and conveniences of civilization to his home. In 1883 Mr. Peterson was called upon to mourn the loss of his wife, who died on the 20th of April of that year. Her sister Betsey took care of her during her illness and on the 3d of November, 1883, she gave her hand in marriage to Mr. Peterson. She was born in Sweden, June 16, 1835. By the first marriage there were seven children, but all died in childhood. For many years Mr. Peterson carried on agricultural pursuits, and his well tilled fields brought to him a good income. He was careful, economical and enterprising and year by year he added to his capital until he had acquired a very comfortable competence. In 1892 he retired from active life and removed to Manson to enjoy the fruits of his early labors. In the town he purchased some land and built a modern residence, which he now occupies. He at one time owned two hundred acres of land, but this he has sold. In his political affiliations Mr. Peterson is a stalwart Republican and has been an active factor in local politics. He served as town treasurer and for fourteen years was school director. He cast his first presidential vote for Abraham Lincoln and has never yet wavered in his allegiance to the principles of the party which so firmly upholds the American institutions. He has served as secretary, deacon and trustee in the Swedish Lutheran church, of which both he and his wife are members, but now leaves the official duties to younger men. Mr. Peterson is today loyal to his adopted land and considers that no country on the face of the globe is equal to it. He found here the business possibilities which he sought, and making the most of his opportunities he has speedily worked his way upward. Here labor is not hampered by caste or class and the poor man can improve his conditions if he has but determination, energy and common sense. These essential qualities were
all possessed by Mr. Peterson, and with steadfast purpose he has worked his way upward until he occupies an enviable position among the men of affluence in the community and likewise enjoys the highest regard of all with whom he has been associated. [Source – Biographical Record of Calhoun County, Iowa, by S.J. Clarke, 1902, p.390]