Petersen, Nils

PETERSEN, PRESTHOUSE, HANSON, JOHNSON, HAYES

Posted By: Volunteer Transcribers
Date: 6/8/2003 at 21:03:09

Source: "The 1901 Biographical Record of Clinton Co., Iowa, Illustrated" published: Chicago : S. J. Clarke Pub. Co., 1901.

NILS PETERSEN.

Nils Petersen, who owns and occupies a fine farm of one hundred and sixty acres of land on section fifteen, Olive township, was born in Norway, on the 18th of January, 1832, a son of Peter and Mattie H. (Presthouse) Petersen. The father who was a successful farmer of that country, died at the age of seventy years, the mother at the age of eighty-five.

In the land of his birth our subject grew to manhood, and there he was married, in the spring of 1856, to Miss Carrie Hanson, also a native of Norway, where her parents spent their entire lives. Immediately after their marriage, Mr. and Mrs. Petersen came to the United States, and first located in Kendall county, Illinois, where they spent three years. In the spring of 1859 they came to Iowa, with ox teams, and took up their residence on section twenty-two, Olive township, Clinton county, where Mr. Petersen purchased forty acres of wild land, which he at once commenced to break and improve, after building a house for the accommodation of his family. Subsequently he sold that place and purchased his present farm of one hundred and sixty acres, on section fifteen, the same township which is now under a high state of cultivation. He has made many improvements in his residence, has erected a large and substantial barn and other outbuildings, and now has one of the most attractive farms in his locality. In addition to general farming he engages in stock raising to some extent.

Unto Mr. And Mrs. Petersen were born eight children, but four died in infancy, and Peter, who was the oldest of the family, died at the age of twenty-one years. Those living are as follows: (1) Hans, born in Olive township, is now a progressive and prosperous farmer, living in the Red river valley, Norman county, Minnesota. He married Libbie Johnson, daughter of George Johnson, who was formerly a resident of Olive township, this county, and they have seven children: Cornelius, Bertha, Carrie, George, Leona, Laura and Annie, all born in Minnesota. (2) Samuel, who is employed in a store in Horace, North Dakota, married Bertha Johnson, a sister of Hans’ wife, and they have two children: Nels and Beatrice, both born in Pearly, Minnesota. (3) Cornelius resides on the home farm, with his father, and now has charge of the place. He married Ada Hayes, a daughter of Jonathan Hayes, of Olive township, and they have five children: Clara, Magnus, Irene, Lillian and Nils J. Mrs. Petersen died in 1891, at the age of sixty-five years. She was a devoted wife, a kind and loving mother, and was held in the highest esteem by all who knew her, for her Christian character and many estimable qualities. She was a devout member of the Lutheran church, and took an active part in its work. She is not only missed by her immediate family, but by a large circle of friends who still mourn her loss. Her remains were interred in the church cemetery of Olive township.

For many years Mr. Petersen has also been an active and influential member of the Lutheran church, and has served as deacon for over a third of a century. He assisted in building the church in Olive township, and was its treasurer for some years. He held the office of township trustee nine years; has been a member of the grand jury of the county a number of times; and has often been called upon to administer large estates, his fellow citizens having the utmost confidence in his integrity and business ability. He has held other positions of trust and responsibility, and has filled the office of school trustee. He takes a commendable interest in the welfare of the community in which he resides, and is highly respected by all who know him. Mr. Petersen is now practically living a retired life, enjoying a well-earned rest. In the spring of 1893 he returned to Norway. His parents were dead, but he visited his brother and other relatives and remaining there on year. He then returned to his home in Iowa, where he expects to spend the remainder of his life. He is greatly devoted to his family and enjoys having them near him.