Detlef Petersen - 16 Oct 1868

PETERSEN, FRAHM, MOHR

Posted By: Barbara Gehlsen Nugent (email)
Date: 8/25/2011 at 18:18:33

History of Jackson County, Iowa, Volume 2 by James Whitcomb Ellis, 1910.
Biographical Sketches

DETLEF PETERSEN.

Detlef Petersen, whose business activity has been a resultant factor in the attainment of success, is widely known in Jackson county by reason of the fine general store he has been conducting in Miles for the past two years. It is said to be one of the largest in the county, and surely few others handle a more complete, varied and up-to-date stock than does he. He has made it his aim to satisfy every customer and this laudable ambition united with straightforward and honorable methods have gained for him a large trade, which makes his undertaking a profitable one.

Detlef Petersen was born in Clinton county, Iowa, October 16, 1868, his parents being Detlef and Christina (Frahn) Petersen. Natives of Germany, they came to America in the early '50s, and, having decided to establish their home in Iowa, without delay came to this state, locating in Clinton county. There the father resided until his death in February, 1899, and the mother still lives there at the advanced age of seventy-one years. They were the parents of twelve children, ten of whom survive.

Detlef Petersen remained at home until he reached man's estate and as a pupil in the district schools acquired a fair knowledge in the elementary branches of English learning. When he attained his majority he started out to make his own fortune independently and for five years operated a rented farm. Then as the result of his persistent endeavor and good management he was able to buy two hundred and forty acres of land in Iowa township, where he lived for the next twelve years. He gained a marked success from his agricultural pursuits, but he believed that wider opportunities for advancement awaited him in other fields of»activity, so in 1907 he opened a general store in Miles, which has proved a very profitable venture. Mr. Petersen carries a large and up to date stock, comprising a great variety of articles, the freshness and attractive display of which are potent factors in their rapid sale, and as he gives careful attention to the wants of his patrons he has a continually growing trade. His prices are reasonable, his dealings always fair, and those who have once supplied their wants from his counters and shelves are generally loyal customers in the future.

In 1891 Mr. Petersen wedded Miss Anna Mohr, who was born in Clinton county. Her parents, who were for a long period residents of that section of die state, now make their home in Miles. Seven children have been born to the couple: Elden, Harry, Arthur, Algona, John, Leo and Loretta.

Mr. and Mrs. Petersen are consistent members of the German Lutheran church and sincerely interested in its work. Politically he is in sympathy with the principles of the democratic party, having firm belief in their value for the government of a nation but not aspiring to office as the reward of party fealty. He has served as a road supervisor. Fraternally he is associated with Lodge No. 572, I. O. O. F., at Miles. In his entire business career there has not been an esoteric phase, his dependence being placed upon the rules which govern strict and unswerving business integrity and indefatigable enterprise.