PETERSON, RASMUS

PETERSON, SORENSEN, BRIGGS

Posted By: Jean Kramer (email)
Date: 10/13/2003 at 16:11:05

Biography reproduced from page 506 of Volume II of the History of Kossuth County written by Benjamin F. Reed and published in 1913:

Among the influential representatives of agricultural interests of Kossuth county must be mentioned Rasmus Peterson, who owns and cultivates two hundred and forty acres of land located of section 21, Buffalo township, where he has been engaged in diversified farming, stock-raising and dairying for twenty years. His birth occurred in Denmark on the 4th of April, 1854, and there he was likewise reared.

Mr. Peterson passed the first twenty-eight years of his life in the land of his nativity, taking passage for the United States at Copenhagen in 1882. He was accompanied on this journey by his wife, having been married two years previously, who has as much confidence in America and the opportunities it afforded, as had he. They arrived in New York in the month of May, and immediately continued their journey to Iowa, which was their destination. Upon their arrival here they located in Wright county, and there for four years Mr. Peterson worked out by the month as a farm hand. The diligence and thrift inborn in each, together with their consuming ambition to own a home, enabled them to save from his meager earnings during that period enough to permit them to begin farming for themselves. For seven years Mr. Peterson cultivated leased land, having resided for five years on one farm. Hard work and economy made it possible for him to lay aside a small amount of his earnings each year until 1892 he had sufficient capital to buy property. Coming to Kossuth county he purchased a hundred and sixty acres of raw land, which formed the nucleus of his present farm. After placing thereon the necessary improvements, he began the development of his place, which he has converted into a most attractive and valuable property during the intervening years. His unceasing energy, capable management and enterprising methods brought him success and he subsequently increased his holdings by the purchase of another eighty acres. Each year has marked an improvement in his farm, in the development of which he has worked in a systematic and intelligent manner. A beautiful grove of shade trees and an orchard, in which is represented every variety of fruit grown in this section, have been added, while his fields have been tiled and brought to a high state of productivity. The greater portion of his land is fenced with woven wire fencing and cedar posts, while his buildings are all substantially constructed and have been kept well in repair. The appearance and condition of his place evidences capable supervision, good management and a careful regard for details. He has prospered, but he has paid the usual price exacted for success, having worked for many years from daylight to dark in his efforts to make his one of the best farms in the county. His efforts in this direction have not been unavailing and today he is numbered among the substantial agriculturists of his community, where he is honored and respected as a man of unquestionable integrity and upright business methods. He is a stockholder in the Titonka Creamery Association.

In Denmark in 1880, Mr. Peterson was married to Miss Martha Sorensen, who was likewise born and reared in that country. To them have been born eight children: Peter, who is married and residing in North Dakota; Ella, who is the wife of John Briggs, of Titonka; George, also married, who owns and operates a farm near his father’s place; Henry, who is assisting with the cultivation of the home farm; and Ernest, Elmer, Wilhelm and Ida, all of whom are living at home.

In matters of faith the parents and children are Lutherans. Both Mr. and Mrs. Peterson are estimable people, possessing those qualities of heart and mind which make them desirable friends and neighbors, and during the long period of their residence here they have won esteem and regard.