PETERSEN, Holden 1831-1904

PETERSEN, MAAKSTEAD

Posted By: County Coordinator
Date: 3/31/2010 at 18:29:49

Holden Petersen, 1831-1904

The old soldiers are rapidly passing away. In increasing numbers they are answering the last roll call, and are being mustered out of service on earth. Mr. Holden Petersen, well known in West Mitchell, has gone to join the "great majority."

He was born in rugged Norway in 1831, and after traveling about the world more or less, died at the home of his nephew, Martin Maakstead, eight miles west of Mitchell, Wednesday morning Nov. 16, 1904.

He came to America in 1854 and lived a number of years in Illinois and Iowa. In eight years from the time of his immigration he was fighting for the defense of the land of his adoption. He became a member of Co. K., 27th Iowa Infantry in the summer of '62 and served to the end of the war. Members of his company living in and near Mitchell served as pall bearers. At the close of the war the attractions of the Pacific Coast called him, and he spent several years in that locality. There his wife died. Since that time his life has been comparatively lonely, having no children. A score of years were spent in Dakota, and twelve years ago he settled in West Mitchell, which was his home until his last sickness.

The funeral was held in the G.A.R. hall at Mitchell, Friday morning, November 18th. The burial ritual was read by officers of the order, and a sermon was preached by Rev. A.A. Hallett, of the M.E. Church. The relatives and friends of the deceased in Cedar township were present, the Grand Army post and the Relief Corps, besides others who knew him in Mitchell. The children who knew him said, "He was a good man," and children are close observers, and often good judges. He was a member of the Lutheran church and died in full assurance of faith. Flowers for the funeral were provided by the Relief Corps.

Transcribed 2005 - Marilyn Oconnor