Peterson, Peter H. 1852-1924

PETERSON, GLASGOW

Posted By: Linda Mohning (email)
Date: 7/8/2011 at 19:20:13

COUNTY HOMES ARE VISITED BY DEATH. P.H. PETERSON AMONG THE VICTIMS.
P.H. Peterson, a resident of Plymouth county for 40 years, died at his home on Second street N.W., Monday evening at 7:15, the direct result of a stroke of paralysis, suffered seven weeks ago.
He had been in failing health the last three years and on his 72d birthday, November 5, suffered the stroke from which he failed to rally. He suffered a severe relapse a week ago Monday and during the last four days of his life he lay in a coma.
Mr. Peterson was among the rugged pioneers who came to northwestern Iowa when this section was little more than a wilderness. In the early days he grazed cattle on the present site of the town of Remsen and later he aided in building the first side track for the proposed new village.
Peter H. Peterson was a native of Denmark, being born in Schleswig November 5, 1852, the only son of Mr. and Mrs. H. C. Peterson, also Plymouth county pioneers. He came to America in 1871, and was in Chicago in October of that year during the great Chicago fire. Pushing on westward he arrived in Jackson county, Ia., the following winter, where he spent four years in the logging camps.
In 1876 he came overland in an ox wagon to Plymouth county, settling at the present site of Remsen, where he was joined by his parents. They immediately took up land in Fredonia township and Mr. Peterson lived there until 13 years ago, when he retired from active farm life, coming to Le Mars.
During the early days Mr. and Mrs. Peterson passed through the privations and hardships attending pioneer life, but by courage and faith they weathered the trials with the hundreds of other pioneers who built up this great western empire.
Mr. Peterson was a life long and active democrat. He served his party numerous times as committeeman and delegate to county and state conventions and while in Fredonia township served in various township capacities. He was the democratic nominee for county recorder in 1896, but he went down under the McKinley landslide.
On November 17, 1883, he was united in marriage to Anna B. Peterson. Two children were born, Christina, who died March 25, 1901, at the age of 16 years, and John C. , of Sioux City, formerly publisher of the Le Mars Globe-Post.
Besides his widow and son he is survived by four grandsons, John Jr., James, Farley and Norman. These little boys were a source of great pride to him during his declining years and one of the last thoughts expressed during his late affliction was concerning them. His son’s wife, Ella Glasgow-Peterson [Mrs. J.C. Peterson of Sioux City] , shared with the boys his devotion, and he wanted her with him constantly in the last sickness.
Mr. Peterson shortly before lapsing into unconsciousness for the last time, named as pallbearers six old friends as follows: John Cooper, A. M. Duus, J.P. Larson, Simon Rothlisberger, M.P. Bogh and H.C. Anderson.
Funeral services were held at Remsen Wednesday afternoon, with Rev. J. J. Vollmar officiating. Burial was made in the family plot at Remsen. - Le Mars Globe-Post, Thursday, December 25, 1924, page 1.

Similar obit in Le Mars Semi-Weekly Sentinel, December 26, 1924, page 1 with this last paragraph: “In the passing of P.H. Peterson, the community loses a most admirable citizen. Mr. Peterson was fair minded, possessed a fine sense of justice and was of a most likeable nature. His kindly disposition gained him warm friends in all walks of life and the memory of his upright life and kindly acts and deeds will dwell in the hearts of those who knew and respected him.”