Peterson, Martin P. (1841-1924)

PETERSON

Posted By: Karon Velau (email)
Date: 9/16/2019 at 13:28:37

Martin P. Peterson
June 13, 1841 - Mar 28, 1924

(From the 1891 Biographical History of Pottawattamie County, Iowa, p.312)
M. P. PETERSON was born in Sweden, June 13, 1841, the only son and one of the four children of Peter and Hannah (HAWKINS) PETERSON. He attended school until he was thirteen years old and then worked at farming for a time. When he was eighteen, he attended college one year. Having received a good education in his native language, he again turned his attention to farming, at which he worked until he was twenty-two. Then he bade good by to home and friends and started for America. Leaving Malmo, he sailed for Copenhagen, thence to Hull, England, thence to Liverpool and from there across the ocean to Quebec, Canada. He came by rail and steamer to Chicago, then on to Henry County, Illinois, arriving at the latter place in 1864. In October of this year, he enlisted in Company I, 8th Illinois Infantry, and joined his regiment at Memphis, Tennessee, from which place they marched to White River Landing. He was taken sick and confined in the hospital for some time. The latter part of February 1865, he was removed from New Orleans by hospital boat to New York, and from there was sent West. Again he was taken sick, and he remained in hospital at Columbus, Ohio, for a time.

After an honorable discharge, he returned to Henry County, Illinois, from whence, in 1867, he came to Council Bluffs, Iowa. Here he was variously employed until the spring of 1874 when he obtained a position n the C.B.&Q. Railroad as a labor and derrick hand. He was soon promoted and continued work as a stone mason for several years. In 1880 he bought his farm of 160 acres, which was then partly improved.

March 7, 1882, Mr. PETERSON married Nellie ANDERSON, daughter of Andrew and Blanda (ROMBECK) ANDERSON. Five children have been born to them, viz.: Hannah Pauline, Robert Henry, Harry Martinus, Lilly Ann and Clara Amelia. Mr. PETERSON and his wife were reared Lutherans and to this faith they still cling. He is a man well informed on all general topics, is kind and affable in his manner, and is highly respected by all who know him. Politically he is a Republican.

In connection with Mr. PETERSON’s family history, it should be further stated that he and his sister, who resides at the old home place in Sweden, are the only surviving members of the family, his father and mother having passed their lives and died in their native land.