My Genealogy Hound

J. F. PETERSON.
Energy, perseverance and determination are the stepping-stones that have led to the success of J. F. Peterson, for as a young man of twenty-five years he came to America from his native country—Sweden, ignorant of the customs and language of American people, and, added to this obstacle, was a lack of funds. Today in looking over his finely improved farm of eighty-four acres, situated on section 30, Lincoln township, one cannot but justly give him credit for what he has accomplished. Mr. Peterson was born on the 19th of April, 1846, a son of Peter and Ula (Swanson) Peterson, who were likewise natives of Sweden, where they spent their entire lives and both are now deceased. The family numbered three sons and two daughters but the latter are deceased, the brothers of our subject being Andrew P., a resident of Lucas county, Iowa, and Frank G., who makes his home in Nebraska.

The year 1871 witnessed the arrival of J. F. Peterson in Iowa, he being then, as above stated, a young man of twenty-five years. He had no educational advantages in his youth, so that all the knowledge he has since gained has been wholly through experience and observation. Upon reaching the new world he made his way at once to Lucas county, Iowa, where he sought and secured employment as a farm hand, being thus engaged during the succeeding decade. He carefully saved his earnings and was eventually enabled to purchase eighty acres of farm land, after which he began farming on his own account. As he prospered in his undertakings he added to his original holdings until he was the possessor of one hundred and twenty acres, which he operated for a term of fourteen years. In 1901, however, he disposed of that farm and took up his abode in Union county, purchasing his present home place which comprises eighty-four acres of excellent farming land, situated on section 30, Lincoln township, and within a mile and a half of Creston. He has placed his fields under a good state of cultivation and in addition to tilling the soil makes a specialty of raising cattle and hogs, this branch of his business proving a profitable source of revenue to him.

It was in 1871, prior to his emigration to the new world that Mr. Peterson was married, the lady of his choice being Miss Mollie Anderson, who has been to him a faithful companion and helpmate and much of the success which he today enjoys is due to her capable management of the household affairs. Their marriage has been blessed with three daughters but the youngest, Julia, is now deceased, the others being: Mary, the wife of A. Nelson, a resident of Spaulding township, Union county; and Amanda, the wife of Charles Nelson, also of Spaulding township.

Loyal to the best interests of his adopted country, Mr. Peterson has allied himself with the principles and policy of the republican platform, while both he and his wife are members of the Baptist church in Creston. Making every possible use of his opportunities for advancement, Mr. Peterson has gradually worked his way to the front and is now classed among the prosperous farmers and stock-raisers of Lincoln township, while the family are highly esteemed by their friends and neighbors.