My Genealogy Hound

CLAUS PETERSON, dealer in carriages and agricultural implements, of Red Bud, was born in northern Germany, and in that country was reared to manhood, no event of special importance occurring during his boyhood and youth. It was in 1867 that he crossed the Atlantic and came direct to this place, where he soon embarked in his present business. Two of his brothers also emigrated to the New World, Peter and Chris. The former died in Red Bud in 1891, leaving two children. The latter is now a resident of Silver King, Ariz., where he is interested in mining.

In his native land our subject had learned the trade of wagon-making, and in 1872 began working along that line in Red Bud, but after carrying on operations for a few years he abandoned the occupation and began dealing in farm implements and carriages. He carries a good stock and does the most extensive business in this line of any man in the county. He lost heavily in the cyclone of 1892, but with characteristic energy he began the work of retrieving his lost possessions. His success is the result of his untiring effort and good management.

In 1876 Mr. Peterson was united in marriage with Miss Annie Kaney, a native of Indiana, born in Evansville. Their union has been blessed with a family of four children, Johnnie, Oscar, Amelia and Minnie, all of whom are still under the parental roof. The parents of our subject, John and Katrina (Christiansen) Peterson, were both natives of Germany, and there spent their entire lives. A brother and sister of our subject, John and Mary, are also living in the Fatherland.

Socially, Mr. Peterson is connected with the Knights of Honor, and his brother is a member of the Masonic fraternity and the Odd Fellows’ society. Both are stanch Republicans in politics and take an active interest in the growth and success of their party. Mr. Peterson has been called upon to serve in positions of public trust, and for a number of years has filled the office of City Alderman with credit to himself and satisfaction to his constituents. For some time he was also a member of the School Board, and during his service in that capacity did much toward the promotion of the cause of education, of which he is a warm friend. It was a fortunate day for him when he determined to emigrate to America, for here he has met with prosperity, securing a comfortable home, and made many warm friends.