Biographical Sketch of

P. E. Peterson

Transcribed by Sandra Boudrou for the Marquette Co WI Pages


Source: Portrait and Biographical Album of Green Lake, Marquette and Waushara Counties, Wisconsin, 
published 1890 by Acme Publishing Co., Chicago, Page 724 


P. E. Peterson, who is engaged in merchandising in Briggsville, where he holds the office of 
Postmaster, has long been a resident of Marquette County, and ranks high in its business and 
social circles.  He was born in Norway, May 6, 1832, and is one of seven children, but only 
three are now living:  John, a farmer, of Vernon County, Wis.; Cornelius, who follows the same 
occupation in Vernon County; and P. E., of this sketch.
 
Our subject crossed the Atlantic and became a resident of America in 1850, when seventeen years 
of age.  He was accompanied by his parents and on landing the party came direct to Racine, where 
he continued to reside for several years, during which time he learned the trade of a carpenter 
and millwright, which occupation he followed in different places until 1857, when he came to 
Marquette County.  He chose the village of Briggsville as the scene of his future labors, and 
has there since made his home.  In 1861 he was united in marriage with Miss Sophia Dill, who 
was also a native of Norway, but traces her paternal ancestry back to Holland.  Their union has 
been blessed with seven children, five of whom are still living, namely:  Andrew, who resides 
in Minnesota, engaged in buying wheat for the Northern Pacific Elevator Company; Sarah, Marcus, 
Ella and Inez, who are yet with their parents.
 
Prompted by patriotic impulses, Mr. Peterson responded to the call of his adopted country and, 
in 1863, enlisted in the 44th Wisconsin Infantry in which he served until the close of the war. 
He participated in all the most important engagements of his command and in August, 1865, was 
honorably discharged, being mustered out at Paducah, Ky. He then returned to his home and opened 
a wagon shop in Briggsville, but his health failing him on account of the hardships endured in the army, he was forced to sell out and was variously employed until 1887, when he embarked in 
mercantile business.  He carries a full stock of general merchandise and being familiar with 
the wants of his customers, whom he earnestly desires to please, he has been very successful 
in that enterprise and has built up a good trade.  He is honest and fair in all his dealings 
and, treating all alike, has won the confidence and good wishes of those with whom he has come 
in contact.  Mr. Peterson has also devoted a portion of his time to the duties of Assistant 
Postmaster, to which office he was appointed by William Murphy, who became Postmaster under 
President Cleveland.  Mr. Peterson, however, is a Republican, and feels a deep interest in the 
success and welfare of that party.  He cast his first Presidential vote for Abraham Lincoln.  
He justly deserves the high rank which he holds among the citizens of Briggsville, and his 
life of uprightness is well worthy of emulation.  His home relations are of the most pleasant, 
and, like her husband, Mrs. Peterson is highly esteemed. 
  






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