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Andrew John Peterson was born in Sweden on the 16th day of March, 1835, a son of Jerry and Mary (Funstat) Peterson. The father, who was also a native of Sweden, in which country he was born in 1806, was there married, and with his wife and four children came to America, leaving our subject, however, in Sweden.
He came direct to Burlington, engaging in a variety of occupations there until about the year 1863, when he bought a small tract of land in Union township. On this land he continued to reside until the time of his death in the fall of 1885. His wife died in September, 1899, at an advanced age, the date of her birth having been 1802.
Andrew J. Peterson grew to maturity in his native land, meantime receiving a good education in the public schools, and for a few years devoted himself to farming. In 1866 he decided to come to the United States, and locating in the neighborhood where his parents had previously settled, bought ten acres of land in Union township. He had great difficulties to overcome, but by rigid economy, hard and constant work, and careful management he achieved success, being now the owner of a fine farm excellently equipped. He added to his first purchase of land until at the present time it comprises one hundred and forty acres, while he also owns one hundred and sixty acres in Kearney county, Nebraska. He engages in general farming, and in addition maintains a small vineyard.
In the month of August, 1869, Mr. Peterson wedded Miss Christine Johnson, who had come to this country from Sweden two years prior to that time. To Mr. and Mr. Peterson have been born three children: Fred Albert, still at the parental home; Amanda, wife of Mr. Johnson, of Union township; and Nellie, also at home. Mr. and Mrs. Peterson are members of the Lutheran church, of which they have ever been among the most generous supporters. The political allegiance of our subject is given to the Republican party. He has always been progressive and enterprising, and has made many improvements on the farm, tiling and draining the land and placing it under effective cultivation. The large and comfortable dwelling-house is of his erection, and altogether he has established a very pleasant home.
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