J. H. C. Petersen

As printed in 1910

J. H. C. PETERSEN.

Perhaps no man in Davenport has done more toward advancing the mercantile interests of the city than J. H. C. Petersen, who has now retired from active life and lives in the enjoyment of well earned rest at No. 510 West Sixth street. He was born in Germany and as a young man crossed the Atlantic in 1860, determined to prove the truth of the reports which he heard concerning the opportunities of the new world and hoping that he might secure advantages which would lead to substantial progress in business lines. He came direct to Scott county and his limited financial resources made it imperative that he secure immediate employment. For a year, therefore, he worked as a farm hand but regarded this only as an initial step to broader and more important labor. In 1862 he turned his attention to merchandising and in that field continued for a long period, his labors being attended with a most gratifying measure of success. The beginning was a humble one and for a few years he was associated with a partner, to whom he later sold his interest. In the meantime the business had been substantially developed and his experience had brought him valuable knowledge concerning the best methods of conducting mercantile interests. In 1872 he established business independently, being then located at No. 219 Second street. The growth of his trade enabled him later to include No. 220 Second street as a part of his store and still later he utilized the building at No. 217- 2\yy2 Second street. His operations embraced many fields of activity. No potential demand of his patrons was unnoticed and while his own enterprise grew in size it was also advancing mercantile progress throughout Davenport. In time it became one of the foremost mercantile establishments of the city and largely set the standard for activity in his especial field. He is recognized as one who has contributed much toward the city's financial prosperity and commercial interests and up to the time of his retirement was regarded as one of the most prominent and honored merchants here.

In 1844 Mr. Petersen wedded Miss Johanna Elsbeth Hansen. They became the parents of ten children, five of whom are deceased. The living are: M. D.,

As printed in History of Davenport and Scott County Iowa : Illustrated (1910). See the original pages. Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.