Olof Peterson

As printed in 1910

OLOF PETERSON.

Olof Peterson, who is one of the successful and enterprising farmers of Bishop Hill, was born in Ofvanaker Socken, Helsingland, Sweden, May 14, 1847. His father, Per Erickson, who was a native of the same place, died in Bollnas, Sweden, at the age of forty-five, and his mother, who was Miss Brita Jonson in her maidenhood, was born in Alfta Socken, and died in Bollnas, in the winter of 1867. His wife's mother, however, Christine (Jonson) Helstrom, is still living with the family upon the farm, and is yet active, although she has attained to the advanced age of eighty-six years. She is one of the original colonists, who came here in the summer of 1847, has witnessed the growth of the colony into a thriving village, while she has participated in her way in the work in which all shared during the lapse of years. Endowed with great energy and a cheerful disposition she is widely known and highly regarded, being especially held in esteem among the surviving old settlers of Bishop Hill.

Olof Peterson attended the public schools of his native land and was reared upon the home farm, which he conducted in part until he attained his majority. At the age of twenty-one he came to the United States, locating at Bishop Hill, this county. He found employment as a farm hand in Weller township for the first two years of his residence here, and then, having married, in 1870 he leased the place he now owns. It consists of one hundred and twenty acres, is well improved as the result of his own efforts, for he has reconstructed the original buildings and has added others to those which were standing when he assumed possession of the tract, and has cultivated the soil in a thorough and progressive manner. In consequence his fields exhibit the well cared for appearance that bespeaks the good farmer, while the condition of the farm's appurtenances indicates that he is a good and thrifty manager as well as a clever miller of the soil. He has won more than a competence as the result of his labors so that he may feel well repaid for the expenditure of time and energy he devoted to his fields.

On October 3, 1870, Mr. Peterson was united in marriage to Miss Christine Helstrom, who died January 24, 1903. Her mother, Mrs. Christine (Jonson) Helstrom, was one of the original colonists who settled at Bishop Hill early in the summer of 1847, She now makes her home with our subject upon the farm and although she has reached the age of eighty-six years she is still quite active. Having been a resident of the county for over sixty-two years, she is widely known and universally respected and esteemed. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Peterson were born nine children but four died in infancy and August W. lost his life in an accident on the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad, November 26, 1903, at the age of twenty-nine years. Those of the family still living are: Olive C, who lives at home; Bessie C, also at home; Eric T., who is a fireman on the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad, making his home at Galesburg, Illinois; and Oscar H,, who assists in the operation of the home farm.

Since he was admitted to citizenship in this republic Mr. Peterson has looked to the republican as his guide in political matters, and while he has not been conspicuous as a seeker for office he has been a participant in all local elections and has taken some part in public affairs of his township, having served as school trustee and as highway commissioner. The latter position he held for six years. His public spirit, which has characterized his actions since he became identified with the community here, and the success of his private life, have secured for him a full measure of the good will and respect of his fellows.

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