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Compiled by John H. Wheeler Published in 1903 by B. F. Bowen Biography Page 222 - 223 |
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CARL B. PETERSON
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When it comes to thrift, the practice of economy and the accumulation of property and wealth the average native American does not seem to be able to bear favorable comparison with the natives of other climes who take up their abode in the United States. True, most of the really rich men of America are "to the manner born," but, in proportion to their number, people of foreign birth are possessed of much more of the wealth of the nation than the native-born citizens, if the gigantic corporations and the millionaires are excluded. There can be no doubt that the difference in training of the two classes produces different results. Prudence and economy is the rule with the one; lavish expenditure the policy of the other. America is largely peopled with wealth producers and accumulators from other shores. Nearly every country in Europe has contributed to the grand total and the sons of Sweden are not the least among the number. The subject of this sketch, Carl B. Peterson, who resides on section 35, Clam Lake township, is one of the thrifty sons of Sweden who have resided in America nearly a quarter of a century. By industry and frugality he has accumulated a comfortable estate, and not yet being bowed down by the weight of years, it is quite likely that he will yet add many thousands more to his possessions. As before indicated, Carl B. Peterson is a native of Sweden. He was born June 9, 1855, and continued to reside in the country of his birth until he arrived at the age of twenty-seven years. The prevailing conditions in his native land were not entirely agreeable to him and he yearned for a wider field and better opportunities. After casting about for some time for a location, he decided that America afforded the best field for operation. In 1882, when twenty-seven years of age, he emigrated to America, remained a few months in Cleveland, Ohio, and then came to Wexford county, Michigan, and purchased eighty acres in section 35, Clam Lake township, on which he settled and which has been the family home to the present time. To the original purchase he has added eighty acres more and is now the owner of a fine fertile quarter section, sixty acres of which is improved and in a fine state of cultivation. In Muskegon, Michigan, Carl B. Peterson was united in marriage to Miss Minnie Anderson, a native of Sweden, a woman of many noble qualities and sterlingvirtues. They immediately took up their abode upon the farm on section 35, and that has been their residence to the present time. To Mr. and Mrs. Peterson four children have been born, viz: Joseph, Carl A., Oscar and David. The family stands well in the township of their residence and enjoy an enviable reputation for thrift and industry and every element that constitutes good citizenship. |