Clark Peteron, 1852

Posted4U@Charter.net on Thu, 15 Feb 2001

Surname: PETERSON, TOSTENSON, YOUMANS, HOGDEN, TOSTON, PETERSON

Source: 1918 History of Clark Co., WI, by Franklyn, Curtiss-Wedge

CLARK PETERSON, who for nearly twenty years has been successfully engaged in agricultural pursuits in section 35, Hoard Township, is a native of Norway, having been born April 26, 1852, son of Knute and Carrie (Tostenson) Peterson. The father, who was a farmer and stockman, died in his native land in 1864, having always lived there. He and his wife had six children: Toston, now in South Dakota; Juel, in North Dakota; Clark, of Hoard Township; Ole, deceased; Mary, now Mrs. Ole Arnson, of Arcadia, Wis., and Albert, also of Arcadia. Clark Peterson came to the United States at the age of 14 years, and was followed a year later by his mother.

He first located at Winona, Minn., where he lived five years, being employed in the Youmans & Hogden sawmill, for the most part, but also doing some farm work. In 1873 he went to Eau Claire County, Wis., where for five years he worked for a milk concern, afterwards taking a position with the Badger Saw mill Company of that place.

In 1894 he moved to Owen, Wis., and entered the employ of the Owen Lumber Company, remaining there until he bought his present farm in Hoard Township, Clark County, Wis., which he did in 1898. At that time only fifteen acres were ready for the plow, and the improvements consisted of a log house and barn and a frame hay shed. He has now sixty acres of plow land and in 1909 built a large barn, 36 by 60 feet, and in 1911 a silo of 100 tons capacity. In 1916 he erected a new frame residence of eight large rooms, with cement basement, which is one of the finest houses in the locality, being equipped in modern style and tastefully designed.

Mr. Peterson is engaged in breeding Holstein cattle, milking from twenty to twenty-five cows, and constantly raising the grade. He has his son Charles as assistant and partner, and they are doing a profitable and increasing business. Mr. Peterson was elected a member of the school board in 1904 and 1916. He was married in November, 1879, to Lena Lee, who was born in Norway, Feb. 14, 1856, daughter of Ole Toston. Her parents had five daughters, she and three sisters coming to America in 1874 and settling at Eau Claire, Wis.

Mr. and Mrs., Peterson have four children - Charles and Otto, residing on the home farm; Clara, who lives in Duluth; and Agnes, who is at home.