BIOGRAPHY - Swan Peterson
SWAN PETERSON, secretary and manager of the Swan Peterson Floral Company, was born in Norra Stro, Skane, Sweden, Dec. 29, 1860. April 1, 1880, he landed on American soil and made his home in Gibson City, where he has lived ever since.
Mr. Peterson learned horticulture at Araslof, Sweden, under one of the most capable gardeners in that part of the country. He started in business for himself as a florist, continuing alone for many years, until the increase of business prompted him in 1900 to enlarge his establishment. For that purpose he organized the Swan Peterson Floral Company, with $30,000 capital, of which stock he holds one-third. The present value of the plant is about $40,000. He makes a specialty of violet, carnation and rose culture. Mr. Peterson is the originator of several new varieties of carnations. The company's shipments of flowers and plants cover a wide territory. Their greenhouses comprise 100,000 square feet of glass. Mr. Peterson has a beautiful home on the nursery grounds. He is one of the pillars of the Swedish Lutheran church in the city, having served as a deacon for over 20 years and as Sunday school superintendent for a number of years.
Mrs. Peterson, whose maiden name was Sigrid Molin, was born at Vederslof, Skane, Feb. 23, 1867. Their children are Frida M., Anna E., Edith P., Esther L., Freddie S., Linda D., and Freddie E., deceased.
Extracted 28 Jan 2017 by Norma Hass from History of Swedes of Illinois, published in 1908, Volume 2, pages 182-183.
