California Biographies Source: History of Fresno County, California, with biographical sketches of the leading men and women of the county who have been identified with its growth and development from the early days to the present (1919) History By Paul E. Vandor Illustrated, Complete In Two Volumes Historic Record Company, Los Angeles, California, 1919 Notes: Missing+page1185-1186 Transcribed by Peggy Hooper This file is part of the California Genealogy & History Archives http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~cagha/index.htm PETER M. PETERSEN.� Denmark has given to the United States many of her best citizens, men who have become very successful and influ- ential in the various sections in which they have located. California has received her share of these thrifty men among whom particular mention is made of Peter M. Petersen, proprietor of the Capital Creamery Company, located at 2030 Fresno Street, Fresno, Cal. He was born in Denmark in the vear 1877, and there he received a thorough education in the common and high schools of his community. His education was supplemented by a special course in farming and dairying, which he pursued in a college located at Copenhagen. For three years he was assistant professor in a dairy school located in Jutland, Denmark. When but a boy of nine years he began help- ing his father in the making of cheese and butter and he readily acquired a knowledge of the business. This practical experience, together with his schooling, was of great assistance to the young man and in his twentieth year he was made the manager of a Farmers Cooperative Creamery. In 1903 Mr. Petersen's thoughts began to turn westward, no doubt due to the many glowing accounts he had heard and read concerning the many advantages the United States offered to young men of energy and ambition, particularly in the Pacific Coast States. Deciding to seek his fortune in Cal- ifornia, he came to Stockton, where he obtained a position as stationary engineer. .Mr. Petersen having passed an examination as steam engineer Influx- leaving Denmark. Later he moved to Dairyville, Ore., where he was manager of the Star Creamery Company. Afterwards he was located at San Francisco, Cal.. where he was employed for a short time in the Golden State Creamery. His next position was with the Cooperative Creamery located at Laton, Fresno County, where he was engaged as a buttermaker. Later he was with the Farmers Cooperative Creamery at Riverdale, Fresno County, after which he located at McFarland, Kern Count}-, where he managed the Farmers Cooperative Creamery for four years. After the termination of this engagement. Mr. Petersen started in business for himself at Stockton. Cal., where he established the Gold Medal Creamery, with a partner. Sub- sequently he sold his interest to his partner and accepted the position of manager of the Kerman Creamery, located at Kennan. Lai. On October 1, 1915, he arrived in Fresno, where he established the Capital Creamery at 1928 Fresno Street. The first plant was small in size, but through Mr. Petersen's splendid business management and honorable methods his business soon out- grew in initial quarters and the necessity of a larger building became im- perative. On October 15. 1916, one year and a few days since he launched his new business in Fresno, he moved into a new and up-to-date plant at 2030 Fresno Street. This large building is equipped with the latest machinery which makes possible the handling of 2,000 gallons of milk daily, and increases the daily output to 450 pounds of "Capital Creamery Butter," the brand by which his product is known, and which is rapidly increasing in popularity. Mr. Petersen is regarded as one of the best informed men in the creamery business in the San Joaquin Valley and his advice is frequently sought by dairymen from all sections. Peter M. Petersen was united in marriage in Denmark, January 12, 1907, with Christina Williamsen, who is also a native of Denmark. Two children have blessed their home : Harry Albert and Carl P., both of whom are natives of California. Fraternally. Mr. Petersen is a member of the Danish Brotherhood and the Maccabees. He is a member of the Danish Church. Mr. Petersen is very public-spirited and is regarded as an enthusiastic booster of local enterprises and has often been called upon to help in the advance- ment of new and worthy projects.