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Allamakee County >> 1913 Index Past and Present of Allamakee County Iowa P Unless otherwise specified, these biographies are submitted by Dick Barton. Peter Paulson submitted by Mary Beth Eldridge Among the early Norwegians to settle in Allamakee County is Peter Paulson, who has done much toward promoting the agricultural growth of his district, still owning a valuable farm of 305 acres in Center Township , although he has for the past 20 years lived retired. Mr. Paulson was born in Norde Land , Norway on August 19, 1828 , and is the son of Paul and Elizabeth (Hanson) Halverson. In 1853 the parents came to America and made their way to Allamakee County in 1854 where the father passed away the same year. The mother attained the extraordinary age of103 years, 10 months, and 26 days. Peter Paulson came to the U. S. in 1852, empty in pocket but rich in resources and possessed of industry and energy to realize on them. He even owed for his passage after coming to America . Making his way inland, he worked for 1 year on the 1 st railroad running west out of Chicago , at the end of which period he drove a team to Rock City , Wisconsin . There he engaged in lumbering until 1854 when he came to Allamakee County . Denying himself the pleasures he had acquired the means to purchase 120 acres of wild land in Center Township and thereon he made his home for 12 years. From time to time he added to his land, his farm now comprising 305 acres. On November 19, 1862 he married Miss Sophie Bakkum, a daughter of Erick Bakkum. Mrs. Paulson was born in Norde Land on August 10, 1844 and passed away at the age of nearly 66 years on July 1, 1912 . In their family were seven children: Mrs . Peter Hagen of Paint Creek Twp; Gustav and Gilbert at home, Mrs. Ole Storla of Paint Creek Twp.; Mrs. Oscar Hesla, deceased; and Pauline and Emma at home. Mr. Paulson has been a lifelong member of the Lutheran Synod Church , helped to organize the society and assisted in building of Worship here, which stands on his land. He has ever borne his share of time and money in promoting public welfare and is highly respected and esteemed by all who know him. His political views are republican, staunchly upholding the candidates of that party. He is influential among his countrymen among whom he is a Nester, and great credit must be given him for directing the steps of many of Nor way 's sturdy sons to this part of the state. Nature has been kind to him for he has never abused her laws. One usually thinks of old age as a period when mental as well as physical powers weaken, but there is an age which grows stronger and brighter mentally and morally as the years go by and gives out its rich store of wisdom and experience for the benefit of others. Such has been the life of Peter Paulson, who is not only one of the most venerable but also one of the most honored citizens of Allamakee County, respected wherever known and most of all where best known. Gabriel
Pederson, prominently connected with business interests of
Waterville as a member of the firm of Pederson & Company, general
merchants, and well known in official life as the capable and efficient
postmaster of the town, was born in Norway June 6, 1866.
He acquired
his education in his native country, attending public schools and
gaining a German and English education.
In 1881 he crossed the Atlantic
to America and came directly to Iowa, joining an uncle in Allamakee
county.
Here he was employed on a farm for several years thereafter,
but in 1892 went to Montana, where for one year and a half he worked at
anything that would bring him an income.
Returning
at the end of that time to Allamakee county, he secured a
position as clerk for Victor H. Stevens in the latter's general store at
Waterville, and after serving in this capacity for several years he
purchased an interest in the concern, the business being reorganized
under the firm name of Pederson & Company.
Mr. Pederson has been the
active manager since that time and a great deal of the credit for the
success of the enterprise is due to his initiative spirit and executive
ability.
Eventually his partner Mr. Stevens move to Dubugue, where he
passed away in 1912.
Mr. Pederson still continues to conduct the
business and has secured a large and representative patronage, drawn not
only from the city but from the surrounding districts as well.
He
carries a full line of high class merchandise and keeps his stock always
tastefully and attractively arranged, studying the needs and demands of
his customers, whose confidence he has in large measure.
In addition he
is one of the owners of the electric light plant of Waterville, which is
operated by a gasoline engine, and he aided in the organization of the
Waterville Savings Bank, of which he owns stock.
He has been postmaster
and express agent for a number of years and has proven straight-forward,
energetic and reliable in the discharge of his duties.
Mr.
Pederson was married August 31, 1896, to Miss Ida Bryson, who was
born and reared in Paint Creek township.
She is a daughter of John S.
Bryson, who was born in Dundee, Scotland, in 1831, and who came to the
new world with his parents in 1836, locating in Canadian West.
In 1840
the family removed to Connecticut, where John Bryson received his first
six months' schooling and later secured a position in the woolen factory
where his father was overseer.
The Bryson family removed to Wisconsin
in 1849, but afterward returned to the east, residing in New York state
for one year.
In 1850 they settled in Iowa, the father taking up a
tract of wild land in Paint Creek township, Allamakee county, where with
the assistance of his son James S. he broke the first sod in that
section.
John S. Bryson was married June 11, 1865, to Miss Tilde O.
Rema, a native of Norway, who came to America, settling in Paint Creek
township, Allamakee county, Iowa, about the same year that the Bryson
family made their permanent location here.
Mr. Bryson became a well
known and representative farmer of Paint Creek township and was active
also in public affairs, holding various positions of trust and honor.
Mr. and Mrs. Pederson are the parents of six children,
Ruth,
John A.,
Alice L., Rolf B., Alfred and Lester.
Mr.
Pederson is very prominent in local fraternal circles, holding
membership in the Masonic order.
He belongs to the blue lodge and
chapter at Waukon and is a member of McGregor Commandery, K. T.
He is a
charter member of the Waterville lodge of the Modern Woodmen of America
and he and his wife belong to the Order of the Eastern Star.
A resident
of Allamakee county almost continuously since 1881, he has become dwell
and favorably known here and in business and social life has won a large
circle of friends.
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