Contributed article by Edres Bryant Barney
PIMA — The Petersons were both immigrants from Denmark, coming to America with their parents as children. Peter “O” with his parents were members of the ill-fated Willie Handcart Company. At the tender age of 9, he was “put out” to work for his keep; and was on his own thereafter.
Peter married Mary Anderson in Logan, Utah, on Feb. 14,1876, and with other young couples, came to help settle the Arizona territory. They settled first in Obed, later moving to Joseph City, then relocating to Mormon Lake before coming to Pima.
When they arrived in Pima, several settlers had taken up land in Graham and were waiting until their numbers were large enough to give protection from both Indians and outlaws. They were asked to join this group and settled in Graham.
Their first home was a tent. Later, the family moved to what was called Peterson Wash. There, Peter built a large brick home for his family of 10 children, with eight living to maturity. In addition to their five boys, the three girls were Sena Kempton, May Brown and Lillian Mulleneaux.
The posterity of Peter and Mary are numerous in a variety of professions; many who helped improve the Valley and made it their home.
Please visit the Eastern Arizona Museum in Pima and learn more about the pioneers who helped settle the area. The museum is open Thursday-Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
