J.A. Peterson was born in Sweden, August 5th, 1867, and came to this country with his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Peterson, in 1868. They settled in Dayton, Iowa, where he grew to manhood. He was married to Miss Emma Gustafson in 1891 at Dayton. They made their first home in Omaha and in 1894 they came to Arlington.

Mr. Peterson entered the mercantile business, the firm then known as "Peterson & Linn." Later he was associated with the late John F. Jackerott. Following the latter's retirement he operated the store alone, until 1936 when he retired. For the past six years he made his home with his son, Dr. L.M. Peterson. Mr. Peterson had been in failing health for the past year, and was bedfast the last three days.

Mr. Peterson was a very familiar and popular figure among the business men in Arlington for many years. He was known for his friendly interest in his customers and neighbors. For many year he was a deacon of the Congregational Church and also an officer in the Sunday School.

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#2-23 Sept., 1948 - The Enterprise - John Aaron Peterson

J. A. PETERSEN FUNERAL SATURDAY (spelling is “Peterson”)

Arlington - Funeral services were held Saturday afternoon at the Congregational church for J. A. Peterson, long time resident of the Arlington vicinity. Dr. E. Merle Adams officiated with burial in the Arlington cemetery beside his wife. Dr. Adams was assisted by Rev. H. C. VanValkenburgh.

Dr. Jack Cady sang “Sweet Hour of Prayer” and “Going Home” accompanied by Mrs. McClaughry at the piano. Organ music was furnished by Mrs. Alice Newcom.

Mr. Peterson was born in Gilfleborgs, Sweden August 5th, 1867 and came to this country with his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Peterson, in 1868. They settled at Dayton, Iowa where he grew to manhood. In 1891 he was married to Miss Emma Gustafson at Dayton, Iowa, and they then came to Omaha where they lived until 1894 when they moved to Arlington.

Mr. Peterson entered the mercantile business known as “Peterson and Linn”. Later he became associated with the late John F. Jackerott and at Mr. Jackerott’s death he operated the store alone until 1936 when he retired. Since the death of his wife he has made his home with his son, Dr. L. M. Peterson.

Mr. Peterson was a familiar and popular businessman in Arlington for many years, and was known for his friendly interest in his customers and neighbors and was especially loved by the children. For many years he was deacon of the Congregational church and also Superintendent of the Sunday School. In September, 1946 he was elected Deacon Emeritus with the privileges of a deacon for life. He was an honored guest at a dinner given in appreciation of his work in the church at the time of this election, and his many friends were there to recognize his years of service in the community and in the church.

His wife and two daughters, Mrs. Bernita Rhodes and Mrs. Irma M. Ludwig, preceded him death. Surviving are three sons, Dr. L. M. Peterson, Theodore R. Peterson, radio announcer of New York City and John Rodney Peterson of Arlington. One sister, Mrs. Anna Umsteed of Page, North Dakota, seven grandchildren and two great grandchildren. Funeral services were under the direction of Reckmeyer and Son Funeral Home.

~~~ Obituary courtesy of the Washington County Genealogical Society. Newspaper clippings on file in the Blair Public Library at Blair, Nebraska.~~~

Find a Grave # 44775560. Buried in the Arlington Cemetery, Arlington, NE