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Martin Peterson was born in Sweden on December 4, 1829 and immigrated
to Illinois at the age of 25. He came over on a sail boat which left Sweden
on May 1 and landed in New York City on July 5th. In Winnebago City, Illinois,
he worked for four years as a contractor, furnishing wood for railroads. By
trade, he was a bricklayer and mason.
In 1858, Martin came to Nicollet County, Minnesota by covered wagon and built
a log house. On January 1, 1859, he married Judith Webster (Westerberg). Their
marriage was the first wedding in New Sweden Township and was held at the Andrew
Webster home with the Rev. P.A. Cederstrom officiating.
Judith was born at Hemmesjo, Kronobergs Lan, Sweden on June 12, 1834 and immigrated to Ken-tucky where she worked as a maid in the home of a wealthy family. This family owned slaves but treated them well. Judith came to visit her brother Andrew in Minnesota and liked it so much that she stayed.
In addition to farming, Martin became widely known as an importer of fine horses and made many trips to France and Belgium to bring back fine specimens of draft and coach horses. He was in the breeding and importing business until about three years before his death on February 23, 1906.
Martin was a charter member of Scandian Grove Lutheran Church where he served twelve years as trustee and fifteen years as deacon. He also served as assessor, treasurer, county commissioner, and school officer. He was Third Sergeant in Captain Stark's company during the Indian outbreak in 1862.
Judith died on March 20, 1923.
Martin and Judith had eight children: Joseph, Samuel, Elias, Benjamin (who died in infancy), Anna, Mary, Inez, and Benjamin.
Submitted by John Quist and last updated December 2, 2007.
