Gaston, Joseph. "The Centennial History of Oregon, 1811-1912." Vol. 3. Chicago, Clarke Publishing Co., 1912. p. 899. JOHN PETERSON who now lives retired in Helix, was born in Norway, October 15, 1840, a son of Peter and Andrea Benson, both of whom were also natives of Norway, the father born in 1799 and the mother in 1802. Both died in their native land, the mother having reached the advanced age of ninety-six years. In their family were two children. John Peterson received a common-school education and remained in Norway until he was twenty-eight years of age. On coming to America, he settled at Omaha, Nebraska, where he resided five years. Subsequently lie went to Rock Springs, Wyoming, but after five years removed to Walla Walla, Washington, residing there one year. In 1878 lie came to Umatilla county, Oregon, where he purchased a farm, residing thereon for four years. He then sold that place and bought one hundred and sixty acres but after five years sold the second farm and purchased six hundred and forty acres, which he still owns and which is highly improved. In 1906 he retired from active work and purchased a residence in Helix, where he has since resided. In Omaha, Nebraska, in 1872, Mr. Peterson wedded Miss Anna Ingerman, who is a native of Norway, and came to America on the same ship with her future husband. To them have been born eleven children: Paul J., now a resident of Wyoming; Emma, the wife of Ed Oliver, of Umatilla county; Henry, of the same county; Agnes, the wife of Ed Brotherton, of Walla Walla, Washington; Clara, the wife of Charles Young, of Wyoming; Anna, who married Addison Stockman, of Umatilla county; John L. and Jens C., both of that county; Fred, now in South America; Ellen, the wife of Frank Rame, of Umatilla county; and one deceased. Mr. Peterson gives his allegiance to the republican party, and he has always been greatly interested in the cause of education, having now served for over twenty years as school director. Both he and Mrs. Peterson are faithful members of the Christian church and they are most highly honored and valued citizens in the county where they have chosen to make their home. ******************* Submitted to the Oregon Bios. Project in July 2007 by Diana Smith. Submitter has no additional information about the person(s) or family mentioned above.