Durham, N. N. "Spokane and the Inland Empire: History of the City of Spokane and Spokane County Washington." Vol. 2. S. J. Clarke Publishing Co., 1912. FRANK E. PETERSON In Frank E. Peterson are found many of the sterling qualities which characterize the nation of which he is a representative. He displays the persistency of purpose and the thorough reliability that have ever marked the Swedish people. In his business career, by means of his perseverance and unfaltering energy, he has made continuous and creditable progress. He was born in Smolan, Sweden, October 1, 1874, a son of John and Johanna Peterson, who in the year 1876 brought their family to America and, like many of the emigrants from that land, sought a home in Minnesota. They first located at Red Wing and the father who had learned cabinet making in his native land, continued to work at his trade. The son, Frank E. Peterson, was sent to the public schools and when he had mastered the branches of learning therein taught, he acquired skill in the carpenter's trade, which he followed for a few years in Red Wing. Subsequently he sought a broader field of labor in Fargo, North Dakota, where he spent one year, but still not satisfied that he had reached the place which would give him the best opportunities, he came to Spokane in the Spring of 1898. Since then he has never wished to change his residence, for the business conditions here offered him what he sought. Moreover, his intellect had early grasped the eternal truth that industry wins, and industry has ever been the guiding force of his life. Following his arrival in Spokane he engaged in business with G. L. Weber and J. A. Creutzer, under the firm name of G. L. Weber & Company, in the general building and contracting business. The first residence which they erected was that of the late Judge W. E. Cullen, on Pacific avenue. Mr. Weber died after about two years, and following the retirement of Mr. Creutzer from the firm, Mr. Peterson continued his building operations alone for a time and success attended his efforts, important contracts being awarded him, for he had given proof of his ability, enterprise and straightforward methods. Among some of the buildings which he has erected are: the Dessert building, at the corner of Bernard and Riverside; the Stevens school; the new Franklin school, and the administration high school building and many others. He has also made several large additions to other schoolhouses and has erected a number of residences and similar buildings. He is now a director and treasurer of the Colonial Building Company and as a general contractor his work is contributing much to the general improvement of the city. He is also known in financial circles of the city as a director of the Scandinavian-American Bank. On the 28th of January, 1907, in Spokane, Mr. Peterson was united in marriage to Miss Ida May McClure and unto them has been born a son, John Lawrence. They occupy a pleasant home at 01428 Lincoln street, which Mr. Peterson erected in 1905. He belongs to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the Spokane Amateur Athletic Club, the Rotary Club and the Chamber of Commerce, associations which indicate much concerning the nature of his interests and his activities outside of the strict path of business. Those who meet him find that he possesses many of the qualities which awaken admiration and give rise to warm friendships. He started out in the business world with no false ideas concerning the way of attaining success. He early realized that diligence is the root of all honorable advancement and by reason of his persistent purpose and the skill which he has constantly displayed, for he has continually studied the business in its various phases, he has gained the liberal patronage which is accorded him and which is certainly well merited. ******************* Submitted to the Washington Biographies Project in June 2017 by Diane Wright. Submitter has no additional information about the person(s) or family mentioned above.