Oscar Peterson, born October 29,
1847 in Lotjsa County, Sweden, was the son of a
farmer. At twenty two years of age, he
came to America, landing
first in New York. From there he went to Chicago,
where he stayed briefly before going on to a Swedish colony in Nebraska.
In 1872, he joined a train of
eighty wagons bound for Sherman,
Texas. This move was influenced by his friendship
with John Peterson, also a Swedish immigrant determined to establish a home in Texas. In 1874, both men bought farms southwest of
Bear Creek in North
Tarrant County
near present day Keller. In 1886, Oscar
Peterson was married to Helen Prosser, a native of West Virginia, born August 15, 1860, the
daughter of Joseph S. and Lillias Clark Prosser. Their only son, Ernest, is now a resident of Rhome, Texas
and is the father of Clark and Prosser Peterson. After the son’s marriage to Ruby Dale, the
parents left the farm to him and spent their remaining years in a two story
frame house, which has been remodeled and is still standing at the southeast
corner of Main and Bates Street in Keller.
Oscar E. and Helen Peterson are
remembered as a gracious host and hostess.
A member of the present generation recalls the pleasant childhood
experience of going with her grandmother to visit them. Tea was always served and the cooky jar held
a special attraction. Features about “Uncle
Oscar” which impressed the child’s mind were his kindly disposition, his thunderous
voice and the well kept beard which he wore from his youth. Older residents of the community remember him
as a man of energy, industry and honesty, features which made him a prosperous
farmer.
The Petersons were members of the
Presbyterian Church. He passed away
January 22, 1929 and his wife, July 17, 1938.
Both are buried in Bourland
Cemetery.
Sources:
Svenkarne Texas
(Swedish Colonies in Texas)
1838-1918 by Ord Och Bild
Vol. 1, page 877
Interviews with: Tilda Peterson
Hudnall, Emma Hodge Satterwhite, and
Betty Bayne White Shafer.
Paddock’s History of North and West Texas.
