(Aledo Democrat - Aledo, Illinois - March 18, 1913)

Erik Alexander Peterson, was born in Gislof, Skytts Harad, Skane, in the Kingdom of Sweden, on December 12, 1860, and died at his home in Aledo, Illinois, on March 12th, 1913, at 10 o'clock p. m. aged 52 years and 3 months.

He leaves surviving him to mourn his demise, of immediate relatives, his wife, Hilda Peterson, and one daughter, Elsa, also one brother, Magnus Peterson of Aledo, Illinois, one brother, J. P. Peterson of Dahlby, Sweden, and two sisters, Mrs. Matilda Nihlen of Tralleborg, Sweden and Miss Anna Eliza Peterson, of Ystad, Sweden, and a host of intimate friends where he was known.

Mr. Peterson affiliated himself with the Swedish Evangelical Lutheran Church of Aledo, on April 12th, 1896, and was attentive to his church and its interests so far as circumstances would permit always ready to contribute with a cheerful spirit to the local work and the church work at large. He was for some years a trustee of the church and a member of the Building Committee which by its untiring efforts gave to Aledo and the Lutheran Congregation the splendid Church edifice and parsonage which they now possess.

"Erik" as he is so familiarly known, came to America in the spring of 1882, coming directly to the vicinity of Aledo, where he has since made his home. About twenty-one years ago he commenced in a very modest way the business in which he was engaged at the time of his death, and by dint of fair dealing, thrift and energy, built of that small beginning one of the most successful mercantile enterprises of Aledo. He was ever of a kind heart and open hand, helping every worthy cause so far as was in his power. His public spirited attitude on all questions touching the progress of the community in which he lived, has been a strong factor in the upbuilding of this city.

He was a most kind and loving husband and father, leaving nothing undone that would minister to the comfort and happiness of his family, and they will miss him sorely. His manly principle and true character have through the years won for him the respect and high regard of a host of people with whom he came in contact from time to time, and to them his death is a sad reminder of the frailties and the uncertainty of life, and they will feel that a good man and friend has gone out from their midst.

May the good Sheperd who "tempers the wind to the shorn lamb" sustain and comfort the bereaved mother and little Elsa, is the earnest prayer of all who knew the departed father.

Funeral services were held from the late home Sunday afternoon, Mar. 16, 1913, Rev. Frank Swenson of the Swedish Lutheran church and Rev. Arnold E. Moody of the First Presbyterian church officiating.

Interment was in the Aledo cemetery. The funeral was one of the largest ever held in Aledo and showed the high standing of Mr. Peterson among his fellow townsmen, who greatly mourn his loss.

Many beautiful floral tributes were given.