Peterson, John G., 1861-1916

Mr. John G. Peterson was born in Germany in 1861. He came to the United States in 1881 and Juneau in April 1888 after serving five years in the U.S. Army. While in Juneau, he operated a tin, stove and hardware store and spent his spare time prospecting. In 1893, he returned to Germany and married Miss Marie (Mary) Jensen. Peterson, who had prospected during his spare time, made significant discoveries of gold in a valley approximately 24 miles north of Juneau. He staked numerous lode claims with C.H. Harrison in 1898 and 1899. A placer claim was staked on a creek that now bears his name. He named the valley Prairie Basin. Sufficient gold values in the mines allowed Peterson and his family to devote full time to developing them after 1901. They established a homestead at Pearl Harbor about four miles from the basin. The mine remained in operation until shortly after his death in 1916. Mrs. Marie Peterson and her daughters, Irma and Margaret operated the mine for several years after his death. In 1925, Irma Peterson married Mr. Charles (Carl) Olson of Sweden. Together they maintained a residence and homestead near the Peterson mine. Charles Olson died in Juneau in 1950. Mrs. Irma Peterson Olson lived to be 65 years old and died in Juneau in 1961. The couple's only child, Edward (Eddie) died in 1949.

From the description of John G. Peterson photograph collection [graphic], 1912-1950. (Alaska State Library). WorldCat record id: 60718683

German immigrant who came to Juneau in 1888. Became a full-time miner in 1898, 20 miles north of Juneau. After his death in 1916, his wife, Marie and daughters, Irma and Margaret continued to work the mine for 10 years. Irma and husband, Charles Olson, homesteaded at Pearl Harbor, Alaska, and managed a fox farm through the 1940's.

From the description of John G. Peterson family papers, 1861-1961. (Alaska State Library). WorldCat record id: 42928524