GEORGE W. PETERSON, one of the self-made men of Riley County, is the gentleman whose name heads this sketch. He was born in Sweden in 1859, on the first day of that year. His parents, Charles J. and Charlotta (Anderson) Peterson, natives of Sweden, emigrated to America in 1866, and settled in Jamestown, N. Y. Mrs. Peterson died there some years ago. but Mr. Peterson still makes it his home, and continues to work at his trade of a cabinet-maker. They were the parents of five children, viz: Josephine, George W., Alice, Frank and Emma.

George W. Peterson was six years of age when his parents came to this country, hence he does not remember much of his native land, hut is a true American in thought and speech. He was reared in Jamestown, and attended its common schools. where he received a fair education, but he has added to what he received in school by a diligent course of reading and study, selecting such subjects as seemed of most practical importance. He is, therefore, very well informed in all branches of knowledge pertaining to practical affairs, and well qualified to take a leading part in business circles. However, while making practical knowledge his main study, he has not wholly neglected the minor races and refinements of civilized life, but is sufficently well versed in the subjects of modern philosophy and ivsthelical culture to be able to take his place in the most cultivated society.

In 1778 Mr. Peterson emigrated to Kansas, and found employment as a clerk, following that occupation in Blue Rapids, Mariadahl, Randolph and Leonardville. He moved to the latter place in 1884, and has since given the greater part of his time to farming. He owns 280 acres of fine land in Sherman and Bala Townships, and is also owner of the grain elevator at Leonardville, besides other valuable real estate. He is at present connected with the J. H. Jenkins banking establishment, at Leonardville, his varied acquirements making him an important acquisition to that concern. He is reasonably active in political matters, and has been rewarded by his party, Republican, with an office of trust and responsibility, viz; Township Trustee of Bala Township, and upon the completion of his term of office was re-elected by an emphatic majority, in 1888, and is, therefore, the present incumbent. He is popular with all classes, and although he started in life quite poor, has, by the exercise of good judgment and legitimate business methods, acquired a large share of wealth without sacrificing his integrity.

As long as he lives, our subject will remember the 10th of February, 1883, as on that day he took to wife the amiable and accomplished Miss Bettie Anderson, of Randolph, Kan. She was born in Butler County, Kan., in 1864, and is a daughter of Samuel and Margaret Anderson, natives of Sweden who came to America many years ago. Mrs. Peterson is a true woman in every relation in life, and a valued member of the social circle in which they move. Two children have come to share their home and loving care, named by the fond parents. Earl W. and Arthur G. They are bright and affectionate little fellows, and give promise of making an honorable career for themselves, when time shall have added a few years more to their present number.