Smyrna times., 1868-12-30

procured lanyard in North Front ST., where
ne proposed to carry on the manufacture OF
querctron bark, and also tanning in small
way. Well pleased with the diligence and am
bltlon OF Alexander, he placed him in charge
OF this establishment. The manufacture of
quercltron bark, which is used as a dye for
colorlng fabrics, became great success and
IS still continued by the successors of these
brothers, the brand of Peterson 4 Mustard
being well known both in this country and in
Europe.
In 1917 Alexander Peterson returned to
Smyrna and took an interest in the tannery
there. AT the same time the firm of j. & A.
Peterson was continued in Philadelphia, and
great advantage to the business was gained by
the presence of the brothers in that city during
dull PERIOD from 1918 to 1924. The business
was kept on safe basis, thoug b no money was
made.
Alexander Peterson not only showed great
system and energy in the management of the
tannery, but his practical mind suggested use
ful improvements in the machinery. He in
troduced the use of burr-stones instead of the
iron mill in grinding the Spanish oak bark,
which produced very favorable results.
In 1886, several changes took place in the
business. John Peterson retired from the city
business, and John Mustard received an inter
est, and Alexander Peterson returned to Phil
adelphia, and, taking Israel Peterson, a son
OF his brother John, as partner, formed the
firm of A. 4 |. Peterson. They carried on
tanning and furnishing on an extensive scale
on the corner Of Front and Brown streets
In lS43, Mr.. Peterson placed a ten.horse
steam engine in his tannery, and was the first
to successfully use the wet tan for fuel. 9th
ers had before failed in this effort, and, five
years after his success, the discovery was
claimed and patented by other persons.
In l848, Mr.. Peterson established the firm
of Peterson & Naudain, having a lanyard at
| North Fifth and Masters streets, and in 1850,
In association with John Mustard, he bought
out the interest of his brother John in the
Delaware tannery, which they improved and
enlarged to the capacity of ten thousand hides
per annum. Mr.. Peterson was thus operating
three extensive tanneries
In 1852, he transferred his interest in the
business at North Fifth and Masters streets t
his only son John, and the firm became Nau
dain 4 Peterson, and his interest in the tannery
on Front and Brown streets to his nephew
Israel Peterson
After year of leisure, he opened a store a
209 and 2ll Willow street., to sell the leathe
from the Delaware tannery, and with it job
bing business in leather, and also commission
business in hides and wool from St. Louis an(
New Orleans. This business continued unit
1861, when ne transferred all his trade, excep
| IhO OSldnoIO IahuCIy1 W cOHu W 4uuSCdIu
4 the son of his partner in the tannery and quer
4 citron bark mandatory.
: On the lst of May last, Mr.. Peterson AM
; his partner, John Mustard, gave the busines
4 of tanning and quercitron bark manufacture t.
e the two enterprising sons of the latter, who
under the firm of j. c. & Fl. r. Mustard, hav
3 their store at 2O9 Willow street. Thus, aite
, an uninterrupted connection of fifty-one year
with the tanning and leather business, MI
Peterson withdrew from it, having amassed
large fortune.
He now occupies his time in the cultivatio
of his extensive landed estate in Kent county
near the old tannery. He has a large annua
product of wheat, corn, peaches, etc, etc
which are source of considerable profit. H
is practical as we'll as scientific farmer, an
takes great interest and pleasure in agricultur;
It progress and success. His residence is in Phi
n adelphia.
e Mr.. PetersoR is a fne-looking, venerab
# man, who has still an active mind and earne
/ will. He has round figure, and a large hea(
J. with prominent and expressive features. Snow
n gray hair falls away from his ample brow, an
e his large, clear eyes beam with lustre whiC
d gathering years have scarcely dimmed. Pai
If and unostentatious in character, and just ar
liberal in his disposition, he is one in whom q
le find friend and counselor. His career hi
E, been illustrated by patient perseverance ar
NJ an honorable ambition, and it has been crow
t. ed by business success and the esteem Of
n fellow men.