Askov American. [volume] (Askov, Pine County, Minn.) 1914-current, 1929-02-21
L. C.. Petersen
LAID TO REST
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changed to Askov-being named after
the big Danish folk high school in,
Denmark. Naturally the problems OF
the early settlers were many and
some of the folks were discouraged at
times, for the income was meager to
begin with, and here is where Mr..
Petersen did some real constructive
| work. He believed in the country and
it's future and was always optimistic.
He gave courage to the settlers and
being also a very practical man was
| influential in having cooperative
creamery Established in 1911 which
has progressed steadily to this day,
| in 1928 manufacturing 451,319 pounds
of butter. He also helped with the
getting of good cattle to the COM
munity and in countless other ways
was of assistance to the settlers.
In 1911 the First State Bank of
Askov was organized and commenced
business Immediately. Mr.. Petersen
was president of the organization from
the beginning and until his passing.
Here again he called on his partner
and lifelong friend, A. Gravesen. who
had conducted their general merchan-
disc business in Tyler from 1903 to
1911. Mr.. Gravesen had no previous
banking experience but having been
in business for a number of years and
a we'll educated man he soon fitted
into his new position as, cashier OF
the Askov bank of which he has since
been the guiding hand. The two
gentlemen also formed a partnership
in the real estate business under the
firm name of Petersen & Gravesen
In later years V. S. Petersen joined
with the bank and is now the cashier
Mr.. Gravesen holding the office OF
vice president
A ResOurceful Man.
1t was Mr.. Pedersen's indomitable
spirit of aggressiveness that carried
him through so well and so success
fully. If he believed in a thing and
started working for it he would see il
through. He was resOurceful and il
one plan failed he would not give uI
but would pursue another until vic
tory crowned his efforts But for al
of his aggressiveness he was also
tactful and it was these good qualities
that helped him along so well in his
leadership and the success of this
: colony undertaking. His aggressive
ness and spirit of conquering obstacles
also carried him through sickness
Having worked hard as youngstel
on the farm and been subjected tt
all kinds of weather while stock
buyer at Tyler he became all crippled
up from rheumatism about 30 years
ago. When he left home to seek cure
many of his friends thought that they
had seen him for the last time, bu
his will power carried him through
and after year and half of treat
ments and careful dieting he was
back at work again.
!. Active in Church.
: His. home, the church, the Danish
e folk high school, and the local com
: munity were his centers of interest
g but he also found time to be of serv
ice in broader fields. Mr.. Pederser
:, for many years. was treasurer OF the
r local church and that he considered
this institution the mainstay of thu
o community and the biggest and great
n est thing here was plainly evident
He was a most excellent collector fo
r the church and always managed tt
S have enough money on hand to hav'
5. that institution going smoothly. A
the services there was no talk o
money, it was his principle and
good one-that at the services folk
should not be bothered with pecuniar
things, but to come there to worship
and enjoy the sabbath in it's truest ant
fullest sense The financial affair
of the church which of necessity mus
o also be looked after, was quietly at
q tended to on the outside and at othe
3 times than when services were hello
" Held Many Offices.
Mr.. Petersen was at the time of hi
passing financial secretary of the Oh
C Peoples Home of the Danish Luthera