Today in Wheeling History: January 16--William F. Peterson, a highly respected and influential businessperson known for his contributions to Wheeling's economic development, passed away suddenly at his brother's home in Woodsdale (1896).
William F. Peterson was born in Wheeling, West Virginia, in 1826. He was the son of William Fairfield Peterson, Sr., who had moved to Wheeling from Vermont at the beginning of the 19th century. William F. Peterson grew up in Wheeling and followed in his father's footsteps, becoming an influential figure in the city's business community. He initially worked in the insurance industry, where he and his brother operated one of the most important general insurance agencies in West Virginia. In 1885, Peterson transitioned to the iron roofing business, partnering with F. G. Caldwell to form Caldwell & Peterson. The firm gained national recognition and was later incorporated as the Caldwell & Peterson Manufacturing Company. Peterson was active in the management of the company until he and his brother sold their interests a year before his death. He was known for his dedication to public affairs and his contributions to the economic development of Wheeling. Peterson never married and lived with his brother's family in Woodsdale, a neighborhood east of the city. He passed away suddenly on January 16, 1896, at the age of 70, and was found dead in bed at his brother's home. An autopsy revealed that he died from heart failure. Peterson's legacy as a respected businessperson and active citizen remains a significant part of Wheeling's history.
To learn more: Ohio County Public Library Archives, Wheeling WV (https://shorturl.at/arZoB); Peterson Family History (https://shorturl.at/vcWh9), Find a Grave (https://shorturl.at/h5TN7n)
Photo credits: Wheeling Register, Find a Grave
William F. Peterson was born in Wheeling, West Virginia, in 1826. He was the son of William Fairfield Peterson, Sr., who had moved to Wheeling from Vermont at the beginning of the 19th century. William F. Peterson grew up in Wheeling and followed in his father's footsteps, becoming an influential figure in the city's business community. He initially worked in the insurance industry, where he and his brother operated one of the most important general insurance agencies in West Virginia. In 1885, Peterson transitioned to the iron roofing business, partnering with F. G. Caldwell to form Caldwell & Peterson. The firm gained national recognition and was later incorporated as the Caldwell & Peterson Manufacturing Company. Peterson was active in the management of the company until he and his brother sold their interests a year before his death. He was known for his dedication to public affairs and his contributions to the economic development of Wheeling. Peterson never married and lived with his brother's family in Woodsdale, a neighborhood east of the city. He passed away suddenly on January 16, 1896, at the age of 70, and was found dead in bed at his brother's home. An autopsy revealed that he died from heart failure. Peterson's legacy as a respected businessperson and active citizen remains a significant part of Wheeling's history.
To learn more: Ohio County Public Library Archives, Wheeling WV (https://shorturl.at/arZoB); Peterson Family History (https://shorturl.at/vcWh9), Find a Grave (https://shorturl.at/h5TN7n)
Photo credits: Wheeling Register, Find a Grave
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