Gilbert Peterson
American contractor (1824–1890)
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Gilbert Peterson (August 5, 1824 – November 14, 1890) was an American general contractor that constructed a number of infrastructure works including waterworks and canals.
Gilbert Peterson | |
|---|---|
| Born | August 5, 1824 |
| Died | November 14, 1890 (aged 66) |
| Occupation | Contractor |
| Known for | Superintendent of both the eastern and western divisions of the Erie Canal |
Political party | Democratic |
| Spouse | Elizabeth Parker Peterson |
| Children | 4, Jesse Peterson, Charles Gilbert Peterson, Jennie Peterson, and Elizabeth Peterson |
| Parent(s) | Garret Cornelisen Peterson Rebecca Babcock Peterson |
Career
Peterson was the founder and President of Peterson & Sons, which he ran with his two sons, Charles Gilbert Peterson and Jesse Peterson. The company executed contracts building the waterworks of Toledo, Ohio; Grand Rapids, Michigan; Milwaukee; part of the Genesee Valley Canal Railroad[1] and worked on multiple reservoirs in the Washington, D.C. area.[2][3]
He was a partner at Hunt, Peterson & Kinsley, responsible for enlarging Erie Canal between Middleport, New York, and Gasport, New York, in 1855, and canal repairs in Albany, New York, Frankfort, New York, and Kilburn Hill, New York.[4]
Peterson was superintendent of both the eastern and western divisions of the Erie Canal, and in 1867–1868 he was alderman of the 2nd Ward of Lockport, New York.[5]
Personal life
He is the great grandfather of Charles Sterling Bunnell.