J. G. Peterson Explained

J. G. Peterson
State Senate1:Arizona
District1:Maricopa County
Term Start1:January 1929
Term End1:December 1930
Predecessor1:Dan P. Jones
Harlow Akers
Successor1:Joe C. Haldiman
Frank T. Pomeroy
Birth Date:September 6, 1868
Birth Place:Peterson, Utah
Death Place:Mesa, Arizona
Nationality:American
Party:Democrat
Spouse:Leah Elizabeth Metz
Profession:Politician

Jedidiah Grant Peterson was an American politician from Arizona. He served a single term in the Arizona State Senate during the 9th Arizona State Legislature, holding one of the two seats from Maricopa County. He served several terms as the Mayor of Mesa, Arizona. He also held positions on the Arizona Highway Commission and the National Irrigation Congress, as well as being instrumental in the creation of the Roosevelt Dam.

Biography

Peterson was born on September 6, 1868, in Peterson, Utah, to Charles and Ann Peterson. He married Leah Elizabeth Metz in 1889. He was a member of the Woodsmen of the World, Knights of Pythias, and the Odd Fellows.[1]

Peterson was one of Arizona's delegates to the original National Irrigation Congress in 1891. He was mayor of Mesa, Arizona from 1900 to 1902. He was on the Roosevelt Dam Commission from 1901 to 1903, and played a principle role in getting the Roosevelt Dam constructed. From 1919 through 1923, he was a member of the Arizona Highway Commission, and was responsible for helping to build 400 miles of highway in the state. He served again as mayor of Mesa, for six consecutive terms from 1924 to 1936. From 1931 to 1946 he was employed as a livestock and land appraiser for the Salt River Valley Water Users' Association and the Arizona Farmers Credit Association. Peterson died on February 5, 1955, in Mesa Southside Hospital in Mesa, after a long illness.[2]

Notes and References

  1. News: Death Claims Mesa Pioneer, Jed Peterson. The Arizona Republic. February 6, 1955. 2. Newspapers.com.
  2. News: J. G. Peterson, Ex-Mesa Mayor, Burial Tomorrow. The Arizona Republic. February 7, 1955. 4. Newspapers.com.