Maria Petrea Peterson/Pederson Anderson

   Maria came with her parents and sister to America from Denmark.  They joined the Christian Madsen Wagon Company which arrived in Salt Lake, September 23, 1862.  She was six years old at this time.  They were sent to settle in Ephraim, Sanpete County.  She started her schooling when she was eight.  When she was twenty, she became the third wife of Neils Anderson.  She gave birth to nine children.

   Maria was a Scandinavian cook.  She baked wonderful rolls, cookies and many other delicious foods.  She did beautiful handwork and kept a lovely home.  She was especially known for her skill in netting.  She kept her own geese and made down pillows and comforters for her children when they married.

   Neils was on the run from the law due to his plural marriages and took Maria with him.     She was widowed at the age of fifty-seven.

   Maria and her sister, Elsie C. Christensen died one day apart and a double funeral service was held for them in Ephraim.

Children:

Franklin Christian, 3 January 1878

Emma Malinda, 21 January 1880

George Anthony, 13 February 1882

Daniel Melvin, 9 May 1884

Arthur Homer, 9 February 1886

Ernest Wilford, 9 May 1888

Sarah Elizabeth, 5 February 1891 (died as an infant)

Esther Ruthinda, 30 May 1892

Ammon Sylvester, 1 December 1894 (died as an infant)

(Source: Pioneer Women of Faith and Fortitude, Volume 1 A to E, International Society Daughters of Utah Pioneers, p.84)