Atley Peterson

Atley Peterson (February 21, 1847 – March 29, 1909) was a Wisconsin pioneer who served as a state legislator, and state railroad commissioner.

Background Atley P. Peterson was born near the small village of Erdal in Lærdal Municipality in Nordre Bergenhus county, Norway. He was the son of Niels Pederson and Marie Olsdatter (Helland) Pederson. He came to America with his family in 1852. He died of edema at his home in Soldiers Grove on March 29, 1909.

Political career His political career included a number of years as a member of the Crawford County Board. Peterson served as president or supervisor of the Village of Soldiers Grove almost continuously until his death. He held the office of postmaster for 17 years, from 1869 to 1886.

In 1886, he was elected to replace Nils P. Haugen as Wisconsin Railroad Commissioner and served in this capacity from 1887 to 1891. and again in 1902, in an effort to succeed future Wisconsin Governor, James O. Davidson, to that position. He was served as a delegate to the Republican National Convention in 1908.