Joseph Christian (Chris) Peterson was born
March 21, 1862, in Hurring, Denmark. He arrived in
Stirling, Alberta, Canada, on May 5, 1899. He had
answered the call of the Latter-Day Saint church to
come and help build the canal. He also helped build
the part of the railroad contracted by Theodore
Brandley. After these projects were completed, he
returned to Elsinore, Utah, to his wife Cecelia Jane
Lott and his children.

Chris was thrilled with Canada and had decided
to sell his property and move to Stirling. Cecilia
needed some convincing, but was soon packed and
they all came to Canada.

Chris had worked on the canal near Welling and
he bought his property in that area. He built the first
home on the Nine Mile Coulee and it was there he
turned the first sod. He was always known by his
friends as Nine Mile Peterson. His life's work was in
agriculture, raising Marquis wheat and timothy. In
1929, he sold out and moved to Spokane, Wash-
ington.

His wife, Cecelia, was born June 13, 1867, in
Lehi City, Utah. Chris and Cecelia had four daughters
and one son.

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