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[[stamped]] FROM THE FLYING PIONEERS BIOGRAPHIES OF HAROLD E. MOREHOUSE [[/stamped]]

CHRISS J. PETERSON 
Early Wright Pilot - World War I Instructor 

[[image]]

Chris J. Peterson was born at Albert Lee, Minnesota, September 19, 1877, one of a large family of children. He attended local schools and at an early age enlisted in Co. F, 1st South Dakota Volunteer Infantry at Sioux Falls, South Dakota, and served in the Spanish American War in 1898. He re-enlisted as Corporal in the 11th Volunteer Calvary, Troop K on July 31, 1899 and was discharged from the service n June 30, 1901. 

Following this Peterson decided to go west and take up ranch life. Locating in Utah he worked for some time at various jobs, including that of a cook, on ranchers there. Then he took up barbering and located in Tucker, Utah.

In November, 1910 a friend induced Peterson to with him to Denver, Colorado to attend an air meet to be held there November 16th to 19th. Peterson had never seen any flying and was not particularly interested but finally consented to go. Three E+Wright aviators, Ralph Johnstone, Arch Hoxsey and Walter Brookins had been engaged to fly at Overland Park near Denver for the event. Before the two men started on their trip they learned that Johnstone had been killed at Denver so they left hurriedly hoping to get there before they had all crashed
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Transcription Notes:
[[image: C.J. Peterson standing next to his airplane wearing googles on his forehead & a heavy flight jacket]]