Henry Peterson

Henry Peterson (December 7, 1818 – October 10, 1891) was an American editor, novelist, poet, and playwright. He was editor of The Saturday Evening Post for thirty years and owner of H. Peterson & Company publishing firm. He was a member of the Peterson family of publishers including his brother Robert Evans Peterson and his cousin Charles Jacobs Peterson.

Early life and education

He was born on December 7, 1818, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to George and Jane (Evans) Peterson.

Career

He worked as a clerk in a hardware store at age fourteen, and in 1839 joined the firm of Deacon & Peterson, who became publishers of the Saturday Evening Post. In 1843, Peterson became editor of the Saturday Evening Post. In 1848, he was half owner of the publication along with his brother-in-law Edmund Deacon, and the sole editor.

As editor, he refused to publish the works of the female writer, E.D.E.N. Southworth, on grounds that her work was "immoral". He refused to publish The Deserted Wife since it depicted a character who forced a young woman into marriage against her wishes.

The publication became very successful and Peterson bought out his brother-in-law and renamed the firm H. Peterson & Company. Peterson controlled the paper for almost thirty years and sold it to R.J.C. Walker.

H. Peterson & Company also published The Lady's Friend, edited by Peterson's wife and Peterson's Magazine.

He addressed the Pennsylvania Anti-Slavery Society, and was quoted as saying "Even an army of occupation here could not put the Negro into the street cars."