He was part of the 'Skeppsbroadel' and owned several notable properties, including Erstavik and the Petersen House in Stockholm.

[1][2] His grandfather had migrated from Stettin, Prussia, to Stockholm, and subsequently, his father relocated to Gothenburg.

[2] Petersen was elected to serve as director of the Swedish East India Company[3] for a period during the 18th century.

[12] The af Petersens family gained official recognition within the Swedish House of Nobility in Stockholm, assigned the number 2071.

[13] The final resting place of Petersen, is situated at the Maria Magdalena Church on Södermalm.