In 1886, Jesse Peterson, along with Henry G. Cordley, and Charles E. Folger, started the United Indurated Fibre Company.

By 1893 the company was incorporated under New Jersey laws, with the factory and general office in Lockport.

About 300 hands are employed in the manufacture of household articles from the indurated fibre, the basis of which is wood pulp.

Arabella's obituary from 1929 states that “she had long been prominent in the social and musical circles of the city” and that funeral services were held at the home.

[6] Peterson was born in Belfast, New York, and attended Bryant & Stratton College in Buffalo.