Anna was born in Hepe Darmstadt, Germany, on June 21, 1819. She immigrated to the United States with William in 1841. The Petersens had 10 children during her lifetime: Carl George (July 2, 1842-–1843), Felix William (b. April 24, 1844), Ernestine Caroline (November 23, 1845-–October 22, 1846), Frederica Louisa (b. March 20, 1848), Ferdinand (b. July 23, 1849), Charlotte Pauline (b. December 31, 1851), Charles W. “Carlie” (b. May 8, 1855), Anna Augusta (May 6, 1858-–January 13, 1863), Julia (listed in census records as three months old in 1860, but never mentioned again), Caroline Augusta (March 6, 1861-–January 14, 1863). Anna died four months after her husband on October 18, 1871.