John Peter was born in Union County, Pa., May 19, 1827. His parents were Henry and Elizabeth (Presler) Peter, natives also of the Keystone State. They had a family of eight children, of whom John was the third child and second son. His mother died when he was thirteen years old, and he assisted his father to support the family until he was nineteen years, when he began to work for himself. He was married in Mifflin County, Pa., to Mary A. E. Stout on March 6, 1850. She was born in Cumberland County, Pa., and was a daughter of George W. and Elizabeth (Wagner) Stout, of Pennsylvania. In the fall of 1853 Mr. and Mrs. Peter came to Iowa, and settled in Cox Creek Township, where they remained until 1867, when they removed to their present farm on section 21, Lodomillo Township. They have had twelve children, ten living-- George H., a practicing physician at Edgewood; Emma, now Mrs. Simeon Gilmore; Sibbie V., engaged in teaching school; Stella, John A., Andrew J., William A., Warren T., Eva M. and Earnest V. Mr. Peter owns a farm of 203 acres, all under cultivation except thirty acres of timber. He has made excellent improvements on his farm, which is one of the finest in this section. In 1864 he enlisted in Company K., First Iowa Cavalry,
and served until the close of the war. He has held
various public offices. He was County Supervisor two
years, and Township Treasurer four years in Cox Creek
Township, and has held the latter office in Lodomillo
Township seven years. In politics he is a Republican. source: History of Clayton County, Iowa, 1882, p. 899 |