My Genealogy Hound

JOHN R. PETERS, of the firm of Slagel & Peters, blacksmiths, etc., Heyworth; was born on his father’s farm, in Shenandoah Co., Va., Aug. 8, 1845, where he lived one year; he then, with his parents, moved to Hardy Co., Va., where he lived until 1861, when, with his mother and family, he came West to Illinois, and settled in McLean Co., at Lexington, where, at the age of 16, he was apprenticed to the trade of a blacksmith, according to State statute. After learning his trade, he took a trip East, visiting his native county in Virginia, after which he returned to Lexington and worked at his trade. In 1866, he went to Martin Township, in this county, and engaged in the blacksmithing business on his own account. In 1868, he sold his business and came to Heyworth and worked for Mr. Slagel, with whom, in the summer of 1871, he formed a partnership, an account of which will be seen elsewhere. Aug. 23, 1870, he married Miss Mattie E., daughter of Mr. J. Slagel; she was born in Pendleton Co., Va.; they have one child — Hurbet J.