William Peters
On a beautiful farm of one hundred and twenty acres in Charter Oak township lives William Peters, who is recognized as one of the thorough agriculturists of Crawford county and also as one of its substantial and progressive citizens.
Born in this county, August 28, 1882, he is the son of William and Annie (Wendeke) Peters, both of whom were natives of Germany. They were married in the old country and came to America in 1880, settling on a farm in Crawford county. Here they continued until their deaths, the father passing away in 1901 and the mother five years later. There were nine children in their family, namely: Mary, Emma, William, Elizabeth, Annie, Fred, Rosa, Martha, and one who died in infancy.
William Peters was educated in the district schools of Crawford county and remained with his parents until arriving at manhood, becoming thoroughly acquainted with all details pertaining to agriculture and stock-raising. At twenty-three years of age he rented land on his own account and continued to operate rented property until the division of the family estate in 1907. He received one hundred and twenty acres as his portion and upon this tract he has made many improvements. The ample crops gathered every year as well as the sleek looking animals are evidence of his good judgment and thorough knowledge of farming.
On the 20th of September, 1905, Mr. Peters was united in marriage to Miss Rosa Bahnsen, who was born in Crawford county, April 22, 1887, a daughter of Christ and Uldricke (Jensen) Bahnsen, both natives of Germany. They came to America in 1883 and after living a short time at Denison, Iowa, removed to a farm which Mr. Bahnsen rented, subsequently purchasing eighty acres in Paradise township, upon which they established their home. At the present time Mr. Bahnsen is the owner of two hundred and eighty acres, which he has brought to a high state of cultivation. There were twelve children in their family, three of whom died in infancy, the others being: Julia, now deceased, Annie, Rosa, Peter, Emma, John, Minnie, Amanda and Christopher.
Three children came to brighten the home of Mr. and Mrs. Peters, namely: Dalie, who was born May 8, 1906; Edna M., born April 26, 1908; and Sadie Leona, born February 26, 1910.
Mr. Peters has not given much attention to politics as his interest is centered principally upon his business. His prosperity is the result very largely of his own efforts, which have been wisely directed, as is indicated by the neat and thrifty appearance of everything about his place and the gratifying results that have followed his labors. He and his family are members of the German Lutheran church and are highly respected by the people of the entire neighborhood.
Source: History of Crawford County, Iowa. Vol. II. Chicago: The S. J. Clarke Publishing Co., 1911.