RICHARD PETERS.
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Richard Peters, who is engaged in raising and feeding stock in connection with the tilling of his farm in Elm Grove township, was born in Wales on the 2d of April, 1853. He is a son of Lewis and Jane (Humphrey) Peters, who spent their entire lives in Wales. Seven children were born to them, five of whom are still living.
The education of Richard Peters was required in the common schools of his native land, where he resided until he was thirty-one years of age. Having decided that better opportunities were to be found in the United States, in 1884 he took passage with his wife and family for America. They immediately located in Louisa county, Iowa, where for three years he worked as a farm hand by the month. At the expiration of that time he rented land which he operated until 1902. By means of thrift and energy, united with good management, he was able to save the necessary capital to buy his present homestead. His farm contains one hundred and twenty acres of land, which he has partly improved, and there he engages in general farming, in connection with which he makes a specialty of feeding and raising stock.
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Mr. Peters was married in 1876 to Miss Gwen Davis, who was born in Wales, and to them have been born nine children: Jane, the wife of Arthur Williams, of Nebraska; Anna, who married John Arthur; Lewis, who is residing in this county; Ruth, the wife of E. Arthur; and R. J., Elizabeth, Isabel, Mary and Daniel, all at home with their parents.
The family always worship with the Presbyterian denomination as the mother holds membership in that church. Ever since naturalization conferred upon him the rights of suffrage Mr. Peters has cast his ballot in support of the men and measures of the republican party, considering that its policy was best adapted to subserve the interests of the majority. He has never been an office seeker but meets the requirements of good citizenship by appearing at the polls on election day. He has had no occasion to regret the transference of his allegiance to the government of the United States and although he has met with obstacles and hardships during the period of his residence in this country he has been able to dominate conditions and has acquired a good home and valuable property.