WILLIAM J. PETERS, a representative of one of the pioneer families of Champaign County, was born on his father's homestead in St. Joseph Township, Feb. 3, 1834. Here William PETERS, Sr., first settled in 1827, making his first purchase of eighty acres with five yoke of oxen. He afterward added to his real estate, and in due time had a good farm of 120 acres, which to-day bears fair comparison with the homesteads adjacent. The family residence is a substantial and roomy structure, two stories in height, and with its adjoining out-buildings invariably attracts the attention of the passer-by. The stock and farm machinery are of the best description, and the entire premises indicates the industry and taste of the proprietor.

The parents of our subject, William and Sarah (MCNUTT) PETERS, who were born in Kentucky, emigrated from the Blue Grass regions to Indiana, whence they moved to Champaign County, in 1827, locating three miles south of the present town site of St. Joseph, on section 19. Here Mr. Peters lived and toiled industriously until 1862, when he rested from his earthly labors. The wife and mother survived several years, her death finally taking place on the old homestead. Their thirteen children all lived to maturity and included seven sons and six daughters. Of these one died when about nineteen years old; eleven married, and have families of their own.

William J. Peters, who was the seventh child of his parents, was reared on the homestead, educated in the district school, and remained with his parents until reaching his majority. He then located upon the eighty acres which constitutes a part of his present homestead, where he commenced tilling the soil on his own account and was prospered. After he had laid the foundation for a future home, he was united in marriage with Miss Jemima PENNY, in the spring of 1858, and they took up their residence on his first purchase. The wife of our subject was born to Madison County, Ohio, in 1840, and is the daughter of Joseph and Rhoda A. (JOHNSON) PENNY.

The household of Mr. Peters and his wife was gradually enlarged until eleven little ones had been added to the family. Of these but eight are now living, namely, Henry C., who married Miss Susan M. FOREMAN, and is now a resident of Piatt County; Joseph R., who married Miss Mary STANNER; William A., who married Mary L. HARVEY; Sarah E., Eliza J., wife of William RIDINGER; Cyrus E., died in infancy; Amanda C., when three years old, and Addie F., in infancy.

Mr. Peters has been a useful member of his community, serving as Commissioner of Highways, Road Overseer, School Director, and in other positions where his clear head and cool judgment proved of great benefit to his fellow-citizens. He was reared in the Democratic faith, to which he still adheres, although meddling little with politics, except to exercise the rights and duties of a freeborn American citizen at the polls.

SOURCE: "Portrait and Biographical Album of Champaign County, Illinois," Chapman Brothers, Chicago, 1887