My Genealogy Hound

PETER HAAS, a well known and highly respected citizen of Jamestown, is by trade a mason. His parents were George and Mary (Dick) Haas, who gave him birth in Germany, on September 14, 1827. His grandparents and father were farmers, who lived in Germany all their lives.

Peter Haas was twenty-four years of age when he decided to quit the fatherland and come to America which he reached in 1851. His first home in this country was at Watertown, Jefferson county, this State, where he remained one year. Deciding that he could improve he then went to Erie, Pa., which at that time was considered far west and remained there two years. In 1854 he went to Silver Creek, this county, where he remained until 1861, when he came to Jamestown and with the exception of six years spent at Warren, Pa., where a daughter resides and one year in the United States army, has lived here uninterruptedly since, following his trade.

He married Elizabeth Dick and to this union have been born ten children, seven of whom are living: Liesbec (dead); Frances, wife of William Lavery, a mason residing in Warren, Pa.; Hattie, wife of Frank Lilly, a machinist residing in Stockton, this county; Lincoln (dead); William, a mason, at home; Elmira (dead); George, also a mason; Mary, Charles and Nellie at home.

In 1864 Mr. Haas enlisted in the 9th regiment, N. Y. Cavalry, and going to the front took part in the engagement at Winchester, was present at Lee’s surrender and assisted in the paroling of prisoners at Mount Jackson. He was honorably discharged and returned home when the war closed and resumed his work with hammer and trowel. In addition to his trade, Mr. Haas is conducting a grocery business on North Main street. Politically he favors the Republican party and is a member of the Lutheran church.