My Genealogy Hound

PETER SOMMER, farmer and stock-raiser; P. O. Gridley; has been a resident of Illinois since 1834; he was born near Strasburg, Alsace, France, April 24, 1811. He came with his parents to the United States, in 1828; they settled in Butler Co., Ohio; there he lived till his removal to Illinois, in 1834; he was one of the pioneers of Woodford Co., the Indians not having yet left their hunting grounds on the Mackinaw, when Mr. Sommer took up his claim from the Government, built his log cabin, and began to carve himself a home in the wilderness. After living there thirty-two years, he settled on his present farm in 1866. He owns a fine farm of 160 acres, well-improved, his set of buildings being among the best in the township. His success in life is due entirely to his own exertions. He is emphatically a self-made man. Has held no political offices, giving all his attention, to his legitimate business of farming. He is a leading member of the Apostolic Christian Church, and was prominent in the building of the church in Gridley. He was first married in August, 1834 to Miss Catharine Schertz, of Woodford Co.; she came with her parents from Alsace, in 1832; she was born in August, 1816, and died in August, 1874. They had ten children, four of whom are living: Catharine, wife of John Ehresman, of Livingston Co.; Barbara, wife of Peter Ehresman, of Gridley Township; Mary, and Elizabeth, wife of Jacob Rich, of Gridley Township.