August Peter, Sr

From: Heron Lake, Minnesota The People 1989, by Gary Richter

August Petergasarvich (Peter) Family

August Petergasarvich was born in Russia in 1816. He married Christiana Matthes in Russia. The couple decided to try a new land, picked up their belongings, and walked across the border into Germany. It was here that the family name of Petergasarvich was changed to Peter. While still in Europe, the couple had five children: Christiana, Fredericka, William, August Jr., and Martin. In 1855 the family came to the United States and settled in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin.

In 1862, during the Civil War, August Sr. and son William enlisted in the Union Army. August was wounded on the battlefield. He lay on the battlefield for 24 hours, presumably thought dead by the Confederates. He was rescued by the Northern Army, underwent surgery for a leg amputation. After his wife Christiana died in Wisconsin, August and his three sons, William, August Jr., and Martin, came to Weimer Township in Jackson county to place a claim in 1871. They were among the first pioneers in the county. August Sr. died in 1878.