Custer, Peter Yerger bio

Portrait and Biographical Album of Fulton County, Illinois: containing full page portraits and biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens of the county: together with portraits and biographies of all the presidents of the United States, and governors of the state; Biographical Pub. Co., Chicago, IL; 1890; page 483-484; Transcribed by Margaret Rose Whitehurst
Peter Yerger Custer. Among the citizens who have contributed their quota toward the development of our native land, and who, by patience and perseverance have made America what it is, may be properly mentioned this gentleman, who is well known for his integrity as a citizen and his public spirit as a patriot. He was for many years an active and successful farmer in Fulton Township, and carried on his operations with more than ordinary thrift and sagacity. He became prosperous in the pursuit of his calling, establishing what was considered one of the model farms of the county, and when old age came upon him he was enabled to retire to a comfortable home in Canton, where he lives, respected and esteemed.
Mr. Custer was born in Montgomery County, near what is now the village of Trappe, Pa., July 31, 1818. His father, Jacob V. Custer, was born in the same county, February 5, 1890 {Note: this year is the one printed but is incorrect} . His grandfather, whose given name was Peter, was also a native of that county, and was of Low Dutch descent. He was born November 20, 1761. The mother of our subject was Catherine (Yerger) Custer, and she was born in Montgomery County, Pa., December 13, 1795, and died March 14, 1869. Her father bore the name of David Yerger. She became the mother of five children, three sons and two daughters, namely: David Y.; Rebecca Y., wife of Jacob Rambo; Peter, of whom we write; Jacob Y., deceased; Catherine, who married John Nace and is now deceased.
Our subject was the second son and third child in the family and was reared in his native village, receiving his education in its schools, which he attended until he was twenty years old. He also attended a boarding school at Trappe, the principal of which was the Rev. Henry S. Rhodenbaugh. After leaving school, he turned his attention to teaching, and for several years successfully followed that profession and also gave lectures on astronomy one winter. Subsequently he operated a woolen mill in the village of Parker's Ford, Chester County, Pa., for seven years, then farmed for a time.
In the spring of 1857, having resolved to come West, Mr. Custer sought Canton, where he resided for one year. Then buying a farm, four miles northwest of that city, he managed the eighty acres of which it consisted for twenty years. He gave his attention principally to raising hogs and corn for the market. In the meantime, he placed his land under a high state of cultivation, erecting substantial and conveniently arranged buildings; everything about the place betokened the industry and thrift of the owner. Apropos of this it may be mentioned that Mr. Custer, in 1872, was awarded first premium for the best conducted farm in Fulton County. It contained eighty acres of well-tilled land.
In 1877 Mr. Custer sold his farm to his son-in-law, Joseph Thornborrow, and retired to his pleasant home in Canton. His career throughout his life, as a gentleman and a citizen, and in all the relations he has sustained towards others, has shown him to be possessed of an honorable character. His honesty and integrity have never been questioned and he is highly esteemed by the entire community. Religiously, he is a member of the Lutheran Church, to which his first wife belonged for fifty years prior to her death. In politics he is a stanch Republican, and is always willing to work for his friends and anxious to see them successful when nominated. He cast his first Presidential vote for William Henry Harrison, and fifty years later had the pleasure of voting for that illustrious President's grandson.
Mr. Custer has been twice married. In September, 1842, he was united in marriage with Miss Hannah B. Albright, of Berks County, Pa., a daughter of Jacob K. Albright, and a sister of Dr. Albright, formerly of Canton. She was born in 1817 and died in Canton in June, 1887. Of her marriage six children are living, namely: Emanuel A.; Emma A., wife of Joseph Thornborrow; Jacob A., a resident of Washington County, Iowa; David H. A., deceased; Peter A., a resident of Pike County, Ill.; Catherine, who married James P. Miller, of this county, and Henry A., a moulder of Canton.
Mr. Custer was married to his present wife September 20, 1888. She was formerly Ellenor M. Webb, of Canton, and was the widow of William A. Webb, and a daughter of Henry and Maria Johnson. Her father was a native of the city of New Haven, Conn., and her mother was born in Greenwich, near Albany, N. Y. Mrs. Custer was born, reared and educated in the same State as her mother, and is universally esteemed for her many excellent traits of character.
A lithographic portrait of Mr. Custer is shown in connection with this brief biographical sketch.