My Genealogy Hound

PETER BENUA, merchant, Ripley, was born in Bavaria, Germany, in 1834, and emigrated to America in 1854, making a location in New Orleans, from which point he came to Ripley, in January, 1855. He was a tailor by trade, and, by close application and economy, he was enabled to establish himself in business. He first opened a clothing house in Ripley, in 1857, which was conducted with success until 1869, at which time he disposed of his stock and trade, and associated himself and his capital in the Ohio Piano Manufacturing Company of this city. Several years later, he withdrew his interest from this concern, and returned to merchandising. He occupied his present location on Main street in 1881, where he is conducting a large custom and sale trade, and enjoys a lucrative business. He was united in marriage, in 1857, to Miss Catherine, daughter of Lewis Fridley, an early settler of Brown County. This union has been blessed with seven children, five of whom are living—Lizzie, Maggie, Louis P. (who is associated with his father in the store), Frank and Lela. Mr. B. is a member of the Masonic order and I. O. O. F. His standing as a successful, upright business man is unquestioned, and his position has been earned by his untiring industry. As a business man, he ranks the oldest clothing; merchant now in Ripley.