My Genealogy Hound

BEST, PETER, Franklin Centre, prop, of wagon and blacksmith shop; born Dec. 26, 1837, in Bavaria, Germany; came with parents, Christopher and Josephine Best, to the United States in the summer of 1847, and located in West Point Tp., of this county; at the age of 15 years, he commenced learning the blacksmith’s trade, and worked at different places, at journey work, up to September, 1861, when he enlisted in the service of his adopted country, in Company D, of the 14th I. V. I., participating in the battle of Fort Donelson, Pittsburg Landing, Corinth and Pleasant Hill, Ark., with many others of less note; the last year worked mostly at his trade; was mustered out, in January, 1865; returned home and commenced his present business in Franklin, in the spring of 1865; married Miss Christine Seyb Feb. 9, 1866; she was born Aug. 20, 1844, in Bavaria, Germany; have four children — Hannah, born Feb. 22, 1869; Edward W., born Aug 20, 1871; Rudolph C., born Jan. 5, 1876; Mary E., born Dec. 15, 1876; lost three — Philip, Clara and Mary. Mr. B. has served his township in several official positions; is present Mayor of the town; Democrat.