b. 1781, in Amherst County, Virginia; d. August 5, 1864, in Springfield, Illinois. Peter grew up in Kentucky, and married Nancy Spaulding there. In September 1818, Peter arrived in Sangamon County, Illinois, and found an empty cabin in what became Ball Township. He moved his family into the cabin, remaining there until the following spring, when he erected a cabin for himself about three miles to the north. Peter was one of the first three commissioners appointed to organize Sangamon County and to locate the temporary county seat. Peter filled several important county offices, serving for several years as one of the county commissioners. In 1850, Peter was retired and owned real estate worth $1,700.