Abraham Peters Sr (abt. 1752 - abt. 1814)

Born about 1752 in Rockingham, Colony of Virginia

Ancestors

Died about 1814 at about age 62 in Washington, Virginia, United States

Problems/Questions Profile manager: Terri McDowell [send private message]

Biography

Abraham was born about 1752. Abraham Peters ... He passed away about 1814.

Children:

I. John PETERS; Born 1770 in VA.

ii. Henry PETERS; Born 1772 in VA.

iii. Jesse PETERS; Born 1774 in VA.

iv. Jacob PETERS

The grandfather of Abraham Peters, who married Edith Runyan, also named Abraham Peters, came with is wife from Germany in colonial days. They located on a farm in Rockingham County, Virginia, where he took up 900 acres of land under what was known, in the English law, as "Tomahawk Rights," which consisted of tomahaw blazing on trees to mark the lines.

The Peters and Zircle plantations joined each other. Both families owned Negro slaves. They treated them kindly and refused to sell them. They supported a colored Baptist minister for the benefit of the darkies. The slaves were taught to be prompt and regular attendants to Sunday School and church.

The old people died there and the estate, by unfair means, mysteriously passed into the hands of an uncle, who completely robbed the heirs of their rights. They started out from the once happy home in all directions and trace of their whereabouts was lost.

Sources

Census: 1810, US Federal Census; Harrisonburg, Virginia, Rockingham County

• Peters Family Tree
• PETERS-L Archives