Peter Kreiter’s journey from the Rhine in Germany to becoming a prominent citizen and successful farmer in Amboy Township, Illinois, is a testament to the virtues of patience and perseverance. Born in 1824, he migrated to America in 1847, honing his skills as a machinist before settling in Lee County. While his professional focus remained on machinist work, his sons have taken up the mantle of farming on their 175-acre property, showcasing the Kreiter legacy of diligence and success. Married to Augusta Wenzel, the couple’s life together has been enriched by their eight children, with the family maintaining a significant presence in both the agricultural and milling industries of their community.
Peter Kreiter. The life of Mr. Kreiter affords a splendid illustration of the power of patience and perseverance in promoting the prosperity of the individual and crowning his labors with complete success. He is one of the most influential citizens of Amboy Township and the owner of one hundred and seventy-five acres in this county. His farm, with its neat buildings, well-kept fences, and cultivated fields, presents an air of thrift and prosperity. The supervision and cultivation of the place devolve largely upon Mr. Kreiter’s sons, for his attention has been principally occupied as a machinist and miller.
The native home of Mr. Kreiter was on the Rhine in Germany, and the date of his birth November 4, 1824. He was reared to mature years in the Fatherland, and after the good old custom of that country, which renders it necessary for every lad to learn a trade, he served an apprenticeship at the trade of a machinist, following it until he came to America in 1847. When about twenty-three years old, having decided to seek a home in the United States, he left his native land, and crossing the ocean, landed in New Orleans.
Thence Mr. Kreiter proceeded up the Mississippi to Memphis, Tenn., where for one year he was employed in a machine shop. From that place, he removed to St. Louis and carried on business in a machine shop and brass foundry between five and six years. Then coming to Illinois, he followed his trade in Peoria about a year and for perhaps the same length of time was employed in a small place in Tazewell County on the Mackinaw River. Next, he was employed in Bloomington, this state, and there worked at his trade. After being unable for two years to engage in business on account of ill health, he entered the employ of the Chicago & Alton Railway Company and was for nineteen years in their employ as a machinist.
Upon leaving Bloomington, Mr. Kreiter came to Lee County and purchased a farm in Amboy Township, on section 25, where he has since resided. However, he has not engaged in farming pursuits but has always followed his trade of a machinist, and the farm has been operated by his sons. Mr. Kreiter was married in St. Louis to Miss Augusta Wenzel, who was born in Germany, October 22, 1830. They have become the parents of eight children, namely: Amila, who was the wife of Frank Moellex and died in Chicago; Louis, who married Louisa Bach and resides in Chicago; Anna, wife of James Guard; Gussie, who is the wife of John Stilz; Theodore, a member of the firm of Kreiter Bros., millers in Binghampton; William, who married Carrie Naglesmith and belongs to the firm of Kreiter Bros.; Minnie, the wife of A. Tuttle; and Edwin, who is one of the firm.
In politics, Mr. Kreiter and his sons maintain an independence of belief and cast their ballots for the candidates whom they believe best fitted for the office in question, irrespective of party ties. Mr. Kreiter and his wife are members of the Evangelical Church, but their children are identified with the Methodist Church. When the mills were started at Binghampton, they were operated by Kreiter & Sons for one year, after which they were given in charge of Kreiter Bros., who have operated them since March 1889. Mr. Kreiter has filled the office of School Director, as well as other positions of local importance, and has contributed his quota toward the progress of the community.