Hon. Peter H. Jaquith
Hon. Peter H. Jaquith, merchant and postmaster at Pilot Knob, was born in Oswego County, NY, September 24, 1830, and is the son of John W and Mary C.(Henderson) Jaquith, both natives of the State of NY. The Jaquith family is of French extraction, the great-grandfather having come from France about the time of the old Revolution, and located near Boston, Mass. The paternal grandfather was born in Vermont, and immigrated to the State of New York in 1820, where he died about 1836. John W. Jaquith, father of our subject, was a farmer by occupation and followed this the principal part of his life. He immigrated to Wisconsin in 1866, and there died in 1872. The mother died in 1877. Of the five children born to their union, four are now living: Peter H., Jennie, Alfred L., and Mary C. Peter H. was reared on a farm in Oswego County, NY and there remained until twenty one years of age. In 1852, he came west, and roamed from one place to another until 1858, when he located at Pilot Knob, and engaged in merchandising, which he has since carried on. During Price's raid he suffered great loss, being cleaned out almost entirely by the Confederate soldiers. As soon as he could, he fitted up another stock, and has since been very successful. He was married in 1853, to Miss Marie Marvin, of Oneida County, NY., who bore him two children, one of whom is now living, Mrs. Ada Countryman, of Denver, Colo. He was married the second time in 1862 to Miss Caroline Hollatz, who was of German parentage, and who bore him four children; Clara (Mrs. J. K. Pogue), Alfred Co., John and Alma. In 1860 Mr. Jaquith was elected justice of the peace, and one year later he was appointed postmaster, holding the position until 1865. In 1866 he was elected to represent the judge of the county court, but before his term was out he resigned, and in 1872 was appointed postmaster at Pilot Knob, and has held that position ever since. He has been a very prominent man in politics, and takes a deep interest in all public affairs of any importance. He owns considerable property in Pilot Knob and affiliates with the Baptist congregation.