Peter Howenstine was born in Bavaria, Germany, September 20, 1813. His father, Peter Howenstine, was one of Napoleon's soldiers; was in the battle of Waterloo, and was with the army when they retreated from Moscow. The family sailed from Bremen May 14, 1819, and after a long and perilous voyage of eighteen weeks landed in this country. They settled in Westmoreland County, Penn., where Peter Howenstine was raised to manhood. At the age of twenty-one he commenced the cooper's trade and continued at the business for sixteen years, making barrels for distillers. In 1836, he was married to Lydia Weimer, and in 1848 moved to Stark County, Ohio, where he followed his trade as cooper until he commenced farming. In 1854, he moved to Noble County, and in 1864 settled on the farm where he now lives, and for which he paid $2,200 cash. Shortly after paying for the land, he found that the man of whom he bought it was not the rightful owner, and suit was commenced against him to recover the land, and after seven years' litigation he was compelled to pay a second time for it; this time the land cost him $2,000. In 1849 his wife died and left him with a family, so the following year he was married a second time. He has now living three of his first wife's children and four of the second. He and his wife are members of the Christian Church; was a volunteer in the Mexican War, but was not in good health so was excused from serving. He has always voted with the Democratic party; has been justice in his township for four years. Washington Twp