Peter V. Quilhot
Peter V. Quilhot, farmer, section 13, Shabbona Township, has a well improved farm of 170 acres. As a settler at that place he was a pioneer. He was born in the town of Victory, Cayuga Co., N. Y., Jan. 21, 1822. His parents were Henry and Hannah (Van Allen) Quilhot. He lost his father in early youth, and circumstances rendered it necessary for him to aid his mother in the care of the family; so that his educational advantages were limited to a few weeks at school in winter. After he became of legal age he succeeded in securing one term at Red Creek Academy.
He learned the painter’s trade, and in June 1845, came to this county and purchased a tract of 120 acres in Shabbona Township, and made his home with his brother-in-law, Peter Miller. Not finding the West a profitable field in which to work at his trade, he returned in 1847 to New York. In the fall of the following year he came again to Shabbona, improved his land and engaged in farming. Aug. 8, 1850, he married in Somonauk, this county, to Miss Frances Bacon, daughter of Lyman and Sara (Rood) Bacon, which family were among early pioneers of this county, having emigrated from Syracuse, N. Y., to De Kalb County in the fall of 1846. Mrs. Q. was born in 1827. She has had seven children, all of whom are living except one. The eldest, John J., was born Sept. 1, 1851; married Fannie Burchard and lives at the old homestead. His wife was adopted in childhood by her step-father; S. M. Corey, and she was married under the name of Corey. Henry B., born March 29, 1853, married Alice Prescott, and lives in Morris Co., Kan. Helen E., born Jan. 1, 1856, is the wife of Richard K. Anderson, of Atchison, Kan. Josephine, born Nov. 30, 1859, is the wife of John A. Sweet of Waterman, Ill. Franklin, living at home, was born July 5, 1862. Lila S. was born Jan. 5, 1865, and one child, a son died in infancy.
Mr. Quilhot has been prominently identified with public affairs in his town and county. He has served seven years as Supervisor of Shabbona, and represented his township as many terms in the County Board, besides having held various minor offices. During the late war he was active in aiding and encouraging enlistments, and contributing liberally to the volunteer bounty fund. In his views of national policy he is a Republican, and has voted with that party every since its organization. He has been connected with the Masonic Order for many years, being now a member of Shabbona Lodge, No. 374. [Portrait and Biographical Album of De Kalb County, Illinois, Chapman Brothers (Chicago), 1885, p585-6]
Submitted by Terry Todd
