Peter L. Brecunia comes of one of the pioneer families of Lee County, where most of his life has been passed, and today he stands among the most noted farmers and stock-raisers who have been so largely instrumental in its upbuilding. His farm, which is highly improved, is advantageously located on section 31. Ashton Township.

Pennsylvania is the native State of our subject, and February 14, 1834, the date of his birth in Huntingdon County. His father was Daniel Brecunia, and it is thought that he was born in Washington County, Md. He married Christina King, who is supposed to have been a native of the same county as her son, our subject. They began their wedded life in that county, but subsequently removed to Bedford County. They lived then nine years, but in the spring of 1849 they mad« still another move, and,coming to Illinois, located in Franklin Grove, Lee County, whence they came to Ashton Township two years later, and this was their home until death closed their mortal careers.

Peter Brecunia was the fourth in order of birth of the ten children born to his worthy parents, and he was a lad of fifteen years when he accompanied them to their pioneer home in this county. He remained with them until he married, when he settled on the farm on section 31, Ash ton Township, on which be has resided ever since. He has always given his attention to agriculture, has a thorough knowledge of the best methods of carrying it on profitably, and is conceded to be one of the best farmers in the township. He has two hundred acres of land in Iowa, besides his valuable homestead here, which comprises two hundred and thirty-four acres of land under admirable tillage, and provided with commodious buildings, of a modern appropriate style of architecture, everything about the place betokening superior management and unremitting care on the part of the owner.

Our subject was married in Bradford Township, February 22, 1863, to Miss Susan M., daughter of Jacob and Hannah (Foreman) Riddelsbarger. The father was born in Franklin County, Pa., and the mother near Hagerstown,Md. In 1845 they came to Illinois, and after spending a few months in Oregon, became pioneer settlers of China Township, where he died. The mother is living at an advanced age. Mrs. Brecunia was the third in a family of four children, and she was born near Hagerstown, Md., May 25, 1843. Her marriage with our subject has been productive of mutual happiness, and has brought them two children, Quinby A. and Byron L. Quinby is the proprietor of the Franklin Grove Creamery.

Mr. Brecunia has a strong, independent, self- reliant nature, and is quite capable of acting and thinking for himself, as is demonstrated by his successful career. At the same lime he is not unmindful of his obligations towards others, as a true Christian gentleman, and is accommodating and neighborly in his intercourse with his fellow-citizens, and always ready to do another a favor, he has not taken an active part in politics, but is a member of the Republican party, and one of its truest adherents in this township. Both he and his wife are sincerely religious, and are members of the Dunkard Church.

Source: Portraits and Biographical 1892 Pg 594