PETER SEISE, of the firm of Crotzer & Seise, is, with his partner, carrying on a flourishing hardware trade in Lena, where he has been a life-long resident, and where his birth took place Jan. 9, 1856. His father, Peter Seise, Sr., was a native of Bavaria, born June 10, 1827, and was the son of Frederick and Mary Seise, who are mentioned in the sketch of John Seise, found elsewhere in this album.

Peter Seise, Sr., was reared and educated in his native country, pursuing his studies from the time he was a young boy until he was fourteen years of age. He then learned stone-cutting, which he followed until 1852, then seeing little prospect of advancement in his own country, he determined to cross the ocean and seek his fortune in the New World. After landing upon American shores, he came directly westward to this county, locating in Lena at a time when Rockford was the western terminus of the Illinois Central Railroad. The balance of the journey was made by stage. Mr. Seise followed his trade during the summer seasons, and in the winter chopped wood at thirty-seven cents per cord, and boarded himself. He was remarkable for his persistence and industry, and made a comfortable living for his family, pursuing his trade most of the time, and remaining a resident of Lena until his death, which took place June 27, 1872. He had in the meantime accumulated property, including a good residence on Lena street, which his wife and daughter still occupy.

The mother of our subject was formerly Miss Catherine Rockenmyer, also a native of Bavaria, and by her marriage with Peter Seise, Sr., became the mother of seven children. The eldest daughter, Lena, is the wife of E. P. Brown, of Lena; Katie died in Freeport, in 1853, when two years of age; Peter, of our sketch, was the third child; August died August 19, 1886, when twenty-eight years of age; Henry is a resident of Warren County, this State; Adolph lives in Lena and Louisa is at home with her mother. The two elder children were born in Bavaria, and the remainder in Lena.

Peter Seise, our subject, was the eldest son of his parents, and spent the most of his time in school until fifteen years of age. He then commenced to learn the tinner’s trade, at which he served five years, then engaged as clerk in the hardware store of Z. Stover, at Lena, with whom he remained three years. Afterward he clerked for Crotzer Bros. three years, and in 1881 purchased a half interest in the business, which is now conducted under the name of Crotzer & Seise. Mr. S. possesses all the reliable and substantial characteristics of his German nationality, and as a business man and citizen is held in great regard by his patrons and friends. He has lived wisely and economically, and is in a fair way to realize a handsome competency.

The marriage of our subject with Miss Nellie Hall was celebrated at the home of the bride in Lena, April 15, 1880. Mrs. S. was also born in Lena, and is the daughter of W. W. and Sarah Hall, who came to Stephenson County from New York in the pioneer days. Mr. Seise, since becoming a voter, has been a stanch upholder of Democratic principles, and with his estimable wife is a member in good standing of the Baptist Church.

Contributed by Carol Parrish from Portrait and Biographical Album of Stephenson County, Ill. (1888) Pg 281