Sacramento Valley Biographies

Peter Grevie

Transcribed Sally Kaleta, March 2009

This file is part of the California Genealogy & History Archives http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~cagha/index.htm

          .No influence has been exerted for the material
develop-ment of Colusa county more potent than that wielded by its pioneer
agricul-turists, whose perseverance under obstacles laid the foundation for
the prosperity of the present generation. It was during 1876 that Mr. Grevie
purchased three hundred and sixty acres in Mormon Basin, on Sycamore slough,
one mile north of the long bridge, and that original purchase forms the
nucleus of his present possessions. The work of improvement was com-menced
in 1877, when he settled on the land and began to raise grain. Misfor-tune
met him at the start through the loss of his crops by floods, but the second
crop was profitable and gradually he was in a position to purchase more
land. At this writing, besides his homestead, he owns a quarter section near
Harrington, Colusa county, which he rents, and with Friedrich Monsen as
partner also owns a farm of four hundred and seventy acres near Grimes,
which is rented for grain-raising.
         In Schleswig, Germany, Mr. Grevie was born February 8, 1840, being
next to the youngest child and the only son among five children, of whom two
survive. His mother died when he was quite small and his father, Peter, a
farmer by occupation, also died in that old country. When fourteen years of
age he left school and began to work as a farm hand, but in 1858, gave up
his employment in order to come to the United States. His decision showed
self-reliance, for as yet no member of his family had left the fatherland.
After a long and difficult voyage of one hundred and twenty days between
Hamburg and New York, the sailing vessel cast anchor and he was free to seek
a new location. Traveling west to Chicago, he went from there to Wisconsin
and secured employment on a farm near Elkhorn, Walworth county, remaining
there until he sought a location still further west.
         With horse-teams and wagons in the spring of 1861 Mr. Grevie joined
a party of emigrants bound for California. After having crossed the plains
as far as Acre Canon the expedition was attacked by Indians. The men of the
party were watering their horses and were wholly unconscious of danger.
While Mr. Grevie was still holding a bucket, a shot from the savages tore
the pail from his hands. Fortunately the little band was able to escape with
the loss of only a few head of stock. The following night they were again
attacked by Indians, who succeeded in stealing some mules. Again the third
night an attack came and caused the loss of seventy-five head of horses and
cattle belonging to a man from Ohio, besides which the man himself was
wounded. After that no further depredations were committed by the savages.
After a trip lasting from March until September, the party landed in
Sacramento. During the trip Mr. Grevie had paid expenses by driving a team
for Mr. Norton and after his arrival he hired to Paul Shellick at Nicolaus,
Sutter county. For fourteen years he continued with the same employer and
his partner. Meanwhile he began to look for an investment for his savings,
and in 1876 purchased the property where he still resides. 
          On Grand Island occurred the marriage of Peter Grevie and Miss
Fred-ericka Johansen, who was born in Schleswig, Germany, and died in Colusa
county in 1883, leaving three sons, Peter, Jr. and Frank, who are farming
with their father; and Henry, also at home. In religious connections Mrs.
Grevie was a supporter of Presbyterian doctrines, and Mr. Grevie is also
identified with that denomination, and in sympathy with all Christian work.
Politically he is independent, and in fraternal relations has his membership
in the Ancient Order of United Workmen and the Independent Order of Odd
Fellows. A con-servative, substantial and influential citizen, he has been
helpful in the devel-opment of Colusa county and has won recognition among
its capable farmers.

"History of the State of California and Biographical Record of the
Sacramento Valley, California," J. M. Guinn, The Chapman Publishing Company,
Chicago, 1906, Pages 274-275.