PETER LAUCK, a leading and prosperous farmer of Ferguson township, Centre county, is a native of Pennsylvania, having been born in York county, November 26, 1825, and is of German and Scotch descent. His paternal grandfather was a Revolutionary hero, having fought under Gen. Washington. Our subject is the youngest of the five children born to Peter and Elizabeth (Lephart) Lauck, the others being as follows: John who reared his family in Illinois, and there died; Catharine and Hannah, who spent their married lives in Ohio, where their deaths occurred; and Elizabeth, who died in York county, Pennsylvania.
Mr. Lauck is the owner of a splendid farm in Ferguson township, but is now practically living a retired life, having laid aside the cares and responsibilities of a business career, and enjoying a well-earned rest. In 1840 he came to the county, and since 1851 has resided upon his present farm. In early life he engaged in the manufacture of windmills, but later gave his entire time and attention to agricultural pursuits, becoming a most prosperous and well-to-do farmer.
On February 8, 1847, Mr. Lauck wedded Miss Sarah M. Crumrine, and their union has been blessed with thirteen children: John H., who died in infancy; Rebecca, who first married William Heberling, and after his death wedded John Hicks; D. F., who married Catharine Shoemaker; Margaret B., who was born March 12, 1855; Anna C., wife of William Dutrow, by whom she has five children; William, who married Lillie McGivitt, and has four children; Sally, wife of William Dougherty; Adam F., who married Emma Gummo, and has three children; J.W., who died April 6, 1880; Green, who was born January 16, 1863, and died September 18, 1864; George B. McClellan, who was born March 3, 1864, and died on the 16th of the following September; James, who died in infancy, and Alice C., who was born January 17, 1871, and died in childhood.
Of a social, generous disposition, Mr. Lauck has made many warm friends and acquaintances during his long residence in Centre county, and has the confidence and respect of all with whom he has come in contact either in business or social life. He is a typical American, progressive in his ideas and active and energetic in manner. To polities he is an earnest Democrat, and an advocate of free silver.
