Although this photograph is already posted on the site, I have found out some more detail regarding just exactly who Peter Grading was.
According to the History of Allen County, Ohio, written by M.E. Leeson and published in 1885, Peter Greding (Grading) was a farmer and a minister. Grading was born on February 28, 1837 in Switzerland and came to America with his mother in 1858 settling in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. After arriving in America, Grading attended Heidelberg College and Seminary in Seneca County, Ohio, eventually becoming a professor there.
In 1859, Peter Grading was ordained a minister in the Reformed Church of the United States, moved to Allen County, Ohio and established the first German Reformed Church at Lima. At this time, he owned a farm in Allen County comprised of 133 acres of land. On December 10, 1861, Peter married Anna Matter, daughter of Samuel and Elizabeth Matter [Motter]. Peter and Anna had nine children.
