Lake County Biography
Peter Burtnett
Peter Burtnett - The subject of this sketch, whose portrait will be found in the body of this work, was born in Coshocton County, Ohio, March 20,1822. His mother died when he was quite young, and he resided at his birthplace with his father until 1840, when he, leaving his father, went to Richland County, same State, where he learned the millwright's trade. In 1842 he went to Knox County, Illinois, where he worked at his trade for seven years. He then filled the office of deputy sheriff and sheriff alternately, until 1860. He then came overland with horse and ox-teams to California, arriving in Napa County September 22d of that year. He at once engaged in his former occupation in connection with farming, which he followed until 1867. He then moved to Lake County and located about two and one-half miles from Kelseyville, where he built a flouring mill for other parties, but he finally bought them out and still owns the mill, it being under the management of his son, Charles G. In the fall of 1879, the subject of this sketch was elected to the office of Sheriff on the Republican ticket, which position he still holds. This fact alone is a fair indication of Mr. Burtnett's popularity in the county in which he resides, as it is Democratic by quite a large majority. In March, 1880, he moved to Lakeport, where he at present resides. While living in Napa County he was honored with the office of Supervisor for five years, and is well and favororably known all over the county. Mr. Burtnett was married March 20, 1843, to Miss Christiana Speck, a native of Ohio. They have five living children: William C., Sarah, Marvin L., Charles G., and Emma L., and one adopted daughter. They have lost one, Annie.
History of Napa and Lake Counties,: San Francisco, Cal.: Slocum, Bowen & Co., Publishers, 1881
Transcribed by Julie Appletoft, October, 2007 Pages 213-219
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