W. E. Peebles, dealer in general merchandise, was born in Elgin, Ill. When one year old his parents came to Bremer County, Iowa. His father practiced medicine. In 1867, they came to Decatur, Neb.; in 1868, he attended Parson’s College at Cedar Rapids; remained there two years; then returned to Decatur, and clerked in a drug and grocery store till 1875. He then bought out his employer, giving notes for $500, the amount of the stock, he being then but eighteen years old, and having no money to pay down. By strict attention to business, he was enabled to meet these notes when due. He removed to Oakland in 1880, and is now doing the largest business here and second to none in the county, carrying a stock of about $15,000, and selling about $50,000 yearly. Mr. Peebles is an example of what ability and enterprise can accomplish in the West.
