In March of 1826, Richard's wife gave birth to a son, Charles, whose birth was attended by an Indian squaw, most likely a relation to Sub-Chief Jarco who was a near neighbor of theirs. Because Richard was in such good standing with the Indians, he was dubbed by them "White Chief Peters," and often traded with them - supplying the Peters with fresh meat and generous supplies of maple syrup and in turn, Polly often sent large loaves of baked bread to Jarco.

Richard's wife Polly died on the 26th of January 1831 at the age of 36. In 1834 he deeded some of his property to the railroad investors who platted a village of 41 blocks and named it Petersburg after him and was the first postmaster of the village of Petersburg.

In 1837 Richard married (2) Orissa (Baker) in Plymouth, Wayne Co., Michigan, she having been born about 1810 in New York. Both were counted in the 1850 and 1860 census for Monroe Co., MI living in the township of Summerfield. Richard died 05 Mar 1862 in Petersburg, and after his death, Orissa sold the family farm and departed the community with her only child, Emeline Peters.

The children of Richard and Polly, whose names are inscribed on the opposite side of the obselik, are: Mary "Polly" Peters, who according to her age at death (16 years, 11 mos, 14 days), was born on or about 15 Feb 1832 and died 29 Jan 1849; Richard, who according to his age at death (10 years, 2 mos, 17 days) was born on or about 19 Dec 1829 (headstone states 1830), and died on 07 Mar 1840; and daughter Susan, who according to her age at death (1 year, 1 mo), was born on or about 17 Feb 1828 and died on 17 Mar 1829.

Their surviving children, all whom were older, were: George, who married Mary J. Holmes; Frances, the wife of William Russell; John, who married Ellen Burnham and was also interred at the Old Petersburg Cemetery; and Charles, who married Ellen's sister, Julia Burnham.

Ellen Burnham, who married John Peters, was born in Summerfield Twp., Monroe Co., Michigan. She was the daughter of Calvin Burnham and Mary Ann (Bruce), and prior to her marriage to John, was enumerated with her parents in the 1850 and 1860 census. She died of Consumption on 06 Aug 1876 in Petersburg - she was the mother of three daughters including Frances who was born in 1865 and died of 05 Jul 1882 (inscribed on the left side of the marker); Mary Adelaide born in 1866 and the wife of George Day Fairfield; and daughter Ellen Louise, born in 1875 and wife of Nelson Albert Buck.

Note: Monroe County, Michigan death lists Francis as a male, age 17 years, 6 months at the time of death.