Peter Oller was born December 2, 1819 in Berkeley County, Virginia.(now part of West Virginia). As a young man he headed west in the 1840's along with other family members, most of whom settled in Delaware County, Ohio. Peter settled in Shelby County, Illinois. While there, he met and later married Abigail Coleman July 8, 1847. Abigail was born in Delaware County, Ohio in 1831 and came to Shelby County in 1841 with her parents. Between 1850 and 1853 Peter purchased 400 acres of fine farm land in Greenwood Township, Christian County, Illinois. He purchased the land with warrants. Warrants were used as payment for soldiers and could be used to buy land or could be sold.

The History of Christian County lists Peter as one of the first settlers in Greenwood Township. He and Abigail raised eleven children there. His eldest son George, grandson Henry and great grandson Willis A. Oller also all lived and farmed in the surrounding areas of Christian County during their lifetimes.

Peter and Abigail Coleman Oller are buried in Oak Hill Cemetery, Taylorville, Christian County, Illinois along with their four daughters and their husbands, their son Peter Jr. who died at the age of 18, and two sons Charles Coleman Oller and James Chester Oller. Also buried there are several of their grandchildren.

Obituary of Peter Oller (1819-1895) printed in the Daily Breeze Newspaper
Taylorville, Illinois August 1895

Obituary of Peter Oller

All that was mortal of Peter Oller was laid to rest this afternoon in the United Brethren Cemetery, 12 miles southwest of this city. Deceased passed away at his residence in this city, yesterday afternoon about 1:30 at the ripe old age of 76 years. He had been a citizen of this city for the past two years and was loved and respected by all who knew him. He leaves a wife, seven sons and four daughters to mourn his love. THE BREEZE extends sympathy to the bereaved family in their sad affliction.

Note: He is now buried in Oak Hill Cemetery, Taylorville, Illinois Block 12, Lot 184, Site 7