The founder and superintendent of the Novelty Glass Works, a flourishing industry of Ottawa, is Victor J. Peltier, a native of the province of Lorraine, France (now German property), where his birth occurred some sixty-six years ago. His father, Joseph Peltier, was born in the same locality and spent his whole life there, and the mother, Barbara (Kresly) Peltier, was a native of Alsace, Germany.
When he had completed his education our subject commenced learning the glass-blower's trade, which calling was followed by his father, and, having mastered the business, he worked as a journeyman, chiefly in the city of Lyons, France. In 1859 he sailed for America in the good ship Aerial, bound for New York, and for a score of years he was employed at his trade in that city. In 1882 he came to Ottawa, and for the next three years was connected with the bottling works. In 1886 he and his son founded the Novelty Glass Works, which has since risen to prominence among the industries of this place. All kinds of colored and opalescent glass are manufactured here, and the products of the plant find ready sale, not only throughout the United States, but in Europe as well. Mr. Peltier is a practical and skilled workman, and not only superintends and directs the financial and commercial part of the business, but also personally supervises the actual manufacture of the glass. He employs from twelve to fifteen men and is steadily increasing his force of helpers. His excellent management and judicious control of the affairs of the business have resulted in well deserved success, and the prospects for the future are certainly flattering, as the merits of his glass have become known far beyond the seas, and "once a customer, always a customer" is the rule with all firms having dealings with him.
In 1862 Mr. Peltier and Miss Mary Peltier, daughter of Francis Peltier, were united in marriage. Her family, of the same name but not related to our subject, came to this country from Germany in 1859, and the parents both died in New York city. Peter V., who was associated with his father in business in the Novelty Glass Works of Ottawa, died December 12, 1893, and two other children of Victor J. Peltier and wife have been called to the silent land. Those living are Louise, wife of Theodore Zellers, of Ottawa; Mary, Mrs. Fred Heiser, of this place; Joseph E., who is employed in the glass factory; Emma, bookkeeper of the glass works; Sellers, superintendent of the factory; and Kate, who is at home. Mrs. Zellers is the mother of four children and Mrs. Heiser has six children.
The horiie of Y. J. Peltier is a substantial one, built of brick, and having pleasing surroundings. In his political creed he is a Republican, and religiously he and his family are parishioners of St. Francis German Catholic church. Fraternally Mr. Peltier belongs to the Chosen Friends' Benevolent Insurance Association.
Extracted by Norma Hass from Biographical and Genealogical Record of LaSalle County, Illinois published in 1900, volume 1, pages 62-63.
| Lee | DeKalb | Kane |
| Bureau |
 |
Kendall |
| Putnam | Grundy | |
| Marshall | Woodford | Livingston |
