Broadbooks, Peter, was born in Alsace, Germany, February 29, 1840, and came to the United States in 1854 with his parents, George and Catherine Broadbooks. He received his education in Germany. In 1863 he came to Batavia, where he engaged in carriage making and blacksmithing and has patented several valuable mechanical devices. In 1861 he married Catherine Shumaker, who died in 1886; he afterward married Elizabeth Seesser; they have one son Willis G. Mr. Broadbooks is one of the energetic men of Batavia, is interested in educational and religious institutions, and strives to be of benefit to his fellow citizens.

Source: Our County and its people, A descriptive work on Genesee County, New York, Edited by: F. W. Beers, J.W. Vose & Co., Publishers, Syracuse, N. Y. 1890

PETER BROADBOOKS #2 - OF BATAVIA, NY
Peter Broadbooks was born in Alsace, France, (now Germany,) in 1840. He came to America in 1854, settled at Rome, N. Y., and learned his trade. He remained there about four years, when he came to Attica, working at his trade three years, and thence removed to Pine Hill (Elba), where he lived for three years. He finally removed to Batavia, where he has been in business for 12 years as a carriage ironer. He is a mechanical genius, and has invented shears for cutting iron, a metal punching machine, flippers and pliers, and a tire shrinker, all of which are placed on royalty. He has been located at 37 and 39 Ellicott Street for 10 years, and owns his property. Mr. Broadbooks has manufactured carriages, but now devotes his time to general repairing, and has succeeded to the business of the Batavia Iron Co.

FROM: Gazetteer and Biographical Record of Genesee County, New York, Edited by: F. W. Beers, J.W. Vose & Co., Publishers, Syracuse, N. Y. 1890