Victoria Celestine (Peters) – Oklahoma County, Oklahoma

Homesteading patent issued to Victoria Celestine under Theodore Roosevelt's presidency.

Government Land Office

Quick Facts

Significance:

Oklahoma Black Homesteader

Place of Birth:

Louisiana

Date of Birth:

1843

Place of Death:

Oklahoma County, Oklahoma

Date of Death:

May 11, 1933

Victoria Celestine (Peters) was born in Louisiana on December 24, 1843 during the period of enslavement in the United States. She married Gustave Celestine, moved to Oklahoma in 1892, and had eight children, four sons and four daughters. Her husband enlisted in the Union Army under the alias John Peters during the Civil War, which is why some federal documents list Victoria Celestine as Victoria Peters. For many years, her husband dedicated his service to the US Army, enlisting in Vicksburg, Mississippi during the Civil War in 1864 at the young age of 19. He served as a Private in the Second Regiment, Company C, of the United States Colored Infantry.

Gustave/John and Victoria enjoyed many years together, making Oklahoma their home for the foreseeable future. Following her husband's passing, Victoria applied for ownership of their homestead at the Guthrie, Oklahoma land office on September 30, 1896. The land’s official location according to the General Land Office was Northwest quarter of Section 15 in Township 14N and Range One East near Oklahoma County.

The homestead was a mixture of prairie, timber, and farmland and included nearly seventy-five acres of cultivated land, a log house, two log stables, a storm cellar, an orchard, and a hen house. The total land value was $200 for the 160-acre property.

Several witnesses provided testimonials confirming the legitimacy of Victoria Celestine’s claims including, G. F. Benjamin, Otho M. Cole, J. M. Morgan, and Austin Edmonson. The patent was granted by President Theodore Roosevelt several years after her initial claim.

Victoria lived a long and fulfilling life, passing away on May 11, 1933, at the age of 90. She left behind a remarkable legacy, including 41 grandchildren and 22 great-grandchildren.