Private Handy Peters was born in Georgia ca. 1837. He married Isabella (née Ward) on August 3rd, 1853 at Gadsden County, Florida.

In 1860 he, along with wife Isabella and three daughters, were living near Quincy, Gadsden County, Florida. The census lists his occupation as a painter.

He enlisted March 12, 1862 at Quincy, Gadsden County, Florida in Captain Davidson’s Company; Handy stated his age as 26. He was present with the company from the date of his enlistment until December 19th, 1862, when he was assigned detached duty to the city police at Knoxville, Tennessee where he served until he was admitted to the Asylum Hospital at Knoxville for sickness.

He remained hospitalized there until September 30th, 1863 and was furloughed to a hospital at Quincy, Gadsden County, Florida for a period of 60 days.

He returned to the company sometime after February, 1864; he was reported to have deserted. His name appears on a roll of deserters from the Rebel Army received July 16, 1864; he was discharged by Federal forces on July 18th, 1864 having signed the Oath of Allegiance with a promise to remain north of the Ohio River during the war. He was 5'9", black eyes, dark hair & skin.”

The date and place of his death are unknown, as is his place of interment.