1914 Biography - Wilson T. Peterman

Peterman, Wilson T., sheriff and tax collector, St. Mary parish, Franklin, La. - was born at Franklin, La., Nov. 10, 1875, son of Jacob A. and Margaret J. (Walker) Peterman, the former of whom was born in Germany and the latter at Franklin, La. The father came alone to America and located at Franklin while yet a young man. He had learned the tailor's trade in his native land and followed this for some years after having become a resident of Franklin. In course of time, however, he opened a tailoring shop on his own account, and later a clothing store, ultimately becoming a prosperous merchant of the town. In the later years of his life business reverses largely depleted his fortune some time previous to his death, which occurred at Franklin in 1891. The mother's father was from the state of Connecticut. He came south and located at Franklin at an early date. Wilson T. Peterman's early education was limited to the private and public schools of Franklin. The word "early" is used advisedly here, because while that portion of his education which he received in private and public schools was received in the years of his childhood, it is at once apparent that a man who has attained the degree of substantial success that has attended his efforts, has been a student throughout the waking hours of his life. At 13 years of age the lad began working in the lumber and timber business, and has continued associated with that branch of industry throughout his life, so far. In the course of his intimate practical experience he has been employed in all departments of the lumber and timber business, and has successively filled just about all the various positions in each of those departments - a first-hand experience that, coupled with the necessary personal characteristics, insured the success that followed. When about 21 years old he became a stockholder in the Kyle Lumber Co., of Franklin and has remained an associate of that corporation to this time. About 1903 the Riggs Cypress Co., of Patterson, La., was organized with Wilson T. Peterman as president of the company. Some time later, upon a reorganization of this institution, Mr. Peterman became president and general manager and remains incumbent of that station. He is also vice-president, respectively, of the Dyer Timber Co., Morgan City, and the Opera House Co. of Franklin; member board of directors of the St. Mary Bank & Trust Co.; extensive stockholder in the Commercial Bank & Trust Co., the two latter institutions being at Franklin; stockholder in the Union and Citizens' bank of Patterson, the First National bank of Morgan City, and several other industrial, commercial and financial enterprises. He has served two terms as a member of the board of Aldermen of the City of Franklin. In 1904 he was elected a member of the Louisiana state senate from the 11th senatorial district, serving 4 years, during which term of service an extra session of the legislature was held. In 1908 Sen. Peterman was elected sheriff of St. Mary parish, and 1912 reelected without opposition. At this time it is freely stated by those in position to be informed, that Ex-Sen. Peterman is the strongest candidate in the field for the seat of Hon. Robert Broussard in the National house of representatives, and that the ex-senator will probably be elected. In 1895 Sen. Peterman was married to Miss Amanda J. Allen, a daughter of Capt. Robert Allen of Franklin. They have 3 children - Margaret Elizabeth, St. Mary, and Margaret. The senator is a member of the Masonic fraternity, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, Knights of Pythias, and Woodmen of the World. At this time Sen. Peterman is a candidate for congress from the 3rd district on the progressive ticket, (bull moose), though he has previously been a life-long democrat.

Extracted 2020 Nov 01 by Norma Hass, from Louisiana: Comprising Sketches of Parishes, Towns, Events, Institutions, and Persons, Arranged in Cyclopedic Form, published in 1914, volume 3, pages 354-355.

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