PETERMAN, Wilson T., St. Mary Parish, Louisiana
Submitted by Mike Miller
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Louisiana:  Comprising Sketches of Parishes, Towns, Events, Institutions, and
Persons, Arranged in Cyclopedic Form (volume 3), pp. 354-355.  Edited by Alc‚e
Fortier, Lit.D.  Published in 1914, by Century Historical Association.

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.