Biography of Will H. Peters - Wayne Co. WV

The History of West Virginia, Old and New
Published 1923.  The American Historical Society, Inc.,
Chicago and New York.  Volume II
Pg. 473-474

WILL H. PETERS.  One of the most important advances made of recent years in 
this country is the growth of the sentiment that too much stress cannot be 
laid upon the necessity for securing for the children the best educational 
opportunities possible, for as they are trained during their formative period 
so will they develop in later life.  This sentiment has produced the demand 
for educators of ability and thorough training, and Wayne County is fortunate 
in having in its office of county superintendent of schools a man of the 
caliber of Will H. Peters, a very interesting and efficient young educator, 
devoted to his work, popular alike with the parents and pupils, and capable 
of obtaining from his teachers a whole-souled co-operation which is working 
out for a wonderful advancement.  He come of one of the old Virginian 
families, of Irish descent, on his mother's side and of substantial Dutch 
ancestry on his father's, and was born in Wayne County, December 31, 1884.

The parents of Professor Peters, William D. and Tennie (Vinson) Peters, were 
both born in Kentucky, and members of both the Peters and Vinson families 
served in the American Revolution.  William D. Peters was a timberman, 
logging in the timber regions in his younger years, and later on in life 
became a farmer of Wayne County.  During the time of war between the North 
and the South he espoused the cause of the Confederacy, and served during the 
entire war in Company K, Eighth Virginia Infantry.  He was wounded at the 
battle of Piedmont, but recovered and rejoined his regiment.  Professor 
Peters' grandfather Vinson was colonel of this same regiment, and a man of 
large affairs, his name being associated with much of the history of his 
section.

Growing up in Wayne County, Professor Peters attended its schools and took 
his normal course at Marshall College, from which he was graduated in 1912 
with a teacher's certificate.  From then on he was connected with educational 
work in Wayne County, teaching at different points, and acting as principal 
of the schools at Fort Gray until in 1918 he was elected county 
superintendent of schools for a term of four years, and took charge of his 
office in July, 1919.

In 1907 Professor Peters married at Louisa, Kentucky, Miss Nora D. Frazier, a 
daughter of James and Virginia (Ferguson) Frazier, both natives of West 
Virginia and farming people.  Professor and Mrs. Peters have five daughters, 
namely:  Virginia, Anna Mayme, Hazel, Minnie Lou and Josephine, all of whom 
are at home.  He belongs to the Christian Church, and finds in its creed the 
expression of his religious faith.  A Mason, he has been advanced through the 
Chapter and is going on with the work, and he also belongs to the Benevolent 
and Protective Order of Elks and the Knights of Pythias.  Not only is 
Professor Peters a born instructor, he is an organizer as well, and is able 
to conduct the affairs of his office in a systematic manner, and to secure 
the services of teachers who are helpful and enthusiastic with regard to 
their work.  Through both precept and example he has awakened a local pride 
in the pupils, and the different schools vie with each other in raising the 
standard of education in this locality, with most gratifying results.


Submitted by Pat C. Johns <PACJ1945@aol.com>

****************************************************************

USGENWEB NOTICE:  These electronic pages may NOT be reproduced in
any format for profit or presentation by any other organization or
persons.  Persons or organizations desiring to use this material,
must obtain the written consent of the contributor, or the legal
representative of the submitter, and contact the listed USGenWeb
archivist with proof of this consent. Files may be printed or copied
for personal use only.

****************************************************************