Skip to main content

Peters, William J., 1884-1926

 Person

Dates

  • Existence: 1884-1926
  • Existence: 1884-11-27 - 1926-12-28

Biography

William J. Peters worked as an official photographer for the city of St. Louis for a period around 1917, during the administration of Mayor Henry Kiel. Before and after his employment with the city, he may have worked in the shoe industry. During World War I, he served as chairman of his precinct during a 1918 campaign conducting door-to-door sales of War Savings Certificates and Thrift Stamps. In September 1918, Peters applied to join the Signal Corps for service in the Photographic Section, but his application was declined due to a lack of vacancies. He then registered for the draft, but his notice to appear for physical examination came three days after Armistice Day.

Peters was the son of Joseph G. Peters and Louise Okenfuss Peters. He was born on October 27, 1884, and he died on December 12, 1926. He lived for many years with his mother, his sisters, and his brother at 310 South Jefferson Avenue. He is buried in Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Cemetery.

Found in 1 Collection or Record:

William Peters Collection

 Collection
Identifier: P0821
Scope and Contents The William Peters Collection contains two photograph albums created by Peter to document his family, friends, and life in St. Louis from 1915-1922. These albums show activities related to the war effort, as well as Peters’ family and friends enjoying recreational activities and civic events. Both albums include detailed captions that identify and date the photographs. Photographs taken during the war show soldiers and sailors, often in uniform, before leaving for training camps, while home...
Dates: ca. 1861-1922; Majority of material found within 1915-1922