History of Saginaw County, Michigan; historical, commercial, biographical, profusely illustrated with portraits of early pioneers, rare pictures and scenes of olden times, and portraits of representative citizens of today, [Vol. 2]

BIOGRAPHIES OF REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS

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late Sam G. Clay, the veteran theatrical manager, was the moving spirit,
and he filled the place of drummer whenever the services of the band were
needed.
In 1879 he became associated with his brother-in-law, Joseph Seemann,
in the job printing business, under the firm name of Seemann & Peters, which
has been remarkably successful, covering a period of thirty-eight years. From
a small beginning in a room on the second floor of a building on Genesee
Street, the business grew and expanded until today it comprises seven distinct departments under one roof, all of which are complete and efficiently
managed so that the firm is now regarded as one of the leading printing,
engraving and office outfitting houses in the State.
One of the important events in Mr. Peters' life was the founding by the
firm of Seemann & Peters of the Saginaw Evening News, now the Saginaw
Daily News. The first issue of this paper, which was Democratic in politics,
was of May 2, 1881; and for a time the paper was published under far from
auspicious circumstances. But through their indomitable will and perseverance, and strong personalities, the paper in a few years began a career of
prosperity which has continued to the present time. On February 15, 1893,
Messrs. Seemann and Peters sold the paper to E. N. Dingley, of Kalamazoo.
Early in his career Mr. Peters evinced an active interest in the city's
welfare, and gave much of his time and attention towards the betterment of
his home city. In the early days he and his chum Joe were members of
the volunteer fire engine company, Excelsior No. 2, when prominent citizens
served side by side at the brakes of the hand fire engines, handled ladders,
laid hose and fought the flames. He was eminently connected with many
leading organizations for many years, being a member of the Board of
Education, and was on the building committee in 1893 when the present
High School was rebuilt and the Houghton School was erected, drawing the
tentative plans and personally attending to many of the details of construction. When the Board of Park and Cemetery Commissioners was created
by Mayor Henry E. Lee, on May 29, 1905, Mr. Peters was appointed one of
the members, and was reappointed January 1, 1909, for a five-year term. As
one of the original members of this board great credit is due him for the
improvement and excellent condition of our park system today. He was an
enthusiast over gardens, flowers, trees and shrubbery, and possessed remarkable knowledge of all forms of plants, using his learning to advantage in the
conduct of board affairs. He frequently visited the parks and cemeteries,
and directed the work of improving and beautifying the park system throughout the city.
In his more intimate relations with his fellow-men he was prominently
connected with many fraternal societies, for which he never tired of rendering personal service. Especially for the Germania Society did he manifest
enthusiasm and aid in beautifying and caring for the gardens and in remodeling its hall. During the erection of the new Elk's Temple he also gave
unstintingly and cheerfully of his time and energy, and will always he held
in grateful remembrance by the large membership of this order. He was
past commander of Saginaw Post No. 38, Grand Army of the Republic; and
a loyal member of Saginaw Lodge No. 77, F. & A. M.; Camp Sherman
No. 1, N. L. V. S.; Saginaw Lodge No. 47, Benevolent and Protective Order
of Elks; the East Saginaw' Club, and the Germania and East Side Arbeiter
Societies. He was an enthusiastic bowler and played a strong game with
many younger members of the various clubs.
Mr. Peters was married on February 17, 1869, to Miss Anna Seemann,
sister of his business partner. Eight children were born to them, of whom
seven grew to manhood and womanhood: Mrs. Gustav F. Oppermann;