Herbert Peterson
Herbert L. Peterson | |
|---|---|
| Born | May 16, 1876 Door County, Wisconsin, U.S. |
| Died | February 9, 1952 (aged 75) |
| Occupation(s) | Banker, entrepreneur, politician |
| Years active | Early 1900s–1952 |
| Known for | Wisconsin State Senate (1919–1923) |
Herbert L. Peterson (May 16, 1876 – February 9, 1952) was a prominent American banker, entrepreneur, and Republican legislator from Wisconsin. He held office in the Wisconsin State Senate as the representative for the 1st District between 1919 and 1923.
Background
Peterson was born on a farm in Door County, Wisconsin, the son of Peter Peterson, an immigrant from Norway. After completing his public education, he began his career as a delivery boy and store clerk, experiences that eventually led him to become the senior partner at Peterson & Hoslett, a general merchandise store located in Sawyer. He continued to operate his farm until 1917.
Transitioning into the banking sector, Peterson became vice president of the Bank of Sawyer in 1902 and rose to president of the Door County State Bank by 1914. In addition to his banking career, he served as president of the Marinette Hoop and Stave Company, treasurer for Universal Shipbuilding Company, and president of Sturgeon Bay Stone Quarry. Alongside these business interests, he also managed two farms.
Public office
From 1919 to 1923, Peterson served as the state senator for Wisconsin’s 1st District, which included Door, Kewaunee, and Marinette counties. He secured a commanding victory in the 1918 Republican primary and ran unopposed in the subsequent general election. After redistricting prior to the 1922 election altered the district by substituting Manitowoc County for Marinette County, Peterson was not renominated; Progressive Republican John E. Cashman succeeded him.
After the Senate
In his later years, Peterson operated a tourist resort and oversaw an orchard cultivating apples and cherries. He passed away on February 9, 1952, following a prolonged illness, leaving behind his wife and four children.