The business interests of Green River find a worthy representative in Elmer E. Peters, who is engaged in the garage and blacksmith business and who has also figured quite prominently in connection with public affairs, serving in several public offices. He has been a resident of Green River since 1887, or for a period of more than three decades, and is therefore familiar with the history of its development and upbuilding and in fact has taken an active part in advancing its general welfare.
    Ohio numbers him among her native sons. He was born in Hancock county, April 4, 1861, his parents being Jacob and Jane (Taylor) Peters, the father a native of Virginia and the mother a native of Ireland. The father engaged in general merchandising in Hancock county, Virginia, and afterward in Arcadia, Ohio. Called to public office, he filled the position of postmaster for four terms, his long continuance in the office being an indication of his marked fidelity and trustworthiness. He died in 1872, having for five years survived his wife, who passed away in 1867. They were the parents of four children who are still living, namely, William T., who resides in California; Mrs. J. H. Campbell, living in Toledo, Ohio; Elmer E., of this review ; and Mrs. Prudy Van Horn, whose home is in Hancock county, Ohio.
    In his boyhood days Elmer E. Peters was a pupil in the public schools of the Buckeye state, but when only eleven years of age was thrown upon his own resources owing to the death of his parents, which left him an orphan. In 1884 he arrived in Omaha, Nebraska, and was employed for three years in the Union Pacific car shops in that city. On the 31^st of December, 1887, he reached Green River, Wyoming, and worked for the Union Pacific as a carpenter in the shops at that place, there remaining until 1890. On the expiration of that period he established a restaurant with Fred Rose as a partner and they successfully carried on the business for six years. Mr. Peters then sold out and turned his attention to the lumber and contracting business. In the intervening period he erected many of the attractive homes and business houses in Green River. The Peters lumberyard was the pioneer lumber establishment of Green River and from the beginning Mr. Peters enjoyed a substantial and growing trade. Three years after opening the lumberyard he also began dealing in feed and hay and in this branch of his business also won substantial profits. In 1913 he further extended the scope of his activities by the establishment of the first garage in Green River. At the same time he started a blacksmith shop and in these lines has won substantial success. He is a man of indefatigable energy and persistency of purpose and works untiringly for the accomplishment of the ends to which his efforts are directed.
    On the 16^th of October, 1894, at Omaha, Nebraska, Mr. Peters was united in marriage to Miss Sarah J. Hutton, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Purdy Hutton, who were natives of Ireland. Mr. and Mrs. Peters have become parents of three children. Ernest R., who was born at Green River, September 5, 1895, is a graduate of the high school at Oakland, California, and is now in business at Green River. Edith June, born in Green River, June 23. 1897, was graduated from the schools of Oakland, California, and is now a third year student in the University of Wyoming at Laramie and is editor of the college annual. Kenneth Elmer, born at Green River, August 4, 1908, is attending school.
    Mr. Peters votes with the republican party, which he has supported since age conferred upon him the right of franchise. For eighteen years he was a member of the city council of Green River, continuing in that position until 1913, his long incumbency in the office proving his marked capability, his fidelity to the interests entrusted to his care and the confidence reposed in him by his fellow citizens. He was also county commissioner for eight years, or until 1911, and for one term he served on the Green River school board. He has attained high rank in Masonry and is a member of the Mystic Shrine. He is also connected with the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks. Mr. Peters is indeed a self-made man and as the architect of his fortunes has builded wisely and well. Left an orphan in his early boyhood days he began working for farmers for his board and for such cast-off clothing as the farmers chose to give him. He did this for a time but soon began to realize that there was something more important in life and took a forward step by learning the carpenter's trade. He now has a large and most profitable business in Green River, conducting a garage and blacksmith shop and is indeed one of the representative men of the county, controlling important interests and utilizing his opportunities in such a way that substantial results have accrued. Moreover, he has made a most creditable record in official circles and perhaps the record of no man in public office in Green River has extended over a longer period, while none has been more faultless in honor, fearless in conduct or stainless in reputation.