This gentlemen, who has been engaged in teaching at Germantown since the spring of 1875, was born in Crefeld, in Rhine-Prussia, on the 29th of August, 1844. His parents were Zaccheus WALLRATH and Catharine JANSEN. Peter was the fourth of a family of nine children. He received his preliminary education in his native village. From the age of fifteen to nineteen he attended school at Crefeld. He was afterward a student at a seminary at Kempen, where he graduated, receiving a diploma which entitled him to teach in any of the common-schools in Prussia, and which relieved him from military service, except for six weeks. He taught in the city of Essen one year, and afterward served six weeks in the German army, during the German- Austrian war of 1866. At the solicitation of his older brother, Rev. M.. WALLRATH, then at Cincinnati, (now residing at Colusa, California) he came to America in 1867. He had obtained a good knowledge of the English language before leaving Germany. He taught six months at Peru, Ohio, where he married Catherine PORTZELT, a native of Bavaria. In 1868 he took charge of the public schools at Haubstadt, Gibson county, Indiana, and retained that position three years.

In 1871 he went to California, and spent three years in Humboldt county of that state. On his return from the Pacific coast he came to Illinois, and after a short stay in O’Fallon, in 1875, took charge of the public schools of Germantown, Clinton county. As the teacher he has been successful. He brought with him to this country the best recommendations from Germany, and wherever he has been has secured the highest testimonials as to his ability as a teacher, and his character as a private citizen. He has four children, whose names are: Mary, Lizzie, Henry and Anna. He has taken an active interest in politics, and has been a warm supporter of the principles of the democratic party. He was an alternate to the national democratic convention of 1880, at Cincinnati, which nominated Gen. W S HANCOCK for President. He has made many friends during his residence in Clinton county, and is known as a man of sound principles and superior business qualifications.

Source: History of Marion and Clinton Counties, Illinois, 1881, Brink, McDonough & Co., Philadelphia

Submitted by: Pamela Safriet

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