LEWIS P. PETER, son of Philip and Catharine (Deibert) Peters, was born Jan. 12, 1836, in Whitehall township, on one of the tracts now included in the Trexler deer farm. His parents were farmers. When quite young he learned the milling trade at Kern's Mill, at Kernsville, and later was employed at Sehantz's, and Schreiber's, and Lichtenwalner's mills, following the trade for fifteen years.

In 1873 he came to Allentown, and located at No. 122 North Seventh Street, where he continued his business until the time of his death, on June 17, 1912. He began his business in a small way, employing one baker and a driver, but the business continued to grow and at one time he had employed twenty men; later he manufactured ice cream for the wholesale and retail trade. In politics he was a Republican, and he served a term as councilman of the Fourth ward. He was always most active in religious work and was a liberal subscriber and contributor towards old Ebenezer Evangelical church. He was a firm believer in future sanctification and became a leader in the Holiness movement in Allentown. When the Holiness chapel was erected on Linden Street, in 1908, he became a member of that church and he remained a pillar of it until his death. He was greatly interested in the spiritual uplift of the city. He was charitable, public spirited, and an exemplary citizen and businessman. He was married three times, first to Amanda Knerr, in 1857. She died in April 1870. He married (second) Emeline Lehr, who was born March 21, 1843, and died Jan. 28. 1895. One daughter. Ella L. wife of C. E. Ahlum.. of Allentown, was born to this union. He married (third) Minnie E. Koch, a daughter of Samuel Koch, of Allentown.