1845- c. 1890

Peter Kiser Scrapbook

Peter Kiser Scrapbook - German

Over the course of the 19th century, German immigration brought the highest numbers of immigrants to the United States. Attracted by promises in agriculture, jobs, and political and religious freedom, Germans moved throughout the US in staggering numbers. By 1910, residents of German heritage comprised 30% of Fort Wayne's population.

Peter Kiser (1810-1890) was born in Ohio--a first generation American to German immigrant parents. Though he traded in Fort Wayne as early as 1822, he didn't settle here permanently until 1832. He was the town's first butcher, first Barr Street Market Master, was elected to the state legislature, and served on the City Council. All of his accomplishments were extremely impressive feats given he never learned to read or write. Perhaps that is why he was also very active in the push to establish a free public school system.

Kiser was well known for his magnificent scrapbook he carried around with him and displayed in his shop. He used this scrapbook as evidence for his political and social arguments so he could readily produce the source information to support his views.