Absalom Barton Peters (1871-1923) Veteran of the Philippine American War 1899-1902
In 1898 when President McKinley called for volunteers to defend their country against Spain, A.B. Peters was one of the first to enlist.
Capt. John W. Staples came to Burrville in May, 1898 and Prof. Peters with several other boys readily gave their names to help Staples make up his company. It was some time later, fearing that Staples would not he able to make up the required number for his company, he with five or six other boys learning that there was a recruiting officer for the First Tennessee Regiment at Nashville, went to Nashville and enlisted in the 1st Tennessee Regiment.
They were immediately sent to San Francisco, where the regiment was held in training. His regiment was sent to the Philippine Islands late in the year of 1898 where it remained until the summer of 1899. He enlisted as a Private but was promoted corporal. After about 21 months in the army he was honorably discharged at San Francisco,
Nov. 23, 1899. He was a good soldier. One of his comrades said that he never heard him speak an unkind word and that his character was above question.
Absalom Peters was the grandson of Rev. A.B. Wright for whom the Wright Institute in Burrville was named for. A.B. Peters taught at the Wright Institute as well as schools in Petros and Deer Lodge. In 1917 he was elected superintendent of Morgan County schools, he served until his death in 1923. A.B. Peters died 15 days before his 52nd birthday; his health had been compromised by the malaria he contracted in the Philippines.
The picture was furnished by Jon Peters, grandson of A.B. Peters. A.B. Peters is my 2nd cousin, once removed. [Dave Davidson]