Peter Christian Zimmerman (August 17, 1887 – October 28, 1950) was an American politician from the state of Oregon.

Peter Zimmerman
Member of the Oregon Senate
from the 24th district
In office
January 9, 1933 – January 11, 1937
Preceded byEarl E. Fisher
Member of the Oregon Senate
from the 10th district
In office
January 8, 1923 – January 10, 1927
Preceded byWilliam T. Vinton
Succeeded byClarence Butt
Personal details
Born(1887-08-17)August 17, 1887
Yamhill County, Oregon, United States
DiedOctober 28, 1950(1950-10-28) (aged 63)
Political partyRepublican
Other political
affiliations
Independent (1934)
SpouseEthel F. Patey
Children1
EducationOregon State University

Biography

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Zimmerman was born in 1887 to Christian Zimmerman and Louisa Sophia Nolteon and raised on a farm near Yamhill, Oregon.[1] At the age of 15, he left home and apprenticed as a blacksmith. He continued his secondary education while working as a blacksmith and later graduated in engineering from Oregon State University. At the age of 22, Zimmerman purchased a small farm near Yamhill in 1919.[2]

Zimmerman ran for the Oregon State Senate in 1922, defeating incumbent William T. Vinton in the Republican primary.[2] He served until 1927, and was elected again in 1932, serving until 1937.[3][4]

In 1934, Zimmerman ran for Governor of Oregon. Although he was defeated in the Republican primary by fellow state senator Joe E. Dunne, he was urged to run as an independent by farm groups. Zimmerman lost the general election to Democrat Charles Martin, receiving 32% of the vote and coming in second place, winning eight counties.[1][5]

Zimmerman and his wife, Ethel F. Patey, had one daughter, Carolyn; she married Ben Larson. He died of throat cancer in 1950, aged 63.[1]

References

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  1. ^ a b c "Peter Christian Zimmerman". Retrieved May 8, 2017.
  2. ^ a b Oregon Voter: Magazine of Citizenship--for Busy Men and Women. 1922. pp. 501–502.
  3. ^ "Oregon Legislators and Staff Guide 1933 Regular Session (37th): January 9 – March 9". Oregon State Archives. Retrieved May 8, 2017.
  4. ^ "Oregon Legislators and Staff Guide 1935 Regular Session (38th): January 14 – March 13". Oregon State Archives. Retrieved May 8, 2017.
  5. ^ "OR Governor Race - Nov 06, 1934". Our Campaigns. Retrieved December 21, 2011.
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