Born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Enlisted in the 3rd Delaware Infantry for three years as a substitute for John R. Nelson at Wilmington, New Castle County, Delaware. Mustered in as a Private in Company G at Lafayette Barracks, Baltimore, Maryland on 30 Aug 1864. The Company mustered out at Arlington Heights, Virginia on 3 Jun 1865. Private Peterman transferred to Company G, 1st Delaware Infantry on 6 Jun 1865. Mustered out near Munson Hill, Virginia. On 21 Mar 1869 he married Annette Smith in Pike County, Missouri. By Apr 1889 they had moved from Missouri and settled in Lincoln County, Washington Territory. Admitted to the Washington State Soldiers Home at Orting, Pierce County, Washington on 27 Jul 1912. A member of Custer Post No. 6 of Tacoma, Pierce County, Washington. Served as a Delegate to the 1919 Encampment of the Department of Washington and Alaska held at Wenatchee, Chelan County, Washington. Died in Tacoma, Washington. The following article entitled "Hold Up Civil War Veteran" was published by the Tacoma Times on 12 Sep 1913: After commanding Edward Peterman, age 60, a Civil war veteran, to hand over his money and valuables, two young highwaymen last evening handed back to the old man his empty pocketbook and G. A. R. button before turning to flee. The hold-up occurred at 33rd and Pacific avenue, at the end of the hill car line, while Peterman was waiting for a car at 9 o'clock.
The youths wore masks and one carried a gun. Instead of searching their victim, they ordered the veteran to hand over his valuables. Peterman handed out his pocketbook, containing $4 in silver, and his Grand Army badge.
Peterman was on his way home after visiting a friend. He lives with his son at 74th and G sts.