Peter Frederick Rothermel, Jr. (September 27, 1850 – May 26, 1929) was aPennsylvanialawyer and politician. Rothermel was born inPhiladelphia, the son ofPeter F. Rothermel, a successful artist, and his wife, Caroline Goodhart. After attending various schools in Europe while his father was employed there, Rothermel graduated fromCentral High School in Philadelphia in 1867.[1] Following his graduation, Rothermel clerked in the law office ofJames T. Mitchell, a prominent Philadelphia attorney who would later serve on theSupreme Court of Pennsylvania.[1]
Rothermel was admitted to thebar in 1871.[2] For the next fifteen years, he found successful employment as a corporate attorney in Philadelphia representing many of that city's corporate titans, includingJohn Wanamaker.[1][2] In 1881, Rothermel married Josephine Bryant, the daughter of Walter Bryant, a coal baron and sister ofHenry Grier Bryant, the explorer.[2] The couple had one son, Peter F. Rothermel, III, born in 1883.[2]
In 1884, Rothermel considered an attempt at election to City Solicitor, but later withdrew his candidacy. In 1898, Rothermel ran for District Attorney of Philadelphia as aRepublican and was elected, defeatingJames M. Beck.[2] The following year, Rothermel served as prosecutor in the corruption trial of SenatorMatthew Quay.[3] Quay was found innocent after an eleven-day trial.[3]
After his term as District Attorney ended in 1901, Rothermel was refused renomination by the Republican machine politicians, owing to his prosecution of Quay. He was nominated by a group of reformers on a fusion ticket, but failed to be re-elected, losing to future mayorJohn Weaver.[4] Following his defeat, Rothermel resumed his successful corporate practice.[2] He died on May 26, 1919, at his home onRittenhouse Square.[2]