- FRANCIS E. PECK, who is numbered among the early settlers
of Rock County, Wis., dating his
- residence in this community back to 1845, is a native of
New York, born in Monroe County, Nov. 28, 1840. His parents,
Elisha F. and Eliza (MOORE) PECK, were married in that county,
and there had a family of three children, James R., Francis E.
and Elisha B. In 1845, the family removed to the West, stopping
for a short time at Delavan, Wis., after which they continued
their journey to Rock County, where the father entered a claim
and developed a farm in Newark Township. The mother was permitted
to enjoy her new home but a short time, for after two years had
passed she was called to her final rest, in 1847. In 1863, the
father removed to the city of Beloit, where he continued to make
his home until 1876, when he became a resident of California,
where he is still living.
- Our subject was but five years old when his parents removed
to this county. He was reared to
- farm life upon the claim which his father entered in Newark
Township, and his educational advantages were indeed limited.
His knowledge of the text books was received in a pioneer school
house, built of logs, covered with sod, and without a floor.
This was only one of the inconveniences attendant on pioneer
life, which, though the hardships were often great, also had
its pleasures. On Dec. 24, 1863, Mr. PECK was united in marriage
with Miss Ellen ROYCE, who was born in Kewis County, N.Y., Feb.
24, 1847, and is a daughter of William and Mary (NEWTON) ROYCE,
of Lewis County, in that State. In 1861, the family emigrated
to the West, locating in Newark Township, Rock County. The children
were nine in number, eight of whom are now living, Lorinda, Jenette,
Charles A., Ellen, Effie, Hubbard, Elizabeth and William. The
parents both died in this county.
- On Jan. 20, 1864, Mr. PECK bade good bye to his bride of
a month and enlisted in his country's
- service, becoming a member of Company F, Sixteenth Wisconsin
Infantry. He then served until the close of the war, participating
in all the engagements of his regiment from that time. While
fighting in the front ranks at Leggetts Hill he was wounded,
losing one finger, and after being confined in the hospital for
some time obtained a leave of absence and returned home, expecting
to join his regiment as Nashville. His furlough being over,
he proceeded to that city to find that the command had joined
Sherman's army, and from there he was sent to Savannah, Ga.,
where he was detailed and ordered to Moorhead City, N.C., as
quartermaster. Subsequently he was sent to Washington, D.C.,
and later to Louisville, Ky., where he was honorably discharged,
July 15, 1865.
- Around the fireside of our subject and his excellent wife
cluster a family of six interesting children,
- namely: May Bell, born Aug. 1, 1867; Frank E., May 1, 1871;
Minnie E., Dec. 21, 1875; Mervin, Aug. 29, 1881; Vena Vella,
Feb. 16, 1885; and Harry A., July 31, 1886. Mr. PECK is numbered
among the energetic and enterprising citizens of Rock County,
and is held in high esteem by all who know him. He is an active
supporter of the Republican party.
-
- Taken from "The Portrait and Biographical Album of
Rock County, Wis." (c)1889, p. 769.
-
- Courtesy of Carol
|