Samuel D. Peck, son of Palmer
and Clarissa Peck, nee Douglas natives of Limetown,
Conn.; was born in West Bloomfield, Ontario County, N.Y.,
Jun 29, 1817. He was educated there, and in 1836 came to
Iowa, being on of the very first settlers of Clayton
County. He selected Mallory Township as the scene of his
furture labors, settling on Turkey River at Peck's Ferry.
He built and run the first flat boat across the Turkey
River at that point. He resided there twenty-two years,
then purchased his present farm of 200 acres on section
33, He has made many excellent improvements on the land,
and owns one of the finest residences in the county,
situated in a beautiful grove. He was married in 1844 to
Nancy W., daughter of David and Ruth (Collins) Moreland,
natives of Pennsylvania, who emigrated to Iowa in 1839,
and died here. Eight children have blessed this union,
viz.; Ann Elizabeth, born Feb. 13, 1845, married G. F.
Potts of Colesburg, Ia.; Ruth Ellen born Sept. 23, 1847,
is the widow of T. M. Flanniken, of Rockford, Ill.;
Martha C. born March 16, 1850, wife of E. T. Melvin, of
Minnesota; Sarah Frances, born Aug. 14, 1852, is now Mrs.
Joel Hewitt, of Canton, Da.; Florence, born May 25, 1857,
married Frank Steadman, of Colony Township, Ia.; Palmer
D., born Dec. 12, 1860; Elmer E., Dec. 11, 1863, and
Derossa D., Feb. 13, 1865. Mr. Peck is a member of the
Congregational church. He has been active in politics,
and has been elected to many of the township offices,
having been Treasurer several years. He has always
discharged his duties faithfully and efficiently. He
votes the Democratic ticket. source: History of Clayton
County, Iowa, 1882, p. 923 |
