The life-history of him whose name heads this sketch is well worthy of record as illustrating what may be accomplished by earnest and conscientious effort, directed along the line of an honorable purpose. While it has many things in common with that of others who have made their way from humble circumstances to positions of prominence by their own force of character, there is also in it an individuality peculiarly its own, and worthy of note. Eliel Peck is a native of Lebanon, New Hampshire, and was born June 12, 1824, to John W. and Fannie (Huntington) Peck. His ancestors on both his father's and mother's side were of English descent and were first represented in this country in the early part of the seventeenth century, having settled in New England, whither they had immigrated from Britain. Members of both families were active participants in the Revolutionary War. Our subject's father was a thrifty, well-to -do farmer, and a man highly respected for his upright character and moral worth. His mother possessed those true womanly instincts characteristic of New England mothers. Eliel was the eldest of a family of three sons and two daughters, and from his worthy parents inherited many of those qualities of energy, perseverance and thrift that have characterized his life. He spent his boyhood on his father's farm and received a good common school and academic education at Lebanon. He recalls as a pleasant memory that one of his teachers was the late “Long John” Wentworth, of Chicago, who at that time was a student at Dartmouth College, making his way by teaching country schools. After leaving school at the age of nineteen he taught district school during two winter terms and worked on the farm through the summer seasons. Upon attaining his majority in 1845 he left home, and going to New York City, secured a position in the freight department of the Erie Railroad Company. After five years' service in that place he became receiving clerk in the office of the United States Express Company and held it until 1855, during which year he left New York and turning his steps westward, settled in Davenport, Iowa, then a prosperous, growing young city of about ten thousand inhabitants. Close confinement to office work had somewhat impaired his health, and this was one of the main causes of turning his attention to the growing West, since there he would have abundant opportunity for out-of-door employment and exercise.
Mr. Peck's first business venture in his new home proved a success and in a measure determined his future course. Beginning on a limited scale in the ice-packing business he continued in that line, growing with the growth of the city, until the winter of 1887-88, a period of more than thirty years. By his careful and correct business habits he built up an extensive trade that yielded him most gratifying results, and throughout his long active business career was regarded as one of the city's substantial and reliable business men. He was always keenly alive to public interests and cheerfully lent his aid to all matters pertaining to the prosperity and welfare of his adopted city. He has been many times honored by his fellow-citizens with important official trusts and has always discharged his official duties in a way to command their admiration and respect. As early as 1857, under the mayoralty of Mr. George B. Sargent, he was elected city clerk . In 1883 he was elected city and county assessor and still fills that office, having been reëlected for the city every year and for the county every two years since that time. Such a record speaks louder than words of commendation and praise for his faithfulness and impartiality as a public servant.
Mr. Peck is president of the Davenport Produce Exchange and in all worthy public enterprises shows commendable zeal. His political affiliations have always been with the Democratic party, though he is not a strong partisan. He is a member of Pioneer Lodge No. 2, Ancient Order of United Workmen. He is a man of attractive personal qualities; of social disposition, generous and genial; simple in his habits and domestic in his tastes.
In 1852, on November 27, he married Miss Julia E. Fitzsimmons, daughter of Patrick Fitzsimmons, a native of Troy, New York. Their one child, Fannie E., resides at home with her parents.
BIOGRAPHIES