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 |
