Biographical Sketch of

Covell A. Peck

Transcribed by Sandra Boudrou for the Marquette Co WI Pages


Source: Portrait and Biographical Album of Green Lake, Marquette and Waushara Counties, Wisconsin, 
published 1890 by Acme Publishing Co., Chicago, Pages 636 - 637


Covell A. Peck, hardware merchant of Berlin, was born in the town of Westmoreland, Oneida Co., N. Y., and 
is a son of Frederick B. and Hannah (Park) Peck.  The branch of the Peck family from which our subject is 
descended was founded in America by Henry Peck, who emigrated, presumably, from England in the spring of 
1637 to this country, landing a Boston on the 26th of June, that year, from the ship "Hector" in company 
with Gov. Eaton, the Rev. John Davenport and others.  He settled in New Haven in the spring of 1638, and 
died in 1651.  His son Joseph was baptized Sept. 5, 1647, was married to Sarah Alling Nov. 28, 1672, and 
died in 1720.  John Peck, who was born of their union on the 6th of October, 1682, married Esther Morris, 
Jan. 30, 1706, and their son, Joseph Peck, was born Jan. 27, 1707.  He married and at an early date settled 
in Norfolk, Conn., whence he is supposed to have removed to what is now Bethel.  The date of his death or 
the name of his wife could not be learned by the writer.  His son Levi resided in Danbury, Conn., and was 
twice married.  His first wife was Jerusha Starr, of Danbury, and the second was Sarah Booth, of Startford, 
Conn.  Mr. Peck died March 4, 1815.  Levi Peck, son of Levi and Jerusha (Starr) Peck, was born Aug. 23, 1778, 
and was also twice married, first to Martha Rogers, of Norfolk, Conn., and second to Mrs. Ruth Hart, a widow 
whose maiden name was Ruth Stebbins; he died Feb. 17, 1852.
 
Frederick B., son of Eli and Ruth Peck, was born in the town of Westmoreland, Oneida Co., N. Y., on the 15th 
of November, 1815, and on the 4th of October, 1837, married Hannah Park, and emigrated to Marquette County, 
Wis., in 1853, settling on the part which has since been separated and called Green Lake County.  He located 
on a farm in the town of Berlin, where he engaged in agricultural pursuits until 1863, when he formed a 
partnership with his son and S. H. Warner in the hardware business in Berlin.  He also opened a bank in that 
city under the firm name of F. B. Peck & Co.
 
Our subject is the only child of his father's family.  His primary education, obtained in the Berlin schools, 
was supplemented by a course in Ripon College, and his education completed in Wayland University of Beaver Dam, 
Wis.  He began his business career as a clerk in the mercantile house of Avery Brown, of Ripon, and continued in 
that position between three and four years.  While in that city, on the 2d of October, 1861, Mr. Peck was united 
in marriage with Miss Theodora Russell, daughter of J. C. and Harriett Russell, and a native of Manlius, Onondaga 
Co., N. Y.  Four children have been born of their union as follows:  Minnie M., Fred R., Louis C. and Bertine H.  
The eldest son is about to become a partner in the hardware business of his father.

Mr. Peck began business for himself as a grocer, on the corner of Capron and Main Streets, Berlin, in 1863, but a 
few months later, joined his father and Mr. Warner in a double store putting his stock of groceries in one, while 
in the other they carried a general line of hardware, stoves and tinware.  He also became interested in the bank 
of F. B. Peck & Co., the mercantile business being carried on under the firm name of Peck, Warner, & Peck.  In 
1864 they sold out the grocery department and continued in the hardware business, the firm remaining unchanged 
until April 9, 1868, when Mr. Warner withdrew and the business was conducted by Mr. Peck and his father until the 
death of the latter, Nov. 4, 1877, under the firm name of F. B. & C. A. Peck.  Since that time our subject has 
been sole proprietor.  He carries a full line of hardware--stoves, iron, nails, farming tools, tinware, glass, 
sash, doors and blinds--does an extensive business, and is widely and favorably known as a fair-dealing and 
successful merchant.
 
Mr. and Mrs. Peck are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church of Berlin, in which he has been an officer 
twenty-five years.  He is Steward, Class Leader, and served as Superintendent of the Sabbath-school for twenty-one 
years, during which time he has worked earnestly and faithfully to maintain the school in a flourishing condition 
and has succeeded in a marked degree.  He has also been active in support of the church, and is recognized as one 
of the most influential members of the society.  In political opinion he has always been a Republican with strong 
prohibition sympathies, but has never sought or desired public office.  The educational interests of the city have 
always enlisted his warmest sympathy and support and he has served eight years as a member of the School Board.  
Mr. Peck is a Knight Templar Mason, a member of Berlin Lodge, No. 38, A. F. & A. M.; of Berlin Chapter, No. 18, 
R. A. M., and of Berlin Commandery, No. 10, K. T.  He has been Treasurer of the Blue Lodge for fifteen years.  
High Priest of the Chapter one year and Prelate for the Commandery ten years.  Mr. Peck is a thorough business man, 
a genial, social gentleman, and enjoys in the fullest degree the respect and esteem of all who know him.  His mother 
survives her husband and is a cherished member of her son's family.
 





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