W. B. PEAKE, retired, Petersburg; son of Thomas and Sarah M. (Adams) Peake, who were of English descent; was born in Loudoun Co., Va., Sept. 6, 1803; during his early life, school advantages were very limited, but, by home-study and observation, he became a practical business man; he entered mercantile life as clerk when quite young, and, after five years' experience, became a partner and accumulated a good property; in 1837, he came to Illinois, locating in Menard Co., and opened a general store at Salisbury; he located in Petersburg in 1844, and for several years was a merchant. His wife was Miss Jane E. Powell of Fairfax Co., Va.; they were married Nov. 3, 1836; she was born Oct. 2, 1815. Mr. and Mrs. Peake enjoy fine health and are sprightly, social and genial; their combined ages equal 140 years.