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Articles that pertain to the state: the Rhode Island Reading Room.

  The Peckham Family, from England to Newport.

  The Lillibridge Family in the United States.

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  NEWPORT 

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The History of the State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations: Biographical, by the American Historical Society, Inc., 1920. For an unknown reason there are several copies of the book with the same title page, but with different contents. From pages 8- 10 

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FELIX PECKHAM, JR.- The surname Peckham is derived from the parish of Peckham in the County of Kent, England. The suffix "ham" inthe early Saxon language, signified home or town; names containing it areof local origin. Peckham therefore means the town of Peck, or the home of Peck. Eminent authorities give the original home of the family as Scandinavia, and the time of its founding in England as the eleventh century, shortly after the Norman Conquest. The name is variously spelled, Peccam, Peckham, and Pecham; John Peckham, who was Archbishop of Canterbury from 1279 to1292, was the founder of one of the most noted branches of the family in England, but as early as 1127, Robert Peckham was chaplain to King Henry I.

It has not been possible to establish a connection between Robert Peckham and John Peckham, Archbishop of Canterbury, Sir Edmund Peckham, one of the Archbishop's descendants, was master of the mint to Queen Elizabeth, and was knighted in 1542. He resided in Buckinghamshire. His son, Sir George Peckham, was a merchant adventurer and in company with Sir Henry Gilbert,Sir Richard Greenville and Christopher Carlisle went on a trip of exploration in 1574. They reached the Newfoundelandes (now Newfoundland) and came down the coast of North America.

The founder of the American branch of the Peckham family is thoughtto have been a direct descendant of Sir George Peckham, of the reign of Queen Elizabeth. He was the progenitor of the majority of the Peckham families in America today.

Arms - Ermine a. chief, quarterly, or and gules.
Crest - An ostrich proper Blotto - Tentanda via est.

(I) John Peckham, immigrant ancestor and founder of the family, was a native of England and emigrated to America at a date unknown. He was admitted an inhabitant of the Island of Aquidneck, R. I., March 20, 1638,which is the first record of him in the New World. He later removed to Newport, R. I., where he became a leader of great prominence in the affairs of the Baptist church. He became a freeman at Newport, March 16, 1641. In 1648 John Peckham was one of the ten male members in full communionin the First Baptist Church of Newport, having been one of its founders in 1644. He resided in that part of Newport which later became Middletown,and was made a freeman there in 1655. A stone marked "I P" onthe land of William F. Peckham in Middletown is supposed to mark the grave of John Peckham. He married (first) Mary Clarke, the sister of Rev. John Clarke, of Bedfordshire, England, and Boston and Newport, an associate of Roger Williams. He married (second) Eleanor. John Peckham died after 1681, and prior to 1700. His will bears the date January 6, 1681.

(II) William Peckham, son of John and Mary (Clarke) Peckham, was born in Newport, R. I., about 1647. In 1684 he served as juryman. In 1696-97-98 he held the office of deputy to the General Assembly of Rhode Island. On July 13, 1702, he was granted a share of eighteen acres in a division of proprietors' lands. On November 15, 1711, William Peckham was ordained pastor of the First Baptist Church of Newport by Samuel Luther, of Swansea, minister, and Samuel Bullock, of Swansea, deacon. He is supposed to have been the first Baptist minister ordained on this continent. William Peckhammarried (first) Clarke, daughter of Joseph Clarke. He married (second) Phebe Weeden, who was born in 1660, and died in Middletown, R. I., in 1745, daughter of William Weeden. He died June 2, 1734, and his will was proved July 3, following.

(III) Samuel Peckham, son of William and Phebe (Weeden) Peckham, wasborn in Newport, R. I., and early in life removed to Middletown, wherehe died in 1757. He married Elizabeth Weeden, daughter of Jamesand Mary Weeden.

(IV) William (2) Peckham, son of Samuel and Elizabeth (Weeden) Peckham,was born in 1727, in Middletown, R. I., and resided there throughout his life, a large land owner and prosperous farmer on an extensive scale. Hemarried, October 5, 1758, Sarah Peckham, who was born October 24,1731, daughter of Joshua Peckham.

(V) Felix Peckham, son of William (2) and Sarah (Peckham) Peckham, was born in Middletown, R. I., July 21, 1763. Middletown remained his home throughout his life, and he was one of its foremost citizens. He was the owner of an extensive landed property, and was a successful farmer. Felix Peckham was a vital factor in civic and religious affairs in Middletown until his death. A man of strong convictions, and deep religious belief, he was an important member of the First Baptist Church of Newport for morethan a half century, active in its work and a liberal donor to all its undertakings. He carried the principles of his Christian belief into his life and his relations with his fellow men. He was a strong uplifting force for good in the community, and was eminently respected and loved. Mr. Peckham died in Middletown, R. I., at the venerable age of eighty-two years. He married, on November 19, 1786, Tryphena Stockman, daughter of Jacob Stockman, of Middletown, R. I. She died on February 16, 1851.

(VI) Felix Peckham, Jr., son of Felix and Tryphena (Stockman) Peckham, was born in Middletown, R. I., June 9, 1800. He was educated in the public and private schools of Newport, and on completing his studies, engaged in agricultural pursuits until 1846, when he removed to Newport to enter business life. In association with Caswell Massey & Company, he erected a large block at the corner of Thames and Church streets, known as the Narragansett building. In half of the building, Mr. Peckham, in partnership with his nephew, A. Judson Ward, opened a business embracing books, stationery, music, pianos and organs. This venture was highly successful and profitable from the outset.

Mr. Peckham was an able business man and to his management was due largelythe success of the business. He also dealt extensively in real estate, and among the other improvements which he inaugurated was the opening of a portion of Everett street as a public thoroughfare. He was prominentin business and financial circles in Newport until the time of his death, and was a director and vice-president of the National Exchange Bank of that city.

Early in life Mr. Peckham was active in the Rhode Island State Militia, and on June 29, 1823, at the age of twenty-three years, was commissioned captain of the First Company of Militia, of Middletown, and served in that capacity for several years. He maintained his interest in military affairs throughout his life, but on removing to Newport he was obliged to resign his commission. For many years he was a member of the board of commissioners of the Newport Asylum. He was an earnest member of the First Baptist Church of Newport, and a liberal donor to all its charities and benevolences. In political affiliation he was a Whig. On the formation of the Republican party and the gradual assimilation of the old Whigs in the new party, he entered the ranks of the Republicans. He was in no sense of the word an office-seeker, but fulfilled religiously his duties as a citizen. He served for several years as justice of the peace in Middletown, prior to his removal to Newport.

On May 26, 1833, Felix Peckham, Jr., married (first) Esther Peckham, daughter of Augustus and Esther (Pratt) Peckham, of Middletown,R. I., who died in Newport, August 21, 1846. He married (second) August6, 1847, Sarah Peckham, sister of his first wife; she died April 5, 1862. Mr. Peckham married (third) June 22, 1864, Mary Josephine Young,who was born in Windsor, Conn., daughter of Edward B. and Lucretia M. (Frink) Young, of Windham, Conn. Mrs. Peckham survives her husband and resides in Newport. She is well known in the conservative social circles of the city, and has for many years been prominently identified with many charitable organizations.

Mr. and Mrs. Peckham were the parents of the following children: 1. Mary Josephine, who was born in Newport, Aug. 27, 1865, and died Aug. 9,1866. 2. Antoinette Storrs, born Oct. 17, 1867, Miss Peckham resides at the Peckham residence, at No. 17 Everett street, Newport. 3. Edward Stockman, mentioned below. 4. Harold Abner, mentioned below. Felix Peckham, Jr., died at his home: in Newport, R. I., July 12, 1879.

(VII) Edward Stockman Peckham; son of Felix, Jr., and Mary Josephine (Young) Peckham, was born in Newport, R. I., May 23, 1871. He was educated in the elementary schools of the city. and in the Rogers High School, and on completing his studies; at the age of eighteen years, entered the employ of the late William J. Swinburne. Three years later he entered the employ of the late Abram Almy, Mr. Swinburne's successor in the coal and wood business, with whom he remained until 1901.

In the latter year he launched an independent venture by purchasing the interests of Brown & Howard. Mr. Peckham through diligent management developed this business into one of the leading enterprises of its kind in the city of Newport. He is well known in business circles, and for many years has been active in financial interests in Newport. Mr. Peckham is a member of the board of directors of the National Exchange Bank, and also of the board of trustees of the Island Savings Bank.

He is a member of the Newport Natural History Society, and is chairman of board of overseers of the poor. Mr. Peckham is well known in club and fraternal life in Newport, and is a member of the Miantonomi Club of Newport, of which he was one of the founders. He is a member of the Republican party, but although he has upheld to the fullest extent his duties as a citizen, he has remained outside public life. Edward S. Peckham married, January 21,1897, Annie Newton Stevens, daughter of the late Thomas and Annie Weaver (Cole) Stevens, of Newport. They are the parents of one son, Stockman Cole Peckham, born Dec. 15, 1897. Mr, and Mrs. Peckman attend the United Congregational church of Newport.

(VIII) Harold Abner. Peckham, son of Felix, Jr., and Mary Josephine (Young) Peckham; was born in Newport, R. I., September 17, 1873. He was educated in the public and high schools of Newport, and was prepared for college in the well known Chauncey Hall School of Boston, from which he was graduated in the class of 1892. He then entered the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, where he spent one year. In 1894 he entered the employ of John C. Page, of Boston, as an insurance clerk.

In 1895 Mr. Peckham returned to Newport, where he formed a partnership with Albert C. Landers, Jr., and under the firm name of Landers & Peckham, purchased the business of A. A. Hunt & Company, dealers in butter,eggs, coffee, teas, and farm and dairy products. The business has been, developed into one of great size and importance from a comparatively small beginning. The location of the store is at No. 142 Thames street, Newport, and to Mr. Peckham's executive and organizing ability, and his devotion to the interests of the firm, has been due in large measure the signal success of the enterprise.

From the time of his entry into business life in Newport, Mr. Peckham has maintained a deep interest in civic affairs in the city. He is a prominent member of the Republican party. In January, 1905, he was appointed aide-de-campon the personal staff of Governor George H. Utter, with the rank of colonel. In 1906, at the first election held under the new charter granted the city of Newport, Colonel Peckham was elected a member of the City Council to represent the Second Ward.

Colonel Peckham is today one of the most prominent figures in political and civic life in Newport. He is well known in fraternal and club circles, and is a charter member of the Miantonomi Club of Newport. He is a member of Coronet Council, No. 63, Royal Arcanum, and Weenat Shassit Tribe, No.6, Improved Order of Red Men. He attends the United Congregational Church, of which his wife is a member. On June 11, 1896, Colonel Peckham married Sarah Perry Landers; daughter of Colonel Albert C. Landers, of Newport.They have one son, Harold Landers Peckham, born June 12, 1897, who is now (1919) with the United States Marine Corps in Germany.

WANTON LILLIBRIDGE - The Lillibridge family in the United States dates from the close of the seventeenth century, when the first record of the founder, Thomas Lillibridge, is found in Newport, R. I. His descendants, though not numerous, have figured honorably in Rhode Island life and affairs for two centuries, and the name to-day is unblemished. The early Lillibridges were extensive landowners, and much of their holdings remain in the hands of their descendants. The line of ancestry herein under consideration is that of Wanton Lillibridge, long a prominent resident of Richmond, R. I.

(I) Thomas Lillibridge, immigrant ancestor and progenitor, was born in England, in 1662. He is first of record in the New England Colonies in the year 1699. On September 26, of that year, he signed a petition at Newport addressed to the Earl of Bellomont, then in Newport, to use his influence with his Majesty, William III., for the establishment of an Episcopal church in Newport. This petition led to the founding of the original Trinity Church, in which Thomas Lillibridge was a warden in 1709 and 1713, and where he owned pew 8 until 1719. He was admitted a freeman at Newport, May 6, 1701. In 1718, 1722, 1723, 1724 he was vestryman in the historic St. Paul's "Narragansett" Church, which was built in 1707, and in 1800 was removed to Wickford about five miles north of its original site. This church, which is still occasionally in use, is said to be the oldest Episcopal church north of the Potomac.

Thomas Lillibridge removed to Westerly, in 1715, and settled in the part originally called Shannock, and incorporated August 22, 1728, as Charlestown. He resided in that part of the town which on August 18, 1747, was set off as Richmond, R. I., and he died there, August 29, 1724. He was a man of considerable wealth. His will, dated August 24, 1724, disposes of much real estate: "To my eldest son Thomas * * * one of my homestead farms * * * to take which he likes best;" this contains the family burying ground. of Thomas Lillibridge, Jr., also Thomas Lillibridge (1), (2), (3) are buried there, and is situated just west of Richmond town hall; it is known as the "Nelson K. Church place;" a second farm adjoining, he gave to his son Robert, and this still remains in the Lillibridge family, and is now the home of Mrs. Frank Reynolds Brown, nee Jennette Lillibridge. Thomas Lillibridge, Sr., married (first) Mary Hobson; they were the parents of two daughters. He married (second) Sarah Lewis, and they were the parents of nine children, of whom Thomas, Jr., mentioned below, was the oldest.

(II) Thomas (2) Lillibridge, son of Thomas (1) and Sarah (Lewis) Lillibridge, was born in Newport, R. I. He settled in Westerly, where he was admitted a freeman, April 30, 1723. He was a commissioner to lay out the road from Pawcatuck bridge to South Kingston line, 1727. He died in Westerly, February 8, 1757, "in the 55th year of his age." He married, June 12, 1726, Mary Woodmansee.

(III) Edward Lillibridge, son of Thomas (2) and Mary (Woodmansee) Lillibridge, was born on March 25; 1732, in Richmond, R. I: He died February 3, 1810, and was buried in Wood River Cemetery, Richmond. Edward Lillibridge purchased the farm of his uncle, Robert Lillibridge, in Richmond, and resided there until his death, taking a prominent part in local affairs. He married (first) December 4, 1755, Patience Tefft; (second) January 6, 1765, Thankful (Tefft) Wells.

(IV) Amos Lillibridge, son of Edward and Thankful (Tefft-Wells) Lillibridge, was born in Richmond, R. I., in 1776. He inherited all his father's lands, including the Robert Lillibridge farm in Richmond, where he made his home until his death: He died July 4, 1857, and was buried in Wood River Cemetery. Amos Lilli- bridge married Phebe Hoxie.

(V) Wanton Lillibridge, son of Amos and Plebe (Hoxie) Lillibridge, was born in Richmond, October 17, 1806, and resided there all his life. He was a prosperous farmer and a prominent citizen, and for several decades occupied a prominent position in Richmond. He was one of the framers of the Constitution of Rhode Island, member of the Legislature, very prominent, president of Town Council, and held many other town offices. He died in Richmond, September 4, 1890.

On November 7, 1841, Wanton Lillibridge married Sarah Ann Champlin, daughter of John A. Champlin, and member of one of the oldest and most prominent of old Rhode Island families. They were the parents of the following children: 1. Horace, died in infancy,2. Sarah Mason; born May 11, 1843, died Feb. 2, 1906; married, May 25, 1871, Robert I. Moore. 3. Amos A., enlisted in the Seventh Regiment, Rhode Island Volunteers, and was killed near Spottsylvania Court House, Virginia, May 18, 1864. 4 Charles W., married Abbie Bowen. 5. Edward Hoxie, married Addie Shumard. 6. Jennette, mentioned below. 7. John H., married Emma Pinckney. 8. William W., married Ida Spencer. 9. Jennie F., married Charles H. Stevens. 10. Hattie E., married William F. Joslin.

(VI) Jennette Lillibridge, daughter of Wanton and Sarah Ann (Champlin) Lillibridge, was born at Richmond, R. I. She married, June 26, 1884, Frank Reynolds Brown, born in: North Stonington, Conn., and died there, son of Charles L. and Margaret (Reynolds) Brown. Mrs. Brown makes her home an the Thomas Lillibridge estate, which she purchased in 1915. Mr. Brown was a farmer and prominent business man in North Stonington, also interested in school work.

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