BIOGRAPHY

ISRAEL M. PECK - OF BETHANY, NY

Israel M. Peck is the third son of Richard and Catherine Peck, who settled in Bethany in 18o8. Richard was a lieutenant in William Rumsey's regiment, doing duty at Chestnut Ridge and Black Rock, in the War of 1812. Israel M. was born in 1823, received his education at the district schools and at Clarkson Academy, in Monroe County, and taught school in Orleans County, and in Little Rock, Ill., in 1847. In 1848 he was a clerk in Mr. Prindle's store, East Bethany, and in 1852 he came to Stafford, locating upon the farm where he now lives, and which was bought by his father in 1811. In 1853 he married Frances C., daughter of Lyman Fargo, of Bethany, and they have three children living, viz.: Elizabeth, Junius M., and W. Scott. At the age of 21 Mr. Peck was school collector; in 1850 school superintendent; in 1856 school commissioner of the six eastern towns of the County, serving two years; and in 1859 inspector of elections, serving for 16 years. He has been justice of the peace since 1871, has served four times as Sessions justice, and was supervisor for three years, serving as chairman. At the age of 47 he again taught school for three winters. To him is due much credit for the organization and final development of the plans for beautifying the present attractive cemetery in the village. It was also through his management that the present Stafford Benefit Association has been placed upon so firm a foundation. He has been secretary of the I. O. O. F., No. 222, for 16 years, was district deputy grand master for three years, and has installed officers of many lodges in Genesee and Wyoming counties. He has also represented the Grand Lodge, and attained the degree of past grand.

FROM:
Gazetteer and Biographical Record
of Genesee County, New York
Edited by: F. W. Beers
J.W. Vose & Co., Publishers, Syracuse, NY 1890