W. M. Peck Denison Daily News
Monday, January 6, 1880 pg. 1 W.M. Peck The above named gentleman came to this city about five years ago, and at once entered upon the practice of law. He has gained an enviable reputation as an attorney, especially in the practice of civil law. He was elected mayor of this city on June 9, 1879, beating his radical opponent, Major R.M. Grubbs, 130 votes, and has discharged the duties of that position in the most satisfactory manner. By his affable and courteous manners, and by his just decisions, he has eminently proven himself worthy of the position. TEXAS
DICTATIONS (Grayson County.) 1887. Denison TX Taken from W.M. Peck, Atty at Law Mr. Peck was born in Putnam Co., Indiana in 1850,
remaining there until 16 years of age and attending the public schools. Mr.
Peck's parents were Southerners. Father born in Kentucky. and mother in Virginia, Mr.
Peck's father was a farmer and he, of course, spent most of his time while at
home working on a farm. Sunday, September 16, 1894 Hon. W.M. Peck was born in Indiana in 1850, and when quite young removed to Alabama, where he was admitted to practice law in 1872. After practicing his profession in that state for 2 years he determined to cast his fortunes with the hopeful throng of pilgrims who were seeking fame and fortune in the State of Texas, and in 1874 Mr. Peck located in Denison, and has resided in this place continuously since, engaged in the active practice of his profession. Mr. Peck is regarded to-day as one of the ablest lawyers and most skilled advocates in the state. While in no sense a politician, he has been repeatedly honored by the citizens of this city, who know and recognize his sterling worth as a man and his ability as a lawyer, he having been elected mayor of Denison, and filling many other places of honor and trust. In 1892 the people of this county solicited him to submit his name as a candidate to represent this county in the Legislature, and while he was loath to give up his practice for even a short time, he consented to make the race, and was elected by an overwhelming majority, and served the people in this capacity in the 23rd Legislature, and acquired quite a reputation as an able, fair and just lawmaker in that body. Upon the convening of the Legislature, he was appointed a member of the judiciary committee, and during the sitting of the Legislature assisted in framing some of the most important bills enacted by that body. Mr. Peck displayed great ability as a debater on the floor of the House. participating in most of the exciting debates of that stormy session. One of the most noticeable instances of his service i that body was his presentation and defense of the minority report in the celebrated McGaughey impeachment case. His speech in support of this motion was pronounced by all hearing it as being one of the ablest delivered in the House. While his minority report was not adopted by the House, the subsequent action of the Senate was a complete justification, as that body almost unanimously sustained his minority report. Mr. Peck has again been nominated for the same position, and his election is assured. Judge
Peck died in 1919 enroute from Greencastle, Indiana to his home at
Denison after completing a business trip. He was buried his
wife and son at Fairview Cemetery. Biography Index Bancroft Transcriptions, 1877 Denison History Susan Hawkins © 2024 If you find any of Grayson CountyTXGenWeb links inoperable, please send me a message. |