Sedgwick County KSGenWeb

Portrait And Biographical Album of Sedgwick County, Kan.

Chapman Brothers 1888

Pages 775 - 776 

HORACE H. PECKHAM. The late Mr. Peckham, who died April 1, 1888, was a capitalist and one of the substantial citizens of Wichita, where, on Fairview avenue, he had a beautiful home. He came to Sedgwick County in November, 1874, and purchased 160 acres of land three miles from Douglas avenue, and northwest of the city. Forty acres of this land were broken, on which was a log cabin containing one room, 14x16 feet. He made an addition to the cabin of another room, 9x16 feet, and built of boards. That rude structure became the home of himself and his family on the 5th of December, 1874. He immediately commenced the improvement of his farm by setting out fruit and ornamental trees of all kinds, and in other ways increased its value. In 1879 he built a house 14x22 feet, and one and one-half stories in height, to take the place of the cabin in which he and his family first lived. In 1883 he built a still more commodious dwelling, 16x26 feet in dimensions and two stories in height, and also erected good barns. He continued general farming and lived on his farm for some years, and his labors were well repaid by the fine crops produced in his rich and fertile fields.

            In June, 1884, Mr. Peckham sold his farm to William J. Werick, and came into the city to establish a home. He purchased on South Lawrence street some land with an eastern frontage of 110 feet, and built thereon two houses, one of which became his own dwelling and the other he rented. After living there a short time he disposed of that property, and building a fine house on Fairview avenue, at No. 1702, moved into it with his family. This is now occupied by Mr. McLean. He staid there about seven months. He then had a good chance to sell it at a good profit and did so, and then purchased four lots on the east side of the same avenue, and built a house at No. 1714, in which he lived about nine months, and then sold that and built his late residence. He was highly prospered in life, and his shrewd judgment, well-known ability and integrity of character, placed him among the leading citizens of this metropolis of the Arkansas Valley. We are glad to be able to give a brief sketch of his life prior to his coming to Kansas, and also of his parents, from whom he inherited those qualities which were such important factors in his successful career.

            Caleb Peckham, the father of our subject, was born in Rhode Island, July 22, 1789, and was the son of Stephen Peckham, likewise a native of Rhode Island. He was married, in 1811, to Miss Hannah Thompson, who was born in Dutchess County, N. Y., March 20,1798, and at the time of her marriage she was but thirteen years old. He had been reared on a farm, and when he attained his majority he went out to work by the month as a farm laborer. At the time of his marriage he purchased a farm in Cayuga County, which he afterward sold, and then purchased another in the same county. In 1836 he sold his property in New York and moved with his family to Coldwater, Mich., and became a pioneer of that place. He purchased 120 acres of heavily timbered land, and on it built a log house for the shelter of his family, and then commenced the herculean task of clearing away the forest trees, grubbing up the stumps, and draining his land to fit it for tillage. In 1840 he built a frame house and good barns. He had a very fine orchard and paid considerable attention to the culture of the smaller fruits.

            In 1853 Caleb Peckham sold his farm and retired to the village of Coldwater, where he spent the remainder of his life without labor and in the enjoyment of a good income. He died in 1881 at the advanced age of ninety-two years. His burial occurred on the anniversary of his birth, which was away back in the eighteenth century. The wedded life of himself and good wife was of remarkable duration, as they lived to celebrate the seventieth anniversary of their wedding day. He was drafted in the War of 1812, but provided a substitute, who was killed in his stead. He and his wife joined the Methodist Episcopal Church in 1834, and when the question of slavery agitated the church, and finally caused a rupture, they joined the Western Methodist faction, and through life were among the leading members of that church. The mother is now living in the home to which she and her husband retired many years ago in Coldwater, Mich.; she is just past her ninetieth birthday. To her were born ten children, seven of whom grew to maturity; all of her children are now deceased.

            Horace H. Peckham was born in Cayuga County, N. Y., June 28, 1828. He was reared on a farm, and received a careful training from his good parents in habits of honesty and industry. At the age of twenty he left the home farm in Michigan and went to learn the carpenter's trade. On the 10th of October, 1848, he was married to Miss Sophronia S. Heydon, a native of Erie County, Pa., and daughter of George and Clarinda (Aspinwall) Heydon. He was a native of Vermont, his wife of New York State. Mr. Heydon was engaged in the manufacture of cabinetware. In 1835 he removed with his family to Coldwater, Mich., and in 1854 went from there to Warren, Jo Daviess Co., Ill. and from there came to Sedgwick County in 1883 and has since made his home with his daughter, Mrs. Peckham. His wife died in 1885. She was a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, of which he also is a member, having joined when he was thirteen years old.

            In the spring of 1857 Mr. Peckham moved with his family to Warren, Jo Daviess Co., Ill., where he engaged in contracting and building, employing a force of from twelve to fifteen men. He continued in that business until his removal to Kansas. While living in Illinois he bought city lots and built houses on them and then sold them, thus making a good deal of money, besides what his other business brought him.

            The union of Mr. and Mrs. Peckham was blessed by the birth of three sons and one daughter, namely: George B., Ahira H., Albert M. and Agnes L. George lives in Wichita; he married Miss Ella Clark, and to them were born three children -- William D., Charles H. and Edith; the mother died March 4, 1888. Ahira H. lives in Wichita; he married Miss Mary Deubler, and to them have been born three sons -- Russell H., Oscar B. and Cal. Albert lives in Wichita; he married Miss Emma Dobbins. Agnes L. married E. E. Frooman; they are the parents of two children -- Gertrude S. and Alberta B.

            Mr. P. was a member of the Presbyterian Church. His widow is an influential member of that church, contributing liberally to its support, and entering heartily into its religious and charitable work. Mr. Peckham was a prominent Mason, and in politics strongly endorsed the course of the Republican party.

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