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HISTORY OF KANE COUNTY.
the first breeder of Durham cattle in the southern part of Kane County. His wife, who survived him until 1894, was Roxy A. Barker, of Royalton, Ohio. Their surviving children at the present time (1903) are: J. B. Paull, of Lake City, Iowa; Mrs. Mary (Paull) Thompson, and Mrs. Florence (Paull) Wing, of Aurora.
BENJAMIN S. PEARSALL, manufacturer, Elgin, Ill., born in Otsego County, N. Y., July 29, 1866; educated in the public schools of Illinois; in 1891 became connected with the S. E. Wood Butter Company of Elgin, with which he is still identified. In 1898, when this company was incorporated, he became Secretary and Treasurer and also General Manager, positions he has since filled efficiently. He was married in 1893 to Miss Leah J. Calkins.
JOHN W. PEARSON (deceased), born at Witersham, Kent County, England, May 14, 1831; came to the United States in 1850, locating first in New York State, where he learned the carpenter's trade; came west and first resided in Elgin and then at Belvidere, Ill., and later in Wisconsin; returned to Kane County in 1878, residing here the remainder of his days, dying February 23, 1903. Mr. Pearson was first married to Miss Cordelia Hayes and after her death, Miss Mary Coeller, who died in 1874. In 1875 he married his third wife, Mrs. Emma (Plant) Weller, who, with their four sons and three daughters, survives him.
J. H. PEASE, pioneer merchant and financier, Aurora, Ill., born at Sardis, Ohio, August 8, 1834; came to Aurora with his parents in 1835; in company with L. O. Hill established the first electric light plant in the world, Aurora being the first city in the world lighted with electricity; was President for a time of the Wilcox Manufacturing Company; is now President of the Richards Manufacturing Company, organized in January, 1903, and is also Vice-President of the First National Bank of Aurora. Mr. Pease was married January 1, 1867, to Miss Helen M. Forsyth, of Canada.
ELI PECK, pioneer citizen, Geneva Township, Kane County, Ill., was born at Sandgate, Vt., in June 1816, and reared in his native State, where he also obtained his education in the public schools; came to Kane County, Ill., in the fall of 1843 and purchased a farm about three and a half miles southwest of Geneva, upon which he resided until his death in February, 1892. Mr. Peck added to his holdings from time to time until he owned one of the largest estates in Kane County; was also interested in sheep-raising, being well known in connection with this branch of industry. He was married in 1839 to Miss Jerusha Sherman, of Sandgate, Vt., and they reared a family of eight children- four sons and four daughters.
GEORGE E. PECK, farmer and stock-raiser, Geneva Township, Kane County, Ill., born at Sandgate, Vt, Jan. 18, 1842, son of Eli and Jerusha (Sherman) Peck; came with his parents to Kane County in 1843, where he grew to maturity and obtained his education in the public schools. In early manhood he joined his father in farming and stock-raising, but since the latter's death he and his brothers-Albert S., Frank and Seth E.-have conducted the estate as a whole, other members of the family also retaining their interests. The Peck estate embraces 2,200 acres, which is carried on in the most approved manner. Their dairy interests are extensive, and as breeders of Spanish merino sheep, the Peck Brothers are among the most famous in the United States, making shipments to Australia, South Africa and Mexico, as well as to all parts of this country. They are members of the Vermont Sheep Breeders' Association, the New York Sheep Breeders' Association, and the National Sheep Breeders' Association; are also interested in registered trotting horses, and have gained considerable prominence in this branch of stock-raising. Mr. George E. Peck is a member of the Board of Supervisors of Kane County, having served in this capacity nearly ten years.
GEORGE H. PECK, Elgin, retired farmer and wholesale milk-dealer, was born Sept. 21, 1839, in New Berlin, Chenango County, N.Y. His father, William R. Peck, was born in Rhode Island and the mother, Mary A. (Hays) Peck, in New Berlin, N. Y. The family came west in April, 1852, to Dundee, Ill., where the father bought a farm. George H. Peck remained with his parents until he was of age, and then rented a farm for himself, which he held only six months, when, in September, 1861, he enlisted in Company K, Fifty-second Illinois Volunteer Infantry. After the battle of Corinth he received an honorable discharge, and returning
