OBIT: Lewis A. PECK, 1942, Maple Glen Community, Somerset County, PA

File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by: Meyersdale Library.
Transcribed and proofread by: Richard Boyer.

Copyright 2009.  All rights reserved.
http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm
http://www.usgwarchives.net/pa/somerset/
________________________________________________


LEWIS A. PECK

Lewis A. Peck, 89, has passed away
Highly respected Citizen of Maple Glen Community Laid to Rest

  Elder Lewis A. Peck, the patriarch of Maple Glen, passed to his reward on 
Monday morning, Feb. 16, at 3:30, in the Hazel McGilvery Hospital, Meyersdale, 
and his body was laid to rest on Wednesday afternoon, midst the graves of his 
forebears in the Peck Cemetery near the Maple Glen Church of the Brethren, which 
church knew his guiding hand for the 60 years of his active ministry and his 
continued love and counsel in the years since his retirement.
  Lewis Peck lived his entire life of 89 years in that peaceful and beautiful 
vale on the west slope of Negro Mountain called Maple Glen, but more 
colloquially known as Peck's Corner, on the farm which was acquired by his 
grandfather, Jacob Peck, in 1826.  He was born there in 1853, the son of John 
Peck and Elizabeth (Maust) Peck.  A few years ago, feeling that the time had 
come for him to live a less active life, Lewis turned the farm over to his son, 
John D., making the fourth generation of strong and stalwart Pecks to have 
tilled the soil of that fertile valley and hillside farm.  There, in the old 
homestead Lewis A. Peck spent the sunset of his days, the wise counselor of many 
of the younger generation, interested in the life of his community, and in the 
ever changing events of the outer world, until quite suddenly last Saturday 
morning he was overcome by a stroke.  He was found by the side of his bed at 
about 5 o'clock in the morning, evidently having attempted to get up and dress.  
Later in the day he was removed to the Hazel McGilvery Hospital.  Though he had 
a slight rally Sunday afternoon, there was no hope for his recovery, and he 
passed quietly away early Monday morning.
  The funeral took place at 3:30 Wednesday afternoon in the Maple Glen Church, 
where a large congregation; more than the church could accommodate, had gathered 
to pay respects to a loved leader and esteemed friend and neighbor.  The 
services were conducted by Rev. A. Jay Replogle, the present minister of the 
Church.  Rev. J. C. Berkebile of Rockwood, representing the Ministerial Board of 
the Church of the Brethren of this district, delivered the sermon and fittingly 
commented on the long and exemplary christian life of the deceased.  Following 
are a few of the interesting facts he brought out:
  Lewis Peck joined the denomination of the Church of the Brethren at the age of 
21.  When 23 years of age he was elected to the ministry and at the age of 27 
was ordained an elder of the church, at that time considered a grave 
responsibility to place in the hands of one so young.  During his time he was 
ever ready to minister to the sick, to preach and to give his services and 
counsel whenever sought.  Frequent difficulties and hardships were encountered 
in those early days when roads were poor and travel was difficult.  The little 
Maple Glen church was built the year he became a minister.  Several years ago 
the 60th anniversary of the church and the 60th year of his ministry were 
fittingly observed by a congregational home-coming and special service.
  Through the 60 years of active ministry he received no pay or pastor's salary.  
At the same time he was a hard working farmer, and outstanding in the community 
for his progressive farm methods.
  He served several terms as a member of the Elk Lick township board of 
education and also served in other township offices.  He went to school himself 
in the "little red school house" of his district, and had no other schooling.  
But he was well-read and highly intelligent.
  It was commented that he lived through a very interesting cycle of years.  In 
his young days he drove oxen.  He lived through the horse and buggy days, in the 
automobile days and into the days of the airplane.  His age span took in four 
wars.  Though he lived in a remote district, he kept abreast of the times.  As 
customs changed he accepted those things he saw to be right.  The first 
telephone in that mountain district was between his home and his neighbor's, 
Christ Yoder.  And so he lived to the end of his days.  Even after his 
retirement his advice was sought and was ever helpful to the younger people 
about him.
  Elder Peck was twice married.  His first wife was Mary Fike, who died 53 years 
ago.  His second wife, Mrs. Anna (Baer) Peck, died two years ago.
  Surviving are these children: Howard Peck, Somerset; Mrs. Dennis Schrock, 
California; Mrs. Dalton Cook, Meyersdale; John Peck, Elk Lick Township; Galen 
Peck, Meyersdale, R.D.; and Olive Peck, at home.  There are nine grandchildren 
and two great-grandchildren.
  Funeral arrangements were in charge of W. C. Price & Son, morticians.

Meyersdale Republican, February 19, 1942