PECOR FAMILY


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19:00 08/31/1999
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Historical study of the Pecor family indicates that the name is of French origin
and was originally spelled "Pecard" but pronounced Pecor. The family goes back
to Picardie, France, where there was the Picard Estate surrounded by the village
of Picardie. At the time of the "Wars of Picardie", three brothers owned the
estate. Each left everything they owned in the "Old World" to settle in
Montreal, Canada. The grandson of one of these brothers was Peter Pecor, who
settled in Oconto County many years later. He was the eldest of four brothers,
named Felix, John, and Davis. 

Not long after arriving in what is now Oconto, Peter married the princess
daughter of one of the last Native Chieftens to hold counsel in the ancient
Indian Village of Oconto. His bride's name was Angelique Courchaine. She was
much sought after as a marriage partner by both native men and new settlers, due
to her intelligence, work ethic, and gracious beauty. At first the marriage did
not have the approval of her father. 

There are many legends that colorfully describe this tall and handsome Canadian.
He owned much of the land that is now "Frenchtown" in the city of Oconto and was
considered a wealthy and prominent leader and guide to community affairs and
relations. He donated land for the original St. Peter Catholic Church and
Cemetery and helped build th original log building. Being a firm believer in
education, he also donated and help build the first school in the village, which
was named after him and stood on what is now Center Street. He sold land to the
Oconto Lumber Company and laid out the lots and blocks that were sold to
families for many of the homes that still stand. 

At the time of his arrival, about 1849, there were some mills along the Oconto
River in the village area, and a few settlers. Only well worn paths, and no
roads, entered and exited the settlement. 

The children of Peter and Angelique settled in other parts of Oconto County,
such as Town of How to the west, where Pecor Creek bares the family name. After
his wife died, Peter went to live with her people on the reservation. Upon his
death the Indians refused to let his body be buried in the City of Oconto. They
wanted him to "sleep his long sleep" where his wife, Angelique" was buried.
There is no trace of his grave to be found, but legend passed down through
generations indicates he lies where the "Little Oconto", near South Branch,
joins the Oconto River. His beloved Angelique lies buried nearby in the
Reservation Cemetery.