Theodore S. Peck

Theodore Safford Peck (March 22, 1843 – March 15, 1918) was an American Civil War veteran who received the Medal of Honor. He also attained the rank of major general as Adjutant General of the Vermont National Guard.

Early life Peck was born in Burlington, Vermont. He attended local schools and was prepared to attend the University of Vermont when he opted instead to enlist for the Civil War. He tried to enlist into the military on four previous occasions, but in every case he was turned down because he was too young.

Military career In 1861 he applied for military service a fifth time and was appointed a private in Company F, 1st Vermont Volunteer Cavalry.

He took part in engagements at Middletown and Winchester, Virginia, in May, 1862. In June, 1862 he was appointed regimental quartermaster sergeant of the 9th Vermont Volunteer Infantry. He was with the regiment when it was captured at Harper's Ferry in September, 1862. The 9th Vermont was paroled and sent to Camp Douglas (Chicago) in January, 1863, after which it guarded Confederate prisoners. On February 2, 1864, he took part in an engagement at Newport Barracks, North Carolina, for which he received Medal of Honor. He participated in several other battles throughout 1864 and was promoted to captain. He was wounded at Fort Harrison, Virginia, in September, 1864, but remained with his unit.

Business career He was the principal of T.S. Peck Insurance, a Burlington insurance agency that represented fire, life, marine, and accident insurers, and which is still an active agency. T.S. Peck's client base grew throughout Peck's life, and included customers in both Vermont and Canada. He was also involved in many other Burlington business ventures, including serving on the board of directors of the Porter Manufacturing Company, Baldwin Manufacturing Company, Burlington Shade Roller Company, and Powell Manufacturing Company. He was also a member of the Society of the Army of the Potomac and served as commander of the Medal of Honor Legion of the United States.

Peck was also an original incorporator of the National Society and a member of the Vermont Society of the Sons of the American Revolution. In addition, he was active in the Society of Colonial Wars, General Society of the War of 1812, Military Order of Foreign Wars, Masons, Odd Fellows, Knights of Pythias, Ethan Allen Club, Algonquin Club of Burlington, and Lake Champlain Yacht Club. Peck was also a Freemason and served for ten years as the Vermont lodge's Masonic grand master. In 1896, he received an honorary degree from Norwich University.

Post Civil War military career

Peck joined the Vermont National Guard after the Civil War and served in various command and staff positions, attaining the rank of lieutenant colonel. From 1870 to 1872 Peck served as chief of staff to Governor John Stewart with the rank of colonel. He was subsequently appointed commander of the Vermont National Guard's 1st Infantry Regiment.

Peck succeeded James Stevens Peck (no relation) as Adjutant General of the Vermont National Guard with the rank of brigadier general, and served from 1881 to 1901, later receiving promotion to brevet major general to recognize his superior performance.

Death and burial

Peck died in Burlington on March 15, 1918, and was buried in Burlington's Lakeview Cemetery, Pine Area, Lot 6.

General Peck's grave is near that of George Jerrison Stannard, who had been Peck's commander in the 9th Vermont.

Other Theodore S. Peck married Agnes Louise Lesslie (July 29, 1843 – November 15, 1917) of Toronto, Ontario, Canada on October 29, 1879. She was active in several civic and fraternal organizations, including the American Home Missionary Society and the Daughters of the American Revolution.

Their daughter Theodora Agnes Peck (October 25, 1882 – January 11, 1964) was a well-known poet and author. Her works included the 1900 poem A Dream of the Flag and three novels; 1907's Hester of the Grants: A Romance of Old Bennington; 1908's The Sword of Dundee: A Tale of Bonnie Prince Charlie; and 1914's White Dawn: A Legend of Ticonderoga.