Our Patriot Ancestors – John Peck

In recognition of the upcoming 250th  celebration of the adoption of the Declaration of Independence, the DAR America 250! Committee of the Botetourt County Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution is placing a spotlight on members’ Patriot ancestors who helped the country achieve American Independence.

John Peck is the Patriot ancestor of member Angela Peck Coon and Charter Members Virginia Austin Coon and Patricia Borden Coon Ellis. Born in Frederick County, Va. in 1750, he was the son of Jacob Peck (1723-1801) and Lydia Borden (1725-1799.) Lydia was the daughter of Benjamin Borden who, beginning in November 1739, received several large land grants in Augusta County and what later became Botetourt County. In 1740 Jacob moved his family to Sharpsburg, Md.

John married Susan Mary Hickle in 1777. John and Mary moved to Botetourt County around 1779. They had 10 children: Susannah, Lewis, Margaret, Jacob, George, Joseph, William, Jane, Sarah Ann, and Martin.

In 1783, John, along with his father Jacob and his brother Adam, are listed as members of Captain Robinson’s Company of the Virginia Militia. John served as surveyor and ensign during the American Revolution; he was appointed a lieutenant of militia on March 16, 1787, and took the oath as captain on September 13, 1791.

He was an enterprising and successful man. He was taxed in 1782, the first year for which tax lists are extant, on 375 acres of land, and later increased his holdings. His will, dated August 15, 1820, was proved in Botetourt County Court in September 1820 (Will Book C, P. 279.) His lands were divided among his children.

General George Washington’s papers in the Library of Congress contain several letters dated 1786 and 1787 from John Peck to Washington.

John Peck passed away on August 30, 1820 and is buried in the Fincastle Presbyterian Church Cemetery in Fincastle.

John, his father Jacob and his brother Joseph are all listed on the Revolutionary War Veterans Monument at the Fincastle Presbyterian Church. His Patriot number is A087566.

The Daughters of the American Revolution is a non-profit, non-political organization open to any woman who has lineage to a Patriot who contributed to the success of the American Revolution. Founded over 125 years ago, it is focused on service to the community and fosters Patriotism, Education and Service. If you are interested or have questions about joining the chapter, contact our Membership Chair Emily Talbot-Guillote via email at eptg1019@gmail.com or Registrar JoElla John, jjohnregistrar@gmail.com.

~ Botetourt DAR