Orange

PECKETT, John Barron

Men of Vermont: Illustrated Biographical History of Vermonters & Sons of 
Vermont. Ullery. Brattleboro: Transcript Publishing Company, 1894, pp 305-306 
(portrait p 306)

John Barron PECKETT, of Bradford [Vermont], where he has always resided, was 
born 19 December 1822 in Bradford [Orange County, Vermont], son of John 
Barron and Martha (TILTON) PECKETT. His father was a dealer in lumber, a 
farmer, and a business man who was a prominent figure in the early history of 
the town, of active energy and robust, vigorous frame. The son, though not 
cast in the same mold, inherited many of the mental traits of his parent. At 
the age of fourteen years he entered the employment of Asa LOW, Esq., a 
prominent merchant of the town. At his majority he formed a partnership with 
Adams PRESTON, Esq., which continued three years. He then engaged with his 
former employer and remained with him until April 1854. He then purchased an 
interest in a large grist mill and saw mill in Bradford, and formed a 
partnership with Col. George W. Pritchard & Sons, and for thirty-seven years 
was the active manager of this establishment during the existence of four 
firms. An immense business was carried on in wood, lumber and grain during 
the entire period. Mr. PECKETT's masterly management caused the respective 
firms to stand high in financial circles, and the business among the leading 
enterprises of the state.

He [John Barron PECKETT] enlisted in 1861 in the Bradford Guards, First 
Regiment, and as first lieutenant of that company was present at the battle 
of Big Bethel, being mustered out at the expiration of his term of service. 
He is a member of Washburn Post No. 17, Grand Army of the Republic. Mr. 
PECKETT has held many town offices, but is perhaps best known as justice of 
the peace, the duties of which he has performed for twenty years. He was 
influential in opening a road on the west side of Lake Morey, in Fairlee, and 
from the head of said lake to Bradford line. He has built a fine summer 
residence upon a beautiful and commanding point of the shore of Lake Morey, 
and is greatly interested in the development of the locality. The family for 
three generations have been strong advocates of temperance and emphatically 
in favor of an impartial enforcement of the legal enactments to suppress the 
liquor traffic.

Mr. PECKETT has conducted his business in such a systematic manner as to 
conduce both to private and public prosperity. He has been thoroughly 
identified with the financial prosperity of the town of Bradford, and has 
constructed more buildings than any other individual in the place. By his 
diligence and energy he has acquired a handsome competency. On 09 September 
1847 he [John Barron PECKETT] married Caroline H., daughter of Asa and 
Lucinda (BROOKS) LOW, of Bradford. Two sons and two daughters have been born 
to them: (1) Asa Low, who at this writing is engaged in the claims 
department of the Boston & Maine Railroad at Boston [Suffolk County], 
Massachusetts; (2) John B., Jr., who is an attorney at law at Bradford; (3) 
Caroline Frances, deceased at age twenty; and (4) Martha L., who died in 
infancy.

Submitted by Cathy Kubly