(veteran)

BLAIR’S LAST VET OF CIVIL WAR DIES

GEORGE PEAKE, 91, BLAIRITE SEVERAL YEARS, DIED TUESDAY NIGHT

Blair’s last veteran of the Civil War, George Peake, 91, died Tuesday evening at his home, 204 east Washington street, after a brief illness.

Resident of Blair for several years, Mr. Peake had been the sole surviving veteran of the war between the states since the passing of J.E. McCracken, last member of Blair’s John A Dix post, G. A. R.

Nearly blind for several years, Mr. Peake nevertheless was familiar enough with the two-block route between his home and the business section that he made frequent trips downtown with the aid of his cane. His last trip was made only a week ago.

It was Mr. Peake who created considerable stir in Blair early last year when $4,932 in cash and a $100 endorsed check were found in his house when Sheriff Marion Sutherland searched it following a court order secured by Mr. Peake’s daughter. She had understood that her aged father kept most of his $100-a-month pension in odd places over the house, and was fearful lest he be molested by thieves. The money was places in safekeeping for him, and a guardian was appointed.

Born in the state of New York June 27, 1874*, Mr. Peake enlisted May 16, 1864, with company K, 132 Infantry, Illinois Volunteers, when only 16 years old. He served until October 16, 1865. In later years he was in the real estate business. His wife died here several years ago.

Surviving Mr. Peake are two sons, Herbert of Blair and George of San Diego, California; and two daughters, Mrs. John A. Levering, now at Pequot, Minnesota, and Mrs. Marjorie McGrew of St. Paul, Minnesota.

The body was taken to the Campbell Mortuary.

#2-14 July, 1938 - The Enterprise

CIVIL WAR VETERAN DIED TUESDAY EVE

George W. Peake of East Washington street died Tuesday evening at the age of 91 years. He had been ill less than a week at the time of his death.

Deceased was born in New York state on June 27, 1847. He enlisted in Company K 132 Infantry Illinois Volunteers on May 16, 1864, and was discharged on October 16, 1865.

He was twice married, both wives having passed on before him. He leaves two daughters, Mrs. John A. Levering of Pequot, Minnesota and Mrs. Marjorie McGrew of St. Paul, Minnesota, and two sons, Herbert who made his home with his father and George W. of San Diego, California.

Mr. Peake first gained notice when on January 9th his daughter, asking that a guardian be appointed, caused the home to be searched with the result that $5,200 in currency was found secreted in the home.

County Judge John A. Carrigan appointed Lou Latta as guardian. A pension of $100 per month was the source of revenue.

The body was taken to Davenport, Iowa this morning by J. E. Campbell, mortician, where interment was made.

*Note birth year should be 1847

~~~Obituaries courtesy of the Nebraska Washington County Genealogical Society. Newspaper clippings on file in the Blair, Nebraska Public Library~~~

FindaGrave # 97228198