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Successful Business Man and Philanthropist-Native of Old Lyme. The death of George Peck, a native Old Lyme, Conn., occurred on Satof urday, January 11, at Detroit, Where his home had been since 1857, and where he had achieved large success 56 in the dry goods business. For years he had been a figure in Detroit's durbusiness and financial world and ing that time had given much attention to philanthropy He was a brother of Seth L. Peck of this city and was last here to visit his broth in September, 1911. Of George Peck's death the Detroit Free Press of January 12 says: an"Mr. George Peck is dead," nounced Superintendent Barth at the Protestant Orphan asylum at supper hour Saturday The announcement, which caused expression of deep regret in business circles, fell like a blow on several hundred waifs, white and black, the majority of whom had known little, if any, personal kin. It resulted in a cessation the meal, and the cries of sincere of Business men had lost a trusted grief. associate, but the children had lost a playfellow and a benefactor. Mr. Peck died at his apartments Hotel Charlevoix about 4 o'clock Saturday in afternoon, after about four weeks illness, following a severe cold. In Financial World 56 Years. For 56 years he had been a figure in Detroit's business and financial world, and during that time, had given much attention to philanthropy. He was born at Old Lyme, Conn., November 5, 1834, of English ancestors, some of whom were among His the founders of New Haven colony. first years were spent on the farm of his father, George R. Peck. At 14 years of age, he went to Utica, N. Y., and entered the dry goods store of an uncle. In 1857 he came to Detroit and went into the dry goods business with James Frisbee. About 1867, he started by himself at 137 Woodward, and four years afterward :moved to 155-57 Woodward avenue where he took three of his salesmen into partnership. They were Joseph Sparling, Walter Sparling and William H. Elliott, all of whom later were heads of large dry goods firms. About 1886, he turned the business over to his partners to devote himself to the business of the Michigan Savings bank, of which he was president at the time of his death,and to other investments. Had Spotless Record. From the time he entered business here, Mr. Peck bore a spotless record for integrity. About the time he left the dry goods business, the Michigan Savings bank was subjected to a run by the depositors. The directors held a meeting and elected him president. Business men of that day say his name OL the door caused the line of depositors to melt like a mist. He was president of the Edison IIluminating company from the time of its organization, a director of the Deroit .Fire & Marine insurance company, of the Michigan Life Insurance company, the Michigan Sugar Beet coma pany and of the White Star line, stockholder in Nelson, Baker & Co., and several other large institutions. took In his philanthropies he great pleasure, especially in the affairs of the Protestant Orphan asylum, in which he had been active for many years. He was a member of the board of counsel from 1893; was financial agent, with care of the endewment fund. and was the donor of the boys' dormitory, which accommodates 35 youngsters. Each year he gave each of these boys a new suit of clothes, and his gifts to all the inmates of the asylum were generous. His beneficence went beyond mere money giving, however, for he spent all of his spare time at the asylum, and the boys and girls treated him as more fortunate children treat their grandfathers. The sight of his kindly face within the door was the signal for a shou of joy, and the children would climb over his shoulders and any place to be near him. Gave Annual Dinner. November 5 each year he celebrated all his birthday by giving a dinner to For the inmates of the institution. several years he had paid especial attention to the Sunday evening service. at The flag of the institution will fly half mast until after his funeral. Mr. Peck gave large sums to the new Y. M. C. A. building, but not the until he had been assurred that boys' department would be built. Married in 1858. He was married October 28, 1858, Deto Miss Sarah Frisbee Butler, of He troit, who died February 14, 1872. H. is survived by three children, Mrs. J. Caulkins, Miss Julia Peck and Barton L. Peck, all of Detroit. Mr. Peck kept remarkably vigorus until within a few months of his death. Last summer, although nearly 78 years Miss old, he went with his daughter, a Julia, and three grandchildren on trip through the Canadian northwest to Alaska, and was apparantly the and youngest of the party, running up hills