George Wilbur Peck facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
George Wilbur Peck
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| 17th Governor of Wisconsin | |
| In office January 5, 1891 – January 7, 1895 |
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| Lieutenant | Charles Jonas |
| Preceded by | William D. Hoard |
| Succeeded by | William H. Upham |
| 9th Mayor of Milwaukee | |
| In office April 1890 – November 11, 1890 |
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| Preceded by | Thomas H. Brown |
| Succeeded by | Peter J. Somers |
| Personal details | |
| Born | September 28, 1840 Henderson, New York, U.S. |
| Died | April 16, 1916 (aged 75) Milwaukee, Wisconsin, U.S. |
| Resting place | Forest Home Cemetery, Milwaukee |
| Citizenship | United States |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Spouse | Francena Rowley Peck |
| Parents |
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| Alma mater | Union College |
| Profession | Writer politician |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance |  United States |
| Branch/service |  United States ArmyUnion Army |
| Years of service | 1863–1866 |
| Rank |  2nd Lieutenant |
| Unit | 10th Reg. Wis. Vol. Infantry |
| Battles/wars | American Civil War |
George Wilbur Peck (September 28, 1840 – April 16, 1916) was an American writer and politician from Wisconsin. He is famous for his funny "Peck's Bad Boy" stories. He also served as the 17th Governor of Wisconsin and the 9th Mayor of Milwaukee.
Contents
Early Life and Military Service
George Wilbur Peck was born in Henderson, New York, in 1840. He was the oldest of three children. When he was about three years old, his family moved to what is now Cold Spring, Wisconsin.
He went to public school until he was 15. Then, he started learning the printing business. In 1860, he married Francena Rowley, and they had two sons.
In 1863, during the American Civil War, Peck joined the 10th Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry Regiment. He was a private at first. He was captured and held in a prison in Virginia. After being released, he was appointed to the United States Military Academy by President Abraham Lincoln. He was promoted to lieutenant and served until 1866.
A Writer and Newspaper Man
After his military service, Peck became a newspaper publisher. He started newspapers in Ripon and La Crosse, Wisconsin. His La Crosse newspaper, The Sun, began in 1874.
In 1878, Peck moved his newspaper to Milwaukee. He renamed it Peck's Sun. This weekly newspaper featured Peck's humorous writings. His most famous stories were about "Peck's Bad Boy". These stories were very popular.
Becoming a Politician
In the spring of 1890, George Peck decided to run for mayor of Milwaukee. He was a member of the Democratic Party. Even though the city usually voted for Republicans, Peck won the election.
Leaders of the Democratic Party in Wisconsin noticed his success. They chose him to run for governor in 1890. Peck won this election too, defeating the current governor, William D. Hoard. He then resigned as Milwaukee's mayor on November 11, 1890.
Peck was reelected as governor in 1892. He defeated Republican John Coit Spooner. However, he lost his bid for a third term in 1894 to William H. Upham. He ran for governor again in 1904 but did not win.
Later Life and Legacy
George Peck passed away in Milwaukee in 1916 at the age of 75. He was buried at Forest Home Cemetery.
After his death, his "Peck's Bad Boy" stories continued to be popular. They were even made into several movies, including Peck's Bad Boy and Peck's Bad Girl. There was also a short television show based on his writings.
Peck's former home in La Crosse is now part of the 10th and Cass Streets Neighborhood Historic District.
Works
George Wilbur Peck wrote several books, including:
- Pecks Irish Friend Phelan Geoheagan (1887)
- Peck's Bad Boy with the Cowboys (1907)
Images for kids
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Peck's childhood home in Cold Spring
