Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1914-01-03
MRS. MARIA PECK
CALLED BY DEATH
Brilliant Davenport Woman
Succumbs at Home Follow
ing Illness.
FUNERAL HELD SUNDAY
Deceased Organized Kindergarten
Work and Was National Figure
in D. A. r. Councils.

Mrs. Maria Purdy Peck, one of the
most distinguished women in Iowa and
for years a leader in public move
ments in city and state, died at her
home. Oak Terrace" On Brady street
between Seventh and Eighth, Daven-
port. Her death comes as a distinct
loss to the community. She was in
the 74th year of her age.
Mrs. Peck's death, although it will
be surprise and shock to the general
public, was not unexpected in her
family circle and among her intimate
friends. Last October she underwent
a very delicate operation at st. Luke's
hospital. She rallied from the effects
of the operation, was taken home and
was believed to be well on the road to
recovery. But a month ago a relapse
set in, since which time she has been
in a critical condition. She had been
unconscious four days, with short
lucid periods, during which time she
conversed with members of the family.
Three days ago she stated she realized
the inevitable and was prepared to
die.
Widow of Or. Peck.
hG uCItdSCu was Tic NAOON VI tAAC
late DR.. Washington Freeman Peck,
for many years one of the ablest and
leading physicians in Iowa. 1t is to
DR.. Peck that Iowa is indebted for the
medical department of the State uni
versity,. and it was he who was in
strumental in the founding OF Mercy
hospital in Davenport under the
charge of the Sisters of Mercy. Since |
her husbands death which occurred |
Dec. u, 1891, she has given literally |
of her wealth and time in following |
out plans that have been in perfect !
sympathy with his life work.
Mrs. Peck, whose maiden name was |
Maria Purdy, was born in West But |
Ter. New York, Nov. 16, 1910. She /
was the daughter of Merritt and |
Sears Purdy and was the |
descendent OF a number of prominent |
Revolutionary ancestry. She was unit
ed in marriage to DIR. Peck Sept s,
1866. Immediately they came to Dav-
export and here the husband at once
became recognized as n physician and
surgeon OF rare genius. In later years
DIR. Peck attributed much of his sue
cess to his wife, who always proved
loyal helpmeet-
A National Figure.
Mrs. Peck had gained national
in the society of the
Daughters of the American Revolu-
ton. She was one of the organizers
and first regent of the Hannah Cald-
well chapter of Davenport and for a
number of years was regent for Iowa
IN the national organization.
She was one of the organizers and
first president OF the Davenport Wom-
ans club. She has given freely of
her time and advice TO this organiza-
lion and its success is largely due to
her wisdom and foresight in the man.
agement of its affairs.
She has been one of the most promi-
lent workers in the state in the Fed
Grafton of Women's clubs of Iowa.
She was a member of the state child
abor committee and for some time !
vas president of the local biennial
BOARD of federated clubs.
For years Mrs. Peck was president
4 the old public library located at |
sixth and Brady streets and contin [
ed with ii until the present Carnegie 9
rec library was established here.
Organized kindergarten.
Mrs. Peck was also the organizer of
he kindergarten department of the
Id Peoples Union mission when it
vas located on East Second street in
part of the city, where its work of i