Grainger County news. (Rutledge, Tenn.) 1917-current, 1918-10-31
HOWARD PECK VICTIM
OF INFLUENZA EPIDEMIC
Formerly Widely Known Traffic
Officer.
Robust Of Physique, Sudden Sad Re.
lepse Surprises Friends.

Howard Peck, well-known citizen,
traffic policeman at Ninth and Mar
ket streets for many years, but con-
nected with the claim department of
the Chattanooga Railway and Light
company since July 1, is dead.
At 2:30 o'clock Saturday morning
the chill hand of the grim reaper
touched his eyelids and he fell asleep.
He was stricken with influenza on
Oct. 10 and pneumonia, which devel-
oped, resulted in his death. On the
morning of the 10th he went to the
office of the railway claim depart
ment, but complained of feeling DAD
ly, and B. D. Haskins, chief claim
agent, who is in charge of the office,
insisted that he go home. Mr.. Peck
needed his advice and placed himself
in the care of his physician.
He was later removed to Newell's
sanitarium, where he appeared to raj
ly for time. Drs. Haymore, Newell
and Gee did everything possible to
restore his health. Physicians and
nurses tenderly ministered unto him,
but he gradually declined and had
been sinking since Friday about noon
Howard Peck made brave fight
for his life, battled with his wits, his
great physical strength and his Won
derful will power to win out over the
malady which had laid it's mighty
hand upon him. He was unable to
withstand the attack, however
His big heart, which beat with
friendship for his fellow men, has
ceased to beat. His eyes which al
ways bespoke welcome, are closed,
and the hands, whose strong clasp of
friendliness sent many a traveller and
townsman along his way with bright
er face and more cheerful heart, are
still. 1t is hard to realize that How
ard Peck is dead, for only yesterday,
it seems, he made his way along the
streets and hailed friend after friend
in his amiable, sunshiny way. He will
be sadly missed. Even though he left
his corner at Ninth and Market al
- most three months ago to assume
his new duties with the railway COM
pany, pedestrians, autoists and vehic-
lie drivers have not yet become &C
customed to his absence and still look
for his bright smile and wave of the
hand
Howard Peck loved life, took de-
light in serving the city and his fell
low men, and, though he held no high
and lofty position in the world, he
did his work in a highly efficient
manner and was faithful at all times
AS a traffic officer he realized the
great responsibility of keeping the
streets clear, of preventing accidents
and of guiding pedestrians Alright. He
never appeared to become ratified OF
excited, but was cool and possessed
of wonderful presence of mind. He
was one of the south's best known
officers. He stuck by his post through
sun and rain, through winters colo
and summers heat, and never lost g
day except on account of sickness OF
annual vacations. He was formerly {
member of the st. Louis police de-
partment. having seen service there
during the worlds fair. When he be
came connected with the local polio,
force he made suggestions regarding
the movement of traffic that were
adopted and are still being used. HI
suggested that all traffic go to tn,
right and keep to the right. Unit
his resignation he wos in charge O.
the Ninth and Market street corne
during practically every patrioti
demonstration and parade. Their
never was an accident on his corner
He was never summoned before tn
commissioner and was never repri
manded or suspended. Several year
ago he stopped a runaway team an
for this act of heroism, which save
several lives, he was awarded a gol
medal
Surviving the deceased are his wife
his parents, Mr.. and Mrs. James N
Peck, of Mt. Horeb, jefferson county
three brothers, Harry E., who is "ove
there" doing his bit; John c., of M
Horeb, and ]. Frank Peck, one {
Chattanooga best known citizen
and two sisters, Mrs. Newman, vii
of DR.. C. N. Newman, of Tullahom
and Mrs. John F. Haworth, of Ne
Market.
Mr.. Peck was educated in the pul
Ire schools of Jefferson county and ;