The Bridgeport times and evening farmer., 1921-08-09
ON PECK FORTUNE
 ARE VARIED
Especial to The Times

Bedding, Aug. 9-The [. O. Peck estate on Sunset Hill is on the grand half of it stands in the name of Laura E. Peck, the widow, having been conveyed to her by her husband in 1907. Local estimates of the size of the entire fortune left by Senator Peck range from half million to a million. Estimates of the man are more exact. The many who have worked on his farm all liked him, giving him credit for squareness and good heartedness. He was known highest integrity in business affairs, to be public spirited, we'll informed and broad minded. The first time he ran for representative he went on the ticket merely to oblige, knowing that the town was classed as hope lessly Republican, but subscribing to the view that 1t was his duty as a good Democrat to expose himself to d1dates in order to maintain a front. Two years later he ran again under conditions apparently as unpromising, but this time he became a victor in stead of a victim. The public sized him as man who was not in politics for personal gain or as the tool of any machine and they were right.
 The record he made in both branches of the General Assembly was most creditabla It was period Se portance, the Public Utilities Bill an the Workfngmen's Compensation Act among them. were being vigorously fought by the interests and to the ul- innate success of these measures MT. Peck's voice ana influence contrib uated to no small degree. He once described himself as politically pro- gressive although not an acrobat or Cleveland rather than the William Jennings Bryan type. He further said that although tempermentally inclined to be "sot' in his opinions hoped that he was devoid of the fam aticism characteristic of the real dyed in the wool Republican. That type had substituted for the old doc doctrine of the Republican party s Divine right of ru1ership. He could tolerate the Democratic party as long as 1t represented only a nominal as to elect d President there had been committed an unspeakable in dignity and the President became a sort of abhorrent monster.
 This state of mind, continued MT. Peck, explains the calumntes heaped upon President Cleveland.H "A mem Der of the firm for which I was working was one of these scandal ried pictured him as man of such odious traits that his wife could not long endure him. T will bet $1. he went on. that she leaves him before the end of six months Surely you are not serious In making that offer" rejoined. fYes, I am," said he, land here's the money" at the same time counting out $100 and hourishing 1t towards me. I promptly proceeded to cover the bet. The $200 was placed in an envelope bear ing the proper memorandum and de- posted in the office safe. When six months had elapsed I reminded him of our wager and he handed over the s2OO like the good sport he was.
 And then." remarked the writer, T suppose he proceeded to get even by separating you from your Job or trying to-"
 "No, he was too decent a fellow for that, but our future relations were marked by decided coolness on his part"
 A few months ago the writer, while in Bridgeport. was asked by a com prehensive old-timer about Mr. Peck'S health. On being told, he ex- pressed regret. and added Well, they don't make 'em any handsomer than Lester was in his young days He was something of a highfiyer, but no one who knew him can say that he ever went back on his word or went back on a friend"
 Which declaration, when you come to think of it. is quite a tribute. And although slightly unconventional it would not serve badly as an epitaph-