William Wilson, the pioneer ancestor of this family, emigrated from Stewardstown, County of Tyrone, Ireland, in 1732, when 19 years of age. The Town of Stewardstown is in the parish of Donagheny in the province of Ulster and eighty-two miles northwest of Dublin, long noted for its very superior linen cloth.
Royal W. Peake, born December 17, 1806, in Monkton, Vermont, was a significant figure in Bristol’s business community. The son of harness-maker Seth Peake, he moved to Bristol early in life. Married to Jane A. G. Volley in 1831, they had three children; only their son Willis R. survives. Peake was active in real estate and served in the state Legislature. He experienced personal loss with the deaths of his wife and two sons.
The Carlisle Indian School, located in Carlisle, Pennsylvania, served as an educational institution for Native American students from 1889 to 1895. Graduates from various tribes pursued diverse occupations, reflecting their adaptation to American society. Positions ranged from farmers and housewives to public service roles. Notable alumni include physicians, lawyers, and teachers, indicating a significant shift toward professional education. The school’s rich history is intertwined with its former military site, where Benjamin Franklin forged peace treaties with Native tribes in the 18th century.