CLASS OF 1856

William Lawrence Peabody died June 11 at his home in Washington, D. C. Mr. Peabody was the son of Enoch and Susan (Weston) Peabody, and was born in Reading, Mass., April 17, 1828. He prepared for college at Newbury (Vt.) Seminary. After graduation he studied law at Lynn, Mass., and practiced there and in Boston till 1864. He was then in mercantile business at Port Royal, S. C., and Savannah, Ga., until 1867. In January, 1868, he went to Omaha, Neb., and practiced his profession there till 1881, being United States commissioner during the whole period and judge of probate from November, 1873, to January, 1876.

In April, 1881, he was appointed a special examiner in the Pension Office in Washington, and held the position until November 1, 1886. After a short experience in the manufacture of insulated wire at Norwich, N. Y., he returned to the Pension Office. He died practically in the harness. The encroachment of increasing years had been making itself apparent for several years, during which time he suffered a number of serious illnesses, but he was found at his desk after each one as soon as it was possible for him to get about. However, an attack of grip in the early spring left him in a depleted condition, and though he returned to work, it was apparent that his strength was failing. Less than a month before his death he tendered his resignation.

Mr. Peabody was twice married; first, November 5, 1862, to Mary Cleveland, daughter of Joshua and Jadidah (Hunt) Hewes of Lynnfield, Mass., who died March 28, 1877. The second marriage, April 19, 1882, was to Mrs. Kate F. Miller of McGawville, N. Y., who has also died. Three daughters of the first marriage survive their parents.