Charles H. Peck was born in 1859 and was a lifelong resident of Stratford. His forebears were some of the original settlers of Stratford. Charles was also related to Stiles Judson who, in his own right, was a popular local and state politician.
Charles Peck served for over 20 years as a Probate and Trial judge in Stratford. Up until 1914, Charles was so popular in Stratford that in 1912 the Democrats united with the Republicans to re-elect Charles as Judge of Probate.
In 1914, Stiles Judson, acting as States Attorney, brought charges against Charles in the state’s Supreme Court for defrauding a client and breaching the client’s trust. Charles had charged this client $700 (about $22,500 in today’s dollars) to act as her attorney in a probate case in which he was acting as Judge of Probate. Charles was found guilty, and subsequently disbarred.
Apparently, Charles never reconciled with Stiles Judson, as Stiles died later in the year 1914. Smarting from his “rough handling” at the hands of his relative, Stiles Judson, Charles formed his own subgroup within the town’s Republican Party. In 1916, Charles ran his own slate of candidates for local office, running himself for three different offices on this slate.
All Charles’ nominees were soundly defeated in the general election of 1916. When the town learned of Charles’ defeat, a large celebration and parade erupted. The following appeared in the November 8th, 1916 Bridgeport Evening Farmer.
“The result was announced shortly after 8 o’clock, and immediately a great shout of victory went up. The Good Government club of Stratford, which was largely instrumental in eliminating Peck, had worked hard and when victory was assured, a celebration ensued.
…The Stratford Drum corps preceded the parade that formed and torchlights were procured. The parade proceeded to Peck’s house where three cheers were given for Welles. Thence it went to the Judson Memorial fountain, where honor was done the memory of Stiles Judson. Welles’ home was the next stop and a cheer was given there.”
Charles was so enraged by the outcome of the election that he purged his office of all books, paintings, furnishings, and documents leaving nothing but an empty office for his successor. He even made certain he removed his desk and chair. His office and chambers were located in Stratford Town Hall at that time located in Stratford Center. Judge Peck vowed never to run again for any elective office.
Judge Peck’s home was at 1207 Linden Avenue. He died in December 1923. His home was demolished to build I-95’s exit 32 southbound in 1956.
