Peake, James

James Ellis Peake (1797-1860), shipowner, shipbuilder, and merchant, was the son of George Peake. James Peake was a resident of Plymoth, England, prior to his emigration to Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island in 1824. On 19 July 1838 Peake married Barbara Leila Alice Brecken, daughter of PEI merchant, Ralph Brecken. They had at least six children. Peake died in East Stonehouse, County Devon, in 1860.

Following his arrival in Prince Edward Island (1824), Peake established himself as a major shipowner, shipbuilder and merchant, perhaps operating as an extension of the family business, Peake and Sons, Plymouth. He also appears to have been associated with the Brecken firm, Charlottetown. In 1825, he purchased his first sailing vessel, one of 152 vessels he owned between 1825 and 1860. These vessels operated mainly in the North Atlantic trade, between Prince Edward Island harbours, New Brunswick timber ports, and Liverpool or Plymouth. Peake's vessels were also involved in the coastal trade, transporting island produce and timber cargos. His numerous investments distinguished him as one of the largest shipowners in eastern Canada during the first half of the nineteenth century.

Peake owned several stores where he sold the goods imported on his vessels. He also acted as a broker for marine insurance, operated a ship chandlery and outfitting business, and dabbled in other mercantile enterprises.

Due to ill health, Peakes returned to England in 1856, leaving the business under the management of James Moore, Charlottetown. After the death of his father (1860), James Jr. returned to operate his father's business. In 1866, he was joined by his brother Ralph, his mother Alice, and later by brother George. The family business was renamed Peake Bros.& Company. Following the collapse of the Bank of Prince Edward Island (1882), the firm operated on a greatly reduced scale. James left Prince Edward Island circa 1888, intially relocating to St. Paul, Minnesota, and later to Victoria and Vancouver, British Columbia. Peake Bros. & Company terminated operations sometime in the early 1900s.

Created - April 17, 2013

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