01 OCTOBER 2011 — ABIGAIL CORBIN PECK
BOUGHTON CEMETERY, RILEY TOWNSHIP, MICHIGAN
On the very windy, cold October 1, 2011 a historical marker dedication was held for Revolutionary War Patriot Nurse Abigail Corbin Peck at the Boughton Cemetery in Riley Township; located at the West end of Church Road at Dexter Trail, just South of Price Road. She is the only known female Revolutionary patriot to be buried in Clinton County, Michigan.
Susan Moritz, Regent Coureurs-de-Bois Chapter of the National Society Daughters of the American Colonists worked with the organizations’ National officers to secure the historical marker to honor this patriot. Coureurs-de-Bois NSDAC hosted the ceremony, followed by refreshments. State DAC Regent, Barbara Allison gave the Invocation and Benediction and assisted Mrs. Moritz with the unveiling of the marker.
To honor Abigail Corbin Peck, 25 people were present. An 8th generation grandson, Mr. William Serviss and his guest Dr. Miller were in attendance. Also in attendance were members of the Coldwater DAR, Detroit DAC, Stoney Creek DAR, Midland Daughters of the Union, Lansing DAR, St. Johns area DAC and DAR and the Lansing Women’s Historical Association.
Born in Danbury, Connecticut in 1747, Abigail Corbin married Phineas Peck in 1776. In 1777, while her husband was away fighting for the Patriots, the British burned Danbury. She brought wounded into her home and cared for them. Some were returned to good health. Others she could only comfort as death approached.
In 1816 Phineas, Abigail and their family moved to Seneca County, New York. In 1837 a widow at the age of 90 Abigail moved west with her family. By way of ox teams they traveled and settled in Riley Township, Clinton County, Michigan when it was still a wilderness. She died in 1948 at the age of 101.
