Canton Commercial Advertiser, February 26, 1918 : Thomas H. Peggs
Thomas H. Peggs, for over thirty years engaged in business in this village, passed away at his home on Buck Street, Sunday morning about 9, following an illness of several months. Mr. Peggs had been in a critical condition for days and his death was momentarily expected by his family and friends. Funeral mass was conducted at St. Mary's Church this morning at 9:30 and the remains were placed in the vault at Riverside.
Mr. Peggs was born in Malone sixty-two yean ago. In early life be went to Vermont where he learned the trade of a marble and granite cutter. In the early eighties he came to Canton and entered the employment of a loca1 monument firm. In 1885 he opened a shop on Hodskin Street and was there engaged in the manufacture and sale of granite and marble memorial work up to about five years ago when he took into the business Carl M. Witherbee, the firm becoming Peggs and Witherbee. The present winter, on account of failing health he disposed of his interest in the business, the entire property on Hodskin Street being taken over by his partner, Mr. Witherbee, and Mr. Charles Whalen of Gouverneur.
Mr. Peggs was a success as a business man and had the confidence of all with whom he dealt. About fifteen years ago he built the fine brick building on Hodskin Street which has since been the home of the monument business.
Mr. Peggs was twice married, his first wife dying about thirty years ago. Two years ago he was joined in marriage with Miss Nellie O’Brien of this village, who with a daughter by his first marriage, Mrs. Floyd I Maine of New York, remain. Three nephews and two nieces also remain, namely William B., J.C., Richard, Annabel, and Eleanor Peggs.
Mr. Peggs is the last of a family of several brothers, all dying at an early age or middle life.
Mr. Peggs was a man who in early life was educated in the school of experience and was among the class of men known as self made. He was square in all his business deals and through integrity and good business sense acquired a fine competence and was just settling down to the full enjoyment of life, when death came.
-W.S.S.-