Frank Peeke was a farmer in Randolph, IL. Born in 1868 in Normal, he attended the Normal Schools as well as ISNU. He married Mary Haley in 1895 and they had one daughter, Stella. A three year old son, Gene, appeared in the 1900 census, but then dropped from the record.
Like many farmers and rural residents, social life for the Peeke's centered around the local community club based at the Eldorado School. Frank was a frequent performer in the dramatics put on by the club, and he led singing at the school on many occasions. Frank was a dairy farmer in Randolph, but in 1917 he sold part of his farm and then had a stock sale. He worked for an auctioneer for several years as his clerk.
In 1931 Frank Peeke was working in his barn when a bull became enraged and trampled him. Although he was able to grip the nose ring of the bull, it was ineffective at stopping the bull. His life was saved by his collie dog when the dog was able to drive the bull into a corner and made it possible for Mr. Peeke to drag himself to the house where he could make a telephone call. All his ribs had been broken and he had been gored by the bull. This photo appeared in the Pantagraph more than two months after the accident, when Peeke had finally recovered from his injuries. For a 63 year old man in 1931, he seems amazingly fit. He is an example of the educated farmers of McLean County -- farming on a scientific basis and active in his community. Frank died in 1945 and his wife Mary in 1990. They are buried in the Evergreen Memorial Cemetery.