Family background
James Peake was born at Prospect in 1835. His father, John Peake, hosted Wesleyan Methodist services at his house in what became the suburb of Peakhurst, as well as donating the land for the Peakhurst Methodist Church. James Peake married Sarah Ann Hobbs at Camden in 1855 and they had four sons and eight daughters. They moved to Prospect Street, Macdonaldtown in 1885. James Peake died at his home, Cobbitty, Cambridge Street, Epping on 30 December 1924. He was buried in the Methodist section Rookwood cemetery.
Occupation & interests
After being trained for business, Peake began farming at what became Hurstville, on land he owned. In 1888, he owned four houses at Macdonaldtown and Peakhurst.
Community activity
James Peake was church steward at the Newtown Methodist church and the Sunday School superintendent and class leader. He also led the church choir at Peakhurst. In 1891, he was elected as an alderman for the Peakhurst Ward of the Municipality of Hurstville, serving until at least 1893.
Local government service
James Peake was an alderman on Macdonaldtown (Erskineville) Council in 1888-96 and 1899-1901, representing Middle Ward. He was mayor in 1893 and 1896.
References
Sydney Morning Herald, 10 Feb 1891, p. 2, http://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/13813415
‘Bazaar at Peakhurst’, Evening News, 28 March 1899 p. 2, http://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/113706030
‘Mr James Peake’, Methodist, 17 Jan 1925 p. 15, http://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/155276984
Morrison, W. Frederic 1888, The Aldine centennial history of New South Wales illustrated, The Aldine Publishing Company, Sydney.