John Thomas Peacey, a cornerstone of the community 1844 - 1936

John Peacey played an active and valuable role in church and community over many years.

John Peacey was employed by Benjamin Gardiner at a yard on the Severn bank at Framilode as a boat-builder before his marriage. He left in 1869 because, according to Annie Peacey, his daughter, 'he thought the very long summer working days and the very short winter working days and pay were not a good foundation for married life'. John went next to Bliss Mills at Chalford and worked at the silk mill in Oakridge, then he went into business independently as a baker and butcher.

John worshipped at Oakridge Methodist chapel throughout his life. At the age of 18 he became secretary of the Oakridge Wesleyan Society (afterwards the Wesleyan Methodist church) and he held every office in the church save Sunday school superintendent.

In the Wilts & Glos Standard of 15 October 1938, a reporter described him as 'a man who did much good by stealth, and if he blushed not to find it fame. he scorned comment of any sort on his many deeds of kindness, finding ample reward in their commission'. John's daughters both taught at the Sunday school - apparently Lizzie was strict and firm but Annie was quieter.

In his eighties John learned to ride a motorbike as a convenient way of journeying between Oakridge and Stroud on business. however in his ninetieth year he had an accident that put an end to this activity.

The above is an extract from 'Oakridge a History' by Pat Carrick, Kay Rhodes and Juliet Shipman, available from Oakridge History Group, price £15 through the ‘Contact Us’ page or from the Oakridge Village Shop.