Walter Clarence Peacock (February 8, 1878 - September 9, 1946), was a Chicago businessman best known as the president of C. D. Peacock Jewelry Company, which was established by his father in 1837.[1] Peacock was also a well known sportsman, particularly as a trap shooter; he won several national championships in this sport.[2] He graduated from the University of Chicago.[3]

Sporting

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Peacock was one of the founding members of the Lincoln Park Gun Club in Chicago.[4] In 1931, he appeared in a live debate on WGN radio with the Chicago Tribune's outdoor editor, Bob Becker, covering perceived decreases in local waterfowl populations.[5] In 1940, he began a movement to form the Civilian's Defense Reserve, a patriotic organization of armed civilians who would cooperate with the U.S. Army during times of need.[6] He believed that the estimated 7 million trapshooters, hunters, and gun club members could help provide a third line of national defense. Peacock was also a previous Illinois Racing Commissioner and a member of the South Shore Country Club.[3]

References

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  1. ^ Page, Eleanor (January 1, 1965). "Cupid Fires Early in New Year". Chicago Tribune. Retrieved 11 February 2016.
  2. ^ "Peacock Wins Western Trap Shooting Title". Chicago Tribune. May 30, 1927. Retrieved 11 February 2016.
  3. ^ a b "W. C. PEACOCK, JEWELRY FIRM HEAD, DIES AT 68". Chicago Tribune. September 10, 1946.
  4. ^ Recktenwald, William (February 11, 1991). "Lakefront Gun Club Finds Itself The Target". Chicago Tribune. Retrieved 24 February 2013.
  5. ^ "W. C. Peacock to Debate Becker on Waterfowl". Chicago Tribune. December 27, 1931. Retrieved 11 February 2016.
  6. ^ Becker, Bob (May 18, 1940). "Enroll Marksmen for Defense". Chicago Tribune. Retrieved 11 February 2016.