Crescent Park March, 1896 by PECKHAM, JOSEPH 
(1849-1904) 
Joseph Sanford Peckham, a native Aquidneck Islander, was born in Newport, Rhode Island, on February 1, 1849. Never venturing far from Newport and the nearby towns of Middleport and Portsmouth, he was educated in Newport schools. As a resident of that historic seacoast city, he became active in its community activities. He was a devout member of the Channigg Memorial Church and for many years was the choirmaster and sang bass in its male quartet. He served as a member of the Newport Naval Training Station Band from the time of its organization until he died.

The major interests of Peckham's life were music and composing, and he earned his livelihood from this. He composed much music, including a number of marches. Many of the marches were named for military, fraternal, or veterans' organizations in the Newport area. On November 27, 1904, Peckham died at his home after suffering a seizure resulting from Bright's disease. He was laid to rest at Island Cemetery in Newport.

Crescent Park March

RIWE