Richard Ezra Peabody was born on October 5, 1851, the son of Richard W. and Hannah (Parker) Peabody, in Coventry, Vermont. By 1871, he was living in the vicinity around Groton, Vermont, perhaps working on the Montpelier Wells Railroad, as his occupation is listed as Civil Engineer. In August, 1873, Peabody began making purchases under the name R. E. Peabody & Co., a manufacturer and dealer in lumber, bark, and wood in Groton, Vermont. Richard E. Peabody married Anna Louise Blodgett, the daughter of Elijah D. and Eliza (Wood) Blodgett, on November 9, 1875 in Saint Johnsbury, Vermont. They had one child, Marjorie, born in Saint Johnsbury on December 5, 1876.
From the description of R.E. Peabody & Co. receipt book, 1871-1874 (bulk dates: 1873-1874). (Vermont Historical Society). WorldCat record id: 503449916
