Peck was born in Waterbury, Vermont, to General John Peck and Anna Benedict Peck. He pursued classical studies and attended the United States Military Academy in West Point, New York, for one year, before resigning due to poor health. He studied law with Vermont Supreme Court Justice Samuel Prentiss, and was admitted to the bar in 1825.
Peck was born in Waterbury, Vermont, to General John Peck and Anna Benedict Peck. He studied classical disciplines and attended the United States Military Academy in West Point, New York, for one year, before resigning due to poor health. He studied law with Vermont Supreme Court Justice Samuel Prentiss, and was admitted to the bar in 1825.