James H. Peck

James Hawkins Peck (January 12, 1790 – April 29, 1836) was a United States district judge of the United States District Court for the District of Missouri.

Education and career Peck was born on January 12, 1790, in Mossy Creek (now Jefferson City), North Carolina (Southwest Territory from May 26, 1790, State of Tennessee from June 1, 1796). During the War of 1812, he joined Taylor's Brigade of the Tennessee Militia in September 1814 as an Assistant Topographic Engineer. He entered private practice in Tennessee until 1818. He continued private practice in St. Louis, Missouri Territory (State of Missouri from August 10, 1821) from 1818 to 1822.

Federal judicial service Peck was nominated by President James Monroe on March 26, 1822, to the United States District Court for the District of Missouri, to a new seat authorized by 3 Stat. 653. He was confirmed by the United States Senate on April 5, 1822, and received his commission the same day. His service terminated on April 29, 1836, due to his death in St. Charles, Missouri. In response, Lawless posted an anonymous letter rebutting Peck's ruling in another newspaper.