John James Peck

Background

John James Peck was born on January 4, 1821 in Manlius, Onondaga County, New York, United States. He was the son of John Wells and Phoebe (Raynor) Peck.

Education

John James Peck received liberal schooling and graduated from the United States Military Academy in the same class as Grant in 1843.

Career

John James Peck was commissioned brevet 2nd lieutenant of the 2nd Artillery and performed garrison duty until the outbreak of the war with Mexico, serving, with distinction, in every battle save one. He engaged in frontier duty in the West and was present at the skirmish with the Navajo Indians at Tuni Cha, North Mexico, on August 31, 1849, afterward being assigned to recruiting and garrison duty. He resigned from the army on March 31, 1853, bearing the high commendation of his superior officers. Following his resignation he entered upon a very busy and successful life in Syracuse. He was treasurer of the New York, Newburgh & Syracuse Rail Road Company during this period, as well as cashier and manager of the Burnet Bank. From 1859 to 1861 he was president of the Board of Education and for some years was vice-president of the Franklin Institute of Syracuse. He was a delegate to the National Democratic Convention of 1856 and of 1860, was twice nominated for Congress, and once refused a foreign mission.

At the outbreak of the Civil War, John James Peck offered his services to the Federal government and refused to aid his friends who were endeavoring to secure for him a high command in the state forces. By virtue of his past services he was commissioned brigadier-general of volunteers August 9, 1861, and served in the defenses of Washington until March 1862. He accompanied McClellan in the Peninsular campaign, serving with such distinction that he was commissioned a major-general of volunteers July 4, 1862. Until September he was in command of all the Federal troops in Virginia south of the James. He rendered his most distinguished military service in the spring of 1863 when he beat off Longstreet's attack at Suffolk, Virginia. His skill in the disposition of his forces and his personal courage were such that he outwitted Longstreet's attempts to outflank him, beat off his assaults, raised the siege of Suffolk, and ended the campaign by personally leading a small force to capture at Hill's Point five heavy guns which the gunboats of a light flotilla had not been able to silence. For his actions in this area he was highly commended by Dix and Meade. He was seriously injured, however, and was given leave of absence until August 1863, when he assumed command in North Carolina until the end of April 1864.

During the following winter, John James Peck was engaged only in small skirmishes, but his health suffered to such an extent that he was ordered to Washington in the spring and placed on duty in the Department of the East. On November 5 he was given command on the Canadian frontier, remaining at this port until he was mustered out of service on August 24, 1865. After the war he resumed his civilian interests at Syracuse. He organized the New York State Life Insurance Company in 1867 and acted as president of that organization until his death.

John James Peck died on April 21, 1878 at his home in Syracuse.

Achievements

• John James Peck was a distinguished army officer. He was best known for his service in the Department of Virginia and North Carolina during the Civil War. He participated the defense of Washington and the Peninsular Campaign (1862).

Politics

John James Peck was a member of Democratic Party.

Connections

On November 20, 1850, John James Peck married Robie Harris Loomis of Syracuse, New York. They had six children, three boys and three girls.

Father:

John Wells Peck

Mother:

Phoebe (Raynor) Peck

Spouse:

Rhobie Harris Loomis Peck

Daughter :

Eunice Mabel Peck

Halfbrother:

Charles H. Peck

Daughter:

Ida Virginia Peck

Daughter:

Rhobie L. Peck Sargent

Son:

Duncan Worth Peck

Son :

James Kendrick Peck

Son :

Loomis Wells Peck