Justice Peckham

Pacific Press Publishing Association · Mountain View, California · Nov 17, 1909

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 36, No. 45.

Justice Peckham.—A short time since, the United States Supreme Court lost one of its ablest members in the death of Rufus W. Peckham. He was not of college education, but was learned in the law, having come from a family distinguished in that profession. He was appointed under President Cleveland in 1895 to succeed Justice Howell E. Jackson of Tennessee. The Supreme Court now stands somewhat crippled. Justice Peckham was not nearly as old as Justice Brewer, and had not been classed among those members who were on the verge of retiring of necessity. But Justice Moody, the youngest member, is now sick. Chief Justice Fuller and Justice Harlan are each 76 years of age, Justice Brewer is 72, Justice Holmes 68, Justice McKenna 66, while Justices White and Day are aged 64 and 60 respectively. It is suggested that President Taft may have the appointment of not less than three, and quite possibly five of that body before his term of office expires.