John James Dyer

Who was John James Dyer?

John James Dyer was the first United States federal judge in Iowa.

Born in Franklin, Virginia, Dyer graduated from Staunton Law School in 1833. He was in private practice in Pendleton County, Virginia from 1833 to 1845, also serving during that period as Commonwealth attorney of Pendleton County. In 1845 he moved his practice to Dubuque, then in Iowa Territory, and after 1846 in the State of Iowa.

On February 8, 1847, Dyer was nominated by President James K. Polk to the first judgeship in the newly created United States District Court for the District of Iowa. He was confirmed by the United States Senate on March 3, 1847, and received his commission the same day. Dyer served for eight years, until his death, in Woodstock, Virginia on September 14, 1855.