Samuel W. Peel

Samuel West Peel (September 13, 1831 – December 18, 1924) was an American lawyer, politician, and jurist who served as a member of the United States House of Representatives from 1883 to 1893.

Early life and education Peel was born near Batesville, Arkansas, to John Wilson and Elizabeth West Peel. At age four, his mother died and he went to live with his grandparents. Peel attended the local public schools. As a teenager, he worked as a store clerk at his father's store. He also worked as a deputy court clerk for his father.

Career He served as clerk of the circuit court of Carroll County, Arkansas, from 1858 to 1860.

Confederate Army After Arkansas seceded from the Union, he entered the Confederate service in 1861 as a private. Peel was elected major of the 3rd Arkansas Infantry Regiment, and later as a colonel of the 4th Arkansas Infantry Regiment. Peel fought at the Battle of Wilson's Creek and Battle of Prairie Grove.