STANTON JUDKINS PEELLE
PEELLE, STANTON JUDKINS, LL.D., chief justice of the United States Court of Claims since January 1, 1906, and professor of law in the law department of Columbian (now George Washington) university, a trustee of Howard university and a member of the Board of Managers of the Young Men's Christian Association of Washington, District of Columbia, was born near Newport, now Fountain City, Indiana, February 11, 1843. His father, John Cox Peelle, was a farmer till 1859, thereafter engaged in the insurance business. "He was a man who spoke ill of none and his marked characteristics were firmness and kindness." His mother, Ruth Smith Peelle, exerted a strong moral and spiritual influence upon her son. His grandfather, William Peelle, was for twenty years justice of the peace in New Gardner township, Wayne county, Indiana. An uncle, William A. Peelle, was secretary of state of Indiana, 1801-63, the first two years of the war. A brother of the same name was chief of the Bureau of Statistics in Indiana, 1882-94.
He had a healthful and natural childhood and youth; and his "earliest interests were connected with the church and with debating societies." He lived on a farm until he was sixteen years old. Farming was his only manual labor. His energetic disposition enabled him to overcome the difficulties which were in the way of his acquiring an education. He attended the common or grammar schools in Indiana, 1850-00; and later, Winchester seminary. After teaching in a private school in Randolph county, Indiana, he enlisted in the army at the outbreak of the Civil war, joining Company G, 8th regiment, Indiana infantry volunteers, as a corporal and was soon thereafter promoted to sergeant. He served in the army of southwest Missouri, and participated in the battle at Pea Ridge, Arkansas; and for meritorious conduct in that battle was promoted second lieutenant, Company K, 57th Indiana volunteer infantry, December 10, 1862. While in this regiment he participated in the battle at Stones River, Tennessee, serving in General Crittenden's corps and being slightly wounded. In all, his military service extended over two years.
