CONFEDERATE BIOGRAPHY:  A. J. PEELER - Travis County, TX

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Submitted by Peggy Brannon - peggybrannon@hotmail.com
17 November 2001
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TEXANS WHO WORE THE GRAY by Sid S. Johnson

A. J. PEELER

A. J. Peeler of Austin, was born in Harris County, Georgia, April 22, 1838. 
When he was ten years old the family residence was changed to Florida, where 
he was reared and educated. Before he reached his majority he was admitted 
by special act of the legislature to practice law in all the courts of 
Florida, and two years later was chosen clerk of the supreme court, an 
office at that time of considerable importance, which under the constitution 
was required to be filled by joint ballot of the two houses of the 
legislature. He continued in this office until the outbreak of the war in 
1861, when he entered the Confederate Army and served first under Gen. Bragg 
and afterwards under R. E. Lee in Virginia until the battle of Gettysburg, 
where he was wounded and taken prisoner. He was in the battles of 
Chancellorsville and Fredericksburg and other fights in Virginia, coming out 
with the rank of Captain. When hostilities ceased he began the practice of 
law in Florida, was a member of the Constitutional Convention and later of 
the legislature, and in 1868 a delegate to the National Democratic 
Convention. Early in 1873 he removed to Texas, locating in Austin, and early 
won distinction as a lawyer before the state supreme court and Federal 
courts. In 1875 he was made assistant attorney-general of Texas and after a 
conspicuous service resigned in October, 1876, to resume private practice. 
Mr. Peeler for many years practiced before the United States Supreme court, 
and was known as one of the most learned and successful lawyers in Texas.  
His work "Law and Equity as Distinguished and Enforced in the Courts of the 
United States" was commended by bench and bar and had a wide sale. Mr. 
Peeler possessed all the qualities of an eminent lawyer and a good man and 
his death several years ago was lamented by all. His son, Col. J. L. Peeler, 
is the able representative of Travis county in the 30th Texas legislature 
and is a lawyer of recognized ability.