Soon after the expiration of his military service, he studied law, first with his uncle, Judge William A. Peelle at Centerville, Indiana, and later at Winchester, Indiana, where he was admitted to the bar in 1866, and practised there until 1869, when he removed to Indianapolis, Indiana. He was a member of the Indiana state legislature from 1877 to 1879, and a member of congress from the seventh or Indianapolis district, 1881-85. He was a member of the Board of Control of the Indiana Reform school for boys 1891-92. He was also alternate delegate-at-large from Indiana to the Republican national convention of 1888, and was chosen a delegate-at-large to that of 1892, but did not serve as he was appointed, March 28, 1892, judge of the United States Court of Claims, where he is still serving, residing in Washington . District of Columbia.
Judge Peelle has been a member of the session of the Church of the Covenant, Washington, District of Columbia, since 1894, and president of the Elders' Union of the Presbytery of Washington 1902 to 1904. He is a member of the Cosmos club of Washington; of the Military Order of the Loyal Legion; of the Grand Army of the Republic; of the National Geographic Society; of the Washington branch of the Archeological Society of the United States; and of the Masonic Order, Ancient and Accepted Rite. He is identified with the Republican party, and is interested in the subject of international arbitration. He has little taste for fiction, but history, biography and stories of real life have great interest for him. For his religious instruction he relies upon the Bible as the word of God. He conducts with success a large Bible class for adults in the church of which he is a member. Walking and driving are his chosen modes of exercise and relaxation. His own ambition and personal preference decided his choice of a profession, in his twentieth year. His first strong impulse to success came from "hearing a candidate for congress make a speech and listening to the argument of attorneys in their cases in courts." He says, "Next to home, my contact with men of high christian character with determined purpose, shaped my course." His advice to young people is "to trust in God and be not afraid; and then plan your life-work, and determine to succeed under that banner. Press for the mark with hope and courage, and do well the things that lie nearest."
He has received the degree of LL.D. from Valparaiso college, Valparaiso, Indiana.
