Joe Henry Peeples, Jr.

Who is Joe Henry Peeples, Jr.?

Joseph Henry Peeples, Jr., known as Joe Henry Peeples, Jr., was a Florida state legislator. He served in the Florida House of Representatives for Glades County for 22 years.

Peeples was born in Zolfo Springs, Florida in 1914, one of five children of Joseph Henry Peeples, Sr. and Sweet Hogan. His father, known as Joe Henry Sr., served in the House of Representatives for Glades County from 1929 to 1934 and 1937 to 1941. Joe Henry, Jr. attended county schools, graduating from Moore Haven High School in 1931. He worked at his father's ranch while attending schools and was also on the school basketball team. After finishing school, he worked in the cattle ranching business with his father until Joe Henry, Sr.'s death in 1942.

Although a resident of Highlands County at the time, when his father died, Joe Henry, Jr. was elected to finish his term as representative for Glades County. He was re-elected repeatedly until retiring in 1965. During his time in the house, he served as president of the livestock committee, and as a member of the salt water fisheries, fish and game, and finance and taxation committees. He also was chairman of the Water Resources Development & Conservation Committee and Dean of the House on one occasion.