Samuel Minturn Peck

Samuel Minturn Peck cropped

Samuel Minturn Peck (November 4, 1854 – May 3, 1938) was an American poet and the first Poet Laureate of Alabama. He is best known for his lyrical and sentimental poetry, which often focused on themes of nature, love, and Southern life.

Early Life and Education

Samuel Minturn Peck was born in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, to Elisha Wolsey Peck and Lucy Lamb Peck. His father was a prominent lawyer and judge who served as Chief Justice of the Alabama Supreme Court. Samuel was educated at the University of Alabama, where he graduated with a degree in 1876. He later attended the Bellevue Hospital Medical College in New York City, but he did not pursue a career in medicine.

Literary Career

Peck began writing poetry at an early age and published his first collection, Cap and Bells, in 1886. His work was well-received, and he quickly gained a reputation as a talented poet. His subsequent collections, including Rings and Love-Knots (1892) and Fair Women of To-day (1895), further established his literary reputation.

Peck's poetry often reflected his Southern heritage and the natural beauty of Alabama. His work was characterized by its musical quality and emotional depth. He was particularly skilled at capturing the nuances of love and nature in his verse.

Poet Laureate of Alabama

In 1930, Samuel Minturn Peck was named the first Poet Laureate of Alabama, a position he held until his death in 1938. As Poet Laureate, he was recognized for his contributions to the state's literary heritage and his role in promoting poetry and the arts in Alabama.

Personal Life

Peck never married and lived a relatively quiet life in Tuscaloosa. He was known for his gentle demeanor and his dedication to his craft. Despite his success as a poet, he remained modest and focused on his work rather than seeking public acclaim.

Death and Legacy

Samuel Minturn Peck died on May 3, 1938, in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. He is remembered as one of Alabama's most beloved poets and a significant figure in American literature. His work continues to be studied and appreciated for its lyrical beauty and emotional resonance.

Selected Works

• Cap and Bells (1886)
• Rings and Love-Knots (1892)
• Fair Women of To-day (1895)
• The South's Blue Sky (1907)

See Also

• Poet Laureate
• Alabama
• University of Alabama
• Tuscaloosa, Alabama