Everett Peabody (June 13, 1830 – April 6, 1862) was a Harvard graduate and civil engineer working for various railroads in Massachusetts and Missouri.

He is best remembered for his service as a colonel in the Union army during the Civil War, in particular his role in the Battle of Shiloh, where he was killed in action.

[2] When the Civil War began Peabody, living in the highly divided state of Missouri, made his devotion to the Union known.

In March, 1862, Peabody and the 25th Missouri were ordered to join the Army of the Tennessee at Pittsburg Landing as part of the Sixth Division under Brig.

The camps of Prentiss' and William T. Sherman's divisions were placed in the most forward positions of the Army of the Tennessee.

He ordered Powell that if he encountered the enemy to “drive in the guard and open up on the reserve, develop the force, hold the ground as long as possible, then fall back.” Peabody hoped that this would temporarily interrupt the Confederates' plans and, more importantly, provide a warning to Union units in time to prepare for the coming onslaught.

[3] By bringing on the engagement early, Peabody had disrupted the Confederates' agenda and gave warning, albeit short, to the rest of Sherman's and Prentiss' camps.

Prior to the engagement, Peabody had written to his parents stating "if I go under, it shal' be in a manner that the old family shall feel proud of".