[p. 474] was one of the foremost citizens of Pulaski Township, Lawrence County, Pennsylvania, of which he was a lifelong resident. He owned a farm of 166 acres, on which his widow now, lives, and was extensively engaged in farming, stock raising and stock dealing. He was well known to the people of the county, among whom he had dealt so many years, and his death, which occurred September 12, 1906, was felt an irreparable loss to the community in which he lived. Mr. Neal was born in Pulaski Township, June 18, 1841, and was a son of Alexander, Sr., and Nancy (Mayers) Neal, the former a native of Mercer County, Pennsylvania, and the latter of Trumbull County, Ohio.
Alexander Neal, Sr., was a soldier in the War of 1812. At an early age he settled in the woods of Pulaski Township, Lawrence County, and there became a large landowner, his home farm being that now owned by the widow of his son, James. He was an important figure in the business and social life of the community, and his death was sadly felt by his fellow men. He died August 1, 1878, and his widow some two years later, on August 29, 1880. Of their children but two now live, Benjamin of Pulaski Township, and Sarah A, widow of James Stevenson.
James Neal was reared on the home farm and attended the common schools. Except for the time spent in the Union Army during the Civil War, he had always lived on this farm, and was exceedingly active in business affairs. He raised stock and was an extensive live stock dealer, having transactions with the people throughout this section of the state. He was ever honest and straightforward in his dealings, and there were none who held the confidence and respect of his fellowmen to a higher degree than did he. He erected a fine home and good substantial out-buildings on the home farm, having one of the most highly improved estates to be found in the township. He was ever active in the affairs pertaining to the development of the community, being especially interested in raising the standard of the schools. He was a friend of the cause of education, and was ambitious that his children be given greater educational advantage than had been his own.
September 20, 1866, Mr. Neal was united in marriage with Miss Rebecca E. Stevenson, who was born in Pulaski Township, October 30, 1838, and is a daughter of Elisha M. and Nancy (Dawson) Stevenson. Her grandfather, James Stevenson, was a soldier in the War of the Revolution, and at an early date located in the woods of Pulaski Township. He remained but a few years, then moved to Mahoning County, Ohio, where he died. Elisha M. Stevenson was born in Pulaski Township, but was reared in Poland Township, Mahoning County, Ohio. When a young man he engaged in the mercantile business at Hookstown, Beaver County, Pennsylvania, where he was married to Nancy Dawson, who was a native of that county. They later moved to Pulaski Township, Lawrence County, where they passed the remainder of their days.
James and Rebecca E. Neal became parents of six children, of whom five are living: Alice N.; Frank D., superintendent of the public schools at Leechburg, Pennsylvania; Leonora N., wife of Alva J. Calderwood, professor of Latin in Grove City College; Nellie N.; and Florence. All are graduates of Grove City College, and all teachers except Mrs. Calderwood. Mr. Neal was an ardent Prohibitionist in politics, and was at one time party nominee for county commissioner, and for the House of Representatives in Pennsylvania. Religiously, he was a member of the United Presbyterian Church at New Bedford.
20th Century History of New Castle and Lawrence County Pennsylvania and Representative Citizens Hon. Aaron L. Hazen Richmond-Arnold Publishing Company, Chicago, Ill., 1908
Previous Biography | Table of Contents | Next Biography
Explanation/Caution | Lawrence Co. Maps | Lawrence Co. Histories
Updated: 25 Oct 2001