My Genealogy Hound

ALBERT M. NEAL, who is pit manager for the Garrison Shaft, Big Muddy Ore & Steel Company, of Murphysboro, was born in Du Quoin, Ill., on the 9th of October, 1859, and is a representative of one of the pioneer families of this county. His grandfather, William Neal, settled in Carbondale Township in a very early day and there followed farming. His father, John Neal, was born in Kentucky, and became a miner of Du Quoin. In 1861, he engaged in the Eighteenth Illinois Infantry, and for four years followed the Old Flag. At the battle of Shiloh he had a finger shot off. When the struggle was over, he returned to Du Quoin, but in 1866 came to Murphysboro, where he engaged in mining until 1889, since which time he has made his home in Quincy. He married Sarah A. Golliher, a native of this state, who died in Murphysboro in 1883, leaving two children: Albert M., and William, who is mine manager.

Our subject was reared and educated in this city, and at the age of fourteen began working in the mines in the employ of the same company with which he is now connected. His service with them covers a period of twenty years, and has been one of promotion from the lowest position up to that of pit manager. The Harrison mining machinery is used, and about seven hundred tons of coal are taken out each day. His long continuance with one company indicates his high degree of faithfulness, and his promotion shows that he has the confidence and trust of his employers.

On Christmas Day of 1888, in Murphysboro, was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Neal and Miss Kate Marshall, a native of Warwickshire, England, and a daughter of Josiah and Sarah E. (Harvey) Marshall, who were also natives of England. Her father was a miner, and in 1865 he went with his family to Belleville, Ill., where he spent his last days. His widow afterwards became the wife of James Turner, and in 1869 they came to Murphysboro, where Mr. Turner is now engaged in the real-estate business. There were two children born of the first union, and one by the second. Mr. and Mrs. Neal have two children, Harriet and William Frederick.

In 1886, Mr. Neal was elected Alderman from the Third Ward for a term of two years on the Republican ticket, although the ward is Democratic. In 1889, he was again elected, and in 1891 every ballot in his ward, except seven, was cast for him. He has thus served for six years as a member of the Council. He was Chairman of the Finance Committee, and has been a member of other very important committees. During his term of office, many of the leading improvements of the city were made, the sewerage system was laid and the water works and electric light plants were established. Although Murphysboro Township has a Democratic majority of one hundred, Mr. Neal was elected on the Republican ticket as Supervisor by a majority of forty-one votes. He is now serving on the Committee of Miscellaneous Claims. His official record is unsullied and his faithful service has won him high commendation.

Since twenty-one years of age, Mr. Neal has been a member of Amity Lodge No. 132, I. O. O. F., of which he is Past Grand, and is a demitted member of the encampment. He also belongs to the Knights of Honor and Jackson Camp, S. V. Besides his business he owns some real estate in Murphysboro. He is truly a self-made man and his career in many respects is worthy of emulation.