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Below is a family biography from the book, History of Kentucky, Edition 7 by J. H. Battle, W. H. Perrin and G. C. Kniffin and published by F. A. Battey Publishing Company in 1887.  These biographies are valuable for genealogy research in discovering missing ancestors or filling in the details of a family tree. Family biographies often include far more information than can be found in a census record or obituary.  Details will vary with each biography but will often include the date and place of birth, parent names including mothers' maiden name, name of wife including maiden name, her parents' names, name of children (including spouses if married), former places of residence, occupation details, military service, church and social organization affiliations, and more.  There are often ancestry details included that cannot be found in any other type of genealogical record.

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A. McNEAL was born in Owen County, Ky., January 9, 1820, and is a son of John and Sarah (Vanpelt) McNeal. John McNeal was born in Virginia, September 17, 1785, and was brought to Kentucky by his parents when a boy, and settled in Fayette County. He followed the carpenter’s trade when a young man, but later went to farming. He was a man of considerable wealth, hired a substitute in the war of 1812, and died in Owen County, September 8, 1854. Archie McNeal, grandfather of A. McNeal, a native of Virginia, immigrated to Kentucky at an early day. Sarah (Vanpelt) McNeal was born December 11, 1779, and was a daughter of Joseph and Sarah Vanpelt, natives of Owen County. A. McNeal, Sr., received his education in the common schools of Owen County, and has made farming his chief occupation in life. He has lived his entire life at the home of his youth, and owns one of the best farms of Owen County, containing 300 acres, which he values at $50 per acre. November 12, 1840, Mr. McNeal married Melvina Alexander, daughter of Rev. Lewis and Lavinia (Chambers) Alexander, a family of high repute. Mr. and Mrs. McNeal have eight children, viz.: J. P. McNeal, Kate, John, Louvinia, L. D., William P., Robert and Archie, all of whom are living. Mr. and Mrs. McNeal are members of the Baptist Church. Mr. McNeal is a member of the Masonic fraternity; politically he is a Democrat.

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This family biography is one of 55 biographies included in the Owen County, Kentucky section of the book, The History of Kentucky, Edition 7 published in 1887 by F. A. Battey Publishing Company.  For the complete description, click here: History of Kentucky, Edition 7

View additional Owen County, Kentucky family biographies here: Owen County, Kentucky Biographies

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