My Genealogy Hound

JOHN B. NEAL, an enterprising farmer of Odessa township, Buffalo county, is the son of Henry and Elizabeth (Jerome) Neal, natives of Ohio, who were married in Richland county, Ohio, in 1830 and remained there till 1843, then moved to Waukegan, Lake county, Ill., and there remained till Mr. Neal’s death. Politically, Mr. Neal was a republican. Their union was blessed with twelve children, viz. — Caroline (deceased); Sarah Jane (deceased), Martin, Henry, Sylvester, John B., Charles J., Mary Elizabeth; Susan E., David Leroy, Theodore and Augustus.

John B. Neal, the subject of this notice was born in Richland county, Ohio, in 1841. With his parents he went to Waukegan, Ill., and in 1863 enlisted in Company C, light artillery, Second Illinois regiment, and was in two engagements: Fort Donelson and what was called the Pine Bluff engagement. Mr. Neal, in company with an Irishman, Mr. Bartlet, was once surrounded by a band of sixty guerrillas, and they succeeded in killing eighteen of the latter and making their escape without receiving a wound. He was mustered out of service on the 5th of August, 1865 at Springfield, Ill. He then returned to his home in Waukegan, Ill., and there remained till he came to Nebraska in 1875, settling on section 32, township 9, range 17, Odessa township, Buffalo county. Mr. Neal has been a supporter of the republican platform but is now a strong alliance man. He has been justice of the peace of Odessa. He was married in 1862 to Miss Louise Cloes, a native of Lake Bluff, Ill., Rev. Little, of Waukegan, officiating. To Mr. and Mrs. Neal have been born nine children, viz. — Laura (deceased), Mintie, Augusta, Benjamin Martin, Clifton Parkes, Henry Wilson, Kittie Elizabeth (deceased), Sadie Lulu, Evan John and Royal Elmer. If Mr. and Mrs. Neal possess one virtue in excess of others, it is hospitality; all, without distinction of persons, receive a cordial welcome. They were connected for some time with the Presbyterian church of Kearney, but for a number of years have been identified with the Seventh Day Adventists and are consistent adherents to that faith.