James Neal

NEAL, MURRAY, MORRISON, GILBERT, BETTENGER, TAYLOR

Posted By: Diane Wilson (email)
Date: 7/29/2002 at 20:58:46

James Neal, the sixth of ten children of William and Rebecca (Murray) Neal, was born in Greene county, Pennsylvania, June 18, 1844. He removed with his family to Wisconsin, and helped till the soil until 1863, then went to Montana Territory and followed mining until the fall of 1865, then returned to Wisconsin, and soon afterward came to Butler county, Iowa.
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When Mr. Neal first came to this county he worked at the carpenter’s trade, and, in 1871, in partnership with Wm. Morrison, purchased the old saw mill in the south part of town, running the same until 1879; also continuing his trade. Mr. Morrison then withdrew, and J. E. Gilbert became a partner. In 1881 Mr. Gilbert sold to W. H. Bettenger, and the firm then fitted the mill for grinding feed. In 1882 Mr. Neal became sole proprietor, but soon associated his brother, E. L. Neal, as a partner, and the firm, as Neal Brothers, fitted up the present steam feed mill in Clarksville, which they now operate, and also carry on an extensive flour and feed business.
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Mr. Neal, in 1870, married Miss Caktria Taylor, and they now have one son – Albert. In politics Mr. Neal is a democrat, and always has been. He was assessor of the city for one year.
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Source: History of Butler and Bremer Counties, Iowa
Union Publishing Co., Springfield, IL, 1883
Page 508