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         DR. GEORGE P. NEAL, Postmaster of Columbus Junction, was born in Lawrence County, Ohio, Nov. 10, 1852, and is a son of Dr. B. G. and Elizabeth (Gore) Neal. When but two years of age George came to Iowa with his parents, who settled in Columbus City, Louisa County. His literary education was obtained at the public schools of that city, where he was reared to manhood. He studied medicine with his father, who was a pioneer physician of Louisa County, and took three courses of lectures at the medical department of the Iowa State University, at Iowa City, being graduated in the class of ’74. He pursued the practice of his profession at Columbus Junction until Jan. 1, 1886, when he bought the Louisa County Times, in company with his wife, under the firm name of G. P. & M. E. Neal, and conducted that paper until August, 1887, when for want of sufficient support publication was suspended.

At Columbus City, Iowa, Dec. 31, 1876, Dr. Neal was united in marriage with Miss Maria E. Thorley, daughter of Samuel Thorley. Mrs. Neal was born in West Salem, Wayne Co., Ohio, Jan. 15, 1857. Three children graced their union, one son and two daughters: Emma J., born June 29, 1878; George H., born Nov. 30, 1882, died at the age of two years, and Jessie I., who was born July 30, 1884. Mrs. Neal, who was a woman possessed of many excellencies of character, and a member of the Christian Church, died Sept. 20, 1887, of typhoid fever. Dr. Neal is also a member of the Christian Church, and has been a lifelong Democrat. He was appointed Postmaster at Columbus Junction in August, 1886, and was confirmed by the United States Senate Feb. 14, 1887.