Married Permeasa Sessums in NAVARRO COUNTY, TEXAS on June 20, 1855
Death 24 Sep 1917 in School Land Cove, Hamilton, Texas, USA
Served CSA in Texas Calvary 24th Regiment (Wilkes)
After the Civil War, Allen Brooks Neal became a farmer in Johnson County, Texas, finally moving his family to COMMANCHE County, Texas.
*********************
NEAL, ALLEN BROOKS
Allen Brooks Neal, a retired farmer of Comanche County, now living in School Land Cove, Hamilton County, is one of the pioneers of Central Texas, whose identification with the interests of the state covers a period of nearly half a century. The Neal family is of Irish origin, and his great-grandfather, who was born on the Emerald Isle, was its founder on American soil. He was one of the heroes of the Revolution, belonging to that valiant band that followed Francis Marion in that long struggle which ended with the establishment of this republic. His home was in North Carolina, where he located in childhood days, just after his emigration to this country. The grandfather of our subject, John Neal was born in North Carolina and served in the Indian wars in that state. He was killed by being run over by a wagon when fifty years of age. His wife bore the maiden name of Miss Buison, and there children were Guan, Polly, Mrs Cromley, John Garret, Elbert and Thomas.
John Garrett, the father of our subject was a native of Georgia and there married Malissa Spurlen who was born the same state. Her father William Sprulen, was born in Georgia, and after his marriage removed to Mississippi and later to Dallas County, Texas, becoming a resident of this state in 1848. He died in Navarro County, about 1858, at the age of eighty years. He wedded Nellie Carter, and their children were Mrs Neal, Narcissus, Emily, William, Permilia, Lazarus, Jerry and Levi. The Spurlen family is of Irish descent, but were connected the Protestants in religious belief. Mr Neal, of this sketch, now has in his possession a cane which was made by his maternal grandfather in 1792. It was cut from a persimmon tree, wound with a rattan vine, on the bank of a river in North Carolina, and on account of its extreme age is a treasured heirloom in the family.
After his marriage John Garrett Neal removed to Alabama, and when our subject was three months old took his family with him to Choctaw County, Mississippi, which had been recently organized, and there served as the first sheriff of the county. He lived there for eighteen years and then went to Madison County, Mississippi, where he made his home until coming to Texas. On the 24th of December, 1852, he crossed the Trinity river and took up his residence in Navarro County, where he entered three hundred and twenty acres of land, but afterward was compelled to purchase this. He afterward added to his possessions until he had six hundred and thirty-nine acres all in one body. In addition to farming he devoted his services to the work of the ministry, becoming a preacher of the Primitive Baptist Church when a young man. His political support was given to the Democracy and his honorable life was an example to all with whom he came in contact. His death occurred in 1866, and his widow died in 1887, at the age of seventy-two years. Their children are John and William, both deceased; Allen B,. living, Melissa, Viola and Martha, all deceased; Sylvannus, yet living; Jeptha, who has passed away; Ella and Columbus living. The living members of the family, with the exception of our subject reside in Ellis County, Texas.
Allen B. Neal was born in Alabama, Nov 17, 1883, and accompanied his parents on their various removals until they settled in Navarro County, Texas. In 1854 he left home and worked for a year as a farm hand. In 1855 he entered one hundred and sixty acres of land in Johnson County, which had been recently organized and was one of the first settlers within it's borders. His home was near Mansfield, where he lived for three years, and then returned to Navarro County, working with his father for a year. He then sold his interest in the place, of one hundred and sixty acres near the old homestead, in 1861, and took his family back to his wife's father in Johnson County, while he went forth to battle for the interests of the south.
Enlisting in the spring of 1861 Mr Neal became a member of Captain Marion Martin's company and the regiment commanded by Colonel Bass. This started out as a cavalry company, but was dismounted the second year. It operated west of the Mississippi in Missouri, Arkansas and the Indian Territory. He lost but six months during the four years of the war, and that on account of illness. He was a Doaksville in the Indian Territory at the time of the surrender. Returning to Johnson County he purchased four hundred acres of land and there engaged in farming and stock-raising until April 1883, his efforts being crowned with success. He then sold out and bought three hundred and twenty acres in the southeastern part of Comanche County, to which he removed in 1883, and added to the property until he had nine hundred and sixty acres, of which sixty acres was under cultivation, a large portion of the remainder being used as pasture land for his cattle. He often has as many as four hundred head of stock upon his land. His industry, his good management and his honorable dealing won him prosperity, and today he is one of the substantial citizens of central Texas. He continued his operations as an agriculturist and stock dealer until December, 1895, when he laid aside the cares and responsibilities of active business life and took up his abode in the home of his son, John, in School Land Cove.
Mr. Neal was married June 20, 1855 in Navarro County, to Permeasa, daughter of Redding and Mary Ann (Brown) Sessims. Her father died in Montague County, Texas, in 1882, at the age of eighty-seven. He was born on the Cumberland River in Kentucky, removed from there to Middle Tennessee and subsequently to Georgetown, Mississippi. He built the first house in Jackson, the present capital of that state and continued his residence in Mississippi until 1835, when in the month of March he started for Texas, driving across the country to what is now San Augustine County. He was accompanied by his wife and their children–Ailsey Ann, William, Mrs Neal, Wilson Russell and Elizabeth. At the first location the father planted a crop, but in the fall of 1835 removed to Shelby County and entered a section of land near the town of Shelbyville, upon which he made his home until 185 2. Through the three succeeding years he resided in Navarro County, and in 1855 went to Johnson County, where he took up land, living there until 1860. From that time until 1877 he lived in Ellis County, then removed to Montague County, where he spent his remaining days near Bowie. In politics he was a Democrat and acceptably served as justice of the peace. He belonged to the Primitive Baptist Church and served as its elder, also took a most active part in its work, materially advancing its interests. His wife died in 1889, at the age of seventy-seven years. She was a native of Tennessee.
Mrs Neal was born in Copiah County, Mississippi, March 31, 1829, and by her marriage became the mother of three children. The eldest, John Allen, Born in Johnson County, April 2, 1856, was married January 31, 1878, in Navarro County to Cordelia Lambeth, who was born near Dallas, Texas, April 17, 1858. Their children are Viola Hettie, born September 24, 1878; Almer Brooks, born May 12, 1880; Eva Lee, born August 26, 1881; John Granville, born November 16, 1883; and Melissa Virginia, born January 3, 1885. Melissa Mary, the second of the family was born June 28, 1858, in Johnson County, and became the wife of W. E. Denham, October 8, 1874. Their children are Demeras, born May 27, 1876; Eula Elizabeth; James Allen; Annie, deceased, Jeffie, Ida and Coy. Ida Pemesa, born April 24, 1871, in Johnson County was married October 2, 1887, to W. W. Journey, and has four children; Walter, deceased, Frank Burks, Edgar Costin and Clyde Iva.
In his political adherency Mr. Neal has always been a stalwart advocate of the Democratic Party, and since 1869 he has been connected with the Masonic fraternity, while in religion for twenty-seven years he has been a member of the Baptist church, and is now serving as its deacon. His life has ever been marked by fidelity to duty, by honest dealing in all business relations, and by those qualities of true manliness which awaken respect wherever seen.
(History of Texas, Central Texas Vol I, Pub. 1896 -- Transcribed by: Gene P)
Contributor: Sherry (47010546)
Death 24 Sep 1917 in School Land Cove, Hamilton, Texas, USA
Served CSA in Texas Calvary 24th Regiment (Wilkes)
After the Civil War, Allen Brooks Neal became a farmer in Johnson County, Texas, finally moving his family to COMMANCHE County, Texas.
*********************
NEAL, ALLEN BROOKS
Allen Brooks Neal, a retired farmer of Comanche County, now living in School Land Cove, Hamilton County, is one of the pioneers of Central Texas, whose identification with the interests of the state covers a period of nearly half a century. The Neal family is of Irish origin, and his great-grandfather, who was born on the Emerald Isle, was its founder on American soil. He was one of the heroes of the Revolution, belonging to that valiant band that followed Francis Marion in that long struggle which ended with the establishment of this republic. His home was in North Carolina, where he located in childhood days, just after his emigration to this country. The grandfather of our subject, John Neal was born in North Carolina and served in the Indian wars in that state. He was killed by being run over by a wagon when fifty years of age. His wife bore the maiden name of Miss Buison, and there children were Guan, Polly, Mrs Cromley, John Garret, Elbert and Thomas.
John Garrett, the father of our subject was a native of Georgia and there married Malissa Spurlen who was born the same state. Her father William Sprulen, was born in Georgia, and after his marriage removed to Mississippi and later to Dallas County, Texas, becoming a resident of this state in 1848. He died in Navarro County, about 1858, at the age of eighty years. He wedded Nellie Carter, and their children were Mrs Neal, Narcissus, Emily, William, Permilia, Lazarus, Jerry and Levi. The Spurlen family is of Irish descent, but were connected the Protestants in religious belief. Mr Neal, of this sketch, now has in his possession a cane which was made by his maternal grandfather in 1792. It was cut from a persimmon tree, wound with a rattan vine, on the bank of a river in North Carolina, and on account of its extreme age is a treasured heirloom in the family.
After his marriage John Garrett Neal removed to Alabama, and when our subject was three months old took his family with him to Choctaw County, Mississippi, which had been recently organized, and there served as the first sheriff of the county. He lived there for eighteen years and then went to Madison County, Mississippi, where he made his home until coming to Texas. On the 24th of December, 1852, he crossed the Trinity river and took up his residence in Navarro County, where he entered three hundred and twenty acres of land, but afterward was compelled to purchase this. He afterward added to his possessions until he had six hundred and thirty-nine acres all in one body. In addition to farming he devoted his services to the work of the ministry, becoming a preacher of the Primitive Baptist Church when a young man. His political support was given to the Democracy and his honorable life was an example to all with whom he came in contact. His death occurred in 1866, and his widow died in 1887, at the age of seventy-two years. Their children are John and William, both deceased; Allen B,. living, Melissa, Viola and Martha, all deceased; Sylvannus, yet living; Jeptha, who has passed away; Ella and Columbus living. The living members of the family, with the exception of our subject reside in Ellis County, Texas.
Allen B. Neal was born in Alabama, Nov 17, 1883, and accompanied his parents on their various removals until they settled in Navarro County, Texas. In 1854 he left home and worked for a year as a farm hand. In 1855 he entered one hundred and sixty acres of land in Johnson County, which had been recently organized and was one of the first settlers within it's borders. His home was near Mansfield, where he lived for three years, and then returned to Navarro County, working with his father for a year. He then sold his interest in the place, of one hundred and sixty acres near the old homestead, in 1861, and took his family back to his wife's father in Johnson County, while he went forth to battle for the interests of the south.
Enlisting in the spring of 1861 Mr Neal became a member of Captain Marion Martin's company and the regiment commanded by Colonel Bass. This started out as a cavalry company, but was dismounted the second year. It operated west of the Mississippi in Missouri, Arkansas and the Indian Territory. He lost but six months during the four years of the war, and that on account of illness. He was a Doaksville in the Indian Territory at the time of the surrender. Returning to Johnson County he purchased four hundred acres of land and there engaged in farming and stock-raising until April 1883, his efforts being crowned with success. He then sold out and bought three hundred and twenty acres in the southeastern part of Comanche County, to which he removed in 1883, and added to the property until he had nine hundred and sixty acres, of which sixty acres was under cultivation, a large portion of the remainder being used as pasture land for his cattle. He often has as many as four hundred head of stock upon his land. His industry, his good management and his honorable dealing won him prosperity, and today he is one of the substantial citizens of central Texas. He continued his operations as an agriculturist and stock dealer until December, 1895, when he laid aside the cares and responsibilities of active business life and took up his abode in the home of his son, John, in School Land Cove.
Mr. Neal was married June 20, 1855 in Navarro County, to Permeasa, daughter of Redding and Mary Ann (Brown) Sessims. Her father died in Montague County, Texas, in 1882, at the age of eighty-seven. He was born on the Cumberland River in Kentucky, removed from there to Middle Tennessee and subsequently to Georgetown, Mississippi. He built the first house in Jackson, the present capital of that state and continued his residence in Mississippi until 1835, when in the month of March he started for Texas, driving across the country to what is now San Augustine County. He was accompanied by his wife and their children–Ailsey Ann, William, Mrs Neal, Wilson Russell and Elizabeth. At the first location the father planted a crop, but in the fall of 1835 removed to Shelby County and entered a section of land near the town of Shelbyville, upon which he made his home until 185 2. Through the three succeeding years he resided in Navarro County, and in 1855 went to Johnson County, where he took up land, living there until 1860. From that time until 1877 he lived in Ellis County, then removed to Montague County, where he spent his remaining days near Bowie. In politics he was a Democrat and acceptably served as justice of the peace. He belonged to the Primitive Baptist Church and served as its elder, also took a most active part in its work, materially advancing its interests. His wife died in 1889, at the age of seventy-seven years. She was a native of Tennessee.
Mrs Neal was born in Copiah County, Mississippi, March 31, 1829, and by her marriage became the mother of three children. The eldest, John Allen, Born in Johnson County, April 2, 1856, was married January 31, 1878, in Navarro County to Cordelia Lambeth, who was born near Dallas, Texas, April 17, 1858. Their children are Viola Hettie, born September 24, 1878; Almer Brooks, born May 12, 1880; Eva Lee, born August 26, 1881; John Granville, born November 16, 1883; and Melissa Virginia, born January 3, 1885. Melissa Mary, the second of the family was born June 28, 1858, in Johnson County, and became the wife of W. E. Denham, October 8, 1874. Their children are Demeras, born May 27, 1876; Eula Elizabeth; James Allen; Annie, deceased, Jeffie, Ida and Coy. Ida Pemesa, born April 24, 1871, in Johnson County was married October 2, 1887, to W. W. Journey, and has four children; Walter, deceased, Frank Burks, Edgar Costin and Clyde Iva.
In his political adherency Mr. Neal has always been a stalwart advocate of the Democratic Party, and since 1869 he has been connected with the Masonic fraternity, while in religion for twenty-seven years he has been a member of the Baptist church, and is now serving as its deacon. His life has ever been marked by fidelity to duty, by honest dealing in all business relations, and by those qualities of true manliness which awaken respect wherever seen.
(History of Texas, Central Texas Vol I, Pub. 1896 -- Transcribed by: Gene P)
Contributor: Sherry (47010546)
Married Permeasa Sessums in NAVARRO COUNTY, TEXAS on June 20, 1855
Death 24 Sep 1917 in School Land Cove, Hamilton, Texas, USA
Served CSA in Texas Calvary 24th Regiment (Wilkes)
After the Civil War, Allen Brooks Neal became a farmer in Johnson County, Texas, finally moving his family to COMMANCHE County, Texas.
*********************
NEAL, ALLEN BROOKS
Allen Brooks Neal, a retired farmer of Comanche County, now living in School Land Cove, Hamilton County, is one of the pioneers of Central Texas, whose identification with the interests of the state covers a period of nearly half a century. The Neal family is of Irish origin, and his great-grandfather, who was born on the Emerald Isle, was its founder on American soil. He was one of the heroes of the Revolution, belonging to that valiant band that followed Francis Marion in that long struggle which ended with the establishment of this republic. His home was in North Carolina, where he located in childhood days, just after his emigration to this country. The grandfather of our subject, John Neal was born in North Carolina and served in the Indian wars in that state. He was killed by being run over by a wagon when fifty years of age. His wife bore the maiden name of Miss Buison, and there children were Guan, Polly, Mrs Cromley, John Garret, Elbert and Thomas.
John Garrett, the father of our subject was a native of Georgia and there married Malissa Spurlen who was born the same state. Her father William Sprulen, was born in Georgia, and after his marriage removed to Mississippi and later to Dallas County, Texas, becoming a resident of this state in 1848. He died in Navarro County, about 1858, at the age of eighty years. He wedded Nellie Carter, and their children were Mrs Neal, Narcissus, Emily, William, Permilia, Lazarus, Jerry and Levi. The Spurlen family is of Irish descent, but were connected the Protestants in religious belief. Mr Neal, of this sketch, now has in his possession a cane which was made by his maternal grandfather in 1792. It was cut from a persimmon tree, wound with a rattan vine, on the bank of a river in North Carolina, and on account of its extreme age is a treasured heirloom in the family.
After his marriage John Garrett Neal removed to Alabama, and when our subject was three months old took his family with him to Choctaw County, Mississippi, which had been recently organized, and there served as the first sheriff of the county. He lived there for eighteen years and then went to Madison County, Mississippi, where he made his home until coming to Texas. On the 24th of December, 1852, he crossed the Trinity river and took up his residence in Navarro County, where he entered three hundred and twenty acres of land, but afterward was compelled to purchase this. He afterward added to his possessions until he had six hundred and thirty-nine acres all in one body. In addition to farming he devoted his services to the work of the ministry, becoming a preacher of the Primitive Baptist Church when a young man. His political support was given to the Democracy and his honorable life was an example to all with whom he came in contact. His death occurred in 1866, and his widow died in 1887, at the age of seventy-two years. Their children are John and William, both deceased; Allen B,. living, Melissa, Viola and Martha, all deceased; Sylvannus, yet living; Jeptha, who has passed away; Ella and Columbus living. The living members of the family, with the exception of our subject reside in Ellis County, Texas.
Allen B. Neal was born in Alabama, Nov 17, 1883, and accompanied his parents on their various removals until they settled in Navarro County, Texas. In 1854 he left home and worked for a year as a farm hand. In 1855 he entered one hundred and sixty acres of land in Johnson County, which had been recently organized and was one of the first settlers within it's borders. His home was near Mansfield, where he lived for three years, and then returned to Navarro County, working with his father for a year. He then sold his interest in the place, of one hundred and sixty acres near the old homestead, in 1861, and took his family back to his wife's father in Johnson County, while he went forth to battle for the interests of the south.
Enlisting in the spring of 1861 Mr Neal became a member of Captain Marion Martin's company and the regiment commanded by Colonel Bass. This started out as a cavalry company, but was dismounted the second year. It operated west of the Mississippi in Missouri, Arkansas and the Indian Territory. He lost but six months during the four years of the war, and that on account of illness. He was a Doaksville in the Indian Territory at the time of the surrender. Returning to Johnson County he purchased four hundred acres of land and there engaged in farming and stock-raising until April 1883, his efforts being crowned with success. He then sold out and bought three hundred and twenty acres in the southeastern part of Comanche County, to which he removed in 1883, and added to the property until he had nine hundred and sixty acres, of which sixty acres was under cultivation, a large portion of the remainder being used as pasture land for his cattle. He often has as many as four hundred head of stock upon his land. His industry, his good management and his honorable dealing won him prosperity, and today he is one of the substantial citizens of central Texas. He continued his operations as an agriculturist and stock dealer until December, 1895, when he laid aside the cares and responsibilities of active business life and took up his abode in the home of his son, John, in School Land Cove.
Mr. Neal was married June 20, 1855 in Navarro County, to Permeasa, daughter of Redding and Mary Ann (Brown) Sessims. Her father died in Montague County, Texas, in 1882, at the age of eighty-seven. He was born on the Cumberland River in Kentucky, removed from there to Middle Tennessee and subsequently to Georgetown, Mississippi. He built the first house in Jackson, the present capital of that state and continued his residence in Mississippi until 1835, when in the month of March he started for Texas, driving across the country to what is now San Augustine County. He was accompanied by his wife and their children–Ailsey Ann, William, Mrs Neal, Wilson Russell and Elizabeth. At the first location the father planted a crop, but in the fall of 1835 removed to Shelby County and entered a section of land near the town of Shelbyville, upon which he made his home until 185 2. Through the three succeeding years he resided in Navarro County, and in 1855 went to Johnson County, where he took up land, living there until 1860. From that time until 1877 he lived in Ellis County, then removed to Montague County, where he spent his remaining days near Bowie. In politics he was a Democrat and acceptably served as justice of the peace. He belonged to the Primitive Baptist Church and served as its elder, also took a most active part in its work, materially advancing its interests. His wife died in 1889, at the age of seventy-seven years. She was a native of Tennessee.
Mrs Neal was born in Copiah County, Mississippi, March 31, 1829, and by her marriage became the mother of three children. The eldest, John Allen, Born in Johnson County, April 2, 1856, was married January 31, 1878, in Navarro County to Cordelia Lambeth, who was born near Dallas, Texas, April 17, 1858. Their children are Viola Hettie, born September 24, 1878; Almer Brooks, born May 12, 1880; Eva Lee, born August 26, 1881; John Granville, born November 16, 1883; and Melissa Virginia, born January 3, 1885. Melissa Mary, the second of the family was born June 28, 1858, in Johnson County, and became the wife of W. E. Denham, October 8, 1874. Their children are Demeras, born May 27, 1876; Eula Elizabeth; James Allen; Annie, deceased, Jeffie, Ida and Coy. Ida Pemesa, born April 24, 1871, in Johnson County was married October 2, 1887, to W. W. Journey, and has four children; Walter, deceased, Frank Burks, Edgar Costin and Clyde Iva.
In his political adherency Mr. Neal has always been a stalwart advocate of the Democratic Party, and since 1869 he has been connected with the Masonic fraternity, while in religion for twenty-seven years he has been a member of the Baptist church, and is now serving as its deacon. His life has ever been marked by fidelity to duty, by honest dealing in all business relations, and by those qualities of true manliness which awaken respect wherever seen.
(History of Texas, Central Texas Vol I, Pub. 1896 -- Transcribed by: Gene P)
Contributor: Sherry (47010546)
Death 24 Sep 1917 in School Land Cove, Hamilton, Texas, USA
Served CSA in Texas Calvary 24th Regiment (Wilkes)
After the Civil War, Allen Brooks Neal became a farmer in Johnson County, Texas, finally moving his family to COMMANCHE County, Texas.
*********************
NEAL, ALLEN BROOKS
Allen Brooks Neal, a retired farmer of Comanche County, now living in School Land Cove, Hamilton County, is one of the pioneers of Central Texas, whose identification with the interests of the state covers a period of nearly half a century. The Neal family is of Irish origin, and his great-grandfather, who was born on the Emerald Isle, was its founder on American soil. He was one of the heroes of the Revolution, belonging to that valiant band that followed Francis Marion in that long struggle which ended with the establishment of this republic. His home was in North Carolina, where he located in childhood days, just after his emigration to this country. The grandfather of our subject, John Neal was born in North Carolina and served in the Indian wars in that state. He was killed by being run over by a wagon when fifty years of age. His wife bore the maiden name of Miss Buison, and there children were Guan, Polly, Mrs Cromley, John Garret, Elbert and Thomas.
John Garrett, the father of our subject was a native of Georgia and there married Malissa Spurlen who was born the same state. Her father William Sprulen, was born in Georgia, and after his marriage removed to Mississippi and later to Dallas County, Texas, becoming a resident of this state in 1848. He died in Navarro County, about 1858, at the age of eighty years. He wedded Nellie Carter, and their children were Mrs Neal, Narcissus, Emily, William, Permilia, Lazarus, Jerry and Levi. The Spurlen family is of Irish descent, but were connected the Protestants in religious belief. Mr Neal, of this sketch, now has in his possession a cane which was made by his maternal grandfather in 1792. It was cut from a persimmon tree, wound with a rattan vine, on the bank of a river in North Carolina, and on account of its extreme age is a treasured heirloom in the family.
After his marriage John Garrett Neal removed to Alabama, and when our subject was three months old took his family with him to Choctaw County, Mississippi, which had been recently organized, and there served as the first sheriff of the county. He lived there for eighteen years and then went to Madison County, Mississippi, where he made his home until coming to Texas. On the 24th of December, 1852, he crossed the Trinity river and took up his residence in Navarro County, where he entered three hundred and twenty acres of land, but afterward was compelled to purchase this. He afterward added to his possessions until he had six hundred and thirty-nine acres all in one body. In addition to farming he devoted his services to the work of the ministry, becoming a preacher of the Primitive Baptist Church when a young man. His political support was given to the Democracy and his honorable life was an example to all with whom he came in contact. His death occurred in 1866, and his widow died in 1887, at the age of seventy-two years. Their children are John and William, both deceased; Allen B,. living, Melissa, Viola and Martha, all deceased; Sylvannus, yet living; Jeptha, who has passed away; Ella and Columbus living. The living members of the family, with the exception of our subject reside in Ellis County, Texas.
Allen B. Neal was born in Alabama, Nov 17, 1883, and accompanied his parents on their various removals until they settled in Navarro County, Texas. In 1854 he left home and worked for a year as a farm hand. In 1855 he entered one hundred and sixty acres of land in Johnson County, which had been recently organized and was one of the first settlers within it's borders. His home was near Mansfield, where he lived for three years, and then returned to Navarro County, working with his father for a year. He then sold his interest in the place, of one hundred and sixty acres near the old homestead, in 1861, and took his family back to his wife's father in Johnson County, while he went forth to battle for the interests of the south.
Enlisting in the spring of 1861 Mr Neal became a member of Captain Marion Martin's company and the regiment commanded by Colonel Bass. This started out as a cavalry company, but was dismounted the second year. It operated west of the Mississippi in Missouri, Arkansas and the Indian Territory. He lost but six months during the four years of the war, and that on account of illness. He was a Doaksville in the Indian Territory at the time of the surrender. Returning to Johnson County he purchased four hundred acres of land and there engaged in farming and stock-raising until April 1883, his efforts being crowned with success. He then sold out and bought three hundred and twenty acres in the southeastern part of Comanche County, to which he removed in 1883, and added to the property until he had nine hundred and sixty acres, of which sixty acres was under cultivation, a large portion of the remainder being used as pasture land for his cattle. He often has as many as four hundred head of stock upon his land. His industry, his good management and his honorable dealing won him prosperity, and today he is one of the substantial citizens of central Texas. He continued his operations as an agriculturist and stock dealer until December, 1895, when he laid aside the cares and responsibilities of active business life and took up his abode in the home of his son, John, in School Land Cove.
Mr. Neal was married June 20, 1855 in Navarro County, to Permeasa, daughter of Redding and Mary Ann (Brown) Sessims. Her father died in Montague County, Texas, in 1882, at the age of eighty-seven. He was born on the Cumberland River in Kentucky, removed from there to Middle Tennessee and subsequently to Georgetown, Mississippi. He built the first house in Jackson, the present capital of that state and continued his residence in Mississippi until 1835, when in the month of March he started for Texas, driving across the country to what is now San Augustine County. He was accompanied by his wife and their children–Ailsey Ann, William, Mrs Neal, Wilson Russell and Elizabeth. At the first location the father planted a crop, but in the fall of 1835 removed to Shelby County and entered a section of land near the town of Shelbyville, upon which he made his home until 185 2. Through the three succeeding years he resided in Navarro County, and in 1855 went to Johnson County, where he took up land, living there until 1860. From that time until 1877 he lived in Ellis County, then removed to Montague County, where he spent his remaining days near Bowie. In politics he was a Democrat and acceptably served as justice of the peace. He belonged to the Primitive Baptist Church and served as its elder, also took a most active part in its work, materially advancing its interests. His wife died in 1889, at the age of seventy-seven years. She was a native of Tennessee.
Mrs Neal was born in Copiah County, Mississippi, March 31, 1829, and by her marriage became the mother of three children. The eldest, John Allen, Born in Johnson County, April 2, 1856, was married January 31, 1878, in Navarro County to Cordelia Lambeth, who was born near Dallas, Texas, April 17, 1858. Their children are Viola Hettie, born September 24, 1878; Almer Brooks, born May 12, 1880; Eva Lee, born August 26, 1881; John Granville, born November 16, 1883; and Melissa Virginia, born January 3, 1885. Melissa Mary, the second of the family was born June 28, 1858, in Johnson County, and became the wife of W. E. Denham, October 8, 1874. Their children are Demeras, born May 27, 1876; Eula Elizabeth; James Allen; Annie, deceased, Jeffie, Ida and Coy. Ida Pemesa, born April 24, 1871, in Johnson County was married October 2, 1887, to W. W. Journey, and has four children; Walter, deceased, Frank Burks, Edgar Costin and Clyde Iva.
In his political adherency Mr. Neal has always been a stalwart advocate of the Democratic Party, and since 1869 he has been connected with the Masonic fraternity, while in religion for twenty-seven years he has been a member of the Baptist church, and is now serving as its deacon. His life has ever been marked by fidelity to duty, by honest dealing in all business relations, and by those qualities of true manliness which awaken respect wherever seen.
(History of Texas, Central Texas Vol I, Pub. 1896 -- Transcribed by: Gene P)
Contributor: Sherry (47010546)
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