Henry E. Neal

As printed in 1901

HEXRY E. NEAL.

Linn township has no more progressive or enterprising citizen than Henry E. Neal, who is now successfully engaged in agricultural pursuits on section 34. A native of that township, he was born on section 2,2 February 14. 1860, and is a son of Chancy and Jane (Clark) Neal, a sketch of whom is given in connection with that of Elmer D. Xeal on another page of this volume.

Our subject spent the first thirteen years of his life on the farm where he was born, and then removed with his parents to section 16, Linn township, where the father had purchased another farm. He remained at hume until he was married, Octol.jer 18,

1882, the lady of his choice being Miss Minnie J. Leigh, also a native of Linn township and a daughter of Charles A. and Lydia A. ( Ballard) Leigh. During her girlhood she attended the public schools of that township and Mt. Vernon, and for over a year was also a student at Cornell College. By her marriage she has become the mother of four children: Clarence E., born July 31,

1883, has attended Cornell College for the last year, and is now assisting his father in the work of the farm; Ethel M., born April 29, 1887, Clara M., born May 30, 1889, and Lloyd E., born September 1, 1893, are attending the district school near their home.

Charles A. Leigh, Mrs. XeaKs father, was lion in Butler count) Ohio, October I, 1829, and during his boyhood removed to Montgomery county, Indiana, with his parents, Foster W. and Sarah E. (Busenbark ) Leigh, remaining there thirteen years, at the end of which time they came to Linn county, Iowa. He was married, April 7, 1857, to Lydia A. Ballard, wdio was born in Trumlnill county, Ohio, September i, 1840, a daughter of William and Louisa (Youmans) Ballard. L'nto them were born three children, namely: William F., torn Septeml)er 5, 1862, married Mattie Fetterman, and is now connected with the fire department of Cedar Rapids; Minnie J., born January 4, 1864, is the wife of our subject; and Clarence, born February 7, 1866, married Clara Boxwell, and is engaged in stock dealing in Mt. Vernon. The mother of these children died November 29, 1900, and was buried in Mt. Zion cemetery, Linn Grove. The father is still living. For many years he owned and operated a valuable farm of three hundred acres in Linn township, but in 1892 he di\ided his property among his children ami removed to It. Wernon, where he Hves retired from active labor. Since the death of his wife he has made his home with his son Clarence.

After his marriage Mr. Xeal remained on his father's farm, and when his father removed to another place he purchased the old homestead, consistingof eight acres, which he still owns, and to which he has added a tract of seventy-six acres. In 1889 he removed to his present farm, where he owns eighty acres of land, and now operates both places, being successfully engaged in general farming and stock raising.

Mr. Xeal gives his political support to the Democratic party and its principles, and takes an active interest in public attairs as every true American citizen should. Some years ago he served as assessor of Linn township for four years, and also filled the office of road supervisor. Init has never cared for official honors, preferring rather to devote his entire time and energies to his business affairs. He is an honored member of Mt. Wern(jn Lodge, Xo. 551. I. Q. Q. p., in which he has held office, and is a man of prominence in his community.

As printed in Biographical records of Linn County, Iowa .. (1901). See the original pages. Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.