THOMAS A. NEAL
THOMAS
A. NEAL, farmer, Banksville, Banks Co., GA., son of William and
Lavinia(Conley) Neal, was born in Franklin(now Banks) county in 1829. His paternal grandparents were Robert and Tabitha(Chandler)Neal.
He was a native of North Carolina, migrated to Georgia early in life,
and settled in Elbert county. He was
a large and prosperous farmer, Mr.
Neal's father was born in North Carolina and came to Georgia with his parents
when a small boy. He lived and died a farmer. His mother was a daughter of Charles and Kesiah(Stokes)
Conley, native North Carolinians who settled in Franklin county.
Mr. Neal was
raised on the farm and educated at nearby schools, and when he reached manhood
engaged in farming. In 1862 he enlisted
in Company I-of which he was elected captain-Thirty-fourth Georgia regiment;
but being taken sick shortly afterward he returned home. After the war he had nothing-had to take a
fresh start, and has devoted himself exclusively to farming with entirely
satisfactory results. He is the owner
of a 600-acre farm as good as any in the county, and ranks among the best
as a farmer and citizen, and for business integrity.
Mr. Neal was
married in 1856 to Miss Margaret(born in Franklin county in 1835) daughter
of Alexander F. and Elizabeth(McCracken)Ash. (See sketch of William Ash in
Biographies) To them the following
children were born: Ella L., wife of W.S. Mise(Mize);William A.; Mary E.,
wife of R. L .Neal; Laura, and Albert. He
is a Master mason, and himself and wife are prominent members of the Presbyterian
church.
Source: Memoirs of Georgia, Volume I., Southern Historical
Association, 1895
Copy and Copyright 2003 by Jacqueline King