George W. McNeely

George W. McNeely

George W. McNeely was born in Cape Girardeau County on February 7, 1836.  He is the son of John R. McNeely, a native of North Carolina.  The latter was reared in his native State, and was married there to Mary Shufford, who was also a native of North Carolina, born in 1807. 
After their marriage they immigrated to Missouri, and settled in Cape Girardeau County in 1833.  There they entered land and improved a farm, upon which Mrs. McNeely still resides.  Although Mr. McNeely  was a cooper by trade he managed his farm during his life, and died there about 1843.  They were parents of six children, four of whom are living.  One son, Archibald, resides in California.  The two other sons and the daughter live in Cape Girardeau County. George W. grew to manhood on his father's farm, and in 1858 was united in marriage with Marillus Hale, daughter of Thomas Hale. 

After his marriage, George rented land for a few years, but located upon the farm where he now resides in 1868, having purchased it two years previously.  His wife died on May 4, 1866, leaving three  children, whose names are John T., Mollie (Mrs. W. P. Morton) and Dovey Ann.  Mr. McNeely chose for his second wife Mary Mitchell, daughter of Anderson Mitchell, a pioneer citizen of Cape Girardeau County, who came from North Carolina.  They were married  on April 22, 1868.  Mrs. McNeely was born and reared in Cape Girardeau County.  They have two children, viz.: Ruthie and Augusta. They are also rearing Mrs. McNeely's sister's child, Henry E. McLard.  Mr. and Mrs. McNeely are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church South.  He is a member of the Farmer's Mutual Benefit Association. He and son are Republicans in politics, and are members of the Grange.
From Goodspeed's "History of Southeast Missouri", 1888,  pg.781.