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John's mother died when he was about 3 wks old, he was raised by herbrother, George Neal who
was childless. He played the French harp, sang with a men's quartet that campaignedfor Presidential candidate McKinley, and led the singing at church.For extra income, he gave voice lessons. His children were taught tosing from early childhood and one Christmas he bought them all harps. Residences: Monticello, IL 1870 Monticello Twp, Piatt Co, IL. He and sister, Martha, werecounted at census time with George Neal and his wife. John was listedas a farmer, Martha had no occupation, she was just "at home." 1880 Monticello Twp, Piatt Co, IL, was still the address when Johnwas listed in the census with his own family, and he was still afarmer. 1884 Dade Co, MO. Following the tragic death of son, George, theydecided to move. They rented a house and the next year it burned, thelandlord collected the insurance money and they were faced withanother tragedy. Faced with the depression, John farmed in the summer and ran singingschools in the winter with 20 pupils for 20 nights for $20. Marytaught subscription schools. 1895 Near El Reno, Indian Territory, OK. Having lost 2 morechildren, they decided to try their luck on one of the new homesteadsoffered by the government. 1903 Apparently that didn't work out either so they moved to theCapper's farm. 1905 Canadian Co, OK, 12 miles west of El Reno. They finally settledon the old homestead which remained in the family until 1971 when itwas finally sold by heirs. |
| John and Mary had been closely associated through the Neal familysince childhood. Relatives say they were married in Monticello butshe lived in Macon Co near Decatur at the time. However, the marriagerecords are in Macon Co. |
| He suffered a stroke some 5 years prior to death and was bed riddenfor the remainder of his life. Son, Delbert, moved back home to carefor him and the farm. |