My Genealogy Hound

George M. McNiel, ex-sheriff of Clay County, Ark., was born in this county February 28, 1847, and is the son of Neal McNiel, who was a native of Tennessee. The father left that State about fifty years ago, emigrating to Arkansas, and settling in what is now Clay County. He was here married to Miss Nancy Thomas, daughter of Matthew Thomas, one of the earliest settlers of Arkansas. Mr. McNiel was for many years a leading stock dealer of Arkansas, and died in 1857, at Helena, Ark., while on a trip to New Orleans, with a large drove of hogs and cattle, valued at $5,000. After the stock was sold in New Orleans the money was sent to his widow. She is still living, is eighty years of age, and has resided near Rector for the past thirty-eight years. George M. McNiel remained with his mother until his marriage, which occurred in 1880, to Miss Clara Rosaline Seegraves, daughter of J. H. Seegraves, of Oak Bluff, Clay County, Ark. Mrs. McNiel died in September, 1888, leaving three children: Ruth Edith, George and Ethel. The mother was a worthy and consistent member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and died in that faith. The children are now living with Dr. Seegraves, in Rector. In 1874 Mr. McNiel engaged in business in Oak Bluff, remaining there about a year, and then went to Bollinger County, Mo., where he accepted a position in the firm of Eli Lutes, and there continued eight years. He then left and took a place as deputy under his brother James, who was sheriff of Clay County, and filled this position for eight years. He was elected sheriff in 1886, and his brother was deputy under him for two years, ending in 1888. Mr. McNiel is a member of the Masonic fraternity, and is also a member of the K. of H., in which he has filled many important offices. During the late war was a member of Capt. J. J. Allen’s company, Davis’ battalion, Clark’s brigade, under Gen. Price, and surrendered at Shreveport, La., in 1865, this command being the last army of the Confederation to surrender.