My Genealogy Hound

James A. McNiel, ex-sheriff, and one of the sturdy sons of toil of Clay County, Ark., was born in this county at Oak Bluff, near where Rector now stands, February 7, 1849, his parents being Neal McNiel and Nancy (Thomas) McNiel, natives of East and West Tennessee, respectively. The maternal grandfather, Matthew Thomas, was a native of North Carolina. James A. McNiel attended such schools as the country afforded, which were very primitive up to the breaking out of the late war, when all the schools were closed. During that time he remained at home with his mother, and still continued with her until 1878, when he was elected to the office of sheriff of the county. He was re-elected four consecutive terms, holding that office until 1886, when his brother, George McNiel, was elected to the same office. Mr. McNiel was married November 19, 1879, to Miss Mary Luella Brake, daughter of Jesse Brake, of Clay County, and five children were the result of this union, four now living: Jesse McNiel, Lillian Lee, Ralph Alonzo and Rudy Eugene, all now at home. Since retiring from office Mr. McNiel has followed agricultural pursuits, and has been paying considerable attention to trading in stock. He has an excellent farm of 580 acres, is the owner of one and a half blocks in Rector, and is also the owner of his residence in Boydsville. He is an honest, upright citizen, and stands in the front ranks of his townsmen. He is a member of Boydsville Lodge No. 75, A. F. & A. M., is also a member of Boydsville Lodge No. 16, I. O. O. F., and is a member of the local Knights of Honor. Mr. McNiel is a Democrat in his politics. His wife is a member of the Christian Church.