My Genealogy Hound

David S. McNeely, farmer, Gravelly Hill, Ark. Mr. McNeely, one of the principal farmers of Gravelly Hill Township, was born in Humphreys County, Tenn., on August 30, 1844, and moved with his father to Graves County, Ky., in 1852. There he grew to manhood. On August 30, 1862, he entered the Confederate Army, Company B, Second Kentucky Cavalry Regiment, and served until peace was declared. He was in the battles of Providence, Fort Donelson, Red Hill, Union City, Chickamauga, Shelbyville, and others of minor importance. He was with Gen. Bragg in his retreat from Shelbyville, Tenn., to Chattanooga, and during that retreat he was in the fight at Elk River Bridge. He was cut off from his command at Shelbyville, and was three days getting back again, traveling by night. He was with Wheeler’s command in the raid through Central Tennessee. At Missionary Ridge he was taken prisoner and retained for fourteen months at Rock Island. He was to be exchanged in March, 1865, but before this could be effected peace was declared. He then returned to his home in Kentucky, where he again resumed his occupation as a tiller of the soil. In 1868 he was married to Miss Louisa Hendon, who died in 1870. She was the daughter of Aaron Hendon. In January, 1870, Mr. McNeely moved to Drew County, Ark., and purchased a tract of 500 acres of land which he settled on and improved. He resided there about four years and then sold out and came to Yell County where he now resides. He purchased a farm of 120 acres, which he has improved and made a pleasant home. In the year 1881, while walling a well, he had his right leg broken by the falling of rock, and was laid up for five weeks. The following year, while helping a carpenter, a piece of timber fell breaking the same leg, which laid him up for seven weeks. In January, 1872, he was married, the second time, to Miss Adelia Julian, daughter of Dr. T. J. Julian, and the fruits of this union were seven children, all sons, four of whom are now living. Mr. McNeely is a member of the Primitive Baptist Church, and has been deacon in the same for ten years. He holds license to preach, and is clerk and treasurer of the association. In politics he affiliates with the Democratic party, and was at one time deputy sheriff of his county. In 1876 he was elected justice of the peace, and has held that position ever since with the exception of two years. He has been an earnest worker in educational matters, and is president of the board of education of the Piedmont High School. He is thoroughly imbued with the spirit of the Master, and doing all that he can for the cause of Christianity in this and adjoining counties. He is in every sense of the term a good man, and his worth is recognized in his vicinity.