the mcneal family
The McNeals were early pioneers in Table Rock.
They came from Buchanan County, Missouri, where they lived in a small town by the name of Tremont. The 1850 federal census shows the family as follows: William, 57 (born in New Hampshire in about 1793); Ellen, 30; William 10; James 8; Rosetta 6; A. Jackson 4; Mary 2; and Sarah 0.
The family subsequently located to Table Rock in 1857, where William died in 1860. Ellen died in 1879.
They came from Buchanan County, Missouri, where they lived in a small town by the name of Tremont. The 1850 federal census shows the family as follows: William, 57 (born in New Hampshire in about 1793); Ellen, 30; William 10; James 8; Rosetta 6; A. Jackson 4; Mary 2; and Sarah 0.
The family subsequently located to Table Rock in 1857, where William died in 1860. Ellen died in 1879.
father william mcneal |
mother ellen pearson mcneal |
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William died in Table Rock, and one would think that he is buried in the Table Rock Cemetery, where the earliest graves go back to 1855. One can only speculate, though. There are no burial records for William McNeal with the Table Rock Cemetery Association, but those burial records were based on a walk-through many many years after the first burials in 1857 and is incomplete. It is known that there are many unmarked graves for which there are no records in the present day; perhaps his grave was marked by wooden crosses or other material that did not stand the test of time.
William owned some land, the west half of the SE quarter of the SW quarter of 20-3-12 (Section 20 of Table Rock Township, which is in Range 12). The land went into probate in Pawnee County. Here are some notes made from the probate records. The probate record is "P10," i.e., the 10th probate to come before the courts in Pawnee County. Ever.
Background: A final settlement was not reached until 74 years after William’s death. This is not because the matter was grinding through the court system but rather because the original administrators did not complete the probate process. Apparently the heirs had need of final settlement in order to resolve property distribution issues. There may have been some, as there was a transfer of land by son James R. McNeal and son-in-law Hiram Billings (husband of Rosetta McNeal) under unknown circumstances. Sadly, by the time the heirs sought final closing in 1934, those remaining had forgotten two of their brothers! They had died long before, William McNeal III in the Civil War and Andrew at some time after. The documents recite that William (the father) had SIX children, living and dead, and recite as to some of them who inherited their parts. But William and Andrew, who had no children, are ignored. Usually probate records acknowledge the existence of children who died during the probate process, and both sons died after William, and then establish by affidavit that there were no children. Anyway, genealogists should not consider this probate record as the ultimate source of information about the children. The wife of William executed an affidavit as to her identity. She identified herself as Elen, and said she also was known as Ellen. She signed her name with an X. William the son was of the age of majority. Probate did not commence until 1861 and he enlisted in the latter part of the year and never returned. 6/22/1861: Ellen McNeal executed an oath to care for the following wards: Andrew J., Mary E., Sarah, Martha, and Nancy. August 22, [illegible date]. Elen McNeal and John W. Brock were appoinged guardians of Mary E., age 11; Sarah J., age 9; and Martha, age 3. (Guardianship records are in a “G” file.) Three of the children were made wards of a Livingston Jenkins: James, Rosetta, and Andrew; they were minors over the age of 10. The 1934 petition for final settlement -- which was adopted by the court -- says: William Mceal died intestate “in about the year 1860.” Administrators Ellen McNeal and John Brock are now deceased. William McNeal had the following children [note that William & Andrew Jackson are not mentioned]: 1. James R. McNeal 2. Rosetta Ann Billings 3. Martha E. Heer 4. Nancy S. McNeal 5. Mary E. McGinnis 6. Sarah J. Holverstott |
Elen's name has been various spelled as Elen, Ellen, Elendor, Ellendor, and so on. Her tombstone says "Ellen," so that is presumably how she was known in the latter years of life. We use Ellen.
By her affidavit in 1861, however, it was "Elen." The affidavit is part of the probate record for her husband. She had to identify herself under oath, and she said she was "Elen" but was sometimes known as Ellen. She signed her name with an X. Genealogists have also cited her name as Elendor. After William's death in 1860, she eventually married Joseph Morton, another of the earliest pioneers. As is not unusual in those days, there was a blending of the pioneer families. In 1861-1862, Joseph's son Jesse was with Ellen's son William in the 2nd Kansas Cavalry. Joseph's son Gabe married Ellen's daughter Nancy. |
the children of
william & ellen mcneal
1. william mcneal (iii), born in 1840
Their son William McNeal III was born in 1840 in Tremont (Buchanan County) Missouri. He died in the Civil War. He enlisted in November 1861 with the 9th Kansas Volunteers, then transferred to Company G of the 2nd Kansas Cavalry. He drowned while crossing the Kansas River on June 7, 1862; his body was never recovered.
The 2nd Kansas had three other Table Rock boys as well.
One was Jesse Morton, William's step brother. Jesse was William's age, and Jesse's father Joseph married William's mother after his father died in 1860. William's younger sister Nancy married Joseph's son Gabe.
The other two with William were John Gere and John Bousfield. John Gere is laid to rest not far from the McNeal graves in the Table Rock Cemetery. Gere's epitaph is "Killed by Indians," an incident that happened in Kansas in 1870. Another Table Rock boy in the 2nd Kansas was John Bousfield -- he had gone to Kansas with Gere but had been away when Indians attacked and killed Gere and others.
The 2nd Kansas had three other Table Rock boys as well.
One was Jesse Morton, William's step brother. Jesse was William's age, and Jesse's father Joseph married William's mother after his father died in 1860. William's younger sister Nancy married Joseph's son Gabe.
The other two with William were John Gere and John Bousfield. John Gere is laid to rest not far from the McNeal graves in the Table Rock Cemetery. Gere's epitaph is "Killed by Indians," an incident that happened in Kansas in 1870. Another Table Rock boy in the 2nd Kansas was John Bousfield -- he had gone to Kansas with Gere but had been away when Indians attacked and killed Gere and others.
2. james r. mcneal, born in 1842
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Their son James R. was born in 1842. He was a Civil War veteran.
He married Elizabeth P. J. Taylor (1849-1926). Three infants are buried in Table Rock, their graves marked by a single stone with a name on each side: James A., 1867, 2 weeks old; an unnamed infant, 1876 (7 days old); and infant Willie, 1881 (4 months old). James & Elizabeth also had a son Andrew Jackson; he was born in Nebraska in 1872, and died in Conway, Oklahoma in 1937; he was probably named after James's younger brother Andrew Jackson, born in 1846. James R. McNeal was in Table Rock in the 1880s; he belonged to the local post of the Grand Army of the Republic, an organization of Civil War veterans. James R. McNeal died in Eglantine, Arkansas in 1900. Elizabeth died in Bennington, Oklahoma in 1926. 
2017 - on behalf of the McNeal family, Jack McNeal accepts the burial flag of William McNeal, who died in the Civil War. Jack is the great grandson of James McNeal, by way of James' son Andrew Jackson.
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One side of the tombstone that marks the burial of three infants of James and Elizabeth McNeal.
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3. rosetta, born 1845
Their daughter Rosetta was born in 1845, in Tremont. She married Hiram Billings, a widower far older than her, 26 years older. She is buried in Table Rock.
Her obituary, as transcribed by Historical Society member Luella Hinrichsen:
TABLE ROCK ARGUS, March 1, 1906. (pg.5)
The funeral of Mrs. Rosetta A. Billings was held at the Christian church on Monday afternoon, conducted by the pastor. She had lived in this community almost fifty years and was well known to all the earlier settlers.
Sister Rosetta A. McNeal, daughter of William and Ellender McNeal, was born in Buchanan county, Missouri, January 14, 1844, and died in Table Rock, Nebraska, February 25, 1906, aged 62 years, 1 month and 11 days.
She moved with her parents to Holt county, Missouri in 1850, where she resided until 1857, when she came to Pawnee county, Nebraska where she has since resided.
She obeyed the gospel under the preaching of D. R. Dungan in 1862, since which time she has lived a consistent Christian life.
In January, 1863, she was united in marriage to Hiram Billings. Five children were born of this union: James H., Thomas M., William E., Charles M., and Mrs. Mary A. Brock, all of whom are still living, and all excepting James, were by her bedside during her last hours.
Sister Billings was a very earnest worker in whatever line of work she deemed her duty. Her place was always filled in church, and even after her health began to fail, she continued to attend regularly.
She was resigned and patient during her illness; she expressed her submission to the Lord's will whether she should live or die, saying, "It is all right; the Lord's will be done."
In the death of Sister Billings, her children lose a kind and loving mother; the church a faithful and devoted member; the community a highly respected citizen.
May this sad dispensation be blessed to our good, as we know it is to her gains.
Her obituary, as transcribed by Historical Society member Luella Hinrichsen:
TABLE ROCK ARGUS, March 1, 1906. (pg.5)
The funeral of Mrs. Rosetta A. Billings was held at the Christian church on Monday afternoon, conducted by the pastor. She had lived in this community almost fifty years and was well known to all the earlier settlers.
Sister Rosetta A. McNeal, daughter of William and Ellender McNeal, was born in Buchanan county, Missouri, January 14, 1844, and died in Table Rock, Nebraska, February 25, 1906, aged 62 years, 1 month and 11 days.
She moved with her parents to Holt county, Missouri in 1850, where she resided until 1857, when she came to Pawnee county, Nebraska where she has since resided.
She obeyed the gospel under the preaching of D. R. Dungan in 1862, since which time she has lived a consistent Christian life.
In January, 1863, she was united in marriage to Hiram Billings. Five children were born of this union: James H., Thomas M., William E., Charles M., and Mrs. Mary A. Brock, all of whom are still living, and all excepting James, were by her bedside during her last hours.
Sister Billings was a very earnest worker in whatever line of work she deemed her duty. Her place was always filled in church, and even after her health began to fail, she continued to attend regularly.
She was resigned and patient during her illness; she expressed her submission to the Lord's will whether she should live or die, saying, "It is all right; the Lord's will be done."
In the death of Sister Billings, her children lose a kind and loving mother; the church a faithful and devoted member; the community a highly respected citizen.
May this sad dispensation be blessed to our good, as we know it is to her gains.
4. andrew jackson, born in 1846
Their son Andrew Jackson was born in Tremont in 1846. What happened to him and when? His older brother James named a son Andrew Jackson, presumably after this brother.
5. mary ellen, born 1848 or 1851
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Their daughter Mary (or Merry Ellen) was born in Tremont in 1848 or 1851). She married George Hunt. She died in Weeping Water in 1928.
A 1934 probate record that lists the siblings living and dead gives her last name as McGinnis. George Hunt died in 1911, and she lived until 1928, so perhaps she remarried. She is buried with George and under the name of Hunt. |
Mary and her husband George Hunt, no date. Posted on Mary's FindaGrave memorial by "Idaho DAR Gal."
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6. sarah, born in 1850
Their daughter Sarah was born in Tremont in 1850. Probate records for her father identity her last name as Holverstott. That's all we've been able to find out.
7. martha, born in 1854
Martha, seated second from left, with her husband Ben Heer and their children.
Their daughter Martha was born in 1854. She married Ben Heer, a widower with two children. Together they had nine children: Marion, Alois, David, Alice, Charlie, Frank, Nancy, Ellen, and Carrie.
Martha died in 1912 and is buried in Table Rock. Martha's obituary, as transcribed by Historical Society member Luella Hinichsen reads as follows:
TABLE ROCK ARGUS, July 25, 1912. (pg.1) Obituary
Mrs. Martha Heer was born in Holt County, Missouri, December 31, 1854. Came to Pawnee County, Nebraska with her parents in 1856. Her maiden name was McNeal. On September 7, 1877 she was united in the bonds of matrimony with Ben Heer and died July 16, 1912. Mrs. Heer was Mr. Heer's second wife, there were two Heer children by the first marriage and nine by the last marriage. The names of these children are: Marion, Alois, David, Alice Warner, Charlie, Frank, Nancy, Ellen, and Carrie. All these have been raised to manhood and womanhood except David who died at age two. Mrs. Heer spent all her married life, except about one year, on the farm five miles northeast of Table Rock. A true, good wife, a loving mother and a kind neighbor has gone to her eternal reward.
Martha died in 1912 and is buried in Table Rock. Martha's obituary, as transcribed by Historical Society member Luella Hinichsen reads as follows:
TABLE ROCK ARGUS, July 25, 1912. (pg.1) Obituary
Mrs. Martha Heer was born in Holt County, Missouri, December 31, 1854. Came to Pawnee County, Nebraska with her parents in 1856. Her maiden name was McNeal. On September 7, 1877 she was united in the bonds of matrimony with Ben Heer and died July 16, 1912. Mrs. Heer was Mr. Heer's second wife, there were two Heer children by the first marriage and nine by the last marriage. The names of these children are: Marion, Alois, David, Alice Warner, Charlie, Frank, Nancy, Ellen, and Carrie. All these have been raised to manhood and womanhood except David who died at age two. Mrs. Heer spent all her married life, except about one year, on the farm five miles northeast of Table Rock. A true, good wife, a loving mother and a kind neighbor has gone to her eternal reward.
8. nancy, born in 1857
Their daughter Nancy McNeal Morton was born in 1857. She married Gabe Morton and they had eight children, who were, not in order: Blanche (who married a Robinson), Joseph, Pearl (a son), Minnie, Roy, William, Dorothy (who married a Haas), and Ines (who married a Johnson). Nancy is buried in Table Rock.
Nancy's obituary, transcribed by Historical Society member Luella Hinrichsen, reads as follows:
Table Rock Argus, Feb. 4, 1943.
Mrs. G. Morton Is Laid To Rest-
Nancy S. McNeal was born in Pawnee county, Nebraska, June 6, 1857, and died in Omaha, Nebraska, on January 29, 1943 at the age of 85 years, 7 months and 28 days. Mrs. Morton lived in and near Table Rock for 78 years.
On July 4, 1878, she was united in marriage to Gabriel J. Morton and to this union eight children were born, four sons and four daughters, six of whom are living.Mrs. Blanche Robinson and Mrs. Dorothy Haas preceded her in death some years ago. Mr Morton also passed away on January 29, seven years ago.
Mrs. Morton made her home in Table Rock until 1936, when she went to Omaha to reside with her daughter, Miss Mae Morton. She was a member of Wheeler Memorial church in Omaha.
Surviving are four sons, Joseph B., Table Rock, Pearl J., Denver, Colo., Roy, Table Rock, and William J., Omaha; two daughters, Minnie Mae Morton, Omaha and Mrs. Ines Johnson, Fairbury. Also surviving are 19 grandchildren and 18 great- grandchildren.
Funeral services were held Sunday afternoon, January 31 at the Kovanda chapel, in charge of Rev. W. H. Merrill Methodist pastor at Table Rock, and burial was made on the family lot in the Table Rock cemetery.
Among the out-of-town relatives and friends who attended the services were William Haas, his brother and wife Marie Morton, and Mr. and Mrs. Will Morton and Miss Marie Morton, all of Omaha;Mrs. May Ogle, Don and Goldie, Mr. and Mrs. Alfred Lang and family, Humboldt; Mr. and Mrs. Gaylen Burton and baby, Summerfield, Ks., Mr. and Mrs. Clarence Thomas, Burchard, Pearl Morton, Denver; Mr. and Mrs. Charlie Johnson and son Charles, of Fairbury; Mr. and Mrs. Roy Kier, Lincoln and Mrs. Ann Wert, Elk Creek.
Nancy's obituary, transcribed by Historical Society member Luella Hinrichsen, reads as follows:
Table Rock Argus, Feb. 4, 1943.
Mrs. G. Morton Is Laid To Rest-
Nancy S. McNeal was born in Pawnee county, Nebraska, June 6, 1857, and died in Omaha, Nebraska, on January 29, 1943 at the age of 85 years, 7 months and 28 days. Mrs. Morton lived in and near Table Rock for 78 years.
On July 4, 1878, she was united in marriage to Gabriel J. Morton and to this union eight children were born, four sons and four daughters, six of whom are living.Mrs. Blanche Robinson and Mrs. Dorothy Haas preceded her in death some years ago. Mr Morton also passed away on January 29, seven years ago.
Mrs. Morton made her home in Table Rock until 1936, when she went to Omaha to reside with her daughter, Miss Mae Morton. She was a member of Wheeler Memorial church in Omaha.
Surviving are four sons, Joseph B., Table Rock, Pearl J., Denver, Colo., Roy, Table Rock, and William J., Omaha; two daughters, Minnie Mae Morton, Omaha and Mrs. Ines Johnson, Fairbury. Also surviving are 19 grandchildren and 18 great- grandchildren.
Funeral services were held Sunday afternoon, January 31 at the Kovanda chapel, in charge of Rev. W. H. Merrill Methodist pastor at Table Rock, and burial was made on the family lot in the Table Rock cemetery.
Among the out-of-town relatives and friends who attended the services were William Haas, his brother and wife Marie Morton, and Mr. and Mrs. Will Morton and Miss Marie Morton, all of Omaha;Mrs. May Ogle, Don and Goldie, Mr. and Mrs. Alfred Lang and family, Humboldt; Mr. and Mrs. Gaylen Burton and baby, Summerfield, Ks., Mr. and Mrs. Clarence Thomas, Burchard, Pearl Morton, Denver; Mr. and Mrs. Charlie Johnson and son Charles, of Fairbury; Mr. and Mrs. Roy Kier, Lincoln and Mrs. Ann Wert, Elk Creek.