George McNeeley: Soldier, legislator and preacher

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I wrote yesterday about the Civil War experiences of Leonidas Crawford, who died in Chariton during December of 1907, as told in his obituary and a related newspaper article.

Then I came across the far more informative obituary of Russell's George McNeeley, published in both The Democrat and the Herald, that included detailed information about the circumstances of his service. George died during January of 1906 after establishing a distinguished record as citizen-soldier, legislator and preacher.

George was wounded at Shiloh, but recovered and returned to service. Not mentioned in his obituary is the fact that his brother, Uriah McNeeley (1838-1862), also saw action at Shiloh and was captured. He died while imprisoned on Aug. 13, 1862.

Here's George's obituary:

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George McNeeley, a pioneer settler of Iowa and for many years an honored and respected citizen of Lucas county, died at his home in Russell, January 19, 1906, aged 65 years, three months and three days. His death was caused by heart disease, terminating in hypostatic pneumonia.

The funeral services were held Sunday afternoon, Jan. 21, at 2:30 o'clock in the Baptist church in Russell. In compliance with a request made by Mr. McNeeley more than a year ago, Rev. T. M. Evans, of Des Moines First U. E. church, preached the sermon. Rev. Chas. Pickford of Trinity church and Rev. A. H. Stote of the Baptist church in Russell, assisted in the services, which were closed by the G.A.R. Despite disagreeable weather and bad roads, the funeral was attended by a large concourse of friends and neighbors.

George McNeeley was born in Highland county, Ohio, on October 16th, 1840. He was the son of Jeremiah and Priscilla (Springer) McNeeley, and was one of five children --- three sons and two daughters. In 1848, he removed with his parents to Henry county, Iowa, locating near Mt. Pleasant, where he resided until the breaking out of the Rebellion.

On September 14, 1861, he enlisted as 5th corporal, Company G, 11th Iowa Infantry, and was mustered into the service October 15, 1861, at Davenport, Iowa. He was promoted to 4th corporal June 1, 1862, and at the battle of Shiloh, to 2nd corporal for bravery and prompt action, by which he prevented the capture of his regiment.

On January 1, 1864, his first enlistment having expired, he reenlisted and remained in the service until the close of the war, being mustered out at Davenport, Iowa, June 15, 1865, having served 3 years, 9 months and 1 day.

He served mostly under Grant and Sherman, and was engaged in the battles of Shiloh, Iuka, Corinth, Vicksburg, Kennesaw, Lookout Mountain, Atlanta and a few others. At the battle of Shiloh he was wounded in the hand and foot, and at the siege of Atlanta, he received injuries from which he never recovered.

It was near Atlanta that he was taken prisoner and was confined at Andersonville prison for two months, for two weeks at Charleston prison, and for four and a half months in the prison at Florence, from which he escaped February 21, 1865.

At the close of the war, he returned to his father's home. On May 14, 1865, he was married to Ann Eliza Neel, at Mt. Pleasant, Iowa. To this union were born six children, three sons and three daughters. One son died at the age of four years. The others, with their mother, one brother and one sister, besides many friends, mourn his loss.

In April 1871, he located in Washington township, Lucas county, Iowa, where he resided until failing health caused him to remove to Russell, Iowa, in October, 1902.

He served as a representative of Lucas county in the 24th and 25th general assemblies of Iowa. In November 1878, under the labors of Rev. William King, he was converted to God, and united with the Trinity Evangelical church of Lucas county, of which he remained a faithful member until death.

In 1883, he was licensed to preach the gospel by the Des Moines conference of the United Evangelical church, and in 1889 was ordained a deacon by the same body. He served in the active ministry on charges in the Des Moines district for four years, rendering very efficient service.

A manly man, a brave soldier, and honored legislator, a good citizen, an affectionate husband, a faithful father and a devoted servant of God has gone. Let us cherish his memory, emulate his example and be ready, as he was, for the final roll call.