John H. Neal, M. D. Biography from History of Rockingham County, New Hampshire

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Surname: NEAL
Source:  History of Rockingham County, New Hampshire and Representative Citizens
          by Charles A. Hazlett, Richmond-Arnold Publishing Co., Chicago, Ill., 1915

Page 781

     JOHN H. NEAL, M. D., of Portsmouth, N. H., is one of the best
known medical men, not only in this city but throughout the state of
New Hampshire. He was born in Parsonsfield, Me., March 20, 1862, a
son of John and Sarah J. (Lord) Neal. His father was a farmer, and the
activities of country life, supplementing the fine constitution and vigor-
ous bodily powers which he inherited, along with strong mental endow-
ment, contributed to the development of the fully rounded manhood now
illustrated in his personality. He was educated in the public schools and
at the North Parsonsfield Seminary. He began his medical studies under
the mentorship of Dr. J. M. Leavitt of Effingham, N. H., and attended
lectures for one year at the Bowdoin Medical School, at Brunswick,
Me., and subsequently at the Long Island College Hospital in Brooklyn,
graduating with the degree of M. D. from the latter institution in 1886.
While securing his education he taught school a portion of the time
each year in different towns in Maine and New Hampshire, this occupa-
tion, in addition to the needed pecuniary reward, proving useful as a
means of mental discipline. Beginning the practice of medicine imme-
diately after his graduation, at Sanford, Me., he remained there until

Page 782 

January, 1895, at which time he removed to Rochester, N. H., where he
practiced for many years. In November, 1907, he removed to Ports-
mouth, in which city and its environs he has since established a large
practice.
     While yet a young practitioner in Maine, it was written of him:
"He is energetic, candid, well informed and very successful in his voca-
tion." He has not changed much since then, except to improve. He is
an intelligent and successful physician, a good citizen, and a cultured
gentleman. He was a member of the board of health and of the school
board of Rochester for a number of years, medical referee for Strafford
County and United States examining surgeon. He has been president
of the York County (Me.) Medical Association, and of the Strafford
County (N. H.) Medical Association; vice president and president of the
New Hampshire Medical Society in the years 1906 and 1907 respectively;
a member of the Maine Medical Association and of the American Medical
Association. He is the inventor of an arch supporter, which has been
received with favor in the profession.
     A Republican in politics, he has taken an active part in local political
affairs, was a member of the Republican State Committee, and in 1902
was elected to the New Hampshire legislature, serving during the fol-
lowing term with credit to himself and benefit to his constituents. A
forceful speaker, he is often heard to good effect whenever occasion
demands. He is at present chairman of the Board of Conciliation and
Arbitration for the State of New Hampshire, appointed by the Gover-
nor. A Free Mason, he belongs to Preble Lodge and White Rose Chap-
ter, of Sandford, Me., of the latter of which he is a charter member; to
Palestine Commandery, K. T., of Rochester, and to the Ancient Arabic
Order of the Mystic Shrine.
     Dr. Neal was married, November 28, 1888, to Lulu E. Clark, who
was born March 30, 1866, a daughter of Daniel G. and Frances (Chase)
Clark. They have one child, Cecil Morris, born October 26, 1890.