BIO: Lindsay Pitts O'NEAL, M.D., Cumberland County, PA Contributed for use in the USGenWeb Archives by Joe Patterson OCRed by Judy Banja Copyright 2004. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm http://www.usgwarchives.net/pa/cumberland/ _____________________________________________________________ >From Biographical Annals of Cumberland County, Pennsylvania, Chicago: The Genealogical Publishing Co., 1905, pages 62-63 _____________________________________________________________ NOTE: Use this web address to access other bios: http://www.usgwarchives.net/pa/cumberland/zeamer/ LINDSAY PITTS O'NEAL, M.D., a prominent and successful physician of Mechanicsburg, was born Oct. 11, 1838, on his father's plantation in Essex county, Va., a son of Albert G. and Anna (Wearing) O'Neal, both of whom were born in Essex county. Thomas O'Neal, the grandfather of Dr. O'Neal, was born in Dublin, Ireland, where he became a merchant with business standing until his sympathy with the rebellion against England made it advisable for him to leave his native land. He emigrated to Virginia, and there, in Essex county, married Elizabeth Pitts, who was of English ancestry. To this union were born two sons and three daughters, namely: Albert G., Johnson, Elizabeth, Mary and. Emeline. Albert G. O'Neal became a large planter in Essex county, but during the Civil war lost his possessions. He served as a captain in the War of 1812. In 1831 he married Anna Wearing, and two sons were born to them, viz: Thomas J. and Dr. Lindsay P. Dr. O'Neal was but sixteen years old when he left home to make a career for himself. At Baltimore, Md., he engaged in clerking, in grocery and in drug stores, remaining there until 1858, when he began the study of medicine, supporting himself by running a stitching machine in his brother's boot and shoe factory. In the fall of 1860 he entered York Academy, and in the spring of the following year, he entered the Washington University of Medicine and Surgery. In the fall of 1861, he entered the medical department of the United States Army. It was not until the fall of 1864 that he returned to the Washington University of Medicine and Surgery, Baltimore, where he studied and attended lectures and clinics, until March, 1865, graduating with degree of M. D. He located in York county that spring. There he practiced his profession until 1870, when he settled at Mechanicsburg, where he has met with the most flattering success. On Nov. 26, 1868, Dr. O'Neal was united in marriage with Margaretta W. Eckels, born near Mechanicsburg, daughter of Samuel and Mary (Cooper) Eckels. CUMBERLAND COUNTY. 63 Mrs. O'Neal is a valued member of the Presbyterian Church. Dr. O'Neal is professionally connected with the National Medical Association of Pennsylvania, and is a charter member of the Eclectic Association of the State. He has served four terms on the Medical Examining board of Pennsylvania through the administrations of Govs. Robert E. Pattison, Daniel Hastings, William Stone and Samuel Pennypacker, and was reappointed for the fifth term in 1904. For many years he has been an influential member of the Democratic party in Cumberland county. In his profession he ranks very high, being regarded as an expert in his successful treatment of smallpox, and up to this time (1904) has never had a death from this dread disease. He keeps thoroughly abreast of the times, and is well acquainted with all modern methods and discoveries. Personally, he is a man of high character and enjoys universal esteem. He is an example of the self-made man owing but little to any fortunate circumstances of birth, kindred or friends, having bravely carved out his own fortune.