Obituary: J. L. Neel, 7 Mar 1900 - Smith County, TX Contributed by Vicki Betts 12 January 2003 Copyright. All rights reserved. http://usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm *********************************************************************** TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, May 10, 1900, p. 14, c. 1 J. L. NEEL. A good man has gone to his reward. Bro. J. L. Neel was born in Franklin County, Tenn., December 1, 1827, and died at his home in Dallas, Texas, March 7, 1900, respected by all who knew him and dearly loved by a large circle of friends. In early life he enlisted in the army and was a soldier in the Mexican War. Before he returned home, his family moved to Texas and settled in Smith County, where he joined them again. In 1854 he was converted and joined the Methodist Episcopal Church, South, at Starrville, Smith County, Texas, in which communion he lived a happy and useful member, until the master called him from labor to refreshment. On February 8, 1855, he was happily married to Miss Eudora Curl, who survives him and treasures the memory of as kind a husband as any woman was ever blessed with. Three children came to brighten their home and cement the bonds of affection which bound them together. Two of these children, Mrs. J. G. Kearby, of Wills Point, and W. H. Neel, of Dallas, are living, an honor to their sainted father. A little daughter died in 1865, born in 1861, at four years of age. Bro. Neel led an active Christian life from the beginning, filling acceptably the offices of steward and superintendent of Sunday-schools for several years. It was my privilege to sustain the relation of pastor to him and family, first at Dallas and later at Cleburne, and it was always an inspiration to me in preaching to hear the hearty "amens" and see the glistening tears of joy that stole down his cheek as he drank in the glorious gospel. As he grew older he grew more tender and mellow, having a kind word for every one. He kept young by keeping in touch with young life in the Epworth League, the Sunday- school and the cottage prayer-meetings. His home was in Tyler during the war, but he moved to Dallas in 1874, and with the exception of three years, Dallas was his home. His death was sudden, resulting from heart failure, giving no time for farewell words or preparation; but he needed none. He was ready, and when the Master called he answered joyfully the summons. Farewell, dear brother; we shall meet again, and say good morning upon the sunlit hills of immortality. H. A. BOURLAND.