Sue N. Neal, July 17, 1842 – October 8, 1911.  James L. Neal, December 22, 1832 – July 23, 1919.  Spring Hill Cemetery, Mercer County, Kentucky

The Harrodsburg Herald, Mercer County, Kentucky

Friday, July 25, 1919

Venerable and Prominent Citizen Passes Away Wednesday Night

If ever such commendation could be given anyone as ‘Well done, thou good and faithful servant.  Enter though into thy reward,’ it can be given to Mr. James L. Neal who passed away about 11 o’clock Wednesday night.  He was 87 years of age and on last Saturday sustained a fall on the concrete floor of a porch at his residence, ‘Diamond Point’, and broke his hip, but was thought to be doing remarkably well.  The reaction from the shock, together with his advanced years, was too much for his strength, however, and he sank to death’s danger point in a few hours, so that at the last his going away came with grievous suddenness to his wide circle of friends.  Mr. Neal was a native of Fayette County, but had made his home in Mercer for so many years that he was looked upon as one of our oldest citizens.  coming here before the Civil War he married Miss Sue Thompson, a member of one of the aristocratic families of Mercer, and this happy union lasted until a few years ago when the faithful helpmate was taken.  Mr. and Mrs. Neal lived for many years at their handsome old colonial home, near town, and he was considered one of the wealthy, progressive, liberal men of the community.  Cultured and courteous, with a high sense of honor, and a genial hospitality, there were few men his equal.  He was a devout member of the Christian church and his whole life and character was in accord with the highest Christian ideals.  A few years ago, owing to his advanced years, his sight began to fail until blindness overtook him, but he never lost his interest in things about him, nor in the world’s affairs, and his mind retained its clearness to the end.  During the years of his infirmities he has been cared for with the tenderness of a son and daughter, by Dr. and Mrs. J. B. RoBards, with whom he made his home.  The funeral will be held today, (Friday), at 3:30 o’clock at Diamond Point, his residence, Rev. E. B. Bourland, his pastor, officiating.  The remains will be laid to rest beside his wife in Spring Hill Cemetery.  He leaves no children, but a number of close relatives survive him.  The pall bearers at the funeral will be Messrs. Alex Dunlap, Lexington; Louis and Ralph Farra, James Elmore, Lancaster; H. C. wood and Dr. J. B. RoBards, Harrodsburg.  The honorary pall bearers will be his fellow elders in the Christian church, Messrs. G. Y. Johnson, John Morgan, F. P. James, B. F. Norfleet, B. W. Allin and Judge C. A. Hardin.

Sue Thompson Neal’s Obituary