John Blair Neely
John Blair Neely, who is successfully engaged in operating a general store at Rayland, O., was born January 25, 1866, in Warren Township, Jefferson County, Ohio, and is a son of Matthew M. and Rosabella (Blair) Neely.
Matthew M. Neely was born near Dillonvale, Warren Township, Jefferson County, Ohio, where his father, William Neely, settled at an early period. His father was a native of Ireland, and after reacliing manhood came to this country and first located in Middletown, Pa., but subsequently moved into Warren Township, Jefferson County, Ohio. Matthew Neely is the only surviving child of the seven sons and seven daughters born to his parents, and is now living in retirement at Rayland. He was reared on the home farm, which he subsequently inherited, and married Rosabella Blair, a daughter of James Blair, who was a resident of Warren Township. Eight children were born to the parents of our subject: John Blair; Mary; Edwin, deceased; Lulu, who is the wife of Ralph Bethel; Emma; and three who died in infancy.
John Blair Neely was about ten years old when his parents removed from the farm in Warren Township to Kansas, and about eighteen months later (1877) they returned to Ohio, locating in Harrison County. In 1878 the parents came to Jefferson County and located at Warrenton, where our subject was reared and attended the public schools. After completing his education at the Normal School of Lebanon, O., he taught ten years in the schools of Rayland, Martin's Ferry and Warrenton, and in 1898 bought out the general store operated by his father-in-law at Warrenton. Four years later he removed his stock to his present location in Rayland. where he carries on an extensive business and carries a full line of groceries, meats, dry goods, notions, boots, shoes, etc.
Mr. Neely was married June 4, 1890, to Myra King, a daughter of A. P. W. and Anna (Welch) King, well known old residents of Warrenton, where the father served forty years as postmaster. Six children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Neely: Paul, Lotta, Winslow, Jean. King and McKeever. Mr. Neely is politically a Republican and served as clerk of the township some years ago. He and Mrs. Neely are members of the Methodist Episcopal church.
From 20th Century History of Steubenville and Jefferson County, Ohio, by Joseph B. Doyle. Richmond-Arnold Publishing Co., Chicago, 1910