Neel

Thomas Neel, Jr., (right) being the first white child born in Dunklin County in May, 1832

The below picture, furnished through the courtesy of Mrs. W. T. Haire of
Hornersville, shows three former citizens of this county who have passed on,
one of them Thomas Neel, Jr.,  being the first white child born in
Dunklin County in May, 1832.  His parents having moved to this county from
Tennessee the February preceding when they settled near Lulu.  He grew up
under the pioneer conditions of life and became acquainted with the Indians
and knew all of the customs which distinguished them.  The other two in the
picture were two of Mrs. Haire's uncles, Sam and Allen Edmonston, The former
having been born, July 2, 1841, and the latter in 1838.  This picture was
made several years ago at an Old Soldiers Reunion at Memphis.

I must remind you this Thomas Neel Jr. is the son of the Thomas Neill in
the, "Amos Stoddard article," found on the Stoddard Web site.

There is no Proof of him being the first white child born in Dunklin Co.  It
could be  folklore but the tale is even carved on his tombstone.  There is 
a Photo of the Headstone below also.
Betty   -   wwronka@tca.net

Thomas Neel Jr. Tombstone Box Elder Cem. Mississippi CO., AR.

Home of Thos Neel, Big Lake AR.