James L. Neely

"COL. JAMES L. NEELY (deceased) was born in Tyrone Township, Adams Co., Penn., February 20, 1801, and died at his residence in Straban Township, on the 23d of April, 1863. He was of Scotch-Irish parentage. His grandfather, Samuel Neely, having come from the North of Ireland in 1730, settled in what is now known as Tyrone Township, took up large quantities of land and raised a large family of children, among whom was James Neely, Esq., or as he was generally known “Spectacle Jimmy,” the father of the subject of this sketch. Col. James L. Neely was a farmer by occupation, and never held office, except that in his early life he was elected colonel of a militia regiment, which position he held for a number of years. In 1854 he was nominated by the Whig party as its candidate for the Legislature, but was defeated by the Know-nothing movement. He was married December 18, 1829, to Sarah Cassat, eldest daughter of Hon. Jacob Cassat, and by her had three daughters and two sons. He prospered as a farmer and was able to give all his children the advantages of a good education. He was a large, fine-looking man, of good address and correct habits; was prominent in the church and well and favorably known throughout the community. "