T. C. Neal

    T. C. Neal, grain dealer, and one of the leading business men of Montpelier, was born February 12, 1852, a son of C. W.  and Nancy A. (Roberts) Neal, the father being a native of Pennsylvania, the mother of New York. The father was a contractor and builder by occupation, and was among the earliest settlers of Grant County, Indiana, locating there in 1835.

    Our subject was reared in Marion, Grant County, receiving his education in the schools of that place. At the age of fourteen years he entered the employ of Switzer & Turner, grain dealers, receiving at first a salary of $100 a year. He gradually worked his way up, and when seventeen years old received a commission on grain bought. In 1872, when twenty years old, he came to Montpelier, Blackford County, and formed a partnership in the grain business with John D. Marshall, which existed until 1875, when the firm was changed, and the business conducted under the name of T. C. Neal & Co. until September, 1886. At this time the present firm was formed, the members of which are T. C. Neal, D. A. Walmer and Henry C. Arnold, all men of good business ability. The firm does an extensive business, and is considered one of the most substantial in Blackford County.

    Mr. Neal was united in marriage in 1873, to Miss S. A. Spaulding, of Wells County, Indiana, and they are the parents of one child, a son, Charles M., born October 21, 1875.

    Mr. Neal is proprietor of Oak Grove Stock Farm, located one mile west of Montpelier, where are kept some of the best driving horses in this part of the State, and his herd of Jersey cattle, some of which are registered, is second to none in the State. Visitors wishing to see good stock are always welcome at Oak Grove, and the genial host and proprietor extends to all the hospitality for which he is noted.

    Politically he is a Democrat. In 1882 he was elected county commissioner by a majority of 136 votes over his Republican opponent, and served in that office to the best interest of the county. He is a member of the Odd Fellows order, belonging to Lodge No. 410, of Montpelier.

Source: Biographical and Historical Record of Jay and Blackford Counties, Indiana by The Lewis Publishing Company, 1887.