Author: Robert Benham Fish Jr
The following was prepared by Robert E. Enoch, SAR Nat. #176627, Capt James Neal Chapt., West Virginia Society, President, Wood County Historical and Preservation Society, for the occasion of this Ancestor’s Grave marking:

James H. Neal, Captain, 13th Virginia Regiment

In the winter of 1777-78, a company of men raised by James Neal, clad in hunting clothes and fur caps, in the dead of a severe winter, marched over snow covered mountains to join and support the army of George Washington at Valley Forge. Neal served for three years as a Captain in the 13th Virginia Regiment. Though offered a Major’s commission, he chose to return to civilian life.

In 1818, at the age of 81 years, Neal applied for a pension for his Revolutionary War service. Indicating that he was nearly destitute, a schedule of his assets included – one cow and calf; one slave considerably advanced in age, unhealthy and infirm; one kettle, one oven; about 10 bushels of wheat; about 25 bushels of corn; 2 milk pans and basin water bucket; 2 bowls, one coffee pot; 5 plates, part of a set of cups and saucers; part of a set of knives and forks; one old chest; 5 empty barrels; 3 ½ acres of land cleared & of tolerable good quality; a small quantity of pickled pork & bacon; one ax, one plow and one hoe. Neal was granted a pension of $20 per month.

Captain James H. Neal died on February 2, 1821. His original gravestone, now at the Blennerhassett Museum, indicates that he was 85 years of age.

Neal and his family immigrated to what is now Wood County in 1785, credited with forming the first permanent settlement in what is now Wood County. Of his life in Wood County, local, nineteenth century historian Stephen Chester Shaw wrote this about Neal. “His life showed him to be endowed with great energy and enterprise, possessing a noble and generous disposition, courteous in his bearings and charitable in his bestowment of favors. His great experience caused him to be looked up to as counselor and leader in the settlement. He held the office of Justice of the Peace with a license to solemnize the rites of matrimony. Also, he was commissioned captain of the Frontier Rangers for the defense and safety of border settlements. His active energies and enterprise in meeting the wants and overcoming the difficulties and privations attendant upon the first settlement of this county, secured for him the respect and esteem of his fellow citizens.

Capt. Neal was originally buried at Tavenner Cemetery. His remains were moved to Mt. Olivet Cemetery in November, 1916.