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James E. NEECE, a son of Hardy H. and Alice (SMALL) NEECE, was born in
Lincoln County, Tenn., March 3, 1839. When four years of age he left his native State, and went with his parents to Illinois. They remained in that State until James E. was fourteen years of age, when they removed to Missouri. At the same time there was a company of about thirty emigrants who came from Illinois to Missouri, making a train of about thirteen wagons. They crossed the Mississippi River at St. Louis, and came to Lawrence County. Hardy H. Neece and family settled where he still resides. James E. Neece attended the primitive schools of Illinois, and after coming to Missouri again entered school, and finished a common education in the subscription schools prevalent in those days. He grew to manhood in his father's home, and when twenty years of age was united in marriage with Milly J. GARRISON, a daughter of William GARRISON, one of the first settlers of Lawrence County. Their union was blessed by the birth of two children: William Hardy and Leander A. Mrs. Neece died on December 25, 1882, and Mr. Neece was married again on June 22, 1884. His second wife was Mary P. BROWN, a daughter of Daniel W. BROWN, who came to Missouri from Tennessee since the war, and was living in Cedar County at the time of his daughter's marriage. By this marriage Mr. Neece is the father of one child, John A. Logan. At the outbreak of the Civil War James E. Neece, with his father, enlisted in Company I, Third Kansas Volunteer Cavalry, and
served during the greater part of the war. Both were in the battles of Dry Wood, Helena and Pine Bluff, besides some minor engagements. He was discharged at Fort Leavenworth, Kas., in October, 1864. Returning to Southwest Missouri, he resumed farming, having settled on his present farm prior to the war. His farm contains 140 acres under cultivation and ten in timber. He devotes his whole time to his farming interests, and has never sought political distinction. Mr. Neece is a member of the Baptist, and his wife of the Presbyterian Church.
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