Charles F. McNeil, of the firm of V. F. McNeil & Company, an insurance agency of New Haven, was born at Cornwall Bridge, this state, on the 1st of April, 1872, a son of Virgil F. and Alice (Curtis) McNeil, who were natives of Massachusetts and Connecticut, respectively, and were married at Warren, this state. In 188fi Virgil F. McNeil opened an insurance office in New Haven, and since that time has made substantial advance in his chosen field of labor, becoming recognized as one of the most prominent representatives of general insurance lines in this section of the state. His interests are now conducted under the name of V. F. McNeil & Company, of which firm he is the senior: member. His wife passed away in this city in March, 1908. In the family were two sons, the elder being Edward C. McNeil, who remained the assistant of his father in business up to the time of his death.
     Charles F. McNeil, passing through consecutive grades in the public schools, was graduated from the high school of New Haven with the class of 1893. He then entered the employ of Lee & Hoyt, wholesale beef dealers, but after a short time removed to New York city, where he was employed by Charles Thorley & Company, florists. A little later, however, he returned to New Haven and became associated with his father in the insurance business, filling at first a minor clerical position. He has since risen through his own capability and diligence until he is now a partner in the undertaking and active in control of their interests.
     On the 19th of March, 1896, Mr. McNeil was married to Miss Louise T. Johnston, of New Haven, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. James Johnston. They became parents of two daughters and a son: Ruth Johnston, who passed away in New Haven in 1901; Alice E., who was born March 5, 1899, and is now a post-graduate student at Dana Hall; and Virgil J., who was born in New Haven, December 12, 1905, and is studying at Hamden Hall.
     Mr. McNeil is a veteran of the New Haven Grays. He has taken much interest in religious activities as a member of the Grand Avenue Congregational church, in which he has held all of the offices. He is also identified with the Young Men's Christian Association and the breadth of his interests is further indicated in the fact that he has membership with the Sons of the American Revolution, with the Quinnipiac Club, the New Haven Yacht Club and the Pine Orchard Club. His political allegiance is given to the democratic party and he is well versed on the questions and issues of the day but does not desire nor seek office, preferring to direct his activities along other lines. His close application to business is bringing him prominently before the public as a representative of insurance circles and it is well known that he gives loyal support to many plans and measures for the public good and in all things manifests a spirit of progressive citizenship.