NEELEY, David Dryden - Putnam

David Dryden Neeley was born in Lawrence County, Indiana near Bedford May 15, 1823 and departed this life Sunday April 19, 1908 at 10:15 a.m. aged 84 years 11 months and 3 days. His death resulted from a complication of diseases caused by old age, the immediate cause being heart trouble. Funeral services were held at the Presbyterian Church on Tuesday morning by Rev. Thomas G. Pearce. Interment at Union Cemetery. He was the second son of Thomas and Lourahama Neely (sic), who moved from Kentucky to this state about 1820. They lived in the southern part of the state at the time of David's birth and until he was about 13. He then came with his parents to a farm south of Russellville, where they resided for two years. The family then moved to a farm south of Ladoga. He left home at 18 to learn the carpenter trade under Abram Moore. When 21 he went to Iowa and continued to follow his trade helping build the first frame house in the city of Des Moines. Six years of his life were spent in that state. He returned to Indiana and was married to Martha E. Hanna Sept 3, 1850. Since that time he has lived in Montgomery County. He lived on a farm near Ladoga about 20 years and the last 8 of his life was spent in Waveland. On January 13, 1846, Mr. Neely was received on examination into the Presbyterian Church by Rev. Mr. Taylor. He was dismissed July 1869 by the Rev. Mr. Erwin taking his letter to Ladoga. There being no Church of his belief in that place, at the time of his removal, he assisted in organizing one, becoming a charter member and an officer. In 1882 he moved to Crawfordsville and became a member of the 1st Church. His membership was transferred back to Waveland March 24, 1901 during the pastorate of Dr. Gibson and continued a member of this Church until his death. "Uncle Davie" as he was usually known is survived by a wife, a niece, Mary E. Procter, whom they had cared for from babyhood and four sisters, Mary Ann McClain of Iowa; Martha Munson and Melvina Joiner of Oregon and Mrs. Louise Kleiser of Waveland. - kbz