Franklin B. McNiel

MCNIEL, PRIAULX, PENN, BALLIEUL

Posted By: Anne Hermann (email)
Date: 2/11/2009 at 11:09:22

HISTORY OF LINN COUNTY
The Pioneer Publishing Co., Chicago, 1911

FRANKLIN B. McNIEL

Franklin B. McNiel, who devoted his time and energies to the operation of a farm of one hundred and twenty acres on section 16, Washington township, is an agriculturist whose labors have been attended with well merited success. His birth occurred in that township on the 11th of March, 1862, his parents being George T. and Mary M. (Penn) McNiel, who were natives of New York and Maryland respectively. They took up their abode among the early settlers of Linn county, Iowa, were married here and remained worthy and respected residents of this county throughout the remainder of their lives. George T. McNiel, who followed general agricultural pursuits throughout his active business career, passed away on the 31st of March, 1882. His wife was called to her final rest on the 19th of April, 1899. Their children were five in number, as follows: Aletha E., a resident of Washington township; Edward, who is deceased; Franklin B., of this review; Horace E., living in Spring Grove township, this county; and Richard M., of Washington township.

Franklin B. McNiel attended the common schools in the acquirement of an education and remained with his parents until twenty-eight years of age, when he was married and established a home of his own. Following that important event in his life he rented a farm for two years and then purchased a tract of land on section 13, Washington township, where he resided until 1908. In that year he disposed of the property and bought his present place of one hundred and twenty acres on section 16, Washington township, where he has carried on his farming interests continuously since, annually gathering good crops which find a ready sale on the market.

On the 11th of March, 1891, Mr. McNiel was united in marriage to Miss Lucy E. Priaulx, who was born in Jackson county, Iowa, on the 14th of December, 1863, her parents being John and Elizabeth (Ballieul) Priaulx, natives of France. They crossed the Atlantic to the United States at an early day, first locating in Ohio, while later they took up their abode on a farm in Jackson county, Iowa. John Priaulx was called to his final rest in January, 1868, and children: Joseph; Susan, the wife of H. Bobo, of Davenport, Iowa; Flora, who is the wife of A. W. Flathers and resides in Sioux City, Iowa; Mrs. McNiel; and ten who are deceased. Mr. and Mrs. McNiel have four children, as follow: John H., born July 30, 1893, who is a graduate of the Center Point high school; Florence B., whose birth occurred April 20, 1902; Kenneth F., whose natal day was February 5, 1904; and Clarence B., born January 29, 1907.

Mr. McNiel exercises his right of franchise in support of the men and measures of the republican party, believing that its principles are most conducive to good government. He has done effective service for the cause of education as a member of the school board, having held the office for twelve years. Both he and his wife belong to the Methodist Episcopal church and take a helpful interest in its work. Mr. McNiel has many friends in the county where his entire life has been spent and is well entitled to a place among its esteemed and substantial citizens.