It is with pleasure and profit that we trace the fortunes of one who has achieved success in life; especially so, if that success has been won amidst difficulties. James Irvin Neff is of the number of those who have by earnest effort and diligence attained high honors and an enviable position in society. He was born in Centre County, Pa., Oct. 5, 1839. His remote ancestors were of Swiss descent, but his grandfather, John Neff, his father, Col. Josiah Neff, and his mother, whose maiden name was Molly Emmert, were all born, lived and died in Pennsylvania. Josiah Neff was a farmer by occupation, and a man possessing strong points of character, which constituted him a prominent and influential member of his community.

The early boyhood of James I. Neff was passed upon the farm in his native county, where in the winters he attended the district school. Later he entered Dickinson Seminary at Williamsport, Pa., from which he was graduated in 1861. In January of the following year he entered the law office of Col. Leander Stem, of Tiffin, Ohio. Here his studies were rudely broken up by the notes of war which resounded throughout the land, and which moved him to patriotic deeds. Laying aside his personal interests, he enlisted in the 101st Ohio Infantry, which Col. Stem had assisted in organizing. Before leaving the State he was commissioned Second Lieutenant of Company H. The regiment was assigned to the Army of the Cumberland, 1st Brigade, 1st Division, 4th Army Corps. Lieut. Neff was successively promoted First Lieutenant, Adjutant of the Regiment, and finally to Captain of Company H. He led his comrades at the battles of Perryville, Ky., Stone River, Chickamauga, Mission Ridge, Resaca, and other places, the names of which are familiar to all who have any knowledge of the history of the late war. He was also in the Atlanta campaign, which continued for nearly 100 days.

At Kennesaw Mountain the Captain’s regiment suffered severely through an effort made to dislodge the enemy by direct assault. During this campaign the battles of Peachtree Creek, Jonesboro and Atlanta were fought. Upon the capitulation of Atlanta, Capt. Neff, with Gen. Thomas’ command, followed Hood in the race for Nashville, and participated in the battles of Franklin, Nov. 30, 1864, and Nashville, December 16 and 17 of the same year. These battles resulted in the complete rout and almost total destruction of Hood’s army.

Capt. Neff was mustered out of service at Cleveland, Ohio, in June, 1865. His old preceptor having been killed in battle, he resumed the study of law with Lee & Brewer, of Tiffin, and was admitted to the bar at Columbus, Ohio, in January, 1867. The following June he removed to Freeport and commenced the practice of law in partnership with Thomas J. Turner, which partnership continued two years. At the expiration of that time the firm of Bailey & Neff was formed, and continued for ten years. In the fall of 1878 the firm of Neff & Stearns was organized, and for a period of nine years has had charge of many important cases at the bar of Stephenson County. Both members of the firm possess much natural ability, and have been close students of the law in all its bearings. For fifteen years Mr. Neff has been the attorney for the Illinois Central Railroad Company, and for several years has sustained a like relation with the Chicago, Madison & Northern Railroad Company. Our subject’s signal ability before a jury places him in the front rank of attorneys of Northern Illinois, and few are the cases requiring skill and legal knowledge that come before the courts in his county, in which his services are not solicited. His large and constantly increasing practice is a high testimonial to his worth and ability.

Mr. Neff served as a member of the Illinois Legislature in 1879-80, and assisted in the election of Gen. Logan to the United States Senate. In 1884 he was elected a member of the State Board of Equalization, with which body he is still connected. He is deeply interested in and always was solicitous for the welfare of the old soldiers, and has been commander of John A. Davis Post, G. A. R., of which body he still remains an active member. He is also connected with the Illinois Commandery of the military order of the Loyal Legion of the United States.

The marriage of James I. Neff and Miss Catherine Rowell was celebrated at the home of the bride at Freeport, Jan. 29, 1879. Mrs. Neff is the only child of William D. and Amelia Rowell. Of this union there have been born two children: Florence, Aug. 19, 1882, and William R., Nov. 9, 1885. Their pleasant and tasteful home is located on Stephenson street, and is frequented by the refined and cultivated people of the city.

Mr. Neff is President of the Freeport, Dodgeville & Northern Railroad Company, whose line is now in process of construction, is actively interested in whatever pertains to the general welfare of his community, and is usually one of the leaders in those enterprises tending to build up the city. He is a Republican in politics, and religiously is a member of Zion Episcopal Church, of Freeport.

Contributed by Carol Parrish from Portrait and Biographical Album of Stephenson County, Ill. (1888), p. 654 - 56