Born Middleton, Tenn., October 17, 1878; Scotch-Irish descent; son of John Steel and Ellen A. (Park) Neely; father's occupation, physician; paternal grandparents John and Mary (Steel) Neely; maternal grandparents Thomas P. Park et ux. Educated at Middleton, Tenn. In early life was engaged in stock raising. Married Ora C. Rose, Sept. 3, 1899. Member Presbyterian Church; Democrat; K. of P. The first official position held was that of Tax Assr. for Hardeman County; in 1914, elected Sheriff, serving for three terms; in 1920, elected a member of the County Court, this place he held for four years; in 1924, again elected to the office of Sheriff, serving for a second six year period; in 1933, appointed Warden at the State Prison at Nashville, which position he held for four years under Gov. Hill McAlister; started many reform movements while in this position, the first being an order preventing the shaving of the heads of prisoners; organized the first football team in southern prisons; organized prison baseball and joined the Nashville City league; his public service will be long remembered. He is the father of six children: -John O., Evelyn Rose, James A., Eloise, Majorie, one died in infancy.
Source: Prominent Tennesseans, 1796 - 1938; transcribed by Amanda Jowers
