Solicitor, English judge, Liberal politician and Wesleyan, born 23 September 1862, educated at Wesley College, Sheffield and served as the President of the Sheffield Chamber of Trade. From 1903 to 1921 he was a Sheffield City councillor. He stood unsuccessfully as a Liberal for Sheffield Hallam in January and December 1910, but in 1918 to 1920 represented Sheffield Hillsborough. Standing again for Bassetlaw 1923 and 1924, and Gainsborough in 1929 he was never returned to the Commons. He was appointed Parliamentary Private Secretary to the Paymaster-General in October 1919 and Parliamentary Private Secretary to the Minister of Transport in November 1919.

His son, John Neal, MM (1889-1962), born 17 August 1889 was educated at The Leys School and King's College, Cambridge. During the First World War he served inn the Royal Navy Voluntary Reserve and then as a major in the Royal Artillery, being decorated with the Military Medal. He made a number of unsuccessful attempts as a Liberal to enter the Commons: Wansbeck, 1922 and Barnsley, 1923 and 1924. Called to the Bar by the Inner Temple in 1920, he was appointed a county court judge in 1942, from then until 1961 being Deputy Chairman of the West Riding Quarter Sessions. He died on 8 September 1962.

Entry written by: DCD
Category: Person
Comment on this entry