Born in New York. A resident of Homer, Champaign County, Illinois when he enlisted in the 35th Illinois Infantry for three years at Louden, Tennessee. Mustered in as a Private in Company G at Louden, Tennessee on 29 Mar 1864. Transferred to Company I, 59th Illinois Infantry. Promoted to Corporal. Mustered out at New Braunfels, Texas. A member of Custer Post No. 6 of Tacoma, Pierce County, Washington. Died in Jasper, Jasper County, Missouri. Some military records spell his last name as "Neely" or "McNealy".