Person:Thomas Neely (9)

Information on Thomas Neely

Thomas Neely, the first of the Neely's of whom we have any definite record, came to Mecklenburg Co., NC in 1765-1767 (It has been found they actually were in Steele Creek by about 1754) and owned about 1,000 acres of land in the lower Steel Creek section. He came from York County, PA bringing with him, his wife, sons & daughters. The Thomas Neely king's land grant in Steele Creek is dated 1754. Thomas Neely's father was Thomas Neely I, who was married to Agnes ? in Ireland. Thomas Neely I, came to America around 1730. It is believed that most of his following children were also born in Ireland: (1) Thomas, Jr. (II) m. Hannah Starr??, (2) Samuel, m. Jean?, (3) John m. Susannah, (4) Mary, m. John McGaghey and (5) Jackson, m. Ann?. Thomas, Jr. came to Steele Creek before his father's death in 1756, however, he is mentioned in the settlement of his father's estate in York Co./Chester Co., PA. Jackson, son of Thomas I and Agnes also came to Mecklenburg County first and eventually settled in York Co., SC. (Jim Neely of New Jersey has this family on a Neely website with Rootsweb.)

Thomas Neely, Jr. (II) b. 1720 in Ireland, d. 1793 in Mecklenburg Co., NC m. Hannah ? (thought to be Starr). Hannah is buried in Steele Creek Presbyterian Cemetery with the Neely Coat-of-Arms on the headstone. It is believed that Thomas II is also buried there and that his stone has been gone for many years.

Their children:

1. John Neely, b. 1750, d. 1806 m. Isabella M. ?

2. Samuel Neely, m. Jean Carothers

3. Thomas Neely (III), b. 1757 m. Ann Swann

4. Moses Neely, b. 1761, m. 1st to a Margaret and 2nd to Ann?

5. Agnes Neely, b. 1755, 2nd wife of James Carothers

6. Mary Neely, b. 1756, 1st wife of James Caothers

7. Nancy Neely, b. ?, m. John Calhoun and moved to TN.

Source: "A Partial Synopsis of the Carothers- Neely Family History", by John L. Stacy