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Home of Lt. Gov. George D. Neal

Navasota, Grimes County, Texas

Marker Inscription

(Oct. 7, 1853 - July 13, 1916) Born in Amelia County, Va. The Neal Family moved to Washington County, Texas, in 1866. Neal, after attending Baylor University, was admitted to the Bar in 1876. He married Fannie C. Brooks in Oct. 1880, moved to Navasota in 1881, and purchased this residence in 1883. The couple had 3 children. Neal served as county judge, 1884-86; city attorney, 1888-96; and as a State Senator, 1896-1902. He was elected Lieutenant Governor in 1902 and 1904, serving with Gov. S. W. T. Lanham. Neal retired from politics in 1907 and returned here to practice law.

Erected by Texas Historical Commission

The Story

Born in Virginia in 1853, George D. Neal came to Texas with his family in 1866 and, after studying at Baylor, was admitted to the bar in 1876. He settled in Navasota in 1881 and bought this residence in 1883, building a career as county judge, city attorney, and state senator. Elected lieutenant governor in 1902 and again in 1904, he served alongside Governor S. W. T. Lanham before retiring to practice law in 1907.

Why it matters

Neal's steady climb from small-town lawyer to statewide office illustrates the local roots of Texas political leadership at the turn of the twentieth century.

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Related people

  • · George D. Neal
  • · S. W. T. Lanham

Themes & tags

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