Dr. James J. Neely, Jr., a prominent physician of Bolivar and a son of Gen. R. P. and Elizabeth (Lee) Neely, was born September 12, 1848, in Hardeman County. He was reared on a farm and received his early education at Bolivar, but subsequently attended the University of Mississippi, finishing the sophomore year. In 1863, he enlisted in Company E, Seventh Tennessee Cavalry (Confederate Army), and during eighteen months of service never received a wound nor was he taken prisoner. In 1868, he began the study of medicine under Drs. Moore and Tate, of Bolivar, and entered Bellevue Hospital Medical College, graduating from that institution in 1872. He then located in Bolivar, and has enjoyed a good practice. In 1876, he married Julia A., daughter of Judge Thomas Smith of Memphis. To this union were born three children: Rufus P., Jr., Thomas S. and Francis F. Mrs. Neely is a member of the Episcopal Church. Mr. Neely is a stanch Democrat in politics, and has had the honor of holding the position of health officer of the county and local surgeon of the Illinois Central Railroad. For fourteen years he has been practicing his profession in Bolivar and has met with good and well deserved success, as his many patients now living can testify.
Source: “The Goodspeed Publishing Co., History of Tennessee, 1886”