Phillip D. O'Neal

The Marietta Register, June 10, 1869

Phillip D. O'Neal [Philip Duncan O'Neal], the subject of this sketch, died at his home in Belpre, May 26, 1869, aged 38 years, 1 month, and 18 days. His history is one of peculiar interest. Although not a member of any church, yet he was one of her strongest defenders and would never suffer an attack upon her without speaking in her defense. He contributed liberally of his means to benevolent purposes.

He was a son of Joseph and Emma [Eunice] O'Neal. Born April 8, 1831. Married December 6, 1858. One year previous to his marriage, he built a store-house in Belpre and commenced business, which continued for three years. Afterwards sold out and built the steamboat T. S. Conley during the summer and fall of 1859. From this time on he met with many difficulties which few men would endure, but being a man of great perseverance and strong nerve, he was able to withstand what few men could do. For four years and two months he was absent from his family.

Many instances might be related to show his power of endurance. On one occasion, when his boat was tied to shore in a bayou, two very large trees fell across it and came very near sinking it. During the war, he was conscripted by the Confederate authorities, but being of a quick and comprehensive mind, soon found favor with the officers and was placed in charge of the sick and wounded soldiers. After this he was placed in command of a steamboat, which position he held for some time, but on account of his Union proclivities, they thought it not safe to continue him in this position.

In February 1864, he received an appointment from the Confederate Government to buy supplies and pay for them in cotton. In this way he had more liberty and, taking advantage of it, came to Natchez, then in possession of the Union army. Here he got passes to come North, sold 1,000 dollars Confederate money for $100 in greenbacks; with this he came home, arriving there February 24, 1864, after an absence of over four years. He remained at home only one week and reported back again to his superior officer.

In 1865, the Confederate Government owed him $65,000, which he invested in cotton and sugar. During the Banks expedition, our Government destroyed 100 hogsheads of his sugar. He also lost during the war, 50 bales of cotton at Natchez. At one time he sent $20,000 worth of cotton to New York, which was burned up in a commission house.

In the spring of 1866, he came home again, and in the fall bought the steamboat Rattler, loaded her with produce and started for Red River. When on the Mississippi River, the boat was sunk with her entire cargo - less $8,000. Then he went to New Orleans, where he had another small boat; run her during the winter. He collected on some of his old claims $2,000, which he deposited in the First National Bank of New Orleans for safe keeping until he should start home.

On Tuesday he was to start home and intended to draw his money on Monday. Saturday the Bank broke, and he lost his $2,000. This was his hardest stroke, yet he stood it without a murmur. He came home again to his family and for one year he did no business, but in the fall of 1868, bought the store of E. E. Cunningham, which he prosecuted with all the vigor of his younger days, up to the time of his last sickness. He did a good business and was liked by everybody. On the morning of May 26, 1869, he closed the labor of life.

E. E. C.