John and Clemency Neel were also assigned to settle Peoa and arrived in 1861. John was 51 and Clemency 44 years old. They had journeyed across the plains to Utah in 1855, daughter Sarah was born on the way. Mary, their last child was born in June 1861 in Peoa. Clemency served until her death in 1892, as local mid-wife, helping Dr. John Maxwell and probably delivering many of Mary Ann's children.
Adding to Maxwell House
As the Maxwell family grew, additions were made to the small home. Originally a "hall / parlor" floor plan, with the front door opening onto the larger "hall" of the 2 room house, it was typical for shed additions to be made to the rear of the building. In 1933, granddaughter Asa Neel purchased the home for $250, returning the land's ownership to the Neel descendants.
By Karri Dell Hays