Henry Clay Neel, was a school teacher, a county judge and served several terms in the state legislature. Neel's father, Henry Grady Neel, was engaged in the livestock business both at the producer and marketing level in Greenwood for many years.

Enlisted as a private in Company C, Florida 1st Infantry Regiment on May 2, 1864. Enlistment records show that Henry Clay Neel was 5’ 11” tall of dark complexion with dark eyes and dark hair.