The paternal grandfather of the Neary family of Cohoes was born in county Rosscommon, Ireland, where he lived and died. He married and had issue.
(II) John Neary was born in Ireland, October 12, 1830, and came to the United States in 1845, a lad of fifteen. He made his way in the new country and finally settled in Cohoes, New York, where he was engaged in the express business. He married Priscilla, daughter of Henry and Nancy (Cole) Howarth, born in England, and came to the United States to supervise work being done for the government at forts and other defenses. He performed a large amount of work for the government, and his brother, John Howarth, was a government supervisor on fortifications for many years. John and Priscilla (Howarth) Neary had children, among whom was James Henry, see forward. John Neary is living in Cohoes, remarkably strong and sturdy for his years.
(III) James Henry, son of John and Priscilla (Howarth) Neary, was born in Cohoes, New York, January 15, 1854. He was educated in the public schools of that city and took the full Egbert high school course. He was apprenticed to a builder, who taught him the mason's trade. He worked as a journeyman for several years and in 1882 began contracting, in partnership with William Stanton. In 1898 he entered into partnership with his brother, Thomas W. Neary. They have been very successful and have erected all of the largest buildings put up in Cohoes in recent years, among which may be noted, the gun factory of the United States arsenal at Watervliet; St. John's church; St. Agnes' church;. and the two Cohoes banks, Cohoes Saving Institution and Manufacturers and Mechanics Savings banks; the Baptist church; St. James' church; the Victor mill; the Anchor hosiery mill, and the Delaware & Hudson freight depot at Cohoes. The firm stands high in the building world and are reliable, energetic and capable builders. James H. Neary is a Republican, and served at one time as alderman, but has since refused all office. He is a member of St. James' Methodist Episcopal church. He married, November 9, 1876, Mary E., daughter of Watkins and Phoebe (Gale) Powell. Children:
- Frank Watkins, born in Cohoes, June 18, 1879; graduated from Egbert high school, 1897; from Troy Academy, 1898; from Union University, 1902, with degree of A. B.; from Columbia Law School, 1905, with degree of LL.B. He was admitted to the New York bar and practices his profession in Cohoes, member of the law firm of McLain & Neary, his partner being John E. McLain. He is a Republican and is now serving as assistant district attorney. His college fraternity is Phi Gamma Delta, and he holds membership in the state and county bar associations. He is a member of the Masonic order and is an Odd Fellow. He married, August 1, 1910, Florence Bottum, of Cohoes, a graduate of Cohoes high school and of a business college in Vermont; daughter of Hamlet E. Bottum.
- Charles Edward, born January 31, 1883; educated in the public schools and Troy Business College; is in business with his father. He married Jane E. Moreland.
- James Henry (2), born July 31, 1886; attended the Troy Academy and Poultney Academy; married Mary Bell, and has a son, Lloyd Roy Neary.