The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1910-02-27
COLONEL O,NEAL WAS BORN IN LAUDERDALE
AND HAS LIVED IN NO OTHER COUNTY
Interesting Children Daughter Make Up Most Ideal
Family Cnce-Honle Life Is Simple and Democratic
Intimate Study Of Political Leader

gra cious and gentle, brilliant in intel
lect and takes a live interest In pub
lie affairs. Socially she would add lus-
ter to the position. She Is full MEM
Der of the Colonial Danes, having de-
scended directly from four different
colonial governors. She Is closely con-
nected with several of the best old FAM
lilies of the country, but Is extremely
modest In her claims to any distinc-
ton of this kind. She puts personal
worth far above inh erited prestige and
has abiding faith in all people until
they prove themselves unworthy of
such consideration.
The ONeals live just across the
street from the old home of the late
Gov. Edward Asbury O'Neal, father of
Col. Emmett ONeal, who served two
terms as chief executive of the state.
1t Is a fact worthy of note that
Colonel O'Neal was born in this coun-
ty and has never lived in any other
county. Though he has had splendid
offers to align himself with strong
legal interests in larger cities he has
CHI osen to remain among the people he
has known from childhood, surround
cd by those fond associations that have
helped to inspire his life and kindle his
worthy ambitions.
| For some years in his early life
he had practical experience as a farm
er near Florence and his interests are
still close to the soil.
simplicity of Life
| Close contact with Colonel O'Neal in
his ONE, where you must know any
man to know his true character, con-
vinces one of his absolute simplicity
and honesty of mind. He believes un-
waveringly in the supremacy of right
and Justice. He is a true American
and. / am really convinced, had rath-
or be right than governor OF Ala
bama.
More than once in the affairs of his
home county and In the state he has
boldly come out ON the side OF is
sues that he believed were right and
that appeared to be unpopular at the
time. Nothing illustrates this more
forcibly than when he took, practically
alone, a decided stand against the
adoption of the prohibition constitu-
tional amendment last fall. He would
have taken the position If he had
known thatit was lost cause.
A day spent In the O'Neal home was
thoroughly delightful. The experience
was devoid of spectacular features. but
it gave me an opportunity to study the
man and the interesting members of his
family in their natural atmosphere and
in repose. 1t was Sunday, day OF rest.
and there was every opportunity to
study the little things that count so
much in human character and in the
making of a home.
| Miss Elizabeth, the Oldest child of the
| family, died few years ago at the age
| of II years She was a young woman of
rare qualities and beauty and was one
of the most popular of the young social
set in Florence.
| Son OF Governor O'Nenl
| That Colonel ONeal should aspire to
the high office of governor Of the state
| is natural and a most laudabe ambi-
| ton.
| His father, Gov. Edward A. ONeal,
was one of the most distinguished and
! widely popular executives who ever
graced the governors chair. It II natural