From "HISTORY OF THE UPPER OHIO VALLEY,"  Vol. I, page 374.
Brant & Fuller, 1890.


HON. FRANK P. McNELL

Hon. Frank P. McNell, one of the leading younger members of the bar 
of Wheeling, was born at Cumberland, Md., March 26, 1854.  He is the 
son of John W. and Caroline M. (Bell) McNell, the former of whom was 
born at Baltimore in 1808, and the latter at Cumberland, Md., in 
1818.  They removed to Wheeling in 1854, and resided here during the 
remainder of their lives, both passing away in 1876.  Five children 
were born to them, of whom three survive, Mrs. E. A. Adams, Mrs. L. 
B. Nobie, and the subject of this mention.  Frank P. McNell being 
brought by his parents to Wheeling soon after his birth, was reared 
here, and received his early education in the schools of the city.  
He also attended a classical school in the city, and subsequently 
pursued a collegiate course at Bethany college, where he was 
graduated in 1874.  He early manifested an inclination for the legal 
profession, and as soon as he had completed his college course he 
took up the study of law.  In 1876 he was admitted to the bar, and he 
at once entered upon the practice of his profession, in which he 
attained a creditable position among the younger attorneys at 
Wheeling.  In 1881 he accepted the nomination of the democratic party 
for the office of representative in the general assembly of West 
Virginia, and was elected, and served in the sessions of 1881 with 
credit to himself and constituents.  Gov. Matthews appointed him a 
member of his staff, with the rank of colonel.  Having always taken 
an active interest in the cause of education, and being a friend of 
the public school system, Mr. McNell was honored in 1887 by 
appointment as a member of the board of regents of the State Normal 
school, from the First congressional district, a position he holds at 
the present time.  Mr. McNell was married in 1880, to Mary R., 
daughter of Samuel H. Greer, deceased, of Wheeling, and to their 
union, one, son, Allyn, has been born. 


(Linda Fluharty)