Steve Neal (historian)
Steve Neal | |
---|---|
Born | 1949 |
Died | February 18, 2004 |
Nationality | American |
Occupation(s) | Journalist, historian |
Steve Neal (1949 in Coos Bay, Oregon – February 18, 2004, in Hinsdale, Illinois) was an American journalist and historian, noted for political columns and coverage of American electoral history. He is best known for Dark Horse, an authorized biography of 1940 presidential candidate Wendell Willkie.[1][2]
Biography
Journalist
After studying at the
Historian
Neal published biographies and biographical material on Dwight D. Eisenhower, Oregon Gov. Tom McCall, and 1940 presidential candidate Wendell Willkie; he also edited collections of the letters and speeches of Harry S. Truman. His hero, however, was Abraham Lincoln, and he campaigned for public support to transfer Lincoln's papers and memorabilia to a scholarly, nonpolitical library and museum that would serve as a focus for public education of the life of the 16th President of the United States.[1]
Death and honors
Neal was found dead at his Hinsdale home on February 18, 2004, after having inhaled a fatal quantity of carbon monoxide.[1] The Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum, located in Springfield, Illinois, opened to the public in 2005. The library has named its reading room the Steve Neal Reading Room in honor of Neal's work and advocacy for the creation of the library.[3]
References
- ^ a b c d Pearson, Rick (20 February 2004). "Steve Neal, 54". Chicago Tribune.
- ISBN 0-385-18439-5.
- ^ "Steve Neal Reading Room". Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum. Archived from the original on 2012-09-25. Retrieved 2012-08-25.