He was christened in 1807 at St Dunstan and All Saints, Stepney the son of William Neal, soap maker of Ratcliff and wife Mary.
He married Sarah Jane King at St Mary, Whitechapel in 1830.
The 1841 UK Census for Clerkenwell Close records him as a silversmith.
The 1851 UK Census for 13 Rosoman Street, Clerkenwell shows him in the same trade employing 3 men and 3 boys. His son William (born circa 1833) is shown as a journeyman silversmith.
The 1861 UK Census for the same address shows he continued in the same trade. His sons George (born c1841) and Ralph (born c 1843) are shown as journeymen silversmiths.
The 1871 UK Census for Green Lane, Tottenham shows him as a master silversmith employing 7 men and 2 boys.
The 1881 UK Census shows him retired at 2 Hope Villas, Tottenham.
The National Probate Calendar for the 1883 Principal Registry records he died in that year at Hope Villas. The value of his estate was £2937.10 shillings.
For further history of the continuing business, which eventually became W & G Neal Ltd, see The Directory of Gold & Silversmiths Jewellers & Allied Traders 1837-1914 Volume I p.342-2 by John Culme .