Historical Marker

William Haskell Neal

Lebanon, Wilson County · Tennessee

Neal's idea was simple: plant seed only from stalks that carry two ears. Beginning in 1898 he saved seed that way, and the result, Neal's Paymaster corn, a two-eared dent variety, spread across Tennessee farms. By 1935, the year after his death, a third of the state's corn crop came from his variety, and it led to several hybrid varieties. His farm, Maple Dale, stood on Trousdale Ferry Pike near Bethlehem Church of Christ. He was born in 1859 and began farming at nineteen.

What the plaque says

William Haskell Neal Maple Dale Farm was the home of William Haskell Neal, originator of Neal's Paymaster Corn. In 1898 he began field selection of seed corn from stalks bearing two ears. His corn breeding experimentation marked the beginning of hybrid corn in the United States. This work led to significant increases in farm productivity and to more income for farmers. In 1937 Neal was the first person inducted into the Tennessee Agricultural Hall of Fame. He died on July 10, 1934, and his remains were interred in Bethlehem Cemetery.

Where it stands

36.20045, -86.16459 · Directions

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