James C. McNeil (1836-1885)

James McNeil's exact relation to the Chapin family is unclear, but it is suggested he could be from the family that Dorcas was born into. There is currently no concrete information corroborating that theory.

The McNeils write letters from multiple states. James wrote from Akron, Ohio, where as Nelson McNeil wrote from New York City. There is a possibility that Nelson McNeil was illiterate or simply very busy, as he appears to have someone write his letters for him. Their letters provide some small insight to the lives of both Sailor and factory overseer while also detailing family news and updates about prospective weddings. Family origins are not mentioned, but the way they each address their letters suggests a familial connection.