A native son of Quanah (TX), Bill Neal is a rancher, retired trial lawyer and author.  He graduated from Hardin-Simmons University in 1957 where he was editor of the student newspaper, The Brand.  After service as an Infantry Officer in the U.S. Army, he entered law school.  Mr. Neal graduated with honors in 1964 from the University of Texas, and worked as Comment Editor of the Texas Law Review.

Bill also served as Briefing Attorney for the Texas Supreme Court, 1964-1965, then returned to his hometown of Quanah to practice law.  Mr. Neal then practiced law for 40 years - 20 years as a prosecutor serving as District Attorney for seven Northwest Texas Counties, and 20 years in private practice with a focus on domestic relations and criminal trial work.

Mr. Neal has always enjoyed a good story, and likes writing and telling them just about as much. He has previously authored two local history books, which are considered by many to be the definitive works on the history of Hardeman County and Medicine Mound, TX. His latest book, entitled Getting Away with Murder on the Texas Frontier:  Notorious Killings and Celebrated Trials is published by Texas Tech University Press.

Bill has recently received two awards for this book: 1) finalist for a Spur Award for 2007 Best Nonfiction, Historical Book by the Western Writers of America, and 2) “Book of the Year” award by the National Association of Outlaw and Lawmen History Association.  A companion work, From Guns to Gavels is expected to be published next year by Texas Tech University Press. Stay tuned to this web site for details as they become available !

Since retirement, Bill Neal and his wife, Gayla, have made their home in Abilene, Texas. Mr. Neal also serves on the Board of Directors for the Downtown Medicine Mound Preservation Group.