Bernard immigrated from Ireland in 1841. In the 1860 Census he is listed as Bernard McNeel, a 33 year old farmer in Pine Township, Indiana, Co. The household included Catharine McNeel (66), Bridget McNeel (28), Catharine Burns (13), Margaret Traimer (4), Mary Traimer (2) and farm laborer William Bealy (39). Bernard is identified as the only married person in the household.

In 1870, Barney Mcneal is a 45 year old farmer in Pine Township, listed with Catherine McNeal (70), Margaret Trener (12), Andrew Burk (31, coal miner), Susan Burk (32), and 6 Burk children.

The 1880 Census identifies Bernard McMeel as a 50 year old married laborer, living with the household of Mark Catharine Gillespie and their 4 children, in Pine Township.