McNeil was educated in Hillsborough, served in the New Hampshire militia from 1801 to 1812, and attained the rank of captain.

[3][4] General Winfield Scott having given the necessary orders, cried out to the battalion of Major McNeil—the 11th infantry, which had not a recruit in it—on the left,— " The enemy say we are good at long shot, but cannot stand the cold iron!

The front lines of the enemy staggered, and rolled back in a confused mass on the reserve.

All caught the infection of defeat, and the slope leading down to the Chippewa was soon darkened by a cloud of fugitives.

The pursuit was ordered, but was checked when the Americans reached the stream, by the hostile batteries that frowned on the opposite shore.

McNeil was a Democrat, and held his patronage appointment until 1841, when he was replaced as a result of the Whig victory in the 1840 presidential election.

McNeil later resided at the Pierce family home in Hillsborough, and was active in Democratic Party politics.