Identity:
Hammond P. McNeil in 1905 married Cora Crane (1865-1910), née Howarth, who ran the 'Court', a sporting house and brothel in Jacksonville. They were divorced soon after Hammond shot a man he suspected of making advances to his wife.
Life:
The Everett Hotel in Jacksonville, Florida, contained a saloon which was at one time run by Hammond P. McNeil, who is listed in the 1908 directory as living at the hotel. It may have been McNeil who, giving the Everett as his address, contacted JW in 1890 or 1891, perhaps on the strength of the family name, although they were not related (see #07842).
Bibliography:
Cora Crane archives in Columbia University Libraries; http://www.jacksonvillestory.com (accessed 2004.04.14).