Maple Dale Farm was the home of William Haskell Neal, originator of Neal's Paymaster Corn. In 1898 he began field selection of seed corn from stalks bearing two ears. His corn breeding experimentation marked the beginning of hybrid corn in the United States. This work led to significant increases in farm productivity and to more income for farmers. In 1937 Neal was the first person inducted into the Tennessee Agricultural Hall of Fame. He died on July 10, 1934, and his remains were interred in Bethlehem Cemetery.