Joseph Nelson McNeil

 

Joseph Nelson McNeil was born in Adams County, Ohio, April 21, 1839, and died at his home in Thawville, June 14, 1918, aged 88 years, 1 month and 23 days.

The deceased spent the early part of his life in Ohio but in early manhood came to Illinois, first settling near Bloomington and later coming to Ford County where he lived on a farm north of Roberts. He was married in 1855 to Miss Lemira Rogers. To this union were born eleven children, seven of whom are still living. Besides the children he leaves 31 grandchildren, 12 great grandchildren, and 2 great-great grandchildren. The children are Mrs. Susan Montague of Missouri, Mrs. Emma Walker, deceased, Rev. William C. of Alabama, Mrs. Mary E. Moore of St. Louis, Mrs. Sally Amanda Runnals of Thawville, Joseph of North Dakota, John Alexander of South Dakota, Lee R. of California, Birch of Roberts and Edith and Charles deceased. 

Mr. McNeil joined the Presbyterian church in early life and lived a consistent christian until his death. He was beloved by his family and respected and by all who knew him for his noble qualities. He belonged to the families of McNeils's Morrows and Patton's who settled in Virginia in early colonial times and came westward through Kentucky and Ohio.

The funeral services were held at the M.E. church in Thawville, Sunday June 16, at 2:30 p.m. Rev. Allen of Piper City and Rev. Bradburn of Thawville officiating. The remains were laid to rest in Lyman cemetery.

Among those from a distance who attended the funeral were:  Mr. and Mrs. Montague, Mrs. Effie Schugaman and Mr. and Mrs. Everett Kayser of Chicago; Mr. and Mrs. Fred Sham of Gary, Indiana; Rev. and Mrs. Bert Montague of Vermillion; Rev. W. C. McNeil of Vinegar Bend, Alabama; Joseph McNeil and son from North Dakota, and John McNeil of Flandreau, South Dakota.

--Roberts Herald. 26 June 1918.