Belle’s Box – 3-30

This entry is part 284 of 342 in the series Belle's Box

Read about this series of posts, regarding items in a box originally owned by Belle (Lamunion) Fellows Tinker here. The cast of characters is located here. And, there is an accounting of people about whom I have little information here.

The numbering of these posts had been modified to signify that I am posting items from my archival book three, a three precedes the item number.

3-30

 

Robert Neil

Robert Neil was born in Ontario, Canada, June 14, 1851, and departed this life Jan. 16, 1914.

When a young man he came to this vicinity and engage in lumbering. As foreman over a company of men he directed the cutting of the timber where the village of Grant now stands.

Returning to Canada for a short time, he was married, July 23, 1872, to Miss Katherine McCallum. Mr. and Mrs. Neil began housekeeping in a lumber camp near what is now known as White Hall. To reach their home they were compelled to drive through a wilderness for 35 miles from the nearest station, now Farwell, Isabelle(sic) county. For several years most of their time was spent in lumber camps, where-ever duty called the husband and father.

About 35 years ago deceased purchased the farm where during the past 17 years he lived with his family, and from which he passed to the home beyond at the age of 62 years, 7 months and 2 days.

Five children were born into the home. Jessie Rose, the first born, and Walter, the third, both died in infancy. In her hour of grief the widowed mother is being comforted by her two sons and one daughter, Vernon, Herman and Pearl all of whom are well known in this community.

Some 34 or 33 years ago, before a church was build in this place, Mr. and Mrs. Neil were baptized in the waters of Muskegon river, at the hand of Rev. Mellon. Since then deceased has been a member of the band know through recent years as the Ashland Baptist church. For more than a quarter of a century deceased has been a member of the I.O.O.F.

His life we all know better than words can describe it. May we than God for the noble traits of character he possessed, while in live we overlook his faults, and do our utmost to ease the burden of hearts most sorely distressed.

Funeral service were held Sunday a 2:30 p.m., conducted by Rev. Chas. E. Ehle, of Camden, Ind., assisted by Rev. Kilgore and ?? burn.
There were just two obituaries among the items in Belle’s box. The Lamunions, Belle’s family resided in Allegan County, and Belle and Henry Fellows spent the early years of their married life in Ashland Township, Newaygo County. Henry worked in lumber camps, as did Charlie Tinker. Mr. Neil must have been a friend from those early days.

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