McNEAL, Lucinds

MCNEAL, ODONNELL, FERRIS

Posted By: Lynette Edsall (email)
Date: 7/9/2006 at 15:25:54

September 22, 1892 The Cherokean Democrat

PEACE AT LAST

After Many Years of Intense Suffering Mrs. Lucinda McNeal Passes to Her Well-Earned Reward.

The death of Mrs. Lucinda McNeal, which occurred at her home in Cherokee Friday, Sept. 16, was not unexpected. In fact, the wonder was that she lasted so long, suffering so intensely as she has for several years. Mrs. McNeal was afflicted with disease of the nerves of the jaw, coupled with other diseases. Her illness dates back to April 1887. At times she found some relief, but has been a constant sufferer all these years. Since December last she has been confined to her bed and only those who have watched over her and been near her can form an idea of the intensity of her suffering. Her physicians say that in all their experience they have seen nothing to equal it. But all the time she wa a patient sufferer, knowing that when death came to relive the weary body racked with pain, there would be sweet repose for the soul.

The deceased was born in Marysville, Union county, Ohio, Dec. 4, 1823. In 1844 she emigrated to LaSalle county, Ill., making the journey in a covered wagon. There she lived in a log cabin and endured all the hardships and privations of pioneer life. In September, 1876, she removed to Cherokee and has since resided here. She was twice married. Her first husband died from cholera in 1852. Her second husband, Wm. McNeal, died in Cherokee in 1883. She was the mother of three children. They are J. O’Donnell of Cherokee, Daniel W. McNeal of Washta, and Mary L. McNeal of Cherokee. She was a member of the Congregational church , and was a faithful christian woman. In her early life she was a faithful child and devoted to her parents, being the eldest of a large family. Wit her children her life was such as to make the name of “mother” sacred.

The funeral services took place at the Congregational church on Sunday afternoon. Rev. W.L. Ferris preaching a touching sermon from the test: “Be thou faithful unto death and I will five you the crown of life.” There were numerous floral offerings, among them the following: (extensive list of floral tributes. Please email me if you would like the list)

It is fitting that in this sketch mention should be made of the devotion to her mother exhibited by Miss Mary McNeal. Since her first illness she has been her constant attendant, watching over her and supplying her every want so far as earthly hands could do so. For six years this daughter has not had a complete night’s rest and for six months, day and night, she has remained at the bedside of her mother. Such true devotion is seldom seen, and the reward for such heroic deeds should be great.