Robert Herbert Neil 1890-1921

NEIL, WIESE

Posted By: Merllene Andre Bendixen (email)
Date: 11/16/2010 at 21:22:43

R. H. Neil Killed in Auto Accident

R. H. Neil, a switchman on the Rock Island was killed about 12:30 this morning in an auto accident about one half mile west of Superior. The cause of the accident is not known as no one saw it and no one was with Mr. Neil at the time. Yesterday his wife received a message from Sutherland that her sister was seriously ill and desired her to come at one. She wanted to go by rail but Mr. Neil decided to take her in the auto. They left yesterday and he was returning home this morning. At the place of the accident there is only a small ditch and from all appearances he was not driving very fast. The car was turned on its side and Mr. Neil was fastened across the face under the fender. His neck was broken and death from appearances was instantaneous. A man from Algona found him and reported the case. He found the name on the name plate in the car and took the number from the car. Several from here including the switchmen, went at once to the scene of the accident and the undertakers were sent for. The remains were brought to this city this afternoon. Mrs. A. H. Reese notified a brother and brother-in-law of Mrs. Neil at Sutherland who notified Mrs. Neil. They will start at once for this city. Mr. Neil was a man 30 years of age in July, was a most excellent fellow and beloved by all who knew him.

They had purchased a home on Third street and intended to make this their home. The friends and neighbors are extremely shocked over the accident. (Estherville Enterprise, Estherville, IA, June 1, 1921)

R. H. Neil Funeral Largely Attended Sunday Afternoon
Church Filled With Friends Who Came to Pay Last Respects to Popular Man

Robert Herbert Neil was born in Sims, North Dakota, August 31, 1890 and together with his family moved to Montana from which state he came to Iowa about nine years ago and has since made his home in Estherville where he has been engaged in railroad service.

Here he was united in marriage to Miss Meta Helena Wiese on May 15th, 1914. He was rather quiet in manner and was a true “pal” to his friends. He was a member of the Yeomen, L.O.O.M., the S.U. of N.A., among all of whom he had many faithful and steadfast friends.

On Wednesday, June 1st, while returning from Sutherland in his auto in some manner quite unknown to any person now living the car was upset and in the accident lost his life, death, perhaps having been instantaneous. He leaves to mourn his untimely death his wife, his father, one brother and two sisters, grand father, grand mother, and a host of friends.

Funeral services were held from the Methodist Episcopal church on Sunday afternoon at 3:00 o’clock with the Rev. J. W. LaGrone, his pastor in charge. A male quartette composed of Messrs Albertson, Allison, Manthe and Wilder sang two beautiful numbers and Miss Florence Morse accompanied at the organ. The house was packed, galleries and auditorium, with sympathizing friends and the flowers were beautiful and many, testifying to the high esteem in which Mr. Neil was held by those who knew him. The body was buried in Oak Hill cemetery. The shock of his sudden and terrible death was great and all deeply sympathize with his wife and family in their great sorrow. (Vindicator and Republican, Estherville, IA, June 8, 1921)