NEFF, G.W. (George Washington)

NEFF, YODER, LAIRD, MILLER, EICHER

Posted By: amw (email)
Date: 1/7/2011 at 12:39:45

Wayland News. December 25, 1924, page 4
Passed Away Saturday Evening
George Washington Neff, one of Wayland's best known citizens, passed away at his home here Saturday evening about 8:30 after an illness of about two weeks. Mr. Neff was taken seriously ill with the flu about two weeks ago, which reduced him to a very weakened condition. In addition to this, an affection (sic) of the heart, with which e has been afflicted for some years, made his recovery extremely doubtful for several days.

His daughter, Mrs. Clark Laird, and husband, and one son, Fred, were with him during his illness but other members of the family did not arrive until after his death.

Wash Neff was left an orphan when he was but a small boy, and was forced to depend upon strangers for his support. He began to make his own way early in life, encountering many hardships in the progress of making a man of himself. He came to Iowa from Ohio where he was born, at the age of 17 years, and found a home in the family of Phillip Yoder, a prosperous farmer of Wayne township, residing near the present town of Olds. But there was no town there then, only the broad prairies with an occasional farm house and these very far between.

Since that time he has been a continuous resident of this vicinity, except two years ago when he and Mrs. Neff resided in Omaha, Nebraska. Until his health began to fail about 15 years ago, Mr. Neff was a farmer and stock raiser. At one time he was the proud possessor of a fine herd of thoroughbred Poland China hogs and through the purchase and sale of these fine animals, he became widely known. Since his retirement from the farm, Mr. and Mrs. Neff have had their home in Wayland, except as above noted, and no home in Wayland has ever extended a more generous welcome to neighbors and friends.

In the death of G.W. Neff, Wayland loses one of her best citizens, a man who was always ready to assist in every public enterprise or patriotic endeavor. We shall miss his genial presence, his jolly greeting and friendly conversation very much, realizing that we have lost a good friend.

The funeral was held at the Mennonite church Tuesday afternoon at 2:30, the service being conducted by Rev. Schrag, assisted by Rev. Pritchard of the Methodist church. Music was suppled b y the Men's Octette. Interment was made in the family plot in North Hill cemetery.

Those attending the funeral from a distance were M.P. and G.H. Neff of Omaha, Nebraska, the two daughters, Martha and Maude of New York, and A.R. Miller and Stanley Miller of Washington, Mrs. Noah Eicher and others from Winfield. (SC)