Neal, Melissa Evalyn (McDonald) 1858-1897

NEAL, MCDONALD, FORBES, FEAS, WINSLOW

Posted By: Volunteer Transcriber
Date: 5/9/2005 at 18:04:56

The Newton Record December 17, 1897
Mrs. Wm. Neal Expires Suddenly Tuesday Afternoon at the Armory.

Neal, Melissa Evalyn (McDonald)

The sudden death of Mrs. Wm. Neal, on Tuesday afternoon, was a great shock to this community and caused profound sorrow to a large circle of friends of the good woman. The circumstances of her death were peculiarly sad. Mrs. Neal has been in the enjoyment of perfect health, and left her home only a little while before, cheerful and happy, and with no premonition that she had crossed its threshold for the last time.

Wilson Circle, Ladies of the G.A. R., were holding inspection in the Armory, Mrs. Sherman the Department President being present. The initiation of a candidate, Miss Ida Smith, was the first order of business and Mrs. Neal, who was on the committee of investigation, had just made her report and taken her seat, when she raised her hand to the back of her head, and drooping, fell over into the arms of a lady sitting by her side ­ unconscious and without speaking a word, and only breathed a few times afterwards. A physician was called, but it was too late; no human power could restore life to the body already growing cold in death. The bereaved husband and children were almost crushed with grief, yet loving friends were ready to sympathize and comfort.

The reception, which was to have been tendered to the Department President, in the evening, and followed by a banquet, was given up, as were also all the exercises of the day, which had been planned for. Mrs. Neal had been a prominent worker in the order, and her death came as a personal bereavement to each member, to all of whom she had greatly endeared herself.

Mrs. Neal’s maiden name was Melissa Evalyn McDonald, daughter of W. J. McDonald, now of Baldwin, Kan. She was born in Montrose, Lee County, Iowa, Feb. 28, 1858. When an infant, her parents moved to Kansas, where the mother died, and in January 1867, Mr. McDonald with his family of motherless children, arrived in this city, Eva then being scarcely ten years of age.

On the 23rd of April 1877, she was united in marriage to Wm. Neal. To them were born six children ­ all of them living: Vera, Madge, Florence, Lucy, Lois and Willie ­ the oldest 19 and the youngest 7 years of age. She has two sisters and one brother ­ Mrs. Edwin Forbes and Mrs. Geo. Feas of this vicinity, and Martin McDonald of Boone, Ia. She was a niece of Mrs. Willard Winslow.

Mrs. Neal, though not a member of any church denomination, was a Methodist in belief and a Christian whose noble character was evidenced by her daily walk and conversation. She was of a happy, cheerful disposition, looking ever on the bright side of life, no matter how darkly the clouds might be overshadowing. She was a truly devoted wife and tender, loving mother ­ idolizing husband and children. The morning she died she had been planning for the happiness of her loved ones at the coming Christmas time. To the husband and motherless children the tenderest sympathy is extended.

Funeral services were held at the home on Thursday afternoon, conducted by Rev. C. V. Cowan of the M. E. Church. The Ladies of the G. A. R. attended as a body, and the services were very solemn and impressive.

Originally submitted on Thu Sep 19 20:10:56 2002