John Neary 1822-1913

NEARY, KINNEY, MURPHY

Posted By: Joe Conroy (email)
Date: 8/7/2010 at 09:28:56

The Palo Alto Tribune
Emmetsburg, Iowa
23 Apr 1913
Page 4

John Neary Dead.

John Neary, Sr., died at the home of his son P. C. Neary in Nevada township at 12:30 p.m. Monday. Though 91 years of age and of course very feeble yet he had been comparatively well and on Monday ate dinner with the family. While still sitting at the table he became weak and as they helped him from the table they observed that his condition was unusual and he expired within ten minutes. Funeral services will be conducted at the Assumption church at ten o'clock this morning and the remains laid to rest in St. John's cemetery.

John Neary was born in Kilkenney county, Ireland. His early days were spent in his native land and there he was united in marriage to Miss Ellen Divine. They came to America probably sixty years ago and resided near Elgin, in Kane County, Illinois, for several years. He came to Palo Alto county fifty-seven years ago. He was a member of the original Irish colony that first settled in the county. He has resided here continuously since that time. There were seven families in this colony and Mr. Neary was the last survivor of the heads of any of these families. His wife died 29 years ago. His first homestead was the farm in Nevada township and he continued to reside here up to the time of his death. At no time in all of these years was he away from this farm longer than a week at a time. He was a quiet unassuming gentleman, yet earnest, industrious and ambitious. He was fair, square and honest in his dealings and was a good neighbor and a loyal friend. He was of the strong and sturdy sort, such as was needed in the early days to meet and overcome the hardships that of necessity had to be encountered. He was undaunted by trials and hardships and succeed in providing a good home and plenty of the necessities of life for his family. He was kind, loving and solicitous for the welfare of his wife and family. He has lived a long and useful life, and can surely answer to his call by a record of duties well done. He had two sons and one daughter. His son, John F. died about six years ago. His son P. C. Neary and his daughter, Mrs. P. J. Murphy survive him and mourn his departure. To them we extend sincere sympathy.

The Emmetsburg Democrat
Emmetsburg, Iowa
30 Apr 1913
Page 5

He Lived To A Ripe Age

John Neary, One of the First Settlers of the County.

Last week brief mention was made of the death of John Neary at the home of his son, P. C. Neary, in Nevada township, which occurred on April 21. The funeral was held Wednesday. There was a large attendance. Services were conducted at Assumption church, Very Rev. P. F. Farrelly officiating. The burial was in the family block in St. John's cemetery. The pall bearers were Thomas Kirby, Charles Nolan, P. J. Walsh, Peter O'Brien, David Millea, and John Fitzpatrick.

Mr. Neary was born in the county of Kilkenny, Ireland, in 1822. Hence he was 91 years of age. He came to the United States when a young man, locating in Kane county, Illinois. Soon after he was married at that place to Miss Ellen Kinney. Mr. and Mrs. Neary came to Palo Alto county in 1856. He and his companions and their families were the first settlers in this section of Iowa, although A. B. Carter and his father and one or two others had located in the vicinity of West Bend. There is one son, P. C. Neary, and one daughter, Mrs. P. J. Murphy, both of Nevada township. There are also several grandsons and grand daughters. All were present at the funeral. Another son, John F. Neary, who was well known to our many citizens, died a few years ago.

Mr. Neary was one of the last of the survivors of the old Irish colony that settled in this locality in 1856. Very few are left to tell personally the interesting trials of those who came to this region when it was a wilderness of prairie and sky and when tales of Indian treachery and massacres were enough to cower the bravest of hearts. Mr. Neary located on the land now occupied by his son. It was seven or eight miles from the principal settlement, which was on the present site known as Riverdale. However, Mr. Neary had confidence in the protecting hand of Providence and he knew that he would be shielded from harm. He was thrifty and economical and he made a comfortable home for himself and his small family. He was God-loving and God-fearing, and many and substantial blessings were bestowed upon him and upon his loved ones. He was humble and agreeable and he could always depend on the good will and the assistance of his friends and neighbors in any undertaking, should occasion require their help. He observed quietly and devoutly the practices of his holy faith. He did as judgment and his conscience directed and he kept out of difficulty. One by one his companions and neighbors of more than fifty years ago were called to their eternal reward, but he was spared to comfort those who knew him as one of the most indulgent and provident of fathers. As the century year was fast approaching the thread of life was broken and the aged and wearied heart ceased to beat. His name, the memory of his pioneer trials, and his record as a useful, dutiful, and neighborly citizen will be long and fondly treasured by the surviving relatives and friends of the family.