Leon Reporter, Leon, Iowa
Thursday, July 14, 1904

MISS BESSIE O'NEAL died Monday morning at half past six o'clock at the home of her uncle and aunt, MR. and MRS. WM. ALCORN, near Garden Grove. BESSIE was born at Mt. Ayr, Iowa, July 28, l888, and was the only child of J.W. and SADIE O'NEAL, formerly of Mt. Ayr. After her mother's death she lived for a while at Creston where she attended school. Two years ago she came to brighten the ALCORN home bringing nothing but sunshine and had been loved and petted by them as one of their own, they having no children. Her illness dated from Feb. 6, when she came home from school with la grippe from which she never recovered and soon God chose her for an angel. During her sickness she had so many pleasant dreams always with some school friend. Her life was short among us here, but those who knew her best loved her best.

The funeral was held at the Baptist Church, conducted by Rev. John Chandler. Interment was made at Rose Hill Cemetery, Mt. Ayr.

--GARDEN GROVE EXPRESS.

Copied by Nancee(McMurtrey)Seifert
May 30, 2003