Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1886-11-18
mar Its beauty or destroy It's power.

nis. NeeVeS united with the Meth
odist Episcopal Church in June 1878,
but long before this took an active
interest in the church as a member of
the congregation. For many years her
health has not permitted her even to
attend the public services with regular
lty but her interest in the welfare of
the church was undated. Her bible
was her constant companion and coun-
sellor and she meditated on it continu-
ally. 1t was only in the family circle
and amongst her most intimate
friends and associates that the
depths of her religious princi-
plies, and the true scope of her religious
life was fully known and appreciated.
The welcome she was always so ready
to give her pastor told that though
unable to await on his public ministry
her heart was with him in his work
and that she fully appreciated and
priced his visits as servant of God
an under shepherd of the flock Of
Christ, her frequent mention of her
pastor IN his absence, and her desire
to see him as often as possible showed
that her thoughts were occupied with
things spiritual and eternal while one
OF her last request had reference to his
temporal interests
20 to thy rest weary pilgrim thy
tolls and suferings are past, thou hast
entered the haven of eternal peace.
Sweet shall be thy communion with
the saints before the throne in the
presence and companionship of Jesus
our Savior and King.
We too are Journey ing homeward
through this night of life. Good by
mother, Good by sister, friend, neigh
Dor,
"Only little while and then the shadows,
Which cross our earthly path shall fee away
Only little while, and then earths darkness,
Shall be changed for heavens eternal day.
[The following Obituary was contributed by
F. B. RI
Mrs Mary Neeves died at the family
residence, Monday Nov. 9Th 1886, at
two o'clock. Mrs Neeves was one of
the Oldest pioneers of the county Her
husband came to grand Rapids in 1914
and she with the family followed one
year lat er. To write the history of
this family would be to write the events
of Wood County and note almost the
whole growth of this section, for but
few white families were living here at
that period. They have in some way
been connected with the birth and de-
Velopment of the present city. Mr..
and Mrs. Neeves were always energetic
and enterpriSing in business. Indus
try was the characteristic trait with
probably too hopeful prospect rela-
tive to the immediate growth of the
locality
Mrs. Neeves mentally was a remark
able woman. She was possessed with
sweet gentle disposition which dis
played itself through her whole life.
Her friends increased with associations.
She was peculiarly homo woman ond
her grace and influence made the
household an attractive place for the
family board She was rarely gifted
with mental qualities and was recog-
nized among friends and acquaintances
to possess common sense In an uncom-
mon degree She was wise among women
She had a notable business sagacity
and was peer in prudent methods and
counsels. She was kind to friends and
charitable to those unkind. Her sense
of right and wrong were positive and
decided. She loved right for it's own
sake. Her disposition abounded in
the charity Of human kindness. Her
strong mental powers and consequent
good judgment made her an idol of
love for her children who rendered to
her the homage and devotion due a
good mother She was fond mother
loving wife and true devoted friend
"a friend in the hour of trial. A
remarkable trait was the deep regard
and respect with which she was held
by those who knew her the longest
years Her neighbors will long re-
member her as an able, good person,
who interfered in no ones business but
whose influence was happy smile, her
appearance joy of good fellowship.
One so rarely gifted mental ly and
physically did not lack for admirers,
for could she speak word tonight,
forest of flowers would betoken their
love.
Mrs. Neeves was charming woman
socially This was enhanced by her
dignity and reserve. It seemed that
she always had something more inter-
esting to tell than she told. She was
not society woman in the general
sense, but was more intimately &C
quainted with fewer people. Those
who met her once desired to meet her
again. The oldest settlers speak of
her in the highest terms of respect and
worth.
Physically, she was an extraordinary
women, not one in thousand enjoyed
such unyielding endurance. Possessed