The semi-weekly messenger. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1897-1908, 1905-08-29

The Notable Reunion OF the McNcin
Family. Near Fayetteville.
Especial 10 The Messenger

Fayetteville, August 22.-Not in
many years has there been a more in
teresting family gathering than the re-
union, a day or two ago., Of the McNail'
family at "Ardlussa,' on the banks Of
Rockfsh creek, seven miles south OF
this city. "Ardlussa' takes it's nan
from the family seat of the Scotch dc
Neills on the island Of Jura, the mead
of the clan im~migratiEs TO ATferica
about 1746.
For many years, both in ten lifetime
Of the late Sheriff Hector Mcneil aid
after his death. 1t has been the Won't
TO mold these family reunions of his
stalwart, mani! sons, fair, cultured
daughters, active, growing, grandchii
dren and great grandchildren; and Ibis
reunion brought together an exception
ally large number, contlngents coming
from Georgia, Florida, Texas, Tennes-
see and even New York. Sheriff Hec-
tor Mcneil, in his magnificent pay
sique, always reminded the correspond
ent of Sir Hildebrand Osbaldistone i'll
Rob Roy whom Scott describes a.
standing in the midst of his sturdy
sons like Il majestic Corinthian co.,
umn. Sheriff McNeill, long after he
was three-scOre years and ten, used &c
walk the seven miles to Fayetteville
not because he had no horse, but be-
cause he liked the walk.
AT his reunion the bountiful dinner
was spread under the sheltering oaks
OF the magnificent grove; and at tn,S
al frescO symposium of the clans, after
the enjoyment CT the feast, there were
several interesting speakers, NOTABLY
Rev. Mr.. Mccall, of Texas, DR.. Angus
Mcdonald, of Tennessee, and Mr. Ham
ilton Mcmillan, Of Red Springs, white
Miss Davidson, or Hope Mills, read a
very entertaining paper. The present.
head of the family. DR.. j. w. McNeili
a prominent physician, presided at toe
board, and ABOUT him were grouped
McNeills by the core, McEacherns
McMillans, Mcklnnons, Johnsons, Nc
Calls. McDOnalds, etc.
A fine old homestead has been AID
lussa" for many generations. Beauti-
fully situated on the banks of Rock
fish-a generous stream which sweeps
into the Cape Fear river more with the
dignity of a rival than the modesty ot
q IlUutoIy-lC SCCIlIS " 1dIlIy ICtCI &h
the wealth of nature. set in a great
wild garden, glowing in color, and riot
ing in the prodigal growth of forest and
vine, flower and shrub. Here and there
about the dear old place are sheltered
dells for sylvan picnics; about the
roots of the Old standing cypress tho
trout rises to the fisherman'S bait.
when the gold is on the pumpkin aLd
the frost is in the corn the quail pipes
in the stubble, the turkey drums in tho
thicket, the gray fox is "stOle away
through the low grounds, and the red
deer stoops his graceful head at the
ford.
Generations have blessed the shelte
Of this roof-tree, and have drunk deep
here of life's sweet, wholesome cup.
Here, from the lOins of the gigantic,
big-souled, lion-hearted sire, the "calrn,
unsighing patriarch of the woods,
sprang lusty sons, brave men, big OF
body and quick of mind; daughters.
fair Of form, pure Of life, white of soul.
May God give many nor reunions to
Sc types OF worthy manhood an
sweet wOmanhoOd.