Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1908-02-25
DEATH OF G. L. MCNEIL.

Mr.. George L. McNeel, for many
years past, one Of the most venerable
and beloved citizens Of Yorkvllle. pass
ed away at his home in this place at 5
o'clock yesterday morning, after a long
period of failing health. He was In
the S5th year Of his age.
Mr. McNeel was born in Chester
county on January 6, 1924, but moved
to York county while still q young man,
and in 1850 established a mercantile
business at Bullock's Creek church, and
continued the same except with such
interruption as was caused by the civil
war up to about 1885. He was a good
business man, with high sense Of duty
and responsibility to the people he
served, and as the result Of many years
Of faithful effort, he not only won for
himself the esteem, gratitude and con-
hdence Of practically the whole neigh
borhood in which he lived; but accu-
mulated in addition quite a handsome
competence.
Although of an unusually modest and
retiring disposition. Mr.. McNeel was
once a member of the legislature. Just
how it happened nobody has even tried
to explain, except as most fitting trlD-
ute to the character Of the man. 1t
was in 1878 while white supremacy was
yet in process Of establishment. 1t was
necessary to be exceedingly careful as
to the personnel OF the candidates to De
put up as representatives In the gen
eral assembly, for as yet there was little
reason to hope that the big fight or the
few years previous was entirely over
Mr. McNeel was nominated In conyen-
Il Inc
permitted the use of his name along
with the names OF Peter Garrison,
Chas. NJ. Green and Benz. II. Massey.
AS ii turned out there was no opposi-
ton and the ticket was elected unani-
mously with Mr.. McNeel at the head.
He received 2,911 votes. But one term
was enough for Mr.. McNeel. Lawmak-
ing was not business to his liking, ana
when 1t became clear that 1t was not
his imperative duty to do so, he de-
clined to remain in politics.
Mr.. McNeel moved to Yorkville with
his family in 1886. He was engaged IN
business here for a number OF years,
rather as a silent partner; but made no
really serious business efforts. He de-
voted himself more particularly TO the
education of his younger children and
the affairs of his church. He had been
an officer in the Presbyterian church at
Bullocks Creek for many years, and In
1888 was given a place on the bench
OF elders of the First Presbyterian
church of Yorkville.
Mr.. McNeel was twice married, the
first time to Miss Mary Jane MCGOWAN,
and the second time to Miss Mary Da-
wilson. There were two children as
the issue Of the first marriage, son and
daughter The son Is Mr.. S. NJ. McNeel
Of YOrkville. The daughter, Miss Anne
Ia, now deceased, was the wife Of Mr..
R. NJ. Carroll Of Yorkville. There were
three children as the issue OF the sec
ond marriage, two sons and one
daughter Mr.. Paul T. McNeel Of York.
vile, Mr. John D. McNeel Of Taladega-
ala and Miss Hulda McNeel Of York
vile.
, Throughout his whole life the repu-
tation of Mr.. McNeel was that Of an
upright man. In his old age his chara-
acter was that Of a most lovable Chris
tian gentleman. He was charitable to
human frailties; but he was unwilling
at any time to tolerate in anybody that
which savored Of any but upright deal
ing.
The funeral services will be held In
the First Presbyterian church Of York
vile this afternoon at o'clock and the
interment will take place in the York
vile cemetery.