Washington standard. [volume] (Olympia, Wash. Territory) 1860-1921, 1917-10-19
ATTEND FUNERAL OF
SHELTON PIONEER
MANY LOCAL PEOPLE ATTEND
SERVICES FOR THOS.
O'NEILL.

A large number of local Demo-
Gratis, statehouse officials, and men,
bers of the Knights of Columbus and
Elks lodges went over to Shelton last
Saturday morning to attend the flu
neral of Thos. O'Neill. pioneer Mason
county merchant and one Of the lead
ing Democrats of the state, who died
at the family home in that city
Wednesday of last week, after a lin
gering illness.
The funeral took place at St. Ed
wards church, high mass being cele-
brated by Father Regimbal and other
clergy, and interment was made in
the Catholic cemetery at Shelton.
Friends from all parts of the state
attended.
Death Had Been Expected.
The Mason County Journal writes
of him as follows:
His condition had been hopeless
for some weeks past and death not
unexpected by family and friends.
Occasionally for several years past
he has suffered from so-called rheu-
matism and each recurring period
would be more severe. Last spring
he became alarmed and tried many
leading outside specialists and in
July visit was made to Los Angeles,
where thorough X-ray examination
was made, without disclosing the ex-
act nature of his trouble.
Finding no relief in hot spring
treatment he returned home after six
weeks but in August visited a spe-
cialist in Portland, and the disease
had then developed sufficiently to'be
diagnosed as sarcoma of the pelvis
bone. but not possible of operation
for relief. He was brought home
and made as comfortable as possible
until the end.
| Came West in 1885.
! Thomas O'Neill was born in Erins-
vile, Canada, September 8, 1859, the
fourth son of James and Catherine
(Hinch) O'Neill. natives OF Ireland.
He left home when IA years of age
and went to Saginaw, Michigan,
where he took up the trade of black
smith learned of his father at home.
In the latter part of 1886 he came
West and, landing at Shelton, Sc
MI Of n <ro IA x1,fA1
the Satsop Railroad company, now
the Peninsular. in its little frame
shop located where is now the cross
ing at Fifth and Railroad streets.
In February, 1889. he was married
to Miss Jeanette Mcdonald, daugh-
ter Of Mrs. Margaret Mcdonald, and
became associated with the latter in
the merchandise business. opening a
general store in the David Shelton
building on First street. which has
ever since been his place of business.
About 10 years ago Mrs. Mcdonald
withdrew from the business, which
since has been conducted by Mr..
O'Neill alone.
During his long years Of business
he became interested in other lines,
notably oyster lands and cultivation,
and was one of the largest owners
and shippers of this bay. He was
also interested in any manager of the
Shelton Transportation company, and
connected with the State Bank Of
Shelton and other local enterprises.
Active in Public Affairs.
His recreations were few, one of
which being the development Of a
summer home and farm at the head
of the bay in which he took much in
terest. He also took during his long
! business career in Shelton an active
interest in public affairs, and besides
serving as county treasurer and COM
missioner. has left his impress upon
many of the activities to advance the
community, which will feel the loss
in his going, as will the people of
Shelton with whom he has so long
been associated.
Deceased leaves to mourn his loss
a sorrowing widow, three sons, Don
aid James, Angus Lawrence and
Thomas Richard, and one daughter,
Carmelita Elizabeth.