Morgan County Democrat. (McConnelsville, Ohio) 1886-1943, 1923-12-06
THOs. j. NEEIlY, PROMINENT
MORGAN COUNTY MAN, DIES

MORGAN COUNTY MAN, DIES
If IL with sadness that we chroni-
cle the death of Thomas j. Nicely,
one OF Morgan county's most wideiy
known and highly regarded resi-
dents. Mr.. Nicely will be missed in
McConnelsville where business often
called him, and especially will he be
missed around ChautauQua timU,
where his CHEEKY presence was an
accustomed sight each year. Mr..
Nicely had been staunch supporter
OF that institution practically since
its inception, ard was one Of the di-
rectors The following sketch was
furnished by relative and express
es the sentiments of the community
regarding the life of the deceased:
The community was deeply shock
ed over the announcement of the
death of T. j. Neely, storekeeper
and undertaken at Neelyville, and
a man prominent in the community.
He had been in his usual health and
able to attend to his business until
just few weeks ago when he was
compelled because of a weak heart
to keep to his room.
While his last illness was consid-
cred serious his death was unexpect-
ed by all except perhaps his immed-
late family. The end came suddenly
while he was sitting in his chair Dy
the fireside. His wife was alone
with him and supported him in her
arms until assistance caE1e.
Mr.. Neely was born and reared on
10
Quoted a general store in that vii
Iage for 46 years, which is longer
than an average life time. The ma
jority OF the people in the communl-
ty cannot remember a time when
s'Tom' as he was familiarly called
was not there to give CHEEKY wei
come to his customers.
Mr.. Neely was born Sept. Il
1851. and died Nov 30, 1923, aged
72 years. He was the youngest sor
of John and Eliza Johnson Nicely
All Of his fathers family are now
dead except one sister Mrs. No
Putledge who lives in GAINESVILLE a1f
one brother ]. w. Nicely whose home
is in Cleveland, Tenn. Mr.. Nicely
was twice married. His first wife
was Carrie Hall to whom he wa:
married June 10, 1875. To thl:
union three children were born
Froro,ce vien nf G. o. Stewart o.
GAINESVILLE; Carrie, wife of Howard
Mccormick who resides in the NC
Kendree neighborhood, and one sol
who died in infancy. His SECOND
wife was Mamie Glenn to whom
he was married Dec. 18, 1890
There were no children to this un
ion The near relatives who mourn
his loss are his wife. two daughter
and five grandchildren.
Mr.. Neely's father and grand
father were pioneers in establishing
the early churches of the communi
tv. They donated the land on whlcf
HONEYWELL church now stands ant
helped to erect the first ios churci
at that place. Mr.. Nicely united will
this church when he was yount
man 21 years of age. He lived
faithful, consistent Christian lif'
and continued to support the churci
founded by his ancestors. He wa
nrominent in all church work AM
was for many years class leader ant
Sunday school superintendent. 4
few wears ago Hopewell church wa
discontinued and he then transfer
red his membership to McKendree
He was Immediately appointed as
sjstant class leader of that churcl
which office he continued to fill un
til his death. Mr.. Nicely was activ'
in charity work. He not only con
tributed literally of his means u
eyery charity organization tha
came to his notice, but many klnt
deed he was able to do that only tn
recording angel and the one IN neet
know about He was Interested II
community work and supported ev
ery effort that had for it's object tn
uplifting of humanity and betterinl
the conditions of life. Mr.. Neely'
one outstanding characteristic wa
perhaps his hearty good humor. HI
was universally liked by all VIII
knew him either socially or in
business way. In reviewing his llf'
his many friends will remember tha
whenever they came in contact will
him. his good humor, his heart
laugh and his pleasantries wer'
things they remembered for day
afterward. He lived good life ant
his influence will continue to llv
in the hearts of his friends an'
neighbors. The influence for goo'
which radiated from him during nj
life time has helped to strengthen
the character of many people In nj
own community and wherever he wa
known he will be remembered as
man who saw the bright side OF life
Mr.. Nicely was an ODD Fenow
and that order together with nj
pastor Rev. Bay had charge OF nj
funeral services. He was carrieo =
his last resting place by his fraterni
ty brothers. Interment was mao
in tbe McConnelsville cemetery.