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O'Neil |
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| James O’Neil, farmer, sec. 35, Deerfield Tp.,P.O.Morley, is the son of John and Mary (Martin) O’Neil, natives of Ireland, and now resident in Mecosta Co., Mich. Mr. O’Neil was born in CamdenTp., Canada, July 30, 1855. When he was 15 he came to shiawassee Co. with his parents and lived until the fall of 1873, which time they removed to Mecosta Co. Mr. O’Neil bought 40 acres of wild land and began the life of a pioneer, building a primitive log house and proceeding to clear up the forest. In 1877 he bought another 40 acres and in 1882 added 40 acres more to his possessions. He has one of these tracts under cultivation and is erecting a fine frame house. He was married Oct. l2, 1873, at Owosso, Shiawassee Co., to Marietta, daughter of Michael and Julia (Leveck) McKeen. They have had five children, born as follows: James B., Sept.14, 1879; Mary E., April 31,1881; John S. Oct. 5, 1882; Julia born Nov. 29,1875, died May 7, 1881; Ambrose, born June 5, 1877, died May 8, 1881. These children died of diphtheria, after eight days of illness. Mr. O’Neil acts with the Democratic party and is adherent of the Catholic Church. |