Francis O'Neil and the O'Neil Family - Part 2

 The O'Neil Family, the Next Generations

If you missed Part 1 of the story, go here . . .

Francis O'Neil and Elizabeth Nevin came to America from Scotland and Ireland in the 1840s, married, and raised a large family that included children from previous marriages. They started out in south-central Wisconsin and then embarked on a 400-mile journey to far western Iowa and lived out their lives on the prairie.

From the 1897 Sanborn Map, the Arlington Hotel is shown on Fourth Street.
The hotel was often the center of life for the extended O'Neil family. 

Francis, from his two marriages plus the adoption of at least one child from Elizabeth's first marriage, would form a large blended family with births taking place over a 35-year span. Eldest son, James, was in his 30s by the time the last of the O'Neil Children, Flora (who died as an infant), was born. As they grew into adulthood, the children would be spread out from Wisconsin to Iowa and beyond.

The children of Francis and Rosa: 

• James (b.1835, d.1903) was born in Scotland. He married Grace Smith (b.1837, d.1904), also from Scotland. James served as a Captain in Company H of the 11th Wisconsin Infantry in the Civil War. After the war, the family lived in Columbia County, Wisconsin but later moved to Washington state, where they farmed and lived out their lives. James and Grace had a son and an adopted daughter and they are buried at Lyden Cemetery in Lyden, Washington. 

Obituary of James O'Neil from The Lynden Tribune, October 22, 1908: "Last Saturday afternoon the bugle call was sounded for another of the brave Boys in Blue, who fought four long years under 'Old Glory' to keep our nation, one and inseparable. Captain James O'Neil of Company H., 11th Wis. Volunteers, was quietly ushered into the presence of his Great Commander on Saturday afternoon at 2 o'clock. He had been ailing for about four weeks, yet death came as a surprise to the family, although the old gentleman felt from the time he was taken sick that his days were numbered. Captain O'Neil was a pioneer of Lynden, and was well and favorably known by many people all over Whatcom Co."

Francis O'Neil and son James

• Catherine (b.1837, d.1910) was born in Scotland. In 1856, she married William Smith (b.1835, d.1899) in Wisconsin. He was born in England and came to America with his parents. Catherine and William were married in Wisconsin and headed west to Iowa, with at least four children in tow,  about the same time as the rest of the O'Neil family. They farmed in Danbury, Iowa, where William was also the Postmaster, School Board Member, and Justice of the Peace. Catherine and William reportedly had 14 children, some born in Wisconsin and some in Iowa. Two of their children died of typhoid fever in 1878. Catherine and William, along with some of their children, are buried at Heisler Cemetery in Mapleton.

Catherine and her husband, William Smith.

William, Jessie, and Kate Smith, the children of Catherine and William Smith.
William Jr. and Kate lived out their lives in Monona County, while Jessie would reside
in Washburn, Wisconsin, where she was a teacher and rose to be the Superintendent of schools..

• William (b.1841) was born in Scotland. Information on William is incomplete. He is said to have been with the 10th New York Cavalry in the Civil War. After the war, he was a chef in a prominent hotel in Chicago and later went to California. There are two Williams listed as children of Francis and Rose - it seems odd, and since not much is known about this William, his existence or relation to this family may be suspect.
• Frank (b.1843, d.1917) was born in Scotland. He served in the 2nd Wisconsin Infantry in the Civil War. In 1869, he married Sarah Croft Stratton (b.1848), a widow with a daughter. They moved west to Woodbury County, Iowa and farmed. They moved to Lynden, Washington, sometime after 1883, perhaps on the heal of brother, James. Frank outlived Sarah and spent his last years in California; they had at least four children.
• Hannah (b.1845) was born in Scotland and died in infancy. 
• William (b.1848, d.1917) was born in Wisconsin. He served in the Civil War, but he enlisted at the very young age of 13, served prominently and rose to be a Captain. He also raised a company for service in the Spanish-American War but their group never saw action. In 1880, he married Mary Judge (b.1848, d.1914) and they had no children. William lived in various parts of northern Wisconsin and was involved in the lumber industry. A prominent citizen, he served as mayor of Washburn and was a member of the state Legislature and the state Senate.

Obituary for William O'Neil from The Mapleton Press, March 22, 1917: "William O'Neil for many years prominent in Wisconsin business circles, passed away recently in his home at Cass Lake, Wis. A veteran of the Civil War, a veteran of the Spanish American War, twice elected a member of the Wisconsin legislature, once a member of the Wisconsin senate, for years superintendent of the logging operations at the Cass Lake reservation and interested in other enterprises, Mr. O'Neil lead and active and useful life and his departure has been a severe loss to the community in which he lived for so many years. His father was one time was owner of the Arlington Hotel and had been married twice, William being a child of the first marriage. He never lived here but is known to a few local people whom he met here while traveling. Mrs. Agnes Donery of Danbury, Mrs. Albert Anthony, Mrs. Jeff Hollister, and Mrs. James Hammond are half sisters and Loren O'Neil is a half brother. Edward O'Neil of Lyden, Washington and Frank O'Neil of Pomina, Cal. are full brothers."

William O'Neil

• Agnes, may have been Mary Agnes (b.1851, d.1941) was born in Wisconsin and went west to Iowa with her father and stepmother in 1866. In 1869, she married James Donery (b.1832, d.1894), they had 10 children and farmed in Woodbury County. They are buried at Saint Patrick's Cemetery in Danbury, Iowa
• Edward (b.1853, d.1941) was born in Wisconsin and went west to Iowa with his father and stepmother in 1866. In 1874, he headed further west to Washington Territory to homestead, again, maybe following his older brother James. There, in 1883, he married Mary Walker (b.1855, d. 1930). They had at least four children, farmed in Whatcom County and are buried at Lyndon Cemetery in Lyndon, Washington. There are at least 20 O'Neil family members buried at the cemetery in Lyndon.

Part of a biography of Edward O'Neil from the History of Whatcom County, Volume II: Edward O'Neil secured his education in the public schools of Wisconsin and Iowa, attending school about three months each year. He remained on his father's farm until 1874, when he came to the present site of Lynden, Whatcom county, and during the ensuing eleven years he worked in the woods around British Columbia and Puget sound. In the late '70's he homesteaded a tract of land in Lynden township, of which his present farm is a part. While continuing his work in the woods, he returned to his land from time to time until he had proved it up, and in 1883 he located permanently on this place. His first trip to this tract was on foot over the old Telegraph trail by way of Everson. The land was densely covered with timber and brush and the surrounding woods were filled with wild animals, such as bears, deer, wild cats and cougars, and so bold were they that at one time a cougar killed a heifer belonging to Mr. O'Neil's brother-in-law. During his first year here Mr. O'Neil had to go to Bellingham to trade and, there being no roads, he had to pack in his provisions. Indeed, he made the first trail leading to his land. The second year after he came here a Mr. Hawley opened a small store at Lynden, which was a great accommodation to the settlers in this locality. Mr. O'Neil spent many days in hard and unremitting toil before his land was in shape for cultivation, but in the course of time he developed a good farm and a comfortable home. He now has about forty acres cleared, the remainder being in timber. During his second year on the place he was burned out by a forest fire, but he immediately began to rebuild. He has made many splendid improvements on the farm, including a good set of buildings, and now has a very attractive place. He has carried on general farming operations, in connection with which he has kept a good herd of milk cows, and is now engaged in the chicken business, both of which lines are profitable in this section of the state. Mr. O'Neil is enterprising and up-to-date in his methods and has attained a very comfortable station in life as the result of his persistent and well directed efforts.

The children of Francis and Elizabeth:

• Issac (b.1857) was born in Wisconsin and may have been the firstborn child of Francis and Elizabeth. He is listed on the 1870 US Census as 13 years old but no other information about him as been found.
• Hannah (b.1858, d.1935) was born in Wisconsin. She married Thomas Jefferson Hollister (b.1855, d.1924) in 1883. They had eight children and lived out their lives in western Iowa. You can read more about Hannah and the TJ Hollister family further below in this post and in Part 4 of the Hollister Family story, found here.

Hannah O'Neil.

• Grace (b.1857, d.1891) was born in Wisconsin. She married Peter Banta (b.1856, d. 1934) in 1883. They had six children but Grace died at the age of 32. After her death, Peter remarried and lived in the State of Washington. Grace is buried at Heisler Cemetery in Mapleton.
• Mary (b.1860, d.1881) was born in Wisconsin. She married Thomas Martin (b.1855). Records indicate that she was married in 1881 and died in that same year but information is incomplete. Thomas may have remarried.
• Margaret (b.1862, d.1939) was born in Wisconsin. She married James Hammond (b.1856, d.1930) in 1892. They farmed, lived out their lives in Monona County, and are buried at Heisler Cemetery in Mapleton. They had one son, James Jr., who served in World War II.

Obituary of Margaret O'Neil from The Mapleton Press, September 14, 1939: "Real Pioneer Taken by Death, Funeral Services are Held Tuesday for Resident of 73 Years - Funeral Services for Mrs. Margaret Hammond, 77-year-old pioneer resident of Mapleton, who passed away at her home in Mapleton Sunday afternoon following a heart attack, were held Tuesday afternoon at 2:30 o'clock in the family home on South Fourth Street with Rev. A.F. Schuldt, pastor of the Methodist church, officiating. Internment was in Heisler cemetery under the direction of the Duschl Funeral Home. Mrs. C.F. Griffin and Mrs. Schuldt sang 'Will There be any Stars' and ' My Savior First of All.' Both songs were selected by Mrs. Hammond before here death. Mrs. Griffin and Mrs. Schuldt were accompanied at the piano by Mrs. W.H. Thompson. Bill Duxbury of Onawa, Mark Durst of Danbury, Bob Means and Bill Berkemeir of Manilla, Ivarel Rose of Mapleton and Donald Brener of Emerson, Neb., all great nephews, served as pallbearers. Margaret Jean O'Neil, daughter of Francis and Elizabeth O'Neil, was born February 28, 1862, in Columbia County, Wis. At the age of four - 73 years ago - she came with her parents to 'Old Mapleton,' where they settled on a homestead. Later, they moved into the present day town of Mapleton where she assisted her parents in the restaurant and hotel business, boarding railroad men when the rails were first laid. It was during this period that she washed and dressed the first child born in the town, Bessie McKnown. She was married to James C. Hammond September 28, 1892. At her request, she was laid to rest in her wedding gown which she had greatly cherished for 47 years. Mr. Hammond proceeded her in death July 4, 1930. Mrs. Hammond was a devout member of the Presbyterian church, which she attended regularly when that church was active here. She is survived by one son, James R. Hammond of Mapleton, two half-sisters, Mrs. Agnes Donery of Sioux City and Mrs. Ella Pickney of Mapleton, one half-brother, Ed O'Neil of Lyden, Wash., and several nieces and nephews who deeply mourn the passing of their beloved aunt. 

 

Margaret (Maggie) O'Neil

• Loren (b.1864, d.1936) was born in Wisconsin. He married Elizabeth Campbell (b.1873, d.1920). He is known to have farmed, operated the Arlington Hotel, and later owned a cigar and confectionery store. He and Elizabeth are buried at Heisler Cemetery in Mapleton.

Obituary of Loren Hollister from The Mapleton Press, February, 6, 1936:"Real Pioneer In Maple Valley Is Taken By Death, Loren O'Neil, Resident Here For Nearly, 70 Years, Buried In Heisler Cemetery Mon. - Funeral services for Loren H. O'Neil, 71 years old, one of the foremost figures in Mapleton history and one of the first settlers here, who passed away Saturday at the home of his sister, Mrs. Margaret Hammond, following a heart attack, were held Monday afternoon at 2 o'clock in his home with Rev. Joseph Pickersgill, pastor of the Methodist church. In charge of interment was in Heisler cemetery under the direction of the Duschl Funeral home. W. L. Zediker, William Babl, Lawrence A. Muckey, John Etchison, Lou Brenner and, George A. Rice were pallbearers. Mrs. W. G. Sanford and Mrs. M. T. Wainwright sang. Mr. O'Neil son of Mr. and Mrs. Francis O'Neil, was born May 18, 1864, in Baraboo, Wis. nearly 70 years ago, on July 15, 1866, at the age of 2 years, he came with his parents and sisters, in a covered wagon, from Wisconsin, locating in the Maple Valley. The following spring the family moved to Crawford County and operated a tavern along the old Sioux City - Denison highway. Later they returned to the Maple Valley occupying a homestead until 1878 when they moved into Mapleton to conduct the first hotel here. Mr. O'Neil was married to Miss Lizzie Campbell December 25, 1880, in Mapleton. Following in his father's footsteps he operated the Arlington hotel in Mapleton for about 20 years, and later, for 11 years, owned a confectionery and cigar store here. He engaged in farming three years on a farm near Sloan. Mrs. O'Neil passed away March 22, 1920. Mr. O'Neil in his operation of the hotel and confectionery store made many friends, his jolly disposition being pleasing to his customers. Ho was thoughtful of everyone. When he sold his store to his nephew, James Hammond, two years ago, and retired, "Poddy," as he was known to many, was greatly missed. Since retiring Mr. O'Neil has made his home with his daughters most of the time. He enjoyed good health until just the last few weeks. Even then his condition was not considered serious. His heart had been troubling him for some time, however. Surviving are four children, Mrs. C. S. Brenner of Emerson, Neb., Mrs. Margaret Duxbury of Onawa, Mrs. Eugene Foster of Estherville and Loren W. O'Neil of Mapleton. He also leaves to mourn his death one sister, Mrs. Margaret Hammond of Mapleton; two half sisters, Mrs. Ellen Pinckney of Mapleton and Mrs. Agnes Donery of Sioux City; and one half -brother, Ed O'Neil of Linden, Wash., and five grandchildren. One daughter, Alice, preceded him in death. Another sister, Mrs. Hannah Hollister, also a pioneer resident of this community, passed away last summer."

Loren O'Neil.

• Sarah (b.1866, d. 1922) was born in Wisconsin. She married Albert Anthony (b.1861, d.1940) in 1886. The 1910 Census shows them living in Nebraska and Albert noted as a carpenter, but they were back in Iowa in the 1920 Census. Sara died tragically in an apparent fall on the stairs in her home on 5th Street in Mapleton. They had six children and are buried at Mount Hope Cemetery in Mapleton as reported in the Mapleton Press on October 12, 1922.

Sarah O'Neil

The gravesite of Sarah O'Neil at Mount Hope Cemetery in Mapleton.

• Flora (b.1868, d.1869) was noted to have died in infancy. It is unclear if her birth date is correct and if she was born in Wisconsin or Iowa.

The Hollister Connection

Francis and Elizabeth's daughter, Hannah, would marry Thomas Jefferson Hollister in 1883. The Hollister family, led by the pioneer patriarch, David Hollister, had also come west from Wisconsin and settled in Monona County. Jeff or TJ (as he was called) was still single and in his 20s when he came to western Iowa. After their marriage, they would live next to or with the O'Neil family on Main Street in Mapleton. Later, they would settle in nearby Ute, where Jeff worked as a blacksmith. My direct ancestor, their daughter, Stella Hollister, would marry Reuben Holcomb and live out her life in Monroe, Wisconsin.

The O'Neil family would thrive in pre- and post-Civil War America, in Wisconsin, Iowa, and beyond. In Mapleton, they were considered one of the first families of that town, made a great contribution to its development, and were fondly remembered as part of the town's history.

Additional Information:

Read about another Iowa-related family, the Hollisters here.
Read about Reuben Holcomb here.

Research Notes: Information for this report comes from a number of sources: Genealogy papers from O'Neil relatives and provided to me a cousin, United States Census, Iowa and Wisconsin State Census, public family trees found at AncestryDotCom and FamilySearch, historical publications (Monona County History, etc.), The Mapleton Press, other vital records and other on-line sources.