Patrick Neville

Patrick Neville

PATRICK NEVILLE, deceased, was born March 14, 1824, in County Wexford, Ireland. He was the son of John and Catherine (Stafford) Neville. His parents' record is incomplete, but it is known that they were natives of the same ocunty where their son was born, and died about the year 1860.

Mr. Neville grew to manhood in his native land, where he was married Jan. 31, 1853, to Catherine Ronan. She was born and reared in the same place in County Wexford, and is the daughter of Matthew and Bridget (O'Donahue) Ronan. Her father was born in 1801, and her mother in 1802, both in Ireland, in which country they also both died, in 1853. Mr. and Mrs. Neville sailed for the United States, April 15, 1853, and arrived in New York on the 2d day of June following. They reached the city of Philadelphia, where they remained three months. They started for Michigan in September and arrived in Newaygo County on the 10th of that month. They passed the following winter ar Powers' Corners, in Everett Township, and in March 1854, bought 160 acres od land in Big Prairie, where they founded their home.

Mr. Neville died March 19, 1865. Of seven children born to him and Mrs. Neville six are living. Following are their names in the order of their birth: Mary B., John J., William P., Mary Jane (dec.), Catherine E., Matthew G. and Patrick P. When the father died the eldest child was but 11 years old, but the two eldest sons, aged ten and nine years, with their mother's aid, have placed the farm in fine condition. They at once, upon being left alone, continued the work begun by the father, and could rive the oxen, although to small to adjust the ox yoke, which was done with the mother's assistance. The farm now comprises 105 acres, cleared, cultivated and improved with fine buildings.

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