Rebecca Lyons (MUSTARD) NEELY

MUSTARD, NEELY, ADAMS, FRENCH, INGRAM, WATSON, LESAN

Posted By: Sharon R Becker (email)
Date: 1/27/2009 at 02:44:43

The Mount Ayr Record-News, 1925

OBITUARY - REBECCA L. NEELY.

Rebecca Lyons MUSTARD was born April 16, 1837, at Van Buren, Washington county, Pennsylvania, and passed away at the home of her daughter, Mrs. C. T. LESAN, in Mount Ayr, Iowa, at 8:30 p. m. on Thursday, May 28, 1925, aged 88 years, one month and twelve days. She was married to Samuel Rutherford NEELY on February 29, 1860, at Taylorstown, Washington county, Penn. The deceased was a native of Buffalo township, Pennsylvania, her parents being Samuel and Margaret (ADAMS) MUSTARD. They afterwards located in South Franklin township near Claysville, Penn.

In youth she united with the North Buffalo United Presbyterian church during the pastorate of Rev. David FRENCH and retained her membership in that organization until moving to Mount Ayr. Her husband preceded her in death on January 1, 1916, and also a daughter, Sarah Mary INGRAM on April 30, 1021. She leaves to mourn her death two sons and two daughters. They are James Carson of Antonio, Texas; Margaret Jeanetta. now Mrs. W. W. WATSON of Washington, D. C.; Samuel French NEELY of Roseville, Calif.; and Susan Martha, now Mrs. C. T. LESAN of Mount Ayr, together with five grandchildren.

Mrs. NEELY moved with her husband to Ringgold county from their Pennsylvania home in 1872. Even at that date most of Ringgold county was open prairie and here they reared their splendid family and passed through the struggles of pioneer life. Possibly, one inducement that led to the decision to locate in Mount Ayr was the newly effected organization of the United Presbyterian church which had been brought about by the effects of W. J. BUCK and other pioneers who earnestly desired a shrine where they could worship God, and where under the influences of the christian church they could better impress the great truths of religious teaching on their children. Mrs. NEELY at once entered into the work of the then struggling church and during all of the remaining years of her life has been a faithful and ardent member of this denomination, doing what she could for the upbuilding of the church and the Kingdom in this community. She adhered strictly to the early teachings of the church, was never influenced by the more liberal tendencies of a new generation and throughout her long and useful life remained steadfast to the vows taken when received into the church in young girlhod (sic). Blessed be the memory of such a life.

Mrs. NEELY was the sixth member of a family of nine children. One brother, Rev. D. F. MUSTARD, was the second pastor of the Mount Ayr United Presbyterian church. Her death removes the oldest member of the congregation and her heart was always centered in the church she loved so well and served so faithfully. She was never absent from divine services unless providentially hindered, and it was a sore trial to her when the infirmities of age would not permit her to be present in Sabbath school to hear the sacred word expounded.

"Mother" NEELY, as she was generally known, dispensed a bountiful hospitality, was of a cheerful disposition with a smile for all and her kindly ministrations won for her the love and admiration of all who were fortunate enough to come into her life. She was a great reader and enjoyed only the worth while books, and in the sunset hours of life derived much pleasure from reading aloud to Mrs. LESAN, the other mother in the home whose sight was more imparied. Since the death of her husband nine years ago Mrs. NEELY has made her home with her son-in-law and daughter, Dr. and Mrs. C. T. LESAN, where she has been devotedly and tenderly cared for and where all of the rough places incident to old age have been made smooth by the ministrations of loving hands.

The funeral services were conducted from the United Presbyterian church Monday, June 1, 1925, conducted by her pastor, Rev. W. L. THORNBURG, and interment was in Rose Hill Cemetery [Mount Ayr].

Card of Thanks.

Forthe many kindnesses of neighbors and friends, for helpful acts and sympathetic words during the illness and at the death and funeral of our mother, and for the beautiful floral tributes, we are profoundly grateful. -- THE CHILDREN.

NOTE: Rebecca's huband Samuel R. NEELY died at the age of 86 years, 4 months and 22 days on January 1, 1916. He was interred at Rose Hill Cemetery, Mount Ayr, Ringgold County, Iowa.

Susan (NEELY) LESAN, daughter of Samuel and Rebecca, was born in 1874, married to Dr. Cassius T. LESAN July 9, 1902, and died in 1960 with interment at Rose Hill Cemetery, Mount Ayr.

Transcription and note by Sharon R. Becker, 2008