McNeilj
Transcribed from "An Illustrated History of The Big Bend Country, embracing
Lincoln, Douglas, Adams and Franklin counties, State of Washington",
published by Western Historical Publishing Co., 1904.
JOHN McNEIL is one of the industrious
farmers residing about four miles northwest of Sherman. He was born
in Quebec, Canada, on February 14, 1866, being the son of Alexander and
Mary (Cameron) McNeil. The former was a native of Scotland and came
to Canada when a young man and the mother was a native of Canada.
Coming thus of good stanch Scotch parents, our subject was well fortified
for the battles of life. He received a good common school education
in Canada and then engaged in the lumber business. He followed that
steadily until 1885 when he came to Spokane. After locating in this
western country, he decided to take up lumbering again and followed that
for some time, after which he took a homestead near Sherman, the first
filing being in 1886. After settling upon the place, Mr. McNeil gave
his attention to improving his farm and now it may be said that he has
one of the excellent home places in this part of Lincoln county.
Buildings, fences, and other improvements are in evidence. His farm
is well cultivated and he is known as one of the prosperous men of this
section. It is to his credit to say that when he came here he had
very little means but now has a goodly competence, owing to his thrift
and wisdom.
Our subject had his share of the deprivations
and hardships during the pioneer days when all supplies had to be transported
from Spokane, eighty miles away, and wheat sold at seventeen cents per
bushel. By perseverance and industry, he weathered the storms, however,
and now, with the other substantial ones of this country, he is permitted
to enjoy the rich rewards of his labors. Mr. McNeil has one sister,
who with his mother, resides with him. The latter is eighty-two years
of age. His father died in 1901. Mr. McNeil is a member of
the K. P. and the W. W.
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