Neff - George Washington
Source: Ladoga Leader March 9, 1915
George Washington Neff was born in Clark Township, Montgomery County, Indiana Oct 13, 1835. He was the son of George W. and Elizabeth Neff who migrated to this state in the earlier days. He had two sisters and three brothers all of whom except John Neff of Eldorado, Kansas have preceded him to the spirit world. The whole of his long and profitable life has been spent in and near the vicinity of his nativity. In the year 1856 he was married to Lucinda Cook also of Clark Township. This union was blessed with 7 children 5 of whom mourn his departure. They are: William Neff of Lebanon; G.W. Neff of Indianapolis; Mrs. Mary West of Jamestown; Mrs. Rose Duckworth of North Salem and Mrs. Alice Jackson also of Lebanon. The other two children, Charles and Helen died during childhood. Besides the above named children, the deceasd leaves 15 grandchildren and six great grandchildren. On April 7, 1890, this happy and prosperous union was dissolved by the soul of the loving wife, and affectionate mother being called to its heavely home. Jan 6, 1895 our brother was married to Mary Kessler of Ladoga who has been his constant companion and devoted helper up to and through the hour of his death. Perhaps the greatest joy of his life was realized October 13, 1905, when at the celebration of his 70-th anniversary he invited .... the liquid stream and administered the sacred rite of christian baptism. He had always been a kind father, a good husband and sound advisor but this even seemed to sweeten his life. He was a farmer of more than ordinary success. His congenial disposition, his cheerful smile his big heart of sympathy together with his many acts of philanthropy made for him a host of friends who were bound to him with hoops of steel. About 4 years ago the disease which ultimately claimed its victim made the first appearance. Immediately he set his house in order even to the extent of arranging the deatils for his funeral and cheerfully awaited the homeward call. It is a wonderful thing to have such a faith which makes sure a knowledge of the destiny of man. Last August he was confined to his home. From the first he recognized the proximity of the time for his departure. During the long winter evenings he delighted to listen to the voice of his companion while she read from the words of the Master. A chapter most pleasing to him was John 3, in which that elderly ruler of the Jews, Nicodemus, draws from the Christ a statement explaining how a man of matruity may inherit eternal life. Not infrequently during these winter evenings there could be heard above the stillness of the frosty night the rejectings of a saved soul as he changed the songs of the redeemed. His mind seemed to become relieved o fthe things of time and space while "the house not made with hands" became one of his favorite subjects. Upon March 5th he sank into partial unconsciousness. Two days later there began to play upon his countenance the serenity of features which accompanied the Apostles upon the Mount of Transfiguration. His sould was beinning, no doubt to comprehend the beautiful vision which Jon, the Revelator, beheld on the isle of Patmos. The night of March 8th found his loved ones patiently watching and waiting at his side. But with the passing of the darkness and the opening of the splendors of a new day, his soul, released from its mortal pilgrimage of 79 years, 4 months 23 days, likewise with the passing of the doubts and fears and darknesses of mortality, opened upon the splendors of a new era, the realm of eternal day. "He that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live. And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die." DL Stoner
Note: This obituary and another shorter one were found in a Scrapbook of Chester Peffley of Ladoga, Indiana 1890-1916 p 13 but the other one is cut off on the right side - here are some highlights of what is there called "Wash" known by every person in the community. Died at his home in Ladoga at 7 o'clock Tuesday. Farmed in Montgomery and Boone Counties. Children and places they lived are listed as in first but lists a brother, John Neff of Eldorado ? (Ks? Colorado?) surviving. Funeral services was at Bethel Church of the Brethren 10 o'clock Elders DL Stoner and Ezra Go?? (kbz 5-9-2013)