O.S. Neal was the only son in a family with five girls. He married Nellie Keith, who was the oldest of five daughters in a family with only one son.
The Keiths
I discovered this photo (below) of the John Washington Keith and Mary (Harkin) Keith photo on findagrave. Nellie Edith is the oldest daughter. I think she may be standing, second one from left.
The label with the photo says that in the back row, the first person is Mabel Marcella Keith, with George Keith center back. The young girl in the middle is listed as “Sade.” Front: George Washington Keith and Mary Harkins [sic] Keith. Mary Harkin was born in Canada, as her parents headed to the United States from Ireland.
I wonder if the person who posted this photo on John Washington Keith’s findagrave page noticed that John is called George on the photo. Anything you find on findagrave should be used only as clues to locate better documents.
Nellie Edith Keith married O.S. (Orlando Swain) Neal, the only son of John and Rhoda (Marshall) Neal. (John Neal was a Civil War veteran. Several of Rhoda’s brothers also served.)
The Neals
Yes, three of Neal sisters married three Andrew brothers. Do you suppose those sisters spoiled their younger brother?
More about O.S. Neal
This is fascinating stuff, Joy! As a first-generation Canadian, daughter of Jewish immigrants from eastern Europe, much of my family history has been lost. (I think I told you that before.) My husband’s Irish roots have been traced and are equally fascinating. I get my own history vicariously. Of course, as a child of God, I have a very large family, don’t I? How are you feeling?
And here I am so blessed with ancestor stories. I’m 7 weeks out from my last infusion. One week to the next! Doing amazingly well, and so thankful. Exhausted, but no longer miserable. How are you doing?
I’m so glad to hear that you’re getting some relief from the infusions. Prayers for more from the next one. I seem to be OK. I’m trying to be patient as I wait for a date for my shoulder surgery. Other sources of pain test my patience, though. Trust in the Lord to strengthen my resolve to do lots of pre-surgery exercise!
It’s funny the things you notice when looking at a photo. Everyone has their legs crossed in the first photo, yet no one does in the last.
I wonder if the photographer decided? Pete, you notice the most interesting things!
Fascinating studio photos! The quality and condition are very good. I would guess that the sisters spoiled their little brother!
You’re probably right!
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Fascinating history and great photos of the people, Joy.
Thank you, Tim.
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Love these old family portraits and the stories behind them, Joy.
Thank you, Eilene.
Wow! I love what you uncover, Joy! On Paul’s side of the family we found a couple of generations of sisters and brothers marrying into the same families. Much more common, once upon a time. Love these photos. Treasures! 🥰❤️🥰
Aha! That would be fun to discover. Thanks, Vicki!
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It’s comical that all the kinsfolk in these old photos have the same grim expression. It makes it easy to see the family resemblance! 🙂
Nancy, you’re right.