O'Neil

(submitted by Frances O’Neil)

Thomas O’Neil (1855–1904) grew up in London Twp. His grandfather Thomas came to Canada from Ireland. In his early twenties, Thomas came to Warwick Twp. where he acquired property on the east part of Lot 10, Con. 3 NER (now 7054 Brickyard Line). This land consisted of 50 acres. Later he bought 100 acres directly across the road. Thomas married Elizabeth McCormick, daughter of Joseph McCormick of Warwick Twp., and they had four children: Robert Elmer (1881–), Joseph Herman (1882–1940), Catherine Eileen, and Sarah Winnie.

Following his father’s death, Herman O’Neil took over the family farm. He married Elizabeth (Bessie) Beacom from the Warwick area. They had four children: Audrey (who married Mack Lawson of London), William, George Herman (–2002), and Douglas Harry (1925–2005). After Herman O’Neil’s death, William and Douglas continued farming on the home farm. They carried on mixed farming, raised sheep for many years, and later became poultry farmers. Douglas O’Neil delivered fresh eggs to customers in Sarnia every Saturday for many years.

George O’Neil attended London Normal School and taught in Plympton and Warwick Twp. schools for 37 years. He resided almost across the road from the family farm at 7023 Brickyard Line, Lot 10, Con. 2 NER. He and his wife, Frances (Field, 1929–2007), had two children, Bob and Elizabeth. In 2005, this long time family farm was sold after the death of Douglas, the last surviving sibling.

Frances and George O’Neil. Courtesy E Williams.

Chapter 24 of 25 - O'Neil Family

Back Next