Wednesday Mini Mag

A Cowboy’s Faith By Frank J. Buchman

Descendants Continue Farm Tradition

“Just ask Bobby McNeill he’ll be able to tell you.” That was the response when someone wondered about weather, market prices, any information from decades gone by. The Newton farmer had the best memory of happenings in agriculture, family and community for 90 years. Heartfelt sadness streamed after a call that the uncle-in-law passed away. Since death of his wife Dolores two years ago, Bobby remained active first consideration for family and farming. Yet, in recent clearly written cards, he admitted loneliness missing his spouse of 64 years. When ailment intruded the lengthy lifetime, Bobby was intent to stay in his farm home. Six daughters and two sons, affectionately calling him “Pa,” were dedicated loving caretakers. Growing up on his Mom’s family farm, Bobby experienced hardships of the Dirty 30s Great Depression. Actually appreciated in maturity, Bobby was expected by his grandfather to do a man’s work as a boy. Modern technology was limited as horse and mule teams powered farm machinery. Work was done by hand milking cows, gathering eggs, slopping hogs twice daily. (Appropriately, Bobby harnessed ponies Trigger and Pat to the carriage for leaving the church on personal wedding day 48-years ago.)