Happy Birthday Ada May Watts Neeley

We are going to honor Ada May Watts Neeley on the anniversary of her birth, January 30, 1873.  She was born in Cairo, Randolph County, Missouri.  Randolph County is just a couple of hours east of Jason and Stefanie and they will drive through Randolph County on their way to NAUVOO!!!

Ada and her husband Amos Neeley

Ada May Watts Neeley as a young widow.

Find her on the fan - her mother is dark orange.

We learned about her amazing parents, how they joined the church and emigrated here. We all know that on Family Search you can upload memories. What you may not know is that don't necessarily have needed to know them personally - just research them and love them.  The following essay was written and uploaded by dad's cousin's daughter - Meagan Neeley, daughter of Nathan Neeley, Son of Kenneth R Neeley Jr., Son of Kenneth R Neeley Sr., Son of Ada May Watts.  Enjoy this lovely essay - be inspired by it - upload your own words regarding your ancestors.  Her essay will be followed by Ada's words to her surviving children.


"I’m going to write about my great, great grandmother Ada May Watts Neeley. Her sixth child, Kenneth, was my great grandfather. I chose to write about Ada May because I liked reading about her experiences and how she overcame her trials. She was hard working, faithful, happy, and courageous. She married a guy named Amos William Neeley. They had a beautiful baby. They named her Esther Neeley and loved her very much, but she was sick all her little life, and it was so hard for her parents to see her suffer that way! When she was six months old she died. Ada May said she had two different emotions about when her baby girl Esther died. She was relieved that her baby girl did not have to suffer anymore and heartbroken that she would never see her again in this life. this is what she said in her journal. “O what an arrow seemingly is being pressed through the heart. When loved ones are suffering untold miseries and your power to relieve them is gone.” About a year later they had a little boy and it made them feel much better. He was healthy and well. His name was Amos Golden Neeley. He was very loved by everybody. But soon their happiness came to an end. One day he was spending the day at his grandmother’s house, being cared for by her. A tragedy happened. He wandered into a large canal behind the house and drown. They had a search for him for seven long sickening hours. Finally at two o’clock in the morning they found his little body. Ada set such a good example of patience, even when things are wrong, she said, “The Lord’s ways are not ours. He has a wise purpose in all things.” Because of her strong faith and belief that she would see her children again, she was able to heal. She started to feel better and happier. She had two more kids. Their names were Geraldine and Leroy. They were dong well and then Amos was called by his church to serve a mission. He would have to leave and go to the Southern United States. Again she had her faith tried and had a big challenge put before her. She would have to live on her own for about two years, and be separated from her husband. Although it was difficult for her and she missed him a lot, she again faced her trials with courage. She said this about her husband leaving, “It’s a long separation for us, but I realize it is an honor and will prove a great blessing for him. It will be a crown of righteousness for him in eternity. the Lord’s promises never fail and he has promised a reward to the faithful.” There were still more troubles to face. After having three more children, Paul, Kenneth (my great grandfather), and Viola, Amos lost his business after his partner took advantage of him. It was harder to take care of his family. He became very ill and without a cure to be found, he died at a young age, about forty eight. What I have learned from the experience of Ada May Watts Neeley is, even when you’re going through hard times, have strong faith and do the best you can. Because I have experienced this, I have stronger faith, even when things go wrong. I am grateful Ada May kept a journal so that I could learn all of the wonderful stories about her."


Read Good Books; encourage pure thoughts: and high aims. Shun evil Companions, Honor and Obey Father and Mother: Have the uttermost respect for “Old Age.” Observe the “Golden rule” and the first and greatest commandment of all, - Which is, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy might, mind, and strength. Do these things, dear Children and the Lord will bless you in numberless ways, and the world will be made better by y our having lived. These are the heartfelt desires of your Devoted Mother Ada May Watts Neeley