Hello all you Contributorsand thanks for your interest and replies!
I visited the Belfast Newspaper Archives today and found these items which I have transcribed:-
“Newry Reporter” of 15 July 1922:-
We regret to announce the death, which took place yesterday morning, from pneumonia, of Mr. James B. O’Neill, younger son of the late Mr. and Mrs. James O’Neill, King Street, Newry. For many years the deceased, who was quite a young man, assisted his father in the wine and spirit trade and in general posting and funeral undertaking work. His father pre-deceased him on the 27th January last and he then succeeded to the business. His health for some time past had not been of a robust character. He was an exceedingly well-known figure throughout Newry and the surrounding districts, and by his many friends and acquaintances his death will be heard of with much sorrow. He leaves to mourn his loss one brother – Mr. John Henry O’Neill, Master of the Lurgan Workhouse – and four married sisters. The funeral will take place tomorrow (Sunday) afternoon at 3.00pm, to St. Patrick’s Churchyard, Newry.
*******************
“Newry Reporter” of 18 July 1922:-
On Sunday afternoon, at 3 o’clock, internment took place in St Patrick’s Churchyard, Newry, of Mr. James B. O’Neill, King Street, Newry, younger son of the late Mr. James O’Neill who was a spirit merchant, posting establishment proprietor and funeral undertaker, King Street, Newry.
There was a very large attendance at the funeral, the cortege including members of all sections of the people of the town and district, while numerous vehicles brought up (the rear) of the mournful procession. The dimensions of the funeral cortege testified to the widespread regret evoked by the deceased’s demise at an early age, and to the sympathy felt with his brother and four married sisters and other relatives in their bereavement.
The chief mourners were – Messrs John Henry O’Neill, Master of the Lurgan Workhouse (brother); Thomas Balmer, Newry (uncle); James O’Neill, Liverpool, and Ernest Mellon, Newry (nephews); John Balmer, Newry, and William O’Neill, Liverpool (cousins); David O’Neill, Forkhill; Wm. Lockhart, Mullaglass; and Alex Weir, Newry (relatives). Two old friends of the family – Mr. David Lowry, of Hilltown, and Mr. John Fitzpatrick of Rathfriland – were also present.
The Rev. R G McBride, BA, assistant to the minister of Sandys Street Presbyterian Church, officiated at the graveside.
The wreaths were from John and Emma O’Neill and family, Lurgan; from Lizzie; from Martha and Dick McElhenny, Dublin; from uncle Thomas and Aunt Annie; from Cousins May, Cissy, Johnnie and Sara; from Ernest (nephew); from Mr. and Mrs. J. Reid, Loanda House; from Mr. and Mrs. McKee and family, King Street; and from P. McCourt, Water Street, Newry.
***********************
There was another brother - William James who was b. 28 Nov 1874 and was baptised at Sandys St. on 13 Jan 1876. Does anyone know what happened to him?
