Obituary--Neil McCallum

This is another obituary that I am not sure of the author, but it could possibly be by Mrs. Robertson.  The area is right.  He has a name that comes up in her writings, and he is Scottish.  She loved her native land of Scotland.  Perhaps this was a closer relative, or perhaps she was simply unable to write up his obituary.  In any case, here he is.


From the 22 April, 1920, Fremont Times Indicator:

N. M'CALLUM, PIONEER, DIED SUDDENLY MONDAY

Was Stricken While Assisting Son in Orchard--Was Leader for Many Years

Neil McCallum, one of the best known Newaygo county pioneers, passed away on the far of his son, Archie McCallum, north of Hesperia, Monday afternoon while assisting his son trim trees in the orchard.  Although in failing health during the past yar Mr. McCallum was not incapacitated for work and felt well enough to assist in the orchard Monday when he was stricken.
Mr. McCallum was born in Scotland October 10, 1841, and cam to American with his parents in 1856, settling in Oceana county.  He lived at home until he was 22 years of age when he rented a farm in Dayton township from his brother and remained there about three years, In 1865 he bought 122 acres of land in Dayton and later enlarged his holdings. 
He was married in Denver township December 24, 1864, to Sarah A. Cogswell and to them were born eight children, five of whom survive, namely, Mrs. Chas. Reynolds, Archibald, Henry and Duncan McCallum of Hesperia and George McCallum of Chicago.  Marie, Mary and Annie are deceased.  Mrs. McCallum passed away about 10 years ago.
In the passing of Mr. McCallum this county loses one of its best known and most respected citizens.  He wasa charter member of the Hesperia Grange and has been active in Grange work for many years.  He was also a member of the Masonic lodge and the Presbyterian church.  He was an active participant in politics and several times was his party's candidate for county office.  Of late he has been making his home in his son Archie. 
The funeral services will be held this afternoon at 2 o'clock from the Hesperia Presbyterian church, conducted by the pastor, Rev. M. Klerekoper.

I think the reason I chose this obituary is because, although he died well before my time, he feels like a neighbor.  I grew up in Oceana county, very near where he lived and just down the road from the farm of  his son Duncan.  Perhaps that was originally Neil's home.  
I also never realized that this area had so many Scots.  I guess the fact that Fremont had so many Dutch rather blinded me to the fact that nearby Hesperia had almost none.