Notes for John O'Neil: Stories have it that John came to Dakota to work on the Rail Road and met Ida when she was working in a place that fed the RR workers.
First home was a sod house, they then built a small house which was later replaced with the big three story that stands there today. (1994)
John was a charter member of the Masons, Forest River Lodge #82 at Inkster ND
From a plate commerating the O'Neil family reunion in 1982
John and Ida O'Neil 1882-1982
John O'Neil, born at Valparaiso, Indiana, April 15, 1853. Came to the Dakota Territory in the early 1870's.
On June 1881 filed a claim in what is now Elkmount township.
On April 3, 1882 he was united in marriage to Ida Sanderson at Grand Forks, Dakota Territory. They had one son, John Leland, and eight daughters.
Their first home was built of sod, later built a small frame house. In 1908 they built the fine home that stands on the farmstead today. The third generation of O'Neils live there still.
Ida Sanderson O'Neil was born near Sea Forth, Ontario, Canada on Feb. 18, 1866, came to the states in 1879 and was a very special lady. Mr. O'Neil passed away on May 20, 1924, and was a charter member of A.F. and A.M. Forest River Lodge #82, Inkster, N.D. Mrs. O'Neil passed away on August 25, 1952, and was one of the charter members of Inkster Eastern Star.
More About John O'Neil: Fact 1: Filed claim in Elkmont Township (Inkster ND). Fact 6: Came to Dakota Territory.
More About John O'Neil and Ida Emily Sanderson: Marriage: 04/03/1882, Larimore, Dakota Territory.
Children of John O'Neil and Ida Emily Sanderson are:
+Dora Mabel O'Neil, b. 06/01/1883, Fordville, ND, d. 11/11/1976, Minot, ND.
+Martha Jane O'Neil, b. 08/06/1884, Larimore, ND, d. 04/10/1968, Oregon City, OR.