Peter Jackson Neff

The Happy Herald, 23 July 1936

NEFF, P. J. Funeral services for P. J. Neff, pioneer lumber and grain dealer of Happy, who died at his home here Wednesday evening at 8:45 o'clock, after an illness of two years, will be held at the Methodist Church in this city Friday morning at 10 o'clock.

Funeral services will be in charge of Rev. H. C. Smith of Tahoka, a former pastor of the deceased, who will be assisted by Rev. J. L. Willis, Methodist pastor.

Interment will be in the family burial plot at Wakefield, Neb., to which place the body will be carried after the services here. The trip will be made to Canyon by hearse and from there to Nebraska by train.

Local funeral arrangements are in charge of Griggs-Thompson funeral home of Canyon.

As first mayor of Happy and as a prominent civic and church leader, Mr. Neff was an outstanding citizen in building Happy until failing health a few years ago forced him to retire from active life.

Born in Illinois, he later taught school in Nebraska. It was in this state, 42 years ago that he was married to MISS EDITH CHILDS. Five children were born to this union, two of whom died in infancy.

Mr. Neff moved with his family to Happy in 1909 where he engaged in the lumber business. Later he went into the grain business and at one time was the owner of three elevators in Happy. At his death he was manager of the elevator that bears his name, having built it in 1921.

Besides the widow, the deceased is survived by three children, Felix of Canyon, Clark of Happy and Mrs. Gladys Arnold, Petrolia; a brother, C. M. Neff, Greely, Colo. and three sisters, Mrs. Sarah Weaver, Mrs. Elizabeth Rayburn, and Miss Mary Neff, all of Happy. There are nine grandchildren.

Honorary pallbearers were: H. E. Toles, W. T. Townsend, J. B. Knox, J. C. Mann, A. Walberg, J. F. White, W. W. Kuehn, J. M. Evans, O. H. Rahlfs, H. F. Miller. 5972
-----------------------------------

1910 Census, Justice Precinct 5, May 6, 1910, E. D. 212, sheet 10b line 57, dwelling 135 Neff, Peter J., M, W, age 49, married once for 18 years, b. IL, fb. OH, mb. Indiana, Lumber sales in retail lumber yard Edith J., wife, F, W, age 40, married once for 18 years, 3 children, 3 living, b. Indiana, fb. OH, mb. OH Clark A., son, M, W, age 16, S, b. NE, fb. IL, mb. Indiana, farmer Gladys B., dau, F, W, age 14, S, b. NE, fb. IL, mb. Indiana Felix, son, M, W, age 6, S, b. NE, fb. IL, mb. Indiana