Dora Bell

This is my Grandma Grace's Grandmother. Her name is Dora Bell Lister McNeil. My grandma recently gave me a written history of her and her husbands life.

Family History is exciting! But my favorite part about it is reading the stories behind the names and dates. Dora Bell was a neat gal. She was born in Indiana in 1863 and grew up there until she was a young woman. Her family was taught and converted by missionaries from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. They then moved to the Salt Lake Valley and started a new life.

I love the description given of Dora Bell, "dark eyes and a sweet smile were matched by a bubbly personality and a sweet loving spirit". The history talks about how she was sought after by many young men. But it was Robert McNeil, who became her dance partner, that won her heart. They were married in the Logan Temple. They then followed the encouragement of the prophet, President Snow, to spread out into other states. This cute young couple moved to Idaho. They lived in a tent for a summer and started their farm from nothing. Dora Bell was pregnant during this new period and endured through the challenges.

Its incredible to me how tough she was. She and Robert often talked about a dream home but it never came. They worked and labored so long with no worldly luxuries. They had the gospel and each other and they had joy.

I feel so much gratitude for her and all those early Saints. They were laying a foundation for future generations. And now we live in a world where we have every luxury at our fingertips. It made me realize how little we really need. True happiness doesn't come from materials, it comes from the GOSPEL of JESUS CHRIST and our FAMILIES. I cannot express my deep gratitude for them. How I love this woman, Dora Bell!