Person Page - 932

DeKalb Man Dropped Dead
Francis Riddel (sic) Long Time Resident of DeKalb Dropped Dead Last Night
Shock to the Family
Death of Aged Man was a Great Shock to the Family and Also the Numerous Friends in the city
Francis Riddell, agent for the Wells Fargo Express company here, long time resident of DeKalb, and highly esteemed by all who knew him, dropped dead last evening at his home on Haish avenue, about six o'clock.

Mr. Riddell went to his home after completing his work for the day, washed up for supper and was about to use the towel, when he fell over, and when Mrs. Riddell reached his side, he was dead.

The coroner was notified as was the Chief of Police, who is a son, and Coroner's Physician R. A. Wright answered the call, and after a short examination rendered a verdict that the man came to his death by a stroke of apoplexy.

Francis Riddell was born on January 12, 1839 at Cobourg, Canada, and there grew to manhood, being reared on a farm. January 22 (sic), 1863, Mr. Riddell was united in marriage at Coburg (sic), Canada. To this union there were born four sons and four daughters. Two of the daughters have preceded their father to the better land. In the spring of 1865 Mr. Riddell and family moved to Illinois, settling first just inside DeKalb county, on a farm near Maple Park. Shortly after this in December, 1883, the family again moved, this time coming to DeKalb to live, where Mr. Riddell took employment with what is now the American Steel & Wire Company.

Mrs. Riddell passed away May 29, 1902 after a short illness. Mr. Riddell was again married about nine years ago to Miss Georgia Howard, and since that time the family home has been maintained on Haish avenue.

Mr. Riddell was among the first DeKalb people to be benefitted by the America (sic) Steel & Wire pension plan and after being placed on the pension list, operated a store for a time and also acted as agent for the Wells Fargo company.

He soon discontinued the store, however, but held the office of express agent and for the past three years has been located in the office of Corey & Evans on North Seventh street.

Yesterday Mr. Riddell was thought to be feeling fine, and even remarked to Mrs. Riddell last evening that he was feeling better than he had in (continued on page 5)
(Continued from page 1)
some time past. A few minutes later, and the soul had flitted away.

There are left to mourn the death of this well known man, his wife, three brothers, Walter of Winnipeg, Canada, Will of Toronto, and Robert of Calgary; four sisters Miss Isabelle of Cobourg, Canada, Mrs. James Davidson and Mrs. Will (sic) Ballagh also of Cobourg, and another sister at Crystal City. There are four sons and two daughters
by the first marriage also left. Walter H., David H., Frank W., Wallace D., all but Frank who is chief of the DeKalb police department, living in Chicago. Two daughters are, Mrs. C. E. Sagel, of Sterling, and Mrs. J. J. Helming, of Chicago; two daughters having passed away some few years ago.

The deceased had been a member of the Congregational church for many years past affiliating with that denomination in 1867, and has always taken a deep interest in the church work. As one man was heard to say, "If there was ever a good man in DeKalb, and one ready to answer death's call, It was Francis Riddell."

The funeral services will be held tomorrow afternoon at two o'clock from the Congregational church; the services being in charge of Rev. R. C. Swisher. For friends who wish to take their farewell at the residence, the remains can be viewed at the home between the hours of 9:30 and 11:30 a.m.

All DeKalb certainly regrets the passing of this grand old man and extend to the sorrowing wife, children and brothers and sisters, many words of condolence in this their darkest hour of sorrow.¹¹

[Note that this is a very poor image and there is some interpretation required]
Fell Over Dead
Francis Riddell, Father of Mrs. C. E. Sagle, Stricken At Home in DeKalb
Funeral Was Held Today
The Deceased Had Acted As Agent For Wells Fargo Express Co. Some Time
Francis Riddell, father of Mrs. Charles E. Sagle of Sterling, and who was agent for the Wells Fargo Express company in DeKalb, dropped dead at his home on Haish avenue, Thursday evening about 6 o'clock. The funeral was held this afternoon at 2 o'clock from the Congregational church in DeKalb, Rev. R. C. Swisher, officiating. Friends viewed the remains at the residence between the hours of 9:30 and 11:30 this morning.

Mr. Riddell went to his home after completing his work for the day, washed up for supper and was about to use the towel, when he fell over, and when Mrs. Riddell reached his side he was dead.

The coroner was notified as was yes the Chief of Police, who is a son, and Coroner's Physician R. A, Wright answered the call, and after a short examination rendered a verdict that the man came to his death by a stroke of apoplexy.

Francis Riddell was born on January 12, 1839 at Cobourg, Canada, and there grew to manhood, being reared on a farm. January 22 (sic), 1863, Mr. Riddell was united in marriage at Coburg (sic), Canada. To this union there were born four sons and four daughters. Two of the daughters have preceded their father to the better land. In the spring of 1865, Mr. Riddell and family moved to Illinois, settling first just inside DeKalb county, on a farm near Maple Park. Shortly after this in December, 1883, the family again moved, this time to DeKalb, to live, where Mr. Riddell took employment with what is now the American Street & Wire company.

Mrs. Riddell passed away May 29th, 1902 after a short illness. Mr. Riddell was again married about nine years ago to Miss Georgia Howard, and since that time the family home has been maintained on Haish avenue.

Mr. Riddell was among the first of DeKalb people ot be benefitted by the American Steel & Wire pension plan list, operated a store for a time and also acted as agent for the Wells Fargo Express company.

He soon discontinued the store, however, but held the office of express agent and for the past three years has been located in the office of Covey & Evans on North Seventh street.

Thursday Mr. Riddell was thought to be feeling fine, and even remarked to Mrs. Riddell that evening that he was feeling better than he had in some time past. A few minutes later, and the soul had flitted away.

There are left to mourn the death of this well known man, his wife, three brothers, Walter of Winnipeg, Canada, Will of Toronto and Robert of Calgary; four sisters, Miss Isabelle, of Cobourg, Canada, Mrs. James Davidson and Mrs. Will (sic) Ballagh also of Cobourg, and another sister at Crystal City. There are four sons and two daughters by the first marriage also left. Walter H., David H., Frank W., Wallace D., all but Frank who is chief of the DeKalb police department, living in Chicago. Two daughters are, Mrs. C. E. Sagel, of Sterling, and Mrs. J. J. Helming, of Chicago; two daughters having passed away some few years ago.

The deceased had been a member of the Congregational church for many years past affiliating with that denomination in 1887, and has always taken a deep interest in the church work. As one man was heard to say, "If there was ever a good man in DeKalb, and one ready to answer death's call, It was Francis Riddell."

All DeKalb certainly regrets the passing of this grand old man and extend to the sorrowing wife, children and brothers and sisters, many words of condolence in this their darkest hour of sorrow.⁷

Former Resident Of Sycamore, Father Of Large Family, Dropped Dead Of Apoplexy At His Home In DeKalb On Thursday Evening

Francis Riddell, a former resident of Sycamore, and-father of a large family, died suddenly from a stroke of appoplexy (sic) at his home in DeKalb on Thursday evening. He had just returned home from work as Wells Fargo Express agent, and was preparing for supper, when he fell over dead.

Mr. Riddell was born 79 years ago, at Cobourg, Canada, and grew to manhood on a farm there. He was there married in 1863. The family removed in 1865 to DeKalb county, and the father was engaged in farming in Cortland township for over 15 years until their removal to Sycamore. ln 1883 they became residents of DeKalb where Mr. Riddell was employed as engineer for what is now the American Steel & Wire Co., with which company lie continued until lie was retired on a pension a few years ago* He had since been engaged as a merchant and later as agent for the express company. His first wife died in 1892 (sic). They were the parents of four sons and four daughters, all of remarkably fine physique and a credit to their parents, of whom there are surviving:

Walter H., David H., and Wallace D. all of Chicago; Frank who is chief of the DeKalb police department; and two daughters Mrs. C. E. Sagle of Sterling and Mrs. J. J. Helming of Chicago.

Mr. Riddell affiliated with the Congregational church in 1867, arid had been deeply Interested and active in that church ever since. He was a good man in every sense.

The funeral services were held at 2 o'clock on Saturday afternoon at the Congregational church in DeKalb.⁸

Devoted Mother Called
Sufferings of Mrs. Francis Riddell Ended Thursday Night
Had Been Ill For Two Months
Was a Devoted Christian From Early Girlhood
Two months of suffering ended in the death of one of DeKalb's ideal mothers when at 7:30 o'clock Thursday night, May 29th, Mrs. Francis Riddell breathed her last. A family of a husband and six children are left in sorrow and a numberless lot of friends extend their sympathy to those left in the cheerless home.

The funeral was held at the Congregational church this afternoon, Rev. Geo. H. Wilson preaching the sermon. The interment was in the family lot in Oakwood cemetery. A wealth of flowers covered the casket of the loved one, the flowers that in life had been a source of so much enjoyment to her, making her final resting place a fitting one for the flower admiring woman.

Georgina, daughter of David and Barbara Thompson, was born near Grafton, Ontario, October 31st, 1841. She was united in marriage to Francis Riddell, January 26, 1863, the ceremony being performed by Rev. J W Smith of Grafton, by whom she had been baptized in infancy.

After a couple of years spent in the County of Bruce, Ontario, the family in 1865 removed to DeKalb County, Illinois, where she has since resided, for over eighteen years of the time in this city. Those years have been filled with usefulness. She was a devoted wife and mother, seldom leaving her home; but devoting her time and her thoughts to the ones in whom her all was centered. When her children were grown, her mother love took in the one motherless grandchild, Janet Riddell, who will miss the kind face as much as though she was a mother in name as well as acts. With two exceptions the children live at home, Walter, mail clerk on the North-Western, Minnie, who teaches at Wheaton, Frank and Wallace all living here. Mrs. Chas Sagle of West Chicago and David Riddell of Chicago. She was the mother of eight children, the two youngest daughters preceding her to the better land. Of her father's family of ten children, two brothers and two sisters survive her.

Throughout all of her life from girlhood, Mrs. Riddell led a consecrated Christian life. She early united with the Presbyterian church and on coming to Illinois, transferred her membership to the Congregational church at Sycamore and then to the church in DeKalb on her removal to this city.

Her last sickness was of long duration covering two months of serious illness. During the night of March 28th, she had a slight attack of pleurisy which grew worse during the two following days and on Easter Sunday it had developed into pneumonia. She was at once placed in charge of a trained nurse and for a week, although seriously ill, was supposed to be getting along fairly well, but when the crisis of the disease was reached on the following Sunday her heart failed for some time to perform its functions and for another week she seemed to hover between life and death. She gradually rallied, however, and was slowly regaining her strength until on Friday morning last she had a severe chill. Since that time despite the assiduous care of doctors and nurses she gradually failed until she entered into rest.¹

About People
...Walter Riddell, of this city, was at his post in the mail car when the wreck occurred at Malta.His usual good luck did not desert him, as with the exception of a few bruises he came out in good order...⁷

About People
Walter Riddell is out from Chicago today visiting his parents. He reports the little Miss Riddell doing well and thinks to bring her out next month to live here for a while.⁸

About People
     Miss Jessie Riddell accompanied her brother Walter Riddell to West Chicago today where she will visit her sister Mrs. Charles Sagle and little nephew.⁹

Fine Advancement.
Mr. Walter Riddell, who for some time has been night clerk on the fast mail going through from Chicago to Omaha has been promoted to a city position, which not only adds a handsome sum to his salary, but eliminates the night runs of a mail clerk.

Mr. Riddell has charge of a large force of clerks and is kept busy as United States mail inspector of tunnel service, wagons, etc.

His office is located on the eighth floor of the Post Office building in Chicago.

All of the friends of Mr. Riddell are glad of his promotion which they feel he deservedly merits.¹¹

Former De Kalb Man To Go East New Position
Walter Riddell, one of the Riddel (sic) brothers, well known to De Kalb folks, and a brother of our police chief, Frank Riddell, came out last evening for the Masonic I party, and also to bid his Mends in this city a farewell.

Walter Riddell, who has been in the service of Uncle Sam for many years, goes east the 25th of this month to New York city where he takes the assistant superintendent's job of one of the largest malt divisions in the country.

The many friends of Walter will be glad to learn of his advancement and, will wish him abundant success in his new work.¹⁴

Out in Society
...Mr. and Mrs. Walter Hayes Riddell, of Washington, D. C., announce the engagement of their daughter, Miss Janet A. Riddell, to Benjamin Franklin Perry, Lieutenant, United States Navy. Lieutenant Perry is the son of Mrs. Perry and the late F. E. Perry, of Jefferson, Ohio, and was graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 1915. He is now attached to the Executive Department of the Naval Academy, at Annapolis, where the young couple will make their home after the wedding in December. Miss Janet Riddell is a niece of Chief of Police F. W. Riddell, of this city...¹

DeKalb Man's Brother Died in Florida City
Word was received in DeKalb yesterday of the sudden death of Walter Riddell, 79 years old, who passed away suddenly at his home in Claremont (sic), Fla. He was a brother of Frank W. Riddell of the DeKalb police force.

No further information concerning the florida man's demise was received here, and little is known of the funeral arrangements.

In addition to the DeKalb man as a brother, Wallace, two sisters, Mrs. Minnie Helming, who was spending the winter months at Claremont (sic), and Mrs. Anna Sagle of Aurora. One daughter lived in Annapolis, Md.

Mr. Riddell had been afflicted with heart trouble for some time past, and while his health had failed, his death came very unexpectedly.

The deceased was general superintendent of the railway mail division for the government during the administration of Warren G. Harding. His last visit to his DeKalb and Aurora relatives was about three years ago.⁵

RAILROAD MAN IS DEAD
     David Riddell, DeKalb County Boy, Dies at Garfield Park Hospital.
     LOST HARD FIGHT
     Eight weeks ago to the day, David Riddell, Chicago, brother of Chief of Police F. W, Riddell, of this city, was severely Injured In a railroad accident in Chicago., when a coach on which he was standing wa side-swiped by an engine, the coach precipitated down, an embankment. Today Riddell, the most seriously injured of those in the accident is dead. For eight weeks Mr. Riddell has been a patient at the Garfield Park hospital, and during that time there was not a thing left undone to aid him to recover. After the accident, and as soon as was possible, one leg Was amputated, due to it being horribly crushed and mangled. The patient rallied, in fact seemed to be well on the road to recovery when a blood clot formed in the injured leg and he was forced to undergo the second operation. Chicago's best surgeons were brought in and did everything that medical science and skill allowed, but the fight was too great, and '"Dave" gave up the battle early today, death having occurred at about one o'clock.
     It had been (known that the railroad man was in .a serious condition, but those who knew him, were positive that he would recover, as he possessed that characteristic, "never give up." He was an unusually strong man. and withstood the two ordeals satisfactorily at the time, but it is believed the last operation took too much of his vitality.
     Born in DeKalb County.
     David Riddell, son of the late Francis Riddell, welt known DeKalb man, was born in DeKalb county in 1866. He lived here for many years, first taking up his life work of railroading with Joseph Wood, one of the veterans of the city. After about four years of work in the DeKalb yard as switchman, he went to Chicago, remaining in the employ of the North Western. Thirty-two years of his life he has spent in railroad work, and the accident that caused his. death was his first one of any con- sequence. He was knocked from his train on one other occasion, while it was moving, but escaped injury.
     Mr. Ridden was united in marriage to Miss Minnie Townsend over 20 years ago, and they have made their home in Chicago. Mrs. Riddell was the daughter of one of the earlier pioneers of this vicinity, for some time living on a farm hear DeKalb. One son was born of this marriage, Walter, now 15 years of age.
     Surviving the well known railroad man, besides hundreds of friends who knew him well and are grieved to learn of his passing, are three brothers and two sisters besides the heart-broken widow and son. The brothers are Walter Riddell, superintendent of mails. Washington. D. C Wallace Riddell, Chicago, and Frank W. Riddell, chief of Police, of DeKalb. His two sisters are Mrs. Anna Sagle, Aurora, and Mrs Minnie Helming, Chicago, while there are many other relatives.
     Mr. Riddell was a member of Chapter No. 52, R. A. M. and A. F. and A. M. No. 144 of DeKalb, and was also a Knight Templar. Masonic bodies will be in charge of the funeral services which will be held at Oak Park, announcement of which will be made later.¹³

DIED TWO MONTHS AFTER BEING CRUSHED BY CARS
     David Riddell, Former Resident Here, For 32 Years In Railway Service, Died In Chicago Hospital on Tuesday
     David Riddell, member of a family of early residents of DeKalb county and whose father was engaged in farming in Cortland township and were former residents of Sycamore, died at the Garfield Park hospital in Chicago on Tuesday, Feb. 6, just eight weeks after he was injured in a railway accident in Chicago.
     He had been employed for many years as a trainman, and was engaged in his work as conductor, when the coach on which he was standing side-swiped by a locomotive and precipitated down an embankment.
     As soon as possible after the accident one leg, which was terribly crushed, was amputated. The patient rallied, and appeared to be on the road to recovery when a blood-clot formed in the limb and although the most skilled surgeon specialists attended him he continued to fail.
     He was a son of Francis Riddell, and was born in 1866. He had been employed to railroad work for 32 years. He was united in marriage to Miss Minnie Townsend, daughter of a well known pioneer of this county and they had made their home In Chicago. To them was born one son, Walter, now 15 years of age. Besides the widow and son he leaves surviving three brothers and two sisters: Walter Riddell, super- about 12 o?clock on his way to the (sic) Wallace Riddell, Chicago, and Frank W. Riddell, chief of police of DeKalb; Mrs. Anna Sagle, Aurora, and . Mrs. Minnie Helming, Chicago.
     Mr. Riddell was a member of Chapter No. 52, R. A. M. and A. F. & A. M. No. 144 of DeKalb, and was also a Knight Templar, -.⁷

Local
...Miss Anna Riddell, of DeKalb, is employed as the trimmer at Mrs. Winn's millinery establshment...⁶

What Leap Year Has Done
About a year ago the CHRONICLE published a list of leap year elegibles and many of the young men in the list have succumbed ot the pleadings of the fairer sex and during the year have become benedicts. The following is a list of what cupid with his bow and arrow and the young woman wiht her "Will-you-be-mine" questions has accomplished in matrimonial matters and the unions they are responsible for:
...Chas. Sagle and Anna Riddell...

All these young men started out at the beginning of '96 with a strong determination that they would not allow the hypnotic powers of any young lady have such an effect upon them that they would procure a license but their failures to carry out this determination are fully proven by the simple facts of the case.

There are, however, many marketable men who have stood the assults bravely and we think it safe to say will manage matters to suit themselves this year. They evidently had not been taught by their mother;s to wait until they were asked and will take charge of the offensive rather than the defensive part of the operations during the year 1897.

These statements with more truth than poetry are what some of them have already begun to do:
J. J. Helming who deals in clothing.
Down Sixth street is often seen roving...

Frank Riddell goes to Chicago each day,
But what happens in there we cannot say...⁷

DeKalb
...A baby boy was born to Mr. and Mrs. Chas. Sagle nee Anna Riddell, last Thursday...
(previous Thursday was Dec. 31, 1896. The boy was Francis.)⁸

What Leap Year Has Done
About a year ago the CHRONICLE published a list of leap year elegibles and many of the young men in the list have succumbed ot the pleadings of the fairer sex and during the year have become benedicts. The following is a list of what cupid with his bow and arrow and the young woman wiht her "Will-you-be-mine" questions has accomplished in matrimonial matters and the unions they are responsible for:
...Chas. Sagle and Anna Riddell...

All these young men started out at the beginning of '96 with a strong determination that they would not allow the hypnotic powers of any young lady have such an effect upon them that they would procure a license but their failures to carry out this determination are fully proven by the simple facts of the case.

There are, however, many marketable men who have stood the assults bravely and we think it safe to say will manage matters to suit themselves this year. They evidently had not been taught by their mother;s to wait until they were asked and will take charge of the offensive rather than the defensive part of the operations during the year 1897.

These statements with more truth than poetry are what some of them have already begun to do:
J. J. Helming who deals in clothing.
Down Sixth street is often seen roving...

Frank Riddell goes to Chicago each day,
But what happens in there we cannot say...⁷

Today, in Wheaton, at the parsonage of Rev. H. C. Holt occurred the marriage of Frank W. Riddell and Miss Zada Witter, daughter of George Witter of Belvidere. While intimate friends knew of the approaching marriage of the two, the announcement comes as surprise to DeKalb folk generally. Mr. and Mrs. Riddell are leaving on a short wedding trip and will return here to make their home at First and Franklin streets. The bride in today's wedding is known to a number of local people. She was a resident of DeKalb for some months, and is esteemed by everyone who knows her. His position as chief of police has made Frank Riddell well known throughout this vicinity, and he has become better known since announcing his candidacy for sheriff. He is popular , an all round good fellow, and a member of one of DeKalb's oldest families. He received his education in the schools here and has always been and (sic) social life. Hosts of friends will welcome he and Mrs. Riddell on their return from their bridal trip.⁵

Services for Riddell Will Be on Tuesday
     Funeral services for Frank W. Riddell, age 76, veteran member of the DeKalb police department who passed away at his home at 217 South Second Street Saturday morning, will be held on Tuesday
     afternoon.Services will be conducted at 2 o'clock Tuesday afternoon from the Wirtz Funeral Home with Rev. Stiles Lessly, pastor of the First Congregational Church, to officiate. Burial will be in the Fairview Cemetery. Friends may call at the funeral home until the time of the service.
     Frank W. Riddell was born on a farm in DeKalb County October 24, 1870, the son of Mr. and Mrs. Francis Riddell. A member of the police department for over 30 years his principal interests were in his work and home. He was united in marriage to Zada Witter in 1918. He was a member of the Masons for many years.
     Surviving to mourn his passing are his widow, one brother, Wallace Riddell of Boston; and two sisters, Mrs. Charles Sagle of Aurora and Miss Minnie Helming of Florida. Two brothers and two sisters preceded him in death.⁶

May Sagle and Mrs. David Riddell served in other roles (see their page for details.)⁹

Miss Riddell Is A Bride
United in Marriage Last Evening to John Joseph Helming of Chicago
Pretty Home Wedding
Attended Only By Relatives. They Will Live in Chicago
Yesterday evening at five o'clock were united in marriage at the home of the bride's father, Mr. F. M.(sic) Riddell on S. 6th St., Miss Minnie M. Riddell and Mr. John Joseph Helming, of Chicago.

It was a quiet home wedding witnessed only by the family. Rev. Geo. H. Wilson, pastor of the Congregational Church, was the officiating clergyman. The couple were unattended. Mrs. David Riddell played Mendhelson's (sic) Wedding March as the couple entered the parlor, and :O Promise Me" was played as the service was read.

The costume of the bride was French lawn profusely trimmed with valencines lace, and she carried a beautiful boquet (sic) of bride roses.

The wedding supper was an elaborate four course affair served from tables beautifully decorated with roses and ferns. The house was decorated throughout with autumn flowers and foliage, dahlies (sic) and nasturtiums and was a very attractive setting for the pretty wedding.

An escape without coming in contact with friends was attempted by Mr. and Mrs. Helming, but they were fairly caught at the station and bushels of rice was poured upon them before they boarded their train, and more given them after they had started on their journey.

Mr. and Mrs. Helming will at once begin house keeping in Chicago on Emerald Avenue/

The bride has passed most of her life in DeKalb and has innumerable friends and a wide acquaintance both in society and church circles who will bespeak for her all possible happiness. The groom is a business man in Chicago, but is very well known in DeKalb, having been a former resident of this city, and has many friends who congratulate him on having won one of DeKalb's fairest maidens.

Many gifts to the newly wedded pair attests the esteem in which they are held by their friends. As the bride decended (sic) the stairs preparatory to taking her departure from her girlhood home, she threw her bridal boquet (sic) which was caught by Miss May Sagle.⁹