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 sapper, 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. 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 oclock on Saturday afternoon at the Congregational church in DeKalb.
