Biddle - Thomas J.
Source: Unknown but imagine Waynetown newspaper
Uncle Tom Biddle, a pioneeer and one of the most respected and best known citizens of this community passed into that great future Saturday at 1:30 o'clock at the home of his son, Homer E. Biddle in Crawfordsville, following a graduate decline of several months though his death was due to a stroke of paralysis and serious illness the past 3 weeks. Thomas J. Biddle - Uncle Tom - as he was so well known by everyone, was the son of John P. and Dollie Tracey Biddle and was born on a farm north of this place, Sept 7, 1845. He grew to manhood and October 16, 1873, was united in marriage to Elizabeth Wright Wood and to this union 3 children were born, two sons,one daughter. Following their marriage they went to house keeping on a farm just northeast of town, where they continued to live until a few years ago went hey came to town and resided until Mrs. Biddle's death Oct 11, 1921, since which time Uncle Tom has spent much of his time in homes of his two sons and daughter, though he never fully gave up his own home. 41 years ago under the pastorate of Rev. CL Jackson he united with the Liberty Christian church and continued a faithful member of that church up to his death. He had been a member of the local Masonic lodge of this place, and also of the knights of Pythias Lodge of this place and a faithful attendant and supporter of both those fraternities as he was of his church. Uncle Tom Biddle was a member of a large pioneer family and was a familiar with all the early struggles and privations that was experienced by the pioneer men and women who gave to the present generation of this town and township so splendid a community with all its comforts and present day blessings. He was a man of noble character and high ideals, and contributed his best efforts to that which was good for the community in which he lived and of which he had done his bit in making it what it is today. He leaves to mourn his death two sons, Homer E of Crawfordsville; Elmer J of this place and a daughter, Mrs. Flora Stewart of Otterbein; 9 grandchildren and other relatives and a host of friends. A devoted husband and father, a good neighbor and true friend to all, a Christian man are tributes of character that all may well emulate. The remains were brought here to his own home Sunday and Monday morning at 10 o'clock the funeral service was conducted at the Baptist Church by Rev WW Roberts of Crawfordsville former pastor of the Liberty Church who delivered a splendid funeral address. Following the funeral service the Masonic ritual service was conducted by Judge Jerre West in a most impressive manner. A male quartette composed of Charles E. Small, Rev. WH Zimmerman, EE Livengood and JW Small sang the funeral songs and many beautiful floral tributes expressed the love of kindred and friends of the deceased while a large audience silently paid its last respects to one we had, known many years. Interment took place on the family lot at the Masonic Cemetery. --typed by kbz - thanks, Proctors :)
Source: Lafayette Journal and Courier Mon 5 Nov 1923 p 14
TJ Biddle, 78 years of age of Waynetown died Saturday afternoon at the home of his son, Homer Biddle, 113 W Franklin Street, Crawfordsville. His death was caused by paralysis. Mr. Biddle was a retired farmer and was a life-long member of the Christian Church of Liberty, Ind. He was also a member of the Masonic order Knights of Pythias. The deceased is survived by two sons, Homer E. Biddle of Crawfordsville and Elmer J. Biddle of Waynetown; one daughter, Mrs. Flora Stuart of Otterbein, Ind and nine grandchildren. His wife died two years ago. Funeral services were held at 10 o’clock Monday morning at the Waynetown Baptist Church. The Rev. WW Zimmerman, pastor of the Waynetown Baptist Church officiated. There were also Masonic services at the church.