Birch - John Henry
JOHN HENRY BIRCH
Source: Crawfordsville Journal Thusday March 17, 1927 p 1
While driving his automobile down Lafayette pike, John Henry Birch expired Wednesday evening at about 8 o'clock with his hands on the wheel, the victim of a sudden attack of heart disease.
The machine plunged from the road, passed a ditch and crashed into a fence. At the time of his death Birch, accompanied by his wife, was driving north and the wreck occurred near the intersection of the New Richmond Road.
Mrs. Birch was not injured, the engine stalling and the car coming to a stop. She immediately summoned assistance.
Mr. Birch was dead when police and Dr. Fred A. Dennis reached the scene. It is believed that he died almost instantly. The body was taken to the Barnhill Funeral Home and will be taken to the home today.
Dr. J.B. Griffith, county coroner, investigated the cause of Mr. Birch's death Wednesday night.
John Henry Birch was one of th emost prominent business men in the city. He was born 55 years ago at Erie, PA the son of Thomas and Jane Birch. He had been a resident of Crawfordsville since 1881, and with his cousin, Hays Birch formed the firm of Birch & Birch in 1902. The well known firm of foundrymen built up a prosperous business, engaging in the manufacture of gasoline engines, box making machinery and in general machinists' work.
Mr. Birch had recenlty built a handsome new residence at 514 East College Street and was preparing to move to the home within a short time. He and his family had been living on Chestnut Street, pending the completion of the home. Deceased is survived by his widow, Mrs. Lena Birch; one daughter, Mrs. Louis Toth of Hammond; two brothers, George of Peakskill, NY and WIll of Chicago; three sisters, Mrs. Albert Ruffner of Seattle, Wash; Mrs. Thomas Devinne of Chicago and Miss Catherine Birch of Chicago; and one grandchild. - kbz
*****
Source: April 4, 1930 -- Crane & McCabe, attorneys for estate
Notice -- in the matter of the estate of John Henry Birch, deceased. In the Montgomery Circuit Court, January term 1930. Notice is hereby given that Marcella Toth as administrix of the estate of John Hnery Birch, deceased has presented and filed her account and vouchers in final settlement of said estate and that the same will come up for the examination and action of said circuit court on the 28th day of April 1930 at which time all heirs, creditors or legatees of said estate are required to appear in said court and show causes if any there be why said account and vouchers should not be approved.