Died, at his home in the village of Rewey, Friday evening, April 23, 1897, Matthew Biddick, aged 80 years, 1 month, and three days. He was born at St. Issey Parish,
Cornwall, England, March 20, 1817, and was the eldest of nine children born to Matthew and Mary Biddick - five sons and four daughters - all of whom have gone to the land of their
fathers except one brother, Richard Biddick, now residing in Livingston, Wis., and three sisters - Mary, widow of the late John Williams, now residing in Nebraska; Kezia, wife of Samuel Rundell, and Hannah, wife of Richard Rundell, both residing in the town of Mifflin. Deceased came to America in 1850,
settling first in Platteville and remaining in that neighborhood about five
years, when he permanently located in the town of Mifflin, where he continued
to reside with the exception of a few years temporary residence in Iowa.
He first married to Miss Petra Nellie Hawkins, in England, in 1844. By this union three daughters were born, all of whom
are living: Hannah, Mrs. Paul, residing in Iowa, and was present at the funeral; Emma, Mrs. Mitchell, residing in Minnesota, and Mary, Mrs. Giltner, residing in Kansas. Mr. Biddick's first wife died at Mifflin
about thirty years ago.
In early manhood he developed a strong religious tendency, and finding the
forms and iron-clad ceremonies of the mother church distasteful to his liberal
ideas, he withdrew from that organization and identified himself with what was
known at that time in England as the "Bible Christians", an offshoot of the
Wesleyan Methodists, and at once became an active worker in his chosen field.
On coming to America, he attached himself to the Primitive Methodists where he
ever remained an active and leading member, often filling the position of local
preacher, and demonstrated the sincerity of his convictions by giving liberally
of his means to the support of his chosen church.
It is undoubtedly true that more honor is due Matthew Biddick in the erection
and completion of the Primitive Methodist church at Rewey, than any other
person, with the possible exception of Fred Dobson, with whom he worked in
perfect harmony. He also gave liberally in the erection of the Ebenezer church.
He married his present wife, Mrs. Ann Stone, in England, in 1875.
Mr. Biddick never forgot that he was an Englishman, always proud of his
ancestry, but he was especially proud that he was an American citizen by
adoption. When in England on his last visit, in 1875, on his return he gave
very interesting accounts of the discussions he had with his English friends
relative to the two forms of government, and of questions growing out of the
late war, always giving them to understand he preferred the form of government
of his adoption.
The funeral took place at Rewey, in the P. M. Church, on Monday, and was
largely attended, especially by the older citizens, and the interment was at
the old Mifflin Cemetery, Rev. Hardcastle officiating, assisted by F. Dobson.
Prof. E. C. Davis, assisted by his splendid choir, rendered excellent music.
The pall bearers were Thos. H., Joseph, and Geo. F. Biddick, John S., and A. E. Rundell, and John S. Williams, all nephews of the deceased, and each represented a different family.
Life's work well done,
Life's race well run,
Then comes rest.
(Dodgeville Chronicle, Dodgeville, Wisconsin: 1862-, Date of Issue: 30 Apr
1897, Southwest Wisconsin Room, Elton S. Karrmann Library, University of
Wisconsin-Platteville, Platteville, WI 53818-3009. Source Media Type: Film.)
