Obituary

  Frances Adelaide Bridger, daughter of Henry and Elizabeth Bridger, was born on the banks of the Hudson River, Troy, New York, October 6, 1834 and died at her home in Suez township, Mercer county, Illinois, at 5:38 a.m. Sunday May 2, 1909, aged 74 years, 6 months and 26 days. She was one of a family of nine children, five girls and four boys. three brothers, Henry T., James C., of Suez, and Philip T., of Mendon, Missouri, survive her. Her oldest brother, William H., died one year ago. She came with her parents to Mercer county, Illinois, where they arrived January 1, 1836, and has consequently seen all the changes and development in the growth and settlement of this township.
  She was married Sept 3, 1857 to Dan W. Sedwick, who came to Mercer county from Mercer county, Pa. in 1855. Eight children, 5 boys and 3 girls, were born to this union; three girls, Mrs. Ida E. Cameron, Mrs. Cora A. McCreight, Mrs. Fannie M. Burrill and one son, Edwin E. Sedwick, survive her, all of whom were with her in her last moments. The grandchildren range in age from 2 to 22 years and are as follows: Dan, Irvin and Roy Cameron, Vera McCreight, Vern, Grace, Edith, Mamie and Dan Sedwick. About April 18th, Mrs. Sedwick was taken with pneumonia and after ten days was convalescent and was thought to be rapidly recovering when on the evening of April 29, at 6 o'clock she suffered a sudden relapse but the attending physician thought it nothing serious. At 2 o'clock another sinking spell came on when she lost the power of speech. Four physicians Dr. J.R. McCutchan, Dr. Emma B. Standley, Dr. M.G. Reynolds and Dr. Miles, were present and did all that medical aid could advise but without encouraging results, when just as day dawned Sunday morning the spirit took its flight into the great beyond. The funeral services were held at the family residence at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, May 4, conducted by Rev. Edison Reifsnyder, pastor of the First Universalist Church of Galesburg, Rev. W.C. Holmes, regular pastor of the Suez Universalist church, also being present. The choir rendered some very appropriate music. Rev. Reifsnyder delivered a very able and comforting sermon. The body was interred in the Suez cemetery. Numerous beautiful floral tributes were received and around the casket was a perfect profusion of flowers. Over 300 people were present to pay their last tribute of respect to the deceased. Mrs. Sedwick was naturally of a cheerful, kind and gentle disposition and immediately made friends with all she met and everybody was given a cordial welcome at her home. She was a devoted wife, an affectionate mother and was loved and respected by all who knew her and will be greatly missed not only in her own home but by a large circle of friends.
(1909)