Obituaries, Death Notices, and Funeral Notices - Bi-Bl

Click a letter of the alphabet to view the obituaries for a surname that starts with that letter.

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Bice, Lowery

Lowery Bice, who died Friday, the 15th inst., at his home in Whitemarsh, was one of the best esteemed and highly respected citizens. His illness was of short duration. He was in bed only one week. Two weeks before his death he complained of being unwell, but his family and neighbors did not think him dangerously ill until the following week, when acute diarrhea set in which, together with an attach of hiccoughs, proved fatal.

The deceased married Rachael Hagerman, of Buckingham, Bucks county, 44 years ago. He was in his 66th year, and leaves a widow and three living children: Mrs. Lewis Smith, Mrs. Joseph Weiss and Mrs. William Hinkle. Mrs. George Rushong and two sons, Andrew and Frank, are deceased.

Mr. Bice came to Whitemarsh about 33 years ago from Buckingham Valley with Matthias Cope and Jefferson Cope, lime burners, and worked for them at the T.J. and J. Wentz kilns and quarries, where St. Thomas' station now is. After the Copes' lease expired he was with T.J. and John Wentz for several years in the same business. Of late years he had been keeper at the lower gate on the Skippack pike, where he died.

The funeral was held from the residence of his son-in-law, Lewis Smith, on Tuesday afternoon. Interment was made in the family lot at St. Thomas' church. Mr. Fisher, of Chestnut Hill was in charge of the funeral.

[Source: Ambler Gazette, July 11, 1898, p. 1. Submitted by Nancy.]

Bickel, J. Howard

Death of J. Howard Bickel, Esq.

The grim monster death has again wiped out another promising and brilliant life of the borough of Norristown and once more the Montgomery county bar suffers the loss of a member.

Attorney J. Howard Bickel, son of Attorney John W. Bickel, died at Charity hospital, Norristown, shortly after 2 o'clock Thursday morning after suffering many months with a complication of diseases. The young attorney had been ill for some time and only a few weeks ago he was able to be about after a severe spell of sickness. But a week ago a relapse followed and the young lawyer again became bedfast. At an early hour Wednesday evening he began sinking rapidly, but later he rallied and there was hope for his recovery. Shortly after midnight, however, he again grew worse and suffered greatly until the end.

Deceased, who was about 28 years of age, was well and popularly known in Norristown, where many friends mourn his demise. As a citizen he was always one of the best and led an exemplary life. His career as an attorney, although short lived, was replete with goodness and usefulness. Upon his admission to the bar he began practice with his father and in that capacity had often figured in prominent matters.

Attorney Bickle attended the public schools of Norristown and graduated in 1894. He then took a course in the Millersville Normal school. Later he began the study of law with his father and was admitted to the bar in July 1899.

The young man was unmarried. His father, who is one of the best known attorneys in the county, and a sister, Mrs. William Wesner, survive. The funeral was held Monday morning.

[Source: Ambler Gazette, January 7, 1904, p. 6. Submitted by Nancy.]

Bickel, John W.

John W. Bickel, former District Attorney of Montgomery County, Penn., died on Friday while ascending the steps of St. Aloysius's Church at Pottstown, Penn. He was 70 years old.

[Source: New York Times, June 1, 1913. Submitted by Nancy.]

Biddle, Mrs.

Flourtown. In last week's news it was stated that Rev. J.E. Dietterich, pastor of the Zion Lutheran church, would be at Friesburg to install Rev. L.B. Hafer, former pastor of Trinity Lutheran church, Fort Washington, but owing to the funeral of Mrs. Biddle, Ambler, on Sunday he was prevented from going, as he had charge of the services.

[Source: Ambler Gazette, February 9, 1899, p. 1. Submitted by Nancy.]

Biddle, Elizabeth

Mrs. Elizabeth Biddle, of Ambler, died this Wednesday morning at 10.45 at her residence, corner Forest avenue and Spring Garden streets, from an attack of grip.

The deceased was the eldest child of Henry and Mary Cook and was born in Whitemarsh township in 1815. She married Joseph Cadwallader Biddle, of Whitemarsh, about the year 1834. They lived in Whitpain township and then removed to Gwynedd, returning again to Whitpain. Later they resided in Ambler.

Ten children were born, six of whom are living, as follows: Henry C., of Ambler; William, of Philadelphia; Charles C., of Broad Axe; Saunders, of Germantown; George, of Philadelphia, and Frank, of Ambler. Her husband died in Ambler in 1884, aged 82.

The deceased had a strong constitution and the family were noted for their longevity, her mother living about 90 years. Mrs. Biddle was of a cheerful and amiable disposition and will be much missed from the community. She is the last of her family, a brother dying last December at Moorestown, N.J.

[Source: Ambler Gazette, February 2, 1899, p. 4. Submitted by Nancy.]

Biddle, George C.

George C. Biddle, well known to many people of this vicinity, died last Thursday morning at 5.30 at his Philadelphia home, 5536 Girard avenue, aged 51 years. Deceased had been ailing for nearly a year, but only recently he appeared to be recovering and was even looking forward to again taking up his duties in the clothing department of John Wanamaker's store, where he had been employed for 23 years, but he was suddenly taken worse and death resulted.

He was the son of Joseph Cadwalader and Elizabeth Biddle and was born in 1853 in Dawesfield farm, Whitpain township, near Ambler, being one of 10 children, of whom the following survive: Charles and Henry, of Ambler; Frank of Fort Washington; William of Philadelphia, and Saunders, of Germantown.

The parents remained on the Dawesfield farm till 1863, when they removed to Broad Axe, on the property now owned by Edward Trotter Price and comprising a part of the well-known Spotswood farm. Until he was 17 years of age, the deceased followed farming, and then learned the butchering trade at Plymouth, remaining there until 1881, when he took his late position with John Wanamaker.

On Sept. 12, 1878, the deceased married Sarah Marple, of Philadelphia, who died about seven months ago, leaving two daughter; Louisa, wife of Joseph Herbert, of Philadelphia, and Laura, who resides at home.

Funeral services were held Sunday at 3 p.m. and interment was made at Mount Moriah cemetery, the exercises being conducted by the Masons, of which he was a member and he was also associated with the Knights of Friendship, Patriotic Order Sons of America, American Mechanics and Odd Fellows.

[Source: Ambler Gazette, September 22, 1904, p. 4. Submitted by Nancy.]

Biddle, Henry C.

Henry C., 7-month-old son of Lewis and Clara Biddle, of near Ambler, died Sunday night. Funeral will be held Thursday at 2 o'clock p.m. Interment at Boehm's Reformed church, Blue Bell.

[Source: Ambler Gazette, August 2, 1900, p. 5. Submitted by Nancy.]

Biddle, Infant Son of Lewis

The funeral of Lewis Biddle's infant son is held this Wednesday afternoon. Interment at Boehm's, Blue Bell.

[Source: Ambler Gazette, December 8, 1898, p. 5. Submitted by Nancy.]

Biddle, Joseph

Jenkintown Mail Carrier Killed

Coroner Kane investigated on Saturday an unusual accident which cost Joseph Biddle, of Jenkintown, his life early the evening before.

Biddle was the mail clerk at the Jenkintown Railway station. One of the duties of his position was to hang the mail bags upon a hook to be grasped by an iron arm projecting from the side of the car and operated by one of the members of the train crew. Friday evening, it is said, Biddle delayed doing this for about two minutes--then he heard the train coming. Then he sprang to the platform, and hastily tried to place the bag in position.

Before it could be firmly fastened, the train dashed into the station and the iron arm instead of catching the mail bag caught Biddle and threw him to the tracks. He met almost instant death beneath the wheels of the train, his body being horribly mangled.

Mr. Biddle s a cousin of our townsmen, Henry C. and Charles C. Biddle.

[Source: Ambler Gazette, July 14, 1904, p. 1. Submitted by Nancy.]

Biddles, Joseph

Biedler, Henry S.

Lansdale. Henry S. Biedler, who died so suddenly in Quakertown on Tuesday of last week was the father of Horace Beidler, of Lansdale, formerly principal of our public schools. He was 72 years of age.

[Source: Ambler Gazette, January 21, 1904, p. 8. Submitted by Nancy.]

Bieler, Abraham

Bieler, Allen O.

Bieler, Christian O.

Bieler, Infant Daughter of Elmer

Bierley, William

Saw a Straight Flush and Died.

William Bierley, aged fifty-one, recently fell dead in George Helt's poker room in Portsmouth, O. The betting had been high and Bierley had been losing. He was usually a cool and successful player, but his loses had excited him. He finally bet his last dollar on an ace full, and his opponent, George Wilson, showed down a straight flush. Bierley half rose, and with a smothered exclamation, dropped back dead. The Coroner found that death resulted from heart disease.

[Source: Ambler Gazette, August 26, 1897, p. 4. Submitted by Nancy.]

Bigony, Lorenzo S. and Latimer V.

Lansdale. Two lamentable deaths from typhoid fever occurred here last week. These were of two young men, Lorenzo S. Bigony and Latimer V. Bigony, sons of Dr. F.Z. Bigony, of Montgomeryville. They were 33 and 37 years of age respectively. The latter was married and leaves a small son.

...

The funeral of the two Bigony brothers took place on Monday and Tuesday. Lorenzo was buried at Montgomeryville Baptist church, whilst Latimer was taken to Wentz church cemetery, Worcester. The latter had married Celia, daughter of James Slought, of West Point, about three years ago.

[Source: Ambler Gazette, August 29, 1901, p. 1. Submitted by Nancy.]

Billgar, Mary

On Saturday last Postmaster Stillwagon and Mrs. Fietta Stillwagon attended the funeral of Mr. Stillwagon's aunt, Mrs. Mary Billgar, wife of Isaac Billgar, who was buried from her late residence, near Tylersport. They arrived as the procession was forming to proceed to the church and they were invited into a large, crowded market wagon, with seats running lengthwise. Services were held at the old Goshenhoppen church (Reformed and Lutheran). The speaking and singer were in German. The church was erected in 1744 and rebuilt in 1858. The interior decorations are exceedingly beautiful and artistic. Opposite the church is a large and beautiful grove of tall, stately oaks. In this woods the Sunday school connected with the church holds its annual picnic, which is largely attended. The graveyard connected with the church has many fine monuments. The burying ground is beautifully situated upon a slight elevation and is one of the finest cemeteries in the state.

[Source: Ambler Gazette, March 17, 1898, p. 5. Submitted by Nancy.]

Billger, Infant Child of Henry

Binder, Mrs. Jacob B.

Binder, Sallie M.

Binder, Samuel B.

Bingaman, Esther

A Sudden Death. Mrs. Esther Bingaman, of Harrisburg, who had been paying a visit to her son-in-law, John R. Davidheiser, living on Conly B. Shoemaker's farm (formerly the Ives Farm) in Upper Pottsgrove, died suddenly of rheumatism of the heart, on Saturday evening, last. A physician was summoned when she was taken ill, but by the time he could reach .... she had expired. Mrs. Bingaman was estimable lady, the widow of Ephraim Bingaman, and a sister of Ex-commissioner Samuel G. Hatfield of Douglass Township, Berks County. Her husband who was a miller by trade, was killed five years ago in April, while moving by team to Harrisburg, being run into at Hummelstown in driving across the railroad. Mrs. Bingaman was about 67 years of age and leaves 6 children; Mary, wife of John R. Davidheiser, of Pottsgrove; Sarah Bingaman, of Pottstown; Ephraim, John, and Sophia Bingaman, and Rachel, wife of James Markley of Harrisburg. After a viewing and service at the home of Esther Bingaman's son-in-law, John Davidheiser, the family boarded a train to take the body to Harrisburg for burial.

[Source: Pottstown Ledger, Monday, May 11, 1885. Submitted by Betty.]

Bisbing, Mary Ann

Mary Ann Bisbing, widow of the late Robert Bisbing, formerly of Flourtown, died at the residence of her daughter, Mrs. John Moyer, Swede street, Norristown, last Friday morning at 10.30, in her 87th year.

The deceased's maiden name was Heilig. She was a member of the Lutheran church at Whitemarsh for a number of years, withdrawing her membership later only to connect with another. Her husband died about 1874. Five children were born to them, of whom J. Maurice Bisbing, of Chestnut Hill, and Mrs. John Moyer, of Norristown, survive.

Interment was made Tuesday afternoon at 1.30 in the Union churchyard. Services were held at the home of Mrs. Moyer, and Rev. Dr. Matthias Sheeleigh conducted the services in Zion Lutheran church, Whitemarsh.

[Source: Ambler Gazette, November 14, 1895, p. 2. Submitted by Nancy.]

Bishop, Michael F.

Michael F. bishop, aged about 36 years, of New Britain township died very suddenly from diabetes early Tuesday morning of last week, at his home, near New Galena. While moving a stack of rye Monday morning Mr. Bishop fell to the ground unconscious. He was removed to the house and Dr. Johnson summoned. He lingered until 3 o'clock Tuesday morning, when he died. Mr. Bishop leaves a wife and five children.

[Source: Ambler Gazette, April 14, 1898, p. 7. Submitted by Nancy.]

Bishop, Mrs. William

Bishop, William F.

Bispham, Katharine Bergner

Mrs. Charles Koons Bispham, daughter of Ella. And the late Charles William Bergner, of Ambler, died Friday afternoon at the home of her mother, at the Gladstone, Philadelphia, after an illness of several months. She was in the 25th year of her age. The greater portion of her childhood was spent at the Bergner country place in Ambler when the family was not traveling in Europe. The summers were usual spent at Bar Harbor, Me. Three years ago her marriage to Charles Koons Bispham, was celebrated with much �clat, and was one of the most brilliant events of the spring of 1901. The ceremony took place at St. James' Episcopal church, Philadelphia, and was attended by a large representation of the fashionable society. Mrs. Bispham's health failed soon after the marriage. She and her husband separated. For some time after the death of Mrs. Bispham's father her condition was, regarded as critical. She went south in January, but she was not improved when she returned to Philadelphia three weeks ago. Mrs. Bergner said last week there had been no reconciliation between her daughter and her husband. The funeral was held Monday morning from the home of Isaac H. Clothier, Jr., of Overbrook. Interment was privately made. The ceremony was conducted by Rev. Dr. Richardson, of Philadelphia, assisted by Rev. A.J. Miller, of St. Thomas' church, Whitemarsh.

[Source: Ambler Gazette, April 28, 1904, p. 8. Submitted by Nancy.]

Bissey, Mary C.

Bittenbender, John

Bitting, Charles

Aged Man Killed.

Charles Bitting, an old and respected citizen and farmer for Dr. James G. Mensch, of Pennsburg, fell from a hay wagon last Wednesday afternoon and was almost instantly killed.

Mr. Bitting was assisted by Walter Seiler, who was throwing hay on the wagon in Dr. Mensch's orchard, and Bitting was loading the crop. The horse made a sudden forward movement to reach a pile of hay. Mr. Bitting lost his balance and was thrown from the vehicle. He fell on his head and burst a large blood vessel, causing almost instant death. Mr. Seiler hurried to the house for assistance, but before the injured man could be removed life was extinct.

Mr. Bitting had been in the employ of Dr. Mensch for nearly 17 years. He leaves two married children, William and Mrs. Bernhard, both living in Pennsburg. His wife died a number of years ago. The deceased was in the 70th year of his age and was insured in the Prudential Life Insurance company for $150.

[Source: Ambler Gazette, September 8, 1898, p. 2. Submitted by Nancy.]

Bitting, Martha

Bitting, Robert

Bitting, Wilmer Harvey

Black, Jenks P.

Jenks P. Black, of Belmont avenue, died Thursday in his 77th year, of old age and heat exhaustion. He had been sick for several weeks. The funeral was held Monday afternoon and interment was made at Odd Fellows' cemetery, Philadelphia.

[Source: Ambler Gazette, July 11, 1901, p. 5. Submitted by Nancy.]

Black, William

Blackburn, William C.

Blackburn, William C.

Blackburn, William C.

William C. Blackburn, of Ambler, aged 58 years, was killed in the Sunday morning railroad wreck at Hatfield. When taken out of the debris he was dead and it is supposed death was instantaneous. He had severe scalp and shoulder wounds. His right leg, left ear and the side of his face were badly cut and he was injured internally. He had gone to Telford Thursday to superintend the erection of a house he is building for his wife's sister and had expected to return on Saturday. That day he telephoned to Ambler saying he would remain over till Sunday morning if not wanted at home. He was returning on the milk train and was in the rear car when the crash came which killed him.

He was born July 7, 1842, in Towamencin township on his father's farm. He learned the trade of blacksmith. He married Kate F. Hunsberger, of Telford, and farmed for a time. When the Perkiomen railroad was built he was living at Collegeville, and was foreman of the section of road between Schwenksville and Yerkes. On April 1, 1872, he moved to Norristown, and was hostler for his brother-in-law, J.G. Tyson, who kept the Veranda house. Here he remained seven years, going as proprietor of the Sorrel Horse inn, Fourth and Vine streets, Philadelphia, where he continued two years. For a short time after he resided in Norristown and then purchased the Centre Square hotel, which he conducted four years. The deceased then purchased the Coleman school property nearby and ran the farm. This in 1885 he traded for the Hartranft house, Norristown, which he conducted six years. From here he moved to Coxe's homestead at Brewery, and later purchased the Farmers' hotel, Norristown, which he held about one week, selling to advantage, and bought the Montgomery house, which he also disposed of in a few days. The Railroad hotel, North Wales, was his next property, where he lived four years.

In 1893 he purchased the Ambler hotel from John D. Cooper, and during the seven years' ownership has improved, enlarged and greatly changed it in every way. Mr. Blackburn has been an active citizen of Ambler in many ways and has served the First ward as committeeman several terms.

A strange coincidence of the death of Mr. Blackburn in the railway accident is that, in 1875 he was in the wreck on the Bound Brook railroad, when an excursion train from Norristown up the Hudson was wrecked and many killed and injured, and in which he made a narrow escape. Ever since that time he has had a horror of railway travel and has often remarked of the danger of excursions and the rapid movement of trains.

A widow and one son, Irvin H., who is married and lives at home; one sister, and an uncle survive. The remains will be interred this Thursday at Detwiler's cemetery, Skippack. Services will be held in the morning at 9 o'clock conducted by Rev. N.T. Brown and Rev. B.F. Kittinger. There will also be services at the Dunkard meeting house at Skippack.

[Source: Ambler Gazette, September 6, 1900, p. 4. Submitted by Nancy.]

Blackburn, William C.

The funeral of William C. Blackburn, who was killed in the Hatfield wreck, took place Thursday morning, services being held at 9 o'clock in charge of Rev. N. Thomas Brown, of the Presbyterian church, and Rev. B.F. Kittinger, of the Upper Dublin Brethren's church. A large number of his friends and relatives attended. The Ambler business places were closed from 9 to 11. Interment was made at Detwiler's burying ground, near Skippack. The deceased will be missed in Ambler, as he was a prominent man in many ways and on eof the very best landlords in the county.

[Source: Ambler Gazette, September 13, 1900, p. 6. Submitted by Nancy.]

Blake, Edna Pearl

Jarrettown. Edna Pearl Blake, a young child of Mr. Walter Blake, died on Friday after an illness of several weeks with whooping cough. The funeral was held on Sunday afternoon, interment at Rose Hill.

[Source: Ambler Gazette, April 9, 1903, p. 4. Submitted by Nancy.]

Blank, Annie

Blank, Charles H.

Blank, Cyrus J.

Blatchford, Elizabeth

Centre Square. Miss Elizabeth Blatchford died on Monday morning after a lingering illness of kidney trouble. She is survived by a sister, Mrs. J.P. Young, of Philadelphia, and several nephews and nieces. Her brother Stephen died just four years ago.

[Source: Ambler Gazette, December 29, 1904, p. 1. Submitted by Nancy.]

Blatchford, Stephen

Centre Square. Stephen Blatchford, aged 66 years, died Monday night at his late residence near Centre Square. The funeral will occur on Friday.

[Source: Ambler Gazette, November 29, 1900, p. 4. Submitted by Nancy.]

Bliem, J.C.

Blumm, Charles

A Coaster Fatally Hurt.

Charles Blumm, of 2400 Hare street, Philadelphia, while coasting Providence Hill, about three miles above Norristown, took a header Sunday afternoon, and he is not expected to live. Blumm was riding alone and was found unconscious in the road by the crew of a trolley car. He was removed to Charity hospital. The hill on which he met his mishap is very treacherous, and one upon which many a cyclist has come to grief. It is on the Ridge pike and besides being very steep abounds in loose stones hidden in the dusty surface of the road. Knowing cyclists always avoid riding down that incline.

Blumm died at Charity hospital Sunday evening. An autopsy made by the coroner's physician shoed that death was due to a fracture of the skull. Blumm was a barber, 29 years of age, and lived at 2400 Hare street. He was unmarried. He was returning from a run to Collegeville in company with several friends, when his wheel struck a stone and he was thrown to the ground head foremost. Blumm's body was claimed by his father, who lives at Cressona.

[Source: Ambler Gazette, August 27, 1896, p. 2. Submitted by Nancy.]

Blyler, Charles J.

Charles J. Blyler, at one time a resident of Whitemarsh township, died at the Episcopal hospital, Philadelphia, Sunday, aged 67 ears. Funeral services were held in Philadelphia Tuesday evening at the residence of his daughter and interment was made in Union Cemetery, Whitemarsh this Wednesday morning. He was the son of David Blyler, who kept the springhouse, Three Tuns and Sandy Run taverns. The deceased married Mary Buzby, of Lower Gwynedd, in 1862. A second wife and the following children survive: Annie C., George W., Charles and William.

[Source: Ambler Gazette, February 7, 1901, p. 4. Submitted by Nancy.]

Blyler, Joseph

Fort Washington News. Joseph Blyler, a former resident of this place, died Christmas day in Brooklyn aged 73 years, and was buried Monday afternoon in the Union cemetery, Whitemarsh. Deceased was the oldest son of David and Mariah Blyler, and was born at the old Fort Washington tarvern when it stood on the lot now occupied by Masonic hall and Huffnagle's store. The father of the deceased kept hotel here and at Sandy Run and also at Springhouse, which he left in 1857 after being there for 19 years. During this period the deceased left home and was engaged in business in the south and in Philadelphia. His brothers Daniel and Charles are both dead while sister, Amanda, is the wife of A.H. Carn, at this place. Deceased was a member of the Whitemarsh Reformed church, and the funeral services were held in Zion Lutheran church, Rev. F.A. Rupley having charge.

[Source: Ambler Gazette, January 2, 1902, p. 4. Submitted by Nancy.]