As the years follow each other in rapid succession one link after another of the chain that joins the present with the early and important history of this province is broken.

Another of these links has been severed by the death of Walter Riddell, which took place on Sunday morning April 7, 1901 at his home in Londesboro at the advanced age of over three quarters of a century.

He was born near the town of Perth, Lanark county in 1825, his parents Mr. And Mrs. James Riddell having emigrated from Perthshire Scotland some years previous.  He came West and took up land in Hullett township in 1851 and afterward returned to his home where he was married in 1853 to Miss Elizabeth Foster daughter of the late Christopher Foster esp. near Smiths Falls, Ont.  And the same year ye established his home on the 13^th Con. Of Hullett where he lived until seven years ago, when he retired from the more arduous work of farming and removed to Londesboro.

His beloved wife had gone on before and has been awaiting him in the glory kingdom for 27 years.

In his journey west he had to drive in a wagon from Hamilton, as it was the nearest port of navigation and the nearest market town was Goderich.  Those were the days when settlers had literally to hew out a home as well as a destiny for themselves and clear up the land by constant and hard work and suffer the numerous privations inseparably connected with such a life, pursuing a life of uprightness and strictest integrity he gained the highest respect and esteem of those with whom he cam in contact, also cultivating a sanguine and cheerful disposition his presence was as rays of sunshine.  He was a conscientious and consistent member of the Presbyterian church; for many years and elder of Purns church and a faithful Sunday school worker and he has now gone to enjoy the reward prepared for those who love the Lord and to hear the (Well Done) of the Master whom he served.

During his illness though he suffered intense pain, not a murmur of complaint passed his lips.  A kind indulgent and wise parent, he was much loved by the members of this family, who sincerely mourn his departure, and his memory will long be cherished by them.  Interment took place in the Hullett Presbyterian cemetery on Tuesday afternoon after a short service by Rev. Mr. Hamilton who spoke especially from the words: For we know what if our earthly house of his tabernacle be dissolved we have a building of God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. 2 Cor. 5-1. 

A large number of friends and relatives gathered to express their sympathy with the bereaved family and testify to the esteem of the departed. Among the relatives present at the funeral were Messers. James and John Riddell, Pierson Man., Geo. A Riddell, lowa; Mrs W. Stovin, Deloraine Man.; sons and daughter Mr. Robert Riddell, Pilot Mound, Man. Howard of Lyleton, Thomas, Auburn, Mrs W. Ouimette, Nell, daughter of Londesboro, Mrs. Dave McGill, Bell of Blyth, Mrs. W. Cunningham, Hannah in Hullett and Agness Riddell at home, also Mr. And Mrs. Thom Foster and Mrs. Alex Foster of Tara; Mr. And Mrs Vallie Knechtell of Seaforth; Miss Lou Ouimette, Toronto: W. K. and Miss Irene McLeld, St. Marys.