Crawfordsville Review Tues May 23 1916 p 1 - John J Birdcell age 56 and one of the best known and respected men of Montgomery County died sat the Methodist Hospital in Indianapolis at 4 o'clock yesterday afternoon as the result of an illness that attacked him a week ago lat Sunday. The ailment was in the nature of bladder trouble but baffled the physicians who were called in on the case. He was brought to Culver Hospital in this city but was later taken to the Methodist Hospital in Indianapolis for operation. After being taken to the Indianapolis institution, Mr. B grew rapidly worse and the operation could not e performed. A day or two ago, members of the family and friends were called to the bedside in the belief that the end was near but he rallied from the attack and a minor operation was performed to relieve his present suffering but it was of no avail and the end came as a relief to an excruciating period of suffering and pain. John J. Birdcell was born in Ohio and came with his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Martin Birdcell to western Indiana. They located in Waynetown and save for a period of time spent in Hillsboro and Anderson Mr Birdcell spent his life in that community. That he was a man of affairs and closely identified with all moves that tended to the upbuilding of the community, is evidenced by the fact that he was a pillar in the Baptist Church, of the Masonic bodies, Knight of Pythias, president of the Farmers & Merchants Bank and Horse Thief Detective Society. With all these personal and public activities, John Birdcell was never too busy but that he had a sympathetic word for the distressed. His advice was much sought and was farely but cautiously given. His public service was rendered as painstakingly as the management of his private affairs and it is doubted if there is a man in the county that will be more missed by the community. Mr. Birdcell was a member of the firm of Birdcell Shular undertakers and in this capacity he visited homes in the house of distress. It has been often remarked that his presence in the home of the afflicted was a matte rof comfort, such was his character an manner. Mr. Birdcell was married early in manhood to Laura Pierce she with one son, Fern Birdcell survive. The body will be brought to Waynetown this morning and the funeral services will be held at the late home, Friday afternoon at 2. Details and further announcements may be made after the arrival of the body at the home.