Sidener - Lida McKnight
Source: Scrapbook of Chester Pefley of Ladoga, Indiana 1890-1916
Lida McKnight was born in Morgan County, Ohio Jan 4, 1855. In September of that year, her parents, John and Mary McKnight with their family came to Indiana to make their home near Russellville and five years later in 1860, they bought the farm now owned by Andrew Sidener and this farm has been Lida's home since that time. During all her life, except the first five years, this has been the spot around which all her intersts centered. She was married to Andrew I. Sidener, April 4, 1888 an the old homestead became their home. It was here that Lida passed the happiest days and years of her life, it was here that she suffered during her lingering illness and here, in the old home, she died Feb 20, 1915. All that was possible to be done was done for her and she bore her illness cheerfully and with no complaining. She enjoyed life to the fullest measure but she had no fear of death and was ready to go when the dark messenger called. Lida was for 12 years, a teacher in the country schools and for nine years of that time she taught in her home district. This, of itself shows how those who knew her best appreciated her excellent services. Lida Sidener was a woman who helped those about her. She helped to make her own community a better one in which to live and in this way she helped int he betterment of the world. In the three most important institutions in the world, the home, the school and the church, she was deeply interested and did her part for their advancement. To spread sunshine and good cheer was her mission in life and she was thoroughly capable of fulfilling that mission as all who knew her will testify. Quiet, unassuing but highly capable, she accomplished more than she realized and exerted an influence that will be lasting. A good woman, a devoted wife, a splendid neighbor and a loving friend has been called away. Her life was an example for us all. The funeral service at the home last Tuesday morning was conducted by Rev. N.W. Clark of the Ladoga Presbyterian Church of which Mrs. Sidener was an active member. The music was by Mr. and Mrs. W.O. Winkler, Dr. C.B. Werts and Nellie Warfel and Miss Verda Knox of Darlington. Interment was made in Ladoga Cemetery. - kbz