A lifelong resident of Canton, Frederick A. Bidwell (1850-1907) was a farmer and very active in the Cawassa Grange. He served as master of that organization for four years. A public-spirited man, he served the town in a variety of capacities including fifteen years on the board of selectmen. “In that office he was painstaking and careful, and the town has lost a good guardian of the taxpayer [and] a considerate official” according to a newspaper account. Bidwell was elected state representative from Canton in 1889. He was a member of the Village Lodge of Masons.

Although he met with business difficulties and “severe blows due to sickness and death in his family, he always maintained a cheerful disposition and gained the respect and admiration of all who knew him.” Bidwell died in Hartford Hospital after a week’s stay. He was operated on for a severe strangulated hernia and was on the road to recovery when complications arose requiring another surgery. Weakened by the second operation, he failed to rally.

Married in 1874 to Sadie M. North of Berlin, Bidwell was survived by his wife and a large family. Funeral services were held at his Canton Centerhome and at the Canton Center Congregational Church.

Frederick A. Bidwell is buried in the Canton Center Cemetery.

“Your Silent Neighbors” introduces readers to people out of Canton’s past. Readers are encouraged to visit these gravesites and pay their respects to the people who have helped make our community what it is today.