Richard Price 1824-1886

PRICE, NEFF

Posted By: Mike Kearney (email)
Date: 12/7/2007 at 18:37:44

The Clinton Daily Herald Tuesday July 27, 1886 p. 3 The community was deeply shocked last evening to learn of the sudden death of Richard Price. An event more unexpected could not have occurred. One so stalwart and apparently so rubust, Richard Price was the last man in Clinton that one would expect to be suddenly stricken; so full of design and laudable ambition for the future, too, his life seemed but half finished, and to be cut off so unnatural that none could have surmised its possibility. But this lamentable event would have been less unexpected had it been generally known that Mr. Price's health had not been good this summer. While steadily attending to the business of his brick-yard up to last Saturday, he had been ailing to some extent for months past. He had been chosen one of the pallbearers for the funeral of the late J.T. Pierson, on Sunday, but was not well enough to attend. Monday forenoon Mr. Price remained at home, feeling too ill to go to his business, yet thinking himself betten than on the preceding day. Eating a light dinner, he lay down on a lounge, apparently to take his customary mid-day nap. He was troubled with a slight vomiting, but soon quieted down, and was supposed to be sleeping. The last seen of him when he was known to be alive was about three o'clock in the afternoon. Between five and six o'clock, he son William entered the room and made the dreadful discovery that his father was dead. All appearances showed that the end had come peacefully and painlessly. The deceased had evidently composed himself for sleep, his spectacles had been laid to one side, a paper which he had been reading was lying beside the lounge on the floor, and his hands were folded on his breast. The body was yet warm, but the heart and pulse had ceased to beat. To heart disease is attributed the sudden ending of ths useful life. Death is an awful thing, but as it must come, one cannot but wish a death so calm and peaceful as that of our lamented townsman. Richard Price was born at Slapton, England, Aug. 13, 1824, and was therefore nearly 62 years old. He came to America in 1842, first living in Ohio and thence removing to Galena, Ill., in 1845. In the Mexican war he did brave service in the Eighth United States Infantry. Mr. Price moved to Sabula in 1853, and to Clinton in 1859, engaging here in the manufacture of brick, which vocation he followed to the moment of his death. In 1852, Mr. Price was married to Louisa M. Neff, who survives him. One of the most distressing features of his sudden demise was the absence of this beloved wife and the necessity of breaking the heart rending news to her on her arrival home last evening from Galina, where she had been visiting. Ten children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Price , seven of whom survive survive - Henry C., whose headquarters are at Davenport but whose present whereabouts are not definitely known, though it is hoped to reach him by telegram; Thos. J., at home; Bertha P., a married daughter residing near Galina; Richard F., Stella M., and Wm. E., all at home; and Ada P., who arrived today from Galena, where her mother and she had been visiting her sister. Mr. Price was always conspicuous and eminently useful in municipal affairs. For twelve years he served as a member of the Clinton City Council and for a term as Mayor of Clinton. As city legislator and executor he was distinguished by firmness, decision, and originality. As Mayor he was a terror to evil-doers, and won the approval of all who favored compliance with law and the observance of good order. Personally, Mr. Price was unusually companionable and interesting. He had clearly-defined and pronounced opinions upon all subjects of interest, and was well informed on current topics and in general literature. His influence was always thrown in the direction of right, and with marked weight. The loss of such a man is a severe one to any community, and Clinton keenly feels it. The funeral will be under the auspices of the Odd Fellows, of which fraternity Mr. Price was an active and honored member. It will occur from the family residence on Second avenue, with interment in Springdale Cemetery, tomorrow afternoon at 2 o'clock. Friends are invited to attend.