Death of Richard Greenley 1802-1876

GREENLEY

Posted By: cheryl Locher moonen (email)
Date: 9/16/2020 at 11:48:44

Death of Richard Greenley

Richard Greenley, of one the earliest and best known residents of Dubuque County, died suddenly at his residence at Cottage Hill, on Tuesday morning, March 30th.

Richard Greenley was born in Yorkshire, England, in 1802. He emigrated to America in 1831, first settling in Pennsylvania, and afterwards, in 1836, coming to Dubuque County-whiter his two brothers, John and Benjamin, following in 1838. Richard lived for several years on the hill; within the limits of the Dubuque Corporation— near the George Wilde place; and for a short time he lived in Galena, teaching school, we believe in both places. While in Dubuque he married a lady whose previous name we do not now recollect, and who died a year ago last October. In 1850 or ’51, he removed to Cottage Hill, where he has ever since had his residence keeping a dry goods and grocery store at that place, and for sixteen years of that time being postmaster at that office. Mr. Greenley, being by nature and training a deeply and fervently religious man, joined the Methodist Episcopal Church when thirteen years of age, and began preaching at the age of nineteen, a portion of the time as an itinerant minister, in which capacity he preached on the Dubuque circuit about 1843; but later in life he “located,” and has preached as occasion called for. He preached in Cottage Hill Chapel last Sunday morning, his subject being the Sufferings and the Glory of Church. He entered the pulpit in excellent health, and never preached better, but when he was about half through his sermon he suddenly faltered, explaining that a sudden feeling of faintness had taken him, and requested the congregation to sing a hymn while he rested a few minute and gathered his wits and energies. At the close of the singing he rose to proceed, but staggered, and would have fallen but for the instant aid extended by those nearest at hand. He sank into unconsciousness, from which he never rallied, nor never again spoke or moved; and early on Tuesday morning the flickering lamp of life went out. The deceased was a man whom it would be difficult to speak of too highly. He was a whole-souled, genial, impulsive man, but whose impulses were always in behalf of what was true and right; a man whose guide was principal, and who knew no such word as expediency; a public-spirited citizen, a generous neighbor, a faithful friend, a devoted Christian.

Cottage Hill, Iowa, Iowa Books, Schmitt, James H.