Riley, Herbert Eugene (1861-1923)

RILEY, WELLS, VALENTINE, NEESE

Posted By: Debbie Greenfield (email)
Date: 4/28/2017 at 15:21:28

Webster City Freeman, Webster City, Iowa, Monday, June 11, 1923

His Life's Sketch

Herbert Eugene Riley, third son of Robt. L. and Eliza Riley, was ushered into earthly existence Sept. 8, 1861, at the old homestead at Pleasant Hill, about six miles north of Stanhope, amid all trials, hardships, and privations of the pioneer and on the farm which vocation he made his life calling.

While he spent his early life assisting his parents, yet he grasped every opportunity to acquire an education which he received in the proverbial school house on the hill.

Upon reaching his majority he sought to comply with the scriptural injunction, "It is not well for man to live alone." He was united in the holy bonds of wedlock to Mary J. Wells, another product of pioneer days, on Sept. 10, 1884. They cast their lot on a farm, assuming the duties of life in both sunshine and rain. This union God blessed with six obedient and affectionate children as follows: Raymond E., born July 28, 1885; Rena, Jan. 28, 1887; Ethel, Sept. 6, 1888, Millie, Feb. 19, 1891; Ransom II., Sept. 28, 1895; Hazel, Oct. 20, 1897. All with their mother survive the beloved father and husband, except Raymond E., who preceded him in death in 1921.

It was hard to believe the report of his demise for he was a man of robust health and strong physic.

About two weeks ago he went out to the farm to assist as usual and while there engaged he was stricken with an affliction of the heart from which he never survived, in spite of the best of medical skill. After lingering for ten days he answered the summons of the Master at 11:45 p.m. on June 6, 1923, at the age of 61 years, eight months and 28 days.

Mr. Riley gave his life to the Master in his early years. He became affiliated with the Christian church about twenty years ago and was a man who exemplified the Christian life in his every day activities. As a citizen and neighbor Mr. Riley was esteemed by all who knew him; slow of passing judgment, but weighed all carefully and considerately. He was always interested in all welfare work, especially the work of the church. As a husband and father he was kind, loving and affectionate. If he leaves no other heritage than that of unselfish, noble devotion to the highest ideals in life, he left that which wealth cannot buy.

The family resided on the farm until March, 1912, when they moved to their present home in Stanhope. The funeral services were in charge of the Rev. H. Wm. Beck, of Boone, a former pastor of the deceased. They were held at the home at 1:30 p.m. and at the Christian church at 2 p.m. on Sunday, June 10, Rev. Beck taking for his theme, "A Glorious Sunset." His text was from Jeremiah 15:9. "Her (or rather his) sun has gone down while it is yet day" indication of the life of the deceased. The Scripture lesson read being the 15th Chapter of First Corinthians, followed by prayer.

The music was by the efficient male quartette - Donald and Myrle Hamilton, Wm. D. Parker and Clarence Malmberg - under the leadership of their director, Miss Della Hamilton. They sang "Saved by Grace," "Safe on the Golden Shore," and "Thy Will be Done."

The pall bearers were intimate friends of the deceased - Frank Buckwaldt, J.A. Johnson, Theodore Carlson, John Whalen, Harry Howey, L.Q. Dick. The flower girls were Misses Mary Howey, Hope Cottington, Verna Read and Esther Dick.

The deceased leaves to mourn his loss besides his beloved wife and children, Mrs. E. E. Valentine, of Webster City and Mrs. Addison Neese, of Grand Junction, Iowa, also eleven grandchildren and a host of friends.

Card of Thanks
We wish to thank the many friends who so kindly assisted us during the illness and death of our beloved husband and father. Also for the music furnished by the male quartette and Miss Della Hamilton, and for the beautiful floral offerings, silent tokens of esteem offered for the departed.
Mrs. H.E. Riley and Children

[burial Lawn Hill Cemetery, rural Stanhope, Iowa]