RILEY, Richard, 1831-1925

RILEY, MESSENGER, HENSLEY, FAIRCHILD

Posted By: Betty Hootman (email)
Date: 2/11/2012 at 09:26:58

Washington (IA) Evening Journal

RICHARD RILEY, 93, SUCCUMBS AT HOME OF DAUGHTER HERE

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HAD LIVED FOR EIGHTY YEARS IN WASHINGTON COUNTY, NEAR COPPOCK

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One of the oldest residents of Washington county died at 7:40 yesterday evening when Richard Riley died at the home of his daughter, Mrs. John Messenger. He had been failing steadily for the last two years, but even a few days before his death was able to walk about his daughter’s home. The end came quietly, the aged man appearing merely to fall asleep.

Born in Cloud county, Ohio, April 12, 1831. Mr. Riley came to Washington county with his parents, John Riley and wife, when he was 11 years of age. They made their home on a farm near Coppock, and his home had been in this county ever since. For most of his life he lived in the Coppock neighborhood, but of late years had made his home with his children. He had been with Mrs. Messenger for more than a year.

When 28 years of age he was married to Mary Hensley, who died 23 years ago. He leaves three sons and two daughters, Elmer Riley of Oskaloosa, David and Charles of Brighton, Mrs. Rena Fairchild of Gary, Ind. and Mrs. Messenger of Washington.

The Riley family were among the earliest settlers in the southern part of the county; and the family was well known in that section for many years. His brother, William Riley, was murdered by a neighbor who had a grudge against him, nearly 50 years ago. The case exciting much interest in that day. The crime was committed just across the line in Henry county. The man accused of the crime broke jail and was never apprehended.

Funeral services will be held at two o'clock Wednesday afternoon at the Goodin funeral parlors, and will be conducted by Rev. John D. Kern of the Baptist church. Burial will be at Wayland.

Note: Richard was born in Pickaway co., Ohio the same as the rest of his siblings, there is no Cloud co., in Ohio, and my research has revealed that there never has been.