Edward Patrick Riley (1859-1932)

BRADFORD, BRENNAN, HENLY, JOHNSON, KINDER, LAWS, MATHEWS, REEDER, RILEY, SOWER

Posted By: Eileen Reed (email)
Date: 2/10/2024 at 13:06:56

November 22, 1859 --- January 8, 1932

E. P. Riley Buried Monday

Funeral services for E.P. Riley were held at the Catholic church Monday morning and he was laid to rest in Calvary, cemetery. Mr. Riley passed away Friday, Jan. 8 at his home at 821 E. 2nd St., where the family has lived since coming to Eagle Grove in 1886. Mr. Riley was a good friend and neighbor and will be sadly missed by his associates.

The following relatives from out of town were present at the funeral: Mr. and Mrs. Raymond Bradford and son Dickey, Omaha, Neb., Mr. and Mrs. Mack Laws and Everet and Leo Mathews and Mrs. Geo. Sower, Chicago, Mr. and Mrs. Fred Johnson, Omaha, Mr. and Mrs. Jule Kinder, Meome, Okla., Mr. and Mrs. Geo. Henly and family, Forest City, E. J. Riley, Omaha, Mr. and Mrs. Chas. Reeder, Clarion.

The following. obituary was prepared by the family to be read at the services:

Obituary

Edward P. Riley passed away at his home Friday night at 8:55 p. m. after a long and patient illness. He was born in Chicago, Ill., Nov. 22, 1859. He was operated upon Oct. 15 at St. Mary's hospital at Rochester, Minn., for cancer of the stomach. He never rallied from his operation. After being bedfast at St. Mary's hospital for 43 days, he begged to leave and he was taken to the home of his daughter, Mrs. C. M. Reeder at Clarion. Every effort was made to help him regain his health. After two weeks he appeared to be better and he returned to his home at Eagle Grove five weeks ago. After a short time he again, began to fail until the time of his death.

He was united in marriage to Ella M. Brennan, July 4, 1880, at Columbus, Neb. To this union were born the following four children: Mrs. Emma Bradford of Eagle Grove, Mrs. Nellie Laws of Chicago, Ill., Mrs. Mae Reeder of Clarion and Edward J. Riley of Omaha, Neb.

In his early life he lived on a farm in Lincoln township near Clarion, Iowa. In 1886 he moved to Eagle Grove to work for the Chicago Northwestern railroad as caller. Later he was promoted to the position of engine inspector. About two years ago he was pensioned by the company with high honors. He was missed by his fellow employees as he was always so cheerful during his 41 years service with the company.

After retiring he and his good wife, each constant companions of each other, enjoyed themselves together. On July 4 of last year Mr. and Mrs. Riley celebrated their 51st wedding anniversary at the cottage of their daughter, Mrs. C. M. Reeder at Lake Cornelia.

During Mr. Riley's suffering he prayed each day for his health until the last few weeks he gave up and prepared himself to go to the Great Beyond.

He is survived by his wife, Mrs. E. P. Riley and his children, Mrs. Emma Bradford, Mrs. Nellie Laws, Mrs. Mae Reeder and E. J. Riley and eight grandchildren and nine great grandchildren.

Eagle Grove Eagle --- Eagle Grove, Iowa
January 14, 1932