Bruce Riley (1859-1954)

BRYAN, BURNETT, DRAPER, ENTRIKSEN, HORST, LANDIS, MALTON, MCCOLLOUGH, PETERS, PETERSON, RILEY, WEEDMAN

Posted By: Eileen Reed
Date: 2/10/2024 at 13:07:00

April 28, 1859 --- September 29, 1954

Goldfield Chronicle

Bruce Riley, 95, Died Wednesday Afternoon

Bruce Riley 95, one of Goldfield's earliest residents, died at his home late Wednesday afternoon. He is survived by his wife and one son.

Mr. Riley has been in failing health for some time and his son Rev. Bruce T. Riley had been here a number of weeks assisting in his care. Rev. Riley returned to his home in Youngstown, Ohio about Sept. 1st.

Mr. and Mrs. Riley would have celebrated their 58th wedding anniversary today.

Mr. Riley was an early day graduate of Iowa University, medical school and after coming to Wright county farmed a for many years east of Goldfield.

Mr. and Mrs. Riley moved to their present home in Goldfield several years ago.

Funeral services are incomplete, awaiting the arrival of Rev. Bruce Riley.

Eagle Grove Eagle --- Eagle Grove, Iowa
September 30, 1954

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Goldfield Chronicle

Last Rites For Bruce Riley Saturday

Funeral services were held Saturday afternoon at 2 o'clock at the Methodist church for Bruce Riley, 95, who died at his home in Goldfield last Wednesday afternoon. Rev. R. R. Kessinger of LuVerne was in charge of the service.

Mr. Riley is survived by his wife; a son, Rev. Bruce Riley of Youngstown, O.; three grand daughters, and several nieces and nephews,

Out of town relatives attending the services were Rev. and Mrs. Bruce Riley and daughters, of Youngstown, O., Mr. and Mrs. A. A. Malton of McComb, Ill., Miss Patricia Jean Riley of Madison, Wis., Mrs. Frank Landis of Des Moines, Mr. and Mrs. Morris Horst of Wisner, Nebr., Mr. and Mrs. Raymond Peters of Orient, Mr. and Mrs. Ted Weedman, Harold Riley, Mrs. William Entriksen, Mrs. McKinley McCollough, Mrs. John McCollough and Mrs. Gladys Bryan of Webster City.

Obituary

Bruce Riley was born on April 28, 1859 at Spring Hill, Whiteside County, Ill., the fifth of seven sons born to Dr. John Riley and Abigail Burnett Riley. After early education in the local schools, and a period spent teaching in them, he homesteaded throughout the West from 1881-84, returning in the latter year to enter the Medical School of the University of Iowa from which he was graduated in 1887. At the time of his death he was the only surviving member of this class.

After 2 years ot successful medical practice in Wisner, Neb., he visited the Pacific North West, returning in 1890 to Wright County, Iowa where he was already interested.

His marriage to Amy Belle Draper was solemnized on September 30, 1896, and continued in mutual faithfulness and patience for exactly 58 years.

A product of the early revivalistic tradition of Methodism, his religious experience was the type reflected in the hymn which was his specific and only request for this occasion "Saved by Grace”. Early converted, he was a part of the church 63 years, being the oldest member of this church at the time of his death.

Quite apart from his church affiliation, the integrity of his life has been its own witness in every circumstance thru which he passed.

After several months of falling health due to his advanced age, he quietly passed from faith to sight on September 29, 1954 aged 95 years, 5 months and 1day. He is survived by his beloved wife, their son, Rev. Bruce T. Riley of Youngstown, Ohio, and 3 granddaughters, Patricia Jean, Alice Elizabeth and Margaret Abigail, who are joined in their loss by the many friends who mourn the passing of a great and honest heart.

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Mr. and Mrs. George Peterson, J. C. Peterson and Arthur Peterson attended the funeral of Bruce Riley in Goldfield Saturday afternoon.

Eagle Grove Eagle --- Eagle Grove, Iowa
October 7,