|
a.
|
Note: River, Riley drowned on April 11, 1881. Mary taught school in Hartley, Iowa. She met Frank DeWayne Jenkins and they married at Sanborn IA Dec. 17, 1882. Jenkins adopted Allen. No other children born to the couple. (notes from Mary Heimann Jan. 2000) According to his death certificate, Thomas had lived in Iowa for 24 years. So he would have moved from Ohio to Iowa in 1857 when he was 15 years old. From The Republican, Official Paper of Iowa County, Marengo Iowa Sad Accident Thomas A. Riley Fathoms Stump Slough, on Bear Creek, while Duck Hunting on Monday afternoon, and is Drowned. The Body not Recovered. The Republican is called upon this week to record one of those sorrowful heart-rending accidents, that are enveloped in a mystery unaccountable. Last Monday afternoon âTomâ Riley, as he was familiarly called by his friends, and Michael Gruber started off ducking hunting, going northwest about a mile from town. They procured a boat and intended going together in it, but for some reason or other Mr. Riley suggested that Mike carry the funs and he would row the boat up to where they expected to âambushâ themselves and shoot the ducks as they alighted. They proceeded some distance up the slough, Mike being about 80 rods away from Tom, when he noticed the boat upset, and Tom in the water about waist-deep, following it up. At that time Mike had his gun cocked and turned around to find a place to put it down. Upon looking again, he saw Riley, partially on top of the boat several [?] down stream. He thinks Riley was trying to cling to one end of the boat [?] sank under the water. The brush was very thick and the distance so great that Mike could not be positive, but supposed he saw Mr. Râs head come to the top. He ran down the stream as fast as he could, thinking that he might be still clinging to the boat but not visible. As soon as he satisfied himself that he was overboard, he called with all his might, and looked as carefully as possible till all hopes of recovering his comrade were dissipated. He then came to town and gave the alarm and about fifty persons rushed over to the slough, bringing boats and hooks and made a diligent a search as possible, but without finding the body. The search is still going on, but up to the time of going to press the body had not been found. Mr. Riley had on a gum coat and a pair of rubber boots, besides heavy clothing under the coat. He also had a lot of powder and shot in his pockets---the whole being too heavy when soaked with water to allow his swimming. He is said to have been subject to cramps when in the water, but was too fearless, having had several hair breadth escapes. Mr. Riley has been a resident of this place for about four years, and of the county since 1856. He was born in Chillocothe, Ohio, on the 29th of January, 1842, and was consequently 39 years of age at his last birthday. He was a well-informed man, industrious, and well disposed toward every body---a man with an iron nerve and as fearless as good-natured. He leaves a wife and a bright little curly-headed three year old boy, both of whom were his idols and fondest hopes. Alas, we cannot tell to-day what the morrow may bring forth. Many a heart in this community bleeds with sorrow for the heart-broken wife and fatherless little boy, but that does not return them their protector. He sleeps his last sleep. Mr. R. was a member of Excelsior Council No. 203, American Legion of Honor, and had a paid up policy of $2,000. Should his body be recovered, the widow will receive this legacy provided by her thoughtful husband, in about sixty days. Should the body not be recovered it may required some longer time to âprove upâ the case, but the amount will be paid over at as early a day as is possible under the circumstances. We have given the facts as near as they could be ascertained under the excitement. There are as many suppositions as to the cause of his drowning and how it occurred as there are people. A reward of $50 has been offered for the recovery of the body, and parties are not searching for it. From The Republican, Official Paper of Iowa County; Marengo, Iowa, April 20, 1881. The remains of Mr. Thomas Riley were found last Friday about two hundred and twenty paces from where he drowned, and as the water was cold, his appearance was not disfigured by alterations. His funeral took place with the honors of the Lodge of the A.L.H. from the M.D. Church at one oâclock Saturday afternoon. Every attention was rendered by the order that would soften the blow of hiss loss to his bereaved family, and a large number of friends attested their sympathy by their presence on the occasion of his funeral. He was industrious, honest, and frugal, and no man had more friends than he among those who knew him. A Card In behalf of the widow and family of our deceased Brother, I would tender to the people of Marengo and to Excelsior County No. 203, American Legion of Honor, our heartfelt thanks for their kind services in this hour of our bereavement. Jos. W. Riley
Note: George Allen (Riley) Jenkins was the only child of Mary Matilda Snook and Thomas Anthony Riley. They lived in Iowa City and then moved to Marengo, Iowa. While hunting ducks on the Iowa
|