The Idaho Springs siftings-news., 1908-06-27

Shortly before noon on Tuesday a
telephone message was received from
Denver announcing the death of Mr..
George Riley. The news spread rapidly
and it was not long before it was the
general talk and many expressions of
regret and sorrow were heard. He was
found dead in his room at the Shirley
hotel, Denver, about eleven O'Clock.
The night before he was visiting with
MIR. w. S. Leebrick and in his usual
genial and social manner. He also
conversed with friends over the phone
at this place. AS he did not show up
on Tuesday about his usual hour, Mr.
Leebrick went to the room and raped
but got no reply, He went again
about eleven o'clock and receiving no
reply, the door was forced open
and he Was found lying undressed
in ss'1 Sed cold in the embrace
Of death having passed away without
a struggle. On the receipt of the news
Father McCabe and John Trathen left
for Denver on the "a p. m. train to
bring the remains to this city
The deceased was born in New Jer-
sey, May 4th, 1855, where he resided
until 1877. when he came to Colorado
and located in Central City where he
engaged in mining, in which pursuit
he continued until several years ago
,Lo,, ha ~ae;roI boy;pr tbro,,rh hav avd
labor, frugality and perseverance ac-
cumulated a competency that would
keep in comfort without engaging ac-
lively in business. In 1884 he came
to Idaho Springs where he has lived
ever since, surrounded by host of
warm and faithful friends. He has
passed the greater part of the past few
months in Denver, as the lower alti
tude seemed to be more agreeable.
For three years be was a member of
the city council and also served as may
,or during two terms, terminating
the duties of this Office in the spring
of 1907. He was Also vice president of
the Merchants and Miners National
Bank, member of the Elks Lodge
No. COZ, and also of the Knights of
Columbus.
In all his relations in life he aimed at
a very high standard of honor and integ
rity. His devotion to sister and brother
during their life time was most tender
and their passing away left a vacant
place in his heart that could not be filed.
As citizen he was exemplary in every
respect while his attitude towards the
church of his love and choice was most
loyal. For several years his health has
been impaired, yet he met conditions
bravely and made the best of his envir-
onments. With such a noble legacy to
bequesth to sorrowing friends, he silent
ly crossed the River of Death to meet
the loved ones and receive his reward.
His remains were brought to this city
on the train that arrived at eleven
o'clock Wednesday At the depot they
were met by a large delegation of
brother Elks and escorted to the B. P.
O. E. No. GOT club building, where
they were placed in the center of the
lodge room to lie in state until the hour
of funeral services. Many citizens and
friends took this opportunity to look
into his face for the last time. 1t was
the general remark that he looked as if !
he had just fallen into a pleasant sleep,
50 natural was the expression. At the
head of the casket were burning tapers |
kepS lighted day and night, while pro-
fusion of the most beautiful flowers,
tokens rom kind friends, were in evil
dence.
The touching ritualistic services of
the order were hid at $50 Wednesday
morning and impiessively emphasized