OBIT: George RIFFLE, 1883, Blair County, PA

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Sudden Death of Mr. George Riffle.

About half-past 10 o'clock Wednesday morning John Wantz, foreman of
the company's watchmen, went into the watch box below the middle
division roundhouse, in charge of Mr. George Riffle, on his daily
rounds.  He was somewhat surprised to find the old gentleman laying
back in a sleeping position, and shocked to find on examination that
he was dead.  Mr. Wantz notified the authorities and Coroner Mitchell
was sent for.  On his arrival the following jury was empaneled:  P. B.
Sterns, R. T. Farland [sic], James Powell, William Lafferty, John
Wantz and John Bollinger.

Mr. Wantz testified as to the facts already related and some other
witnesses, employes in the yard, testified to seeing the old gentleman
in the watch box, a short time before his death.  After the
examination of the witnesses Chief Powell procured a stretcher and
conveyed the remains to the residence of the deceased, at 1715 Sixth
avenue.  The coroner's jury retired to the office of Alderman Blake,
where they rendered the verdict.  "Deceased came to his death from
natural causes, probably heart disease."

Mr. Riffle was born in Milton, Northumberland county, in 1817, being
in his 65th year at the time of his death.  He was a conductor and
engineer on the old Portage railroad, and when the Pennsylvania line
was constructed through this state he still retained his engine and
ran on the road until incapacitated by ill health and advancing years.
Some years ago he accidentally fell from the roof of his residence and
received injuries from which he never recovered.  His death may be
attributed to that accident.  Last summer he had a stroke of
paralysis.  He was a member of the Catholic church and a consistent
Christian.   His relatives live in Cambria county.  He leaves a wife
but no children.  An adopted child is a member of the Sisters of
Charity.

Altoona Tribune, Altoona, Pa., Thursday, February 8, 1883, page 3