OBIT: Edward RILEY, 1886, Blair County, PA

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A YARD BRAKEMAN'S FATE.

Edward Riley, a brakeman in the Altoona railroad yard, was run over by
an engine below Fourth street, at half-past 9 o'clock last evening,
receiving injuries from which he died at 10.25 o'clock last night.
Brakeman Riley was employed in the yard at night for nearly two years,
and on Monday morning was changed to day duty in Conductor's yard
crew.  His home was in Gaysport, where he spent all his time when off
duty.  Yesterday evening he took a draft of cars down below Fourth
street, and was on his way up again when he was run over by engine 33,
which was being backed down for the purpose of assisting a freight
train up through the yard.  How he happened to be on the track is not
known, for although he was entirely conscious for several hours after
being picked up, he could give no explanation, and even asked those
about him how it occurred.  As yard men who take cars down are in the
habit of riding up on freight trains or whatever happens to be coming
up, it is supposed that Brakeman Riley was crossing the track to board
the westbound freight train when he was knocked down and run over by
the backing engine.  His right arm and shoulder were crushed, some of
the larger arteries in the shoulder being torn out.  He was taken to
the office of the company physician, when he was made as comfortable
as possible, an examination of his injuries showing that death was
inevitable.  Father Smith administered the sacraments of the Catholic
church to him at the doctor's office.  Word having been sent to his
wife, she came from Gaysport on the evening train and found him
perfectly conscious.  On learning that he could not recover, she asked
that he be taken home to die, and her request was complied with, the
company physician accompanying him to Gaysport.  He was carried to the
residence of Mr. T. C. Davis, his father-in-law, and seemed so strong
and bright that those who called to see him could not realize that his
death was near.  While surrounded by his immediate friends he died at
the time above stated.  The deceased was aged 32 years.  He leaves
besides his wife a large circle of relatives and friends in Gaysport
an Hollidaysburg.

Altoona Times, Altoona, Pa., Wednesday, January 6, 1886, page 4

Fatal Accident in the Yard.

Edward Reilly, a resident of Gaysport, married and 34 years of age,
met with an accident at half-past 5 o'clock Tuesday evening which had
a fatal termination.  The sad affair occurred in the lower yard in the
vicinity of the GD office.  As to the exact manner in which he met
with the injury which terminated in his death no one seems to know
positively.  As nearly as can be learned, however, he was standing on
or near No. 3 track and a train was being roped up No. 2 by an engine.
Engine No. 33 (of which Mr. John Kearney is engineer (was backing down
No. 3 track when the engine struck Reilly and the wheel passed over
his right arm crushing it in a horrible manner and breaking one of the
larger arteries.  Whether the unfortunate man had attempted to get on
the moving train and was thrown by it under the wheels of the engine
or whether he attempted to cross ahead of the locomotive will never
been known, for although sensible he could not tell how it occurred.

He was brought to the office of the company physician who examined his
injuries, and it was found that they were of such a nature that life
could not be saved, and therefore no amputation was performed.  He was
taken to his home on the 8.10 train and died at 10.25.  Previous to
his being taken home, Father Smith, of St. John's church, ministered
to his spiritual wants.  Mrs. Reilly, who ... T. C. Davis, of
Gaysport, and ...

Altoona Tribune, Altoona, Pa., Thursday, January 7, 1886, page 3

1880 United States Federal Census
Name: Edward Riley
Age: 35
Birth Date: Abt 1845
Birthplace: Ireland
Home in 1880: Gaysport , Blair, Pennsylvania, USA
House Number: 1
Dwelling Number: 73
Race: White
Gender: Male
Relation to Head of House: Brother
Marital status: Single
Father's name: Philip Riley
Father's Birthplace: Ireland
Mother's Birthplace: Ireland
Occupation: R.R. Laborer
Thos. Southwood 37
Bridget Riley 40
Ann M. Riley 17
George Riley 15
Philip Riley 14
Margaret Riley 12
Celia Riley 10
Bridget Riley 8
John Riley 6
Catharine Riley 2
Philip Riley 80
Edward Riley 35

HYMENEAL.

REDDING - RILEY. - Married, at St. Mary's church, Hollidaysburg, on
Tuesday evening, February 22, 1887, by Rev. Father Kittell, Mr. JOHN
REDDING, of Logan township, and Mrs. KATE RILEY, of Gaysport.

Altoona Times, Altoona, Pa., Thursday, February 24, 1887, page 4

Pennsylvania, Marriages, 1852-1968
Name: Catharine J. Reilley [Catharine J. Davis]
Gender: Female
Age: 45
Birth Date: abt 1842
Marriage Date: 22 Feb 1887
Marriage Place: Blair, Pennsylvania, USA
Father: Timothy Davis
Mother: Catharine Davis
Spouse: John J. Redding
Death of woman's former husband, if any: 5th January 1886