One of the thoroughly good and greatly beloved women of Camden was called from this life last
Thursday about noon when Mrs. Riley M. Rush breathed her last at the family home in Second
street. She had been in ill heatlh for a number of years and from time to time had suffered from
critical attacks that foreshadowed the end.
Mrs. Rush was born February 14, 1857, on Wolcott Hill, in the town of Camden, and had resided in
the town all but about 10 years of her life. Her maiden name was Emma Elizabeth Crandall, and
her parents were the late Ebenezer and Betsey Howland Crandall. Her marriage with Mr. Rush was
soleminzed July 1, 1875, the ceremony being performed by the Rev. A. L. York at the home of the
bride's parents. The golden anniversary of their wedding was fittingly observed in 1925. Just
prior to that time she had been very ill and it looked doubtful if she would be spared to see
her golden anniversary day. But her condition improved and it was a supreme joy of her life
that the memorable event became a possibility.
Mrs. Rush was a valued member of the Methodist church with which denomination she united in
membership many years ago. She was greatly interested in all church work, in matters pertaining
to the uplift of humanity, and the advancement of the missions. She was affiliated with the
Home Missionary Society, and also was one of the charter members of the Camden Grange.
She was a devoted, loving wife and mother, a woman of many virtues, whose kindness and
sympathies ever dominated her associations with neighbors and friends. Thus it is today that
her passing is regretted by all who knew her. Each friend will long cherish the memory of
her useful and inspiring life.
Besides her husband she leaves two sons, Wilbur E. Rush of this village, Elmer M. Rush of
Wolcott Hill, and four grandchildren, Harold, Beatrice, Arline and Margaret Rush, children of
Elmer Rush. She also leaves two nieces and several cousins.
From the family residence Monday afternoon at 2 o'clock the funeral was largely attended, the
Rev. N. A. Darling, her pastor, officiating. Mr. Darling closed his remarks with the recital
of a beautiful poem which was a favorite with the deceased. There was no music. A wealth of
flowers expressed in a mute way the general sorrow and sympathy of friends from far and near.
There were 26 beautiful pieces, among them being ones from the Grange, N. Machine Corp.,
Cemetery Association Trustees, Directors Grange Store and a "neighborhood piece." Bearers were
Dr. W. J. F. Van Allen, Dr. J. T. Prichard, R. C. Knapp, and A. H. Vandawalker. The remains were
buried in the family plot in Forest Park Cemetery.
Among those from out of town present at the services were George H. Rush of Huntington, Mass.,
Dr. and Mrs. A. L. Shaw of Utica.
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