Riley M. Rush, highly esteemed citizen and a man who had long been prominent in the civic
affairs of Camden, suddenly passed away Sunday morning at the home of his son, Elmer M. Rush.
Mr. Rush arose before the rest of the family that morning, as was customary on Sundays. He
dressed in readiness to attend church and then sat down to read, when suddenly he was stricken
with what proved to be a stroke. His son, learning of his predicament, immediately called a
nearby physician, Dr. D. M. Allison, who quickly responded. Within a few minutes Mr. Rush
suffered the second shock, which caused his death at about 9 o'clock.
The deceased was born on the Rush farm homestead just west of the village, December 17, 1857,
son of the late George and Belinda Pond Rush. With the exception of a few years when he served
as a processor in canning factories at Oneida, Cortland, and Auburn, he had lived in Camden. He
also worked in local canneries. He served as local agent for the National Express Company
before the sale of the E. C. & N. Railroad to the Lehigh Valley Company, and at one time
conducted a coal business, in conjunction with which he carried on a general trucking business.
This line he sold to the late John F. Jeffrey. He was one of the game protectors of Oneida
County for a number of years, and aided in the fight to eliminate fish piracy on Oneida Lake.
A fine cabinet worker, Mr. Rush was connected with the pattern department of the Camden Water
Wheel Works, and also with its succeeding owners, the Camden Hydraulic Corporation. He later
followed carpentry, and his final business activity before retirement was association with his
son Wilbur in carrying on motor express lines between Camden and Utica.
Loyal as member of the Methodist Church, Mr. Rush had been one of its most valued members down
through the years -- a singer in its choir, member and head of the official board and
superintendent of the Sunday school.
He was the last surviving charter member of Camden Grange.
In Masonry, he joined Philanthropic Lodge F. and A. M., in 1891, and two years later became
affliated with Darius Chapter, R. A. M., of this village.
He had served as local welfare officer, and years ago was an official of the old town fair that
was known as Camden Industrial Association. He was one of the last members of the Camden
Cornet Band, which flourished in the '80's and '90's.
For fifteen years he served on the board of trustees of Camden Cemetery Association as its
president, a position he held at the time of death. He took a great interest in the cemeteries
and gave liberally of his time in carrying on the good work that is noted in the upkeep on
Camden's burial grounds.
July 1, 1875, Mr. Rush married Miss Emma Crandall, their wedded life extending over a period of
about 52 years, or until she passed on in 1927.
To mourn his loss are two sons, Elmer M. and Wilbur E. Rush; four grandchildren, Harold,
Beatrice, Arlene, and Margaret Rush; two great-grandchildren, Donald and Arthur Rush; a sister,
Mrs. Mary Percival; two nieces, Miss Maud Percival, Mrs. Frank A. Sanborn, and a nephew,
Clarence Rush, all of Camden.
Riley M. Rush was one fine gentleman and leaves a wide circle of friends who will long cherish
his memory. He possessed many good traits, and his influence for good lives on.
There was a very large attendance of friends at the funeral, which was held at 2 o'clock
yesterday in the B. A. Sanborn & Son funeral home. The place was filled, and a wealth of
flowers also attested to general high esteem in which Mr. Rush was held by relatives, neighbors
and friends.
The Rev. T. J. Williams, pastor of the Methodist Church, officiated, assisted by the Rev.
Harold Buckingham of Oneonta. Bearers were Harold Sanford, Clarence E. Young, Stanley Cox,
Dr. J. T. Prichard, John A. Litts and Fred E. Colburn. Interment was in the family plot in
Forest Park Cemetery.
Members of Philanthropic Lodge attended in a body and conducted the committal service of the
lodge at the grave, with Worshipful Master Harold I. Sanford and Chaplain John A. Litts
officiating.
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