Riley W. CAVINS

Riley W. CAVINS peacefully passed away at the home of Mrs. Matilda L. CAVINS, Tuesday afternoon at 3:25 o'clock, as the result of a complication of diseases, the most prominent being heart trouble, after an illness covering about six months.

He and his wife came here from their home at Sterling, Kan., something over three weeks ago and after their arrival here his decline was rapid and it soon became apparent that the end was not far off, but it was hardly expected that the call of the Messenger of Death would be so soon.

He was the youngest of thirteen children born to Mr. and Mrs. Samuel R. CAVINS, prominent pioneer citizens of this county, and his venerable mother, Aunt Susan CAVINS, as she is affectionately called, is still living at the advanced age of over ninety-eight years, one of the most beloved and highly honored citizens of Bloomfield. The tenderness of his devotion to his mother is marked by the fact that during the last seven years not a week had passed by without his sending her a letter bearing good cheer, flail devotion and love. And throughout his life he never became so busy but that he would find the time to send frequent messages of love to her who had given him birth.

He was born December 18, 1844; died April 30,1907 aged sixty-two years, four months and twelve days.

He entered Indiana University before the outbreak of the Civil war but quit his studies, though only a few months over sixteen years of age, and enlisted May 7, 1861, as a musician in the FOURTEENTH REGIMENT OF INDIANA VOLUNTEER INFANTRY, and a month later, June 7, at Terre Haute , he was mustered into the service for three years, that regiment being the first in this State to be mustered in for a period of three years. August 14, 1862, he was honorably discharged, and on September 2, 1864, he enlisted in COMPANY B, FOURTH REGIMENT OF MICHIGAN VOLUNTEERS, and on November 1, of the same year, he was transferred to the band of that regiment as the chief musician. Not till May 16, 1866, was he mustered out of service, receiving his discharge at Houston, Texas.

After giving these years of willing and gallant service t his country he returned home and a little later entered the Indiana Medical college, graduating February 29, 1872. Later he entered the Medical College of Indiana, which was a part of Butler college, from which institution he graduated Mar 1, 1882.

After graduation he began the practice of medicine at Sullivan. Some time after this he practiced for a while in Jasper county, Illinois. In 1888 he removed to Terre Haute and followed his chosen profession in that city for a number of years. He had charge of the Keely department of the Soldiers' Home at Staunton, Va., in 1894 and 1895. Leaving there the latter year he crossed the continent and was located for a short time at Los Angeles, Calif. In 1896 he removed to Sterling, Kan., and as before stated, he continued to reside there till a few weeks ago when he returned to Bloomfield to look once more upon the familiar and happy scenes of his boyhood and to spend his last days surrounded by his relatives and nearest friends. And in the home of that brother, Col. Aden G. CAVINS, who less than six months ago answered the final roll call, he responded to the final summons.

During his residence at Sullivan he became a member of the Presbyterian church, and when he went to Terre Haute to reside he transferred his membership to the Baptist church.

As a man he was respected and esteemed by all who knew him. He was honest, straightforward and honorable in all of his dealings with his fellowmen.

He was twice married. To his first union was born his only child, Senator Alexander G. CAVINS, of Terre Haute, at present located at Indianapolis as assistant attorney general. He is also survived by his second wife.

The funeral services were held this (Thursday) afternoon at 2:30 o'clock from the residence of Mrs. Matilda L. CAVINS, conducted by Rev. M. E. PRATHER, in the presence of a large number of relatives and friends and the remains were laid to rest in the Bloomfield cemetery.

THE BLOOMFIELD NEWS, VOL. XXXI., NO. 24, Page 4, Columns 1 & 2, Bloomfield, Greene County, Indiana, Friday, May 3, 1907, "OBITUARY–CAVINS."

Last updated 10.11.2009