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Submitted: 11/13/19 • Approved: 11/15/19 • Last Updated: 11/18/19 • R823319-G823316-S3
Alta
1896 - 1967
Philip
Feb 10, 1859 IL
May 29, 1924
Son of Godfried Rieger and Katherine Bruning
Husband of Nevada E. Rieger
Nevada
1870 - 1958
Wife of Philip Joseph Rieger
PHILIP JOSEPH RIEGER is a native of Peoria County, Illinois, born February 10, 1859. His parents were Gottfried and Catherine Rieger. He was married January 1, 1890, to Nevada E. McCoy, daughter of Sylvester A. and Edith McCoy. They have three children: Archie Dale, born October 20, 1890; Grace Claire, November 7, 1892; Mildred Marie, January 15, 1897.
Mr. Rieger was born on a farm, living there with his parents till 1880, when he moved with them to Adair County where he has since resided. His father bought a farm in this county. He lived there with his father and farmed, attending the public school, also took a brief course at the State Normal School. While on the farm, he taught school for six years, teaching during the winter months and assisting on the farm during the summer. In 1890 he was elected Clerk of the County Court, on what was known as the Farmers' ticket, serving four years. During that time he spent all his leisure time studying law, reading under the late Judge Andrew Ellison. He was admitted to the bar in January, 1895, and has practiced here since that time. In April, 1895, he was elected City Attorney, and again in May, 1909, elected to fill a vacancy. He was elected both times on the Democratic ticket. He is a Democrat, takes great interest in politics; is chairman of the County Committee, serving his second term. This makes him a member of the Congressional Committee also.
On April 27, 1899, like many other citizens of Kirksville. Mr. Rieger had an exciting experience in the Kirksville cyclone of that date. While over two blocks from his home he saw and heard the coming storm, and rushing home found his family on the front porch in an excited condition, watching the fury of the storm some half mile away. He ordered all to the cellar and was following somewhat rapidly himself, and while descending the cellar stairway the storm struck with all its fury, carrying away and completely demolishing the building. His family, including himself, were saved, being protected by the cellar walls. So close was his escape, however, that when the cyclone struck his home, Mr. Rieger had hardly reached safety when his hat was carried away by the tornado and he felt the breath of the storm. Even now he is unable to state whether he fell or jumped the remaining distance to the floor of the cellar, but he knows he made a rapid descent.
He belongs to the Masonic, M.W.A., Yeoman and Court of Honor lodges. He and his family are devoted members of the Presbyterian church. He is serving as trustee and deacon in the church.
History of Adair County, 1911
By Eugene Morrow Violette
Page 784
Photo donated by Larry and Susan Olson
Contributed on 11/13/19
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Record #: 823319