Turner’s Tidbits

This is a photo of Otmer Adelbert Riley. He was born to a prominent family of Ripley, WV; being the son of W.W. and Laura Armstrong Riley. W.W. Riley was a long time employee at the Bank of Ripley as well as serving as County Clerk. Otmer was a musician in the Spanish-American war, worked for the B & O Railroad, worked in a circus, unsuccessful entrepreneur, and was considered the most efficient banker in the state; having worked in Kanawha, Randolph and Tucker Counties. He was working at the Beverly Bank when he was contacted by the Cunningham and Stallings Law Office stating that they represented some local business men who were starting a bank in Thomas named Miners and Merchants Bank. That letter was dated May 14, 1902. Otmer was offered a wage of $1,000.00 per year. He would accept the position and would manage the bank from June 1902 to March 1904. Ms. Lena Geisberger, was hired as assistant cashier. Otmer roomed at Spencer’s and last at the Hotel Metropolitan. When Otmer moved on, he fell ill and was treated with a medicine causing paranoia. He would eventually jump out of a moving train and be found dead with his head and feet in an icy stream. He is buried in Ripley. There is much more to the story of the life of Riley. He only lived 29 years but packed them full. Ideas or comments contact Tim Turner (304) 478-3389.