ALPHONSUS, BROTHER (RILEY, THOMAS)
"He was a widower, a weaver by trade, living in Bertrand at the time he entered the community. He was a man of faith and piety. His little boy was received as an apprentice and died in 1854, aged 12 years. Subject to asthma, he was several times on the point of death. At length he died in the infirmary, aged 71." Fr. Granger, C.S.C., 1872
"Last night (November 1, 1872) at one o'clock, our good Brother Alphonsus died here, fortified by the Sacraments and consolations of Holy Cross in his 71st year. For a long time he had suffered from asthma, until he finally sunk under its mining influence. He entered the community November 28, 1851; received the habit, December 12, 1852, and made his Profession August 30, 1853. For nearly 21 years he served the Congregation with exemplary zeal which abated only when bodily strength totally failed him." Fr. Sorin's Cir. Letter, 1872