Descendants of Edward Riley

Submitted by Jim Riley on March 20, 2012

Includes Census Data

Generation No. 1

1.  EDWARD¹ RILEY was born Abt. 1648 in Virginia.

Notes for EDWARD RILEY:

There is no real evidence that Edward is an ancestor of our Edward and John Riley, Sr. It is worth someone researching this possibility.

       

Child of EDWARD RILEY is:

2.                i.    EDWARD² RILEY, b. 1680, Maryland; d. 1748, Goshen Township, Chester County Pennyslvania.

Generation No. 2

2.  EDWARD² RILEY (EDWARD¹) (Source: EdwardRiley.FTW, Date of Import: 12 Dec 2005.) was born 1680 in Maryland, and died 1748 in Goshen Township, Chester County Pennyslvania.  He married HANNAH BEAVIS (Source: EdwardRiley.FTW, Date of Import: 12 Dec 2005.). 

Notes for EDWARD RILEY:

 Land Grant in Stafford County Virginia, in 1716.

This is not certain.  We are working on some theories.  So don't take this as fact until it is proven!

More About EDWARD RILEY:

Event: 1747, Executor of will for Francis Beavis. He was married to Hannah Beavis, Francis's sister. (Source: EdwardRiley.FTW, Date of Import: 12 Dec 2005.)

Property: 1736, Involved in a land dispute and given 200 acres west of Susquehannah (Chester Co, PA) for his allegiance to MD (Source: EdwardRiley.FTW, Date of Import: 12 Dec 2005.)

Will: 1748, Goshen Twp, Chester Co., Pennsylvania (Source: EdwardRiley.FTW, Date of Import: 12 Dec 2005.)

       

Child of EDWARD RILEY and HANNAH BEAVIS is:

3.                i.    WILLIAM³ RILEY, b. 1705, Virginia or Pennyslvania; d. Mar 1743/44, New Hanover County North Carolina.

Generation No. 3

3.  WILLIAM³ RILEY (EDWARD², EDWARD¹) (Source: EdwardRiley.FTW, Date of Import: 12 Dec 2005.) was born 1705 in Virginia or Pennyslvania, and died Mar 1743/44 in New Hanover County North Carolina.  He married MARY UNKNOWN (Source: EdwardRiley.FTW, Date of Import: 12 Dec 2005.) Bef. 1733 (Source: EdwardRiley.FTW, Date of Import: 12 Dec 2005.). 

Notes for WILLIAM RILEY:

[EdwardRiley.FTW]

I'm not certain that William and Mary Riley and their son Edward are our Edward's (b.1758) parentage!  This is something we're working on.  It's a theory.  So don't take it as fact until it's proven!

According to Riley Researcher Sharon Tingley...Feb 12, 2005

"The first record found for William Riley in New Hanover Co., NC is dated June, 1740 when he registered a mark and brand in court.  During the same month, a deed for 320 acres from John Swann to William Riley was recorded in court and in 1741 William Riley petitioned and proved claim for the same 320 acres.

William Riley served on juries during various times during 1740 and 1741.  He was listed on the 1741 New Hanover tax list with five family members.  His land was on Riley's Creek, a branch of Long Creek.  During the same year he was also involved in two court cases, one involving possession of Samuel Boneham, a minor; and the other case vs. James Pointevent, who had illegally cut a road across his property.

William died in 1744, leaving a will which had been made March 13, 1743 and probated March 13, 1744.  His will named wife Mary and sons Edward, John, William and Bartholomew.  Provisions of the will include: Edward, who was indicated as a minor, was left a plantation on which his mother was to live until he reached majority (legal age of 21); John was also left a plantation; Bartholomew and William were left three slaves."

We are fairly certain that our Edward’s parents came from the Maryland/Pennsylvania area.  Historians tell us that Orange Co., NC was settled by people from Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, and Virginia, and by others who came up the rivers from the coast.  We know that the Abraham Whitaker family (the family of our Edward’s wife Elizabeth) was from Baltimore, Maryland before migrating to Orange Co., NC.  Three Edward Ryleys were in the Philadelphia, PA area between 1733 and 1748: an Edward Ryley born 12 Oct 1733 to William and Mary Ryley and christened at the First Presbyterian Church in Philadelphia, an Edward Ryley involved in a Maryland/Pennsylvania area land dispute wherein he promised allegiance to Maryland in exchange for 200 acres west of the Susquehannah, and an Edward Ryley named executor of the will for Francis Beaver dated 13 Jan 1747 in New Castle Co., Delaware (just across the line from the MD/PA area of interest).  Many familiar names are in the early records of this Maryland/Pennsylvania territory, most in Chester County, PA or in New Garden and other townships just north of the Maryland line (Harford County).  New Garden was the meeting house for the Thompsons, Chambers, and Lindleys who traveled the same migration route as our Rileys: to Orange County, NC then to Orange County, Indiana.  (James Thompson’s will, dated July 1794 in Orange Co., IN lists Samuel Chambers as a brother-in-law, Owen Lindley as a son-in-law, and a William Riley.  The final probate of our Edward’s will in Orange Co., IN included a payment to William Lindley, brother of Owen and son-in-law of James Thompson who lived in New Garden, PA, Orange Co., NC, and Paoli, Orange Co., IN near the Rileys.  Thompson’s will also mentions land bought of James Riley.  Orange Co., NC court records indicate that James and Rachael Riley sold land to both Thompson and Samuel Chambers in Feb. 1783.)  Whitakers, Horns, and Crabtrees also lived near the Rileys in MD and PA, and then again in Orange Co., NC.

More About WILLIAM RILEY:

Burial: New Hanover County North Carolina

Probate: 13 Mar 1743/44, Will probated New Hanover Co., NC (Source: EdwardRiley.FTW, Date of Import: 12 Dec 2005.)

Tax List: 1741, Named with 5 family members, located on Riley's creek in New Hanover Co, NC, now Pender Co. (Source: EdwardRiley.FTW, Date of Import: 12 Dec 2005.)

Will: 1744, John, Edward, William, and Bartholomew are minors.  Names wife Mary. (Source: EdwardRiley.FTW, Date of Import: 12 Dec 2005.)

More About MARY UNKNOWN:

Name 2: Mary

More About WILLIAM RILEY and MARY UNKNOWN:

Marriage: Bef. 1733 (Source: EdwardRiley.FTW, Date of Import: 12 Dec 2005.)

       

Children of WILLIAM RILEY and MARY UNKNOWN are:

4.                i.    EDWARD⁴ RILEY, b. 12 Oct 1733, Philadelphia, Philadelphia County Penn.; d. Abt. 1789, Orange County, North Carolina.

5.               ii.    JOHN RILEY, b. Abt. 1735, Pennyslvania.

                 iii.    WILLIAM RILEY (Source: EdwardRiley.FTW, Date of Import: 12 Dec 2005.), b. Abt. 1737, Pennyslvania; d. 1784, New Hanover County North Carolina.

Notes for WILLIAM RILEY:

Will: 1784, New Hanover County North Carolina naming John, Edward, and mother Mary as beneficiaries.

Listed on New Hanover County Tax Roll for 1762.

More About WILLIAM RILEY:

Will: 1784, New Hanover County North Carolina

                 iv.    BARTHOLOMEW RILEY (Source: EdwardRiley.FTW, Date of Import: 12 Dec 2005.), b. Abt. 1741, Pennyslvania; d. Apr 1768, New Hanover County North Carolina.

Notes for BARTHOLOMEW RILEY:

Will: 1768 left money to his brother John

More About BARTHOLOMEW RILEY:

Will 1: Apr 1768, New Hanover County North Carolina

Will 2: 1768, Left money to John, his brother? (Source: EdwardRiley.FTW, Date of Import: 12 Dec 2005.)

Generation No. 4

4.  EDWARD⁴ RILEY (WILLIAM³, EDWARD², EDWARD¹) (Source: (1) OneWorldTreeSM., (2) EdwardRiley.FTW, Date of Import: 12 Dec 2005.) was born 12 Oct 1733 in Philadelphia, Philadelphia County Penn., and died Abt. 1789 in Orange County, North Carolina.  He married ELEANOR 'NELLY'. 

Notes for EDWARD RILEY:

[EdwardRiley.FTW]

Per Riley Researcher Cindi Meyer genealogy on Ancestry.com...

"All info on this Edward and his predecessors per Jim Riley of Tulsa OK (this is a Riley Researcher I highly respect, a member of the Edward Riley Family website which provides such good information - MDR)

Taxlist 1755 Edward and John appear New Hannover Co, North Carolina

Taxlist 1762 Edward listed in New Hannover Co, NC

Taxlist 1763 John and William are listed New Hannover Co, NC also.

Taxlist 1780 Does NOT appear, either moved or died by then.

PROPERTY: 4 MAY 1769 Patent book 20, p 418, Edward is listed adjacent in McGufford patent on Widow Moore's Creek nr Riley's Creek. John obtained 165 ac in 1765. William also listed.

PROPERTY: 1776 Edward is on freeholders Orange Co, NC, area of Enos River probably Alamance Co now.

Military Service: 1776 Whigs vs Tories, John and William fought for British. Perhaps Edward was too old and left New Hannover for Orange Co to escape quarrels.

Christening: 1733 First Presbyterian Church, Philadelphia, PA"

Likely parents for our Edward are Edward Sr. and Nellie Riley.  Consider these bits of evidence.  First, our Edward named his oldest son Edward and his oldest daughter Elenor “Nellie” Riley, after their grandparents?  Second, there is an Edward Riley named on several legal documents in Orange County, NC while our Edward (born in 1758) was still a minor.  A will for John Poindexter dated 27 May 1774 gives Nellie Riley and Abraham Whitaker (our Edward’s father in-law) as witnesses; and 12 shillings for administration expenses were paid to Edward Riley and Abraham Whitaker; John Hart (the Hart family is tied very closely to the Rileys) and James McCann were named executors.  On 15 Jun, 1774, Edward Riley bought items at the estate sale of Alexander Borland.  In Nov. 1776 Edward signed a petition requesting a new election. On 25 Aug 1778, Edward Riley entered a claim for 250 acres on Flat Creek.  Our Edward would not have been of legal age to take these legal actions until 1779.   Third, in the year 1779 when our Edward would have reached legal age, “Edward Riley Jr.” is listed below “Edward Riley” on the Orange Co., NC tax list.  After that, our Edward is found in numerous legal documents in Orange Co: tax lists, deeds, serving as a bondsman for the marriage of Isaac Whitaker and Catherine Horn, and serving on the grand jury for two cases.

We are fairly certain that our Edward’s parents came from the Maryland/Pennsylvania area.  Historians tell us that Orange Co., NC was settled by people from Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, and Virginia, and by others who came up the rivers from the coast.  We know that the Abraham Whitaker family (the family of our Edward’s wife Elizabeth) was from Baltimore, Maryland before migrating to Orange Co., NC.  Three Edward Ryleys were in the Philadelphia, PA area between 1733 and 1748: an Edward Ryley born 12 Oct 1733 to William and Mary Ryley and christened at the First Presbyterian Church in Philadelphia, an Edward Ryley involved in a Maryland/Pennsylvania area land dispute wherein he promised allegiance to Maryland in exchange for 200 acres west of the Susquehannah, and an Edward Ryley named executor of the will for Francis Beaver dated 13 Jan 1747 in New Castle Co., Delaware (just across the line from the MD/PA area of interest).  Many familiar names are in the early records of this Maryland/Pennsylvania territory, most in Chester County, PA or in New Garden and other townships just north of the Maryland line (Harford County).  New Garden was the meeting house for the Thompsons, Chambers, and Lindleys who traveled the same migration route as our Rileys: to Orange County, NC then to Orange County, Indiana.  (James Thompson’s will, dated July 1794 in Orange Co., IN lists Samuel Chambers as a brother-in-law, Owen Lindley as a son-in-law, and a William Riley.  The final probate of our Edward’s will in Orange Co., IN included a payment to William Lindley, brother of Owen and son-in-law of James Thompson who lived in New Garden, PA, Orange Co., NC, and Paoli, Orange Co., IN near the Rileys.  Thompson’s will also mentions land bought of James Riley.  Orange Co., NC court records indicate that James and Rachael Riley sold land to both Thompson and Samuel Chambers in Feb. 1783.)  Whitakers, Horns, and Crabtrees also lived near the Rileys in MD and PA, and then again in Orange Co., NC.

Like the ancestry of Edward Riley, his siblings are not entirely clear. They grew up in the time of war and turmoil when not much attention was paid to keeping records. All of the Orange County records were removed from the court house and buried for safekeeping. Many decayed and had to be reconstituted after the war and many were not recovered. Some of the siblings are more certain than others..

More About EDWARD RILEY:

Burial: Bef. 1790, Orange County North Carolina

Christening: 19 Oct 1733, First Presbyterian Church of Philadelphia, PA (Source: EdwardRiley.FTW, Date of Import: 12 Dec 2005.)

       

Children of EDWARD RILEY and ELEANOR 'NELLY' are:

6.                i.    CATHERINE 'CATEY'⁵ RILEY.

7.               ii.    JAMES RILEY, SR, b. Abt. 1754, Orange County North Carolina; d. 19 Feb 1824, Orange County North Carolina.

8.              iii.    EDWARD RILEY, SR, b. Abt. 1758, Orange County North Carolina; d. Apr 1821, Orange County Indiana.

9.              iv.    JOHN RILEY, SR., b. Abt. 1762, Orange County North Carolina / Baltimore County Maryland; d. 1846, Echo, Dale County Alabama.

10.             v.    WILLIAM RILEY, SR, b. 31 May 1762, Baltimore County Maryland; d. Abt. 1844, Orange County North Carolina.

                 vi.    ALICE ( ALESY ) RILEY, b. Abt. 1765, Orange County North Carolina; m. JOHN CURRY, 01 Sep 1785, Orange County North Carolina; b. 1765.

Notes for ALICE ( ALESY ) RILEY:

James Riley served as bondsman for Alecy's marriage to John Curry. No other information is known about Alecy but the closeness of the Curry's and Riley's indicates a relationship. John Curry, son of James was a neighbor of William Riley in Orange County North Carolina and Oglethorpe County Georgia.

More About ALICE ( ALESY ) RILEY:

Census 1: 1790, St. Mary's, Orange County North Carolina

Census 2: 1800, Oglethorpe County Georgia

Notes for JOHN CURRY:

Oglethorpe County Georgia Census list John Curry age 26-44 and 1 female 26-44, Alesy Riley. also 2 males 10-15, 2 females 10-15, 1 male 0-9 and 2 females 0-9.

More About JOHN CURRY:

Census 1: 1800, Oglethorpe County Georgia

Census 2: 1790, St. Mary's, Orange County North Carolina

More About JOHN CURRY and ALICE RILEY:

Marriage: 01 Sep 1785, Orange County North Carolina

                vii.    JONATHON THOMAS RILEY (Source: EdwardRiley.FTW, Date of Import: 12 Dec 2005.), b. Abt. 1769, Orange County North Carolina; d. 13 Jun 1829, Paris, Henry County Tennessee.

Notes for JONATHON THOMAS RILEY:

[EdwardRiley.FTW]

On 1 Feb 1787 Edward and Elizabeth Riley sold their 250 acres on Flat Creek to William Nunn.  This deed was witnessed by a Thomas Riley.  A brother?

Another brother may have been Thomas.  Thomas Riley was involved in a court case dated Sept 1767 against John Riley in New Hanover County, NC.  Edward Riley was a witness. Then in 1787 Orange County, Thomas Riley witnessed Edward's sale of his land when he moved to Georgia. An article in the Raleigh Gazette said that a Thomas Riley, native  of Orange County, died in TN in the 1830's.  Could this be the same Thomas?

5.  JOHN⁴ RILEY (WILLIAM³, EDWARD², EDWARD¹) (Source: EdwardRiley.FTW, Date of Import: 12 Dec 2005.) was born Abt. 1735 in Pennyslvania.  He married COMFORT UNKNOWN (Source: EdwardRiley.FTW, Date of Import: 12 Dec 2005.) Abt. 1756 (Source: EdwardRiley.FTW, Date of Import: 12 Dec 2005.). 

Notes for JOHN RILEY:

Prop: October 24, 1765 acquired 150 acres on Widow Moores Creek, New Hanover County NC. Event: Will dated July 28 1791 Orange County NC.[EdwardRiley.FTW]

Events; Listed on New Hanover County North Carolina Property Tax records for 1755, 1762, 1763, and 1767. Listed on Orange County North Carolina Property Tax Records for 1779 along with Edward, Edward Jr., Jacob and James.

More About JOHN RILEY:

Property: 24 Oct 1756, Acquires 150 acres on Widow Moore's Creek, New Hanover, NC (Source: EdwardRiley.FTW, Date of Import: 12 Dec 2005.)

Will: 28 Jul 1791, Orange County North Carolina

More About JOHN RILEY and COMFORT UNKNOWN:

Marriage: Abt. 1756 (Source: EdwardRiley.FTW, Date of Import: 12 Dec 2005.)

       

Child of JOHN RILEY and COMFORT UNKNOWN is:

11.              i.    MARY POLLY⁵ RILEY, b. 30 Jun 1767, Orange County North Carolina; d. 13 Oct 1821, Elbert County Georgia.

Generation No. 5

6.  CATHERINE 'CATEY'⁵ RILEY (EDWARD⁴, WILLIAM³, EDWARD², EDWARD¹)  She married (1) SERGEANT THOMAS BROOKINGS.  He died in Revolutionary War Casualty.  She married (2) JOHN MCVINCH. 

Notes for CATHERINE 'CATEY' RILEY:

Catey Riley's parentage is unknown. She married a Sergeant Thomas  Brookins and was widowed when he was killed in the Revolutionary war. After that, she maried John McVinch who, in 1784, received two orphans, William Riley age 12, and John Riley age 2, into bondage. After McVinch's death, Catey gave William and John, which she indicated were her nephews, her land holdings.

William and John married Sarah and Elizabeth Dollar, and seemed to have remained in Orange County for the remainder of their lives.

       

Children of CATHERINE RILEY and JOHN MCVINCH are:

                   i.    WILLIAM⁶ RILEY, b. 1772, Orange County North Carolina; m. SARAH DOLLAR; b. 1770, Orange County North Carolina.

More About SARAH DOLLAR:

Date born 2: 1770

                  ii.    JOHN RILEY, b. Dec 1781, Orange County North Carolina; d. 1865, Orange County North Carolina; m. ELIZABETH DOLLAR, 01 Feb 1810, Orange County North Carolina; b. 1790, Orange County North Carolina; d. 1845, Orange County North Carolina.

More About JOHN RILEY:

Census 1: 06 Jul 1860, Orange County North Carolina, age 78

Census 2: 12 Oct 1850, District 1, Orange County North carolina, HH 1263, age 67

More About JOHN RILEY and ELIZABETH DOLLAR:

Marriage: 01 Feb 1810, Orange County North Carolina

                 iii.    SUSAN RILEY, b. 1800, Orange County North Carolina; m. SON DOLLAR; b. 1792, Orange County North Carolina.

More About SUSAN RILEY:

Date born 2: 1800

7.  JAMES⁵ RILEY, SR (EDWARD⁴, WILLIAM³, EDWARD², EDWARD¹) was born Abt. 1754 in Orange County North Carolina, and died 19 Feb 1824 in Orange County North Carolina.  He married RACHAEL. 

More About JAMES RILEY, SR:

Census: 1790, St. Mary's  District, Orange County North Carolina, page 96

       

Child of JAMES RILEY and RACHAEL is:

                   i.    JAMES⁶ RILEY, JR.

8.  EDWARD⁵ RILEY, SR (EDWARD⁴, WILLIAM³, EDWARD², EDWARD¹) was born Abt. 1758 in Orange County North Carolina, and died Apr 1821 in Orange County Indiana.  He married ELIZABETH WHITAKER (Source: (1) OneWorldTreeSM., (2) EdwardRiley.FTW, Date of Import: 12 Dec 2005.) 1780 in Orange County North Carolina, daughter of ABRAHAM WHITAKER and MARY POTEET.  She was born Abt. 1765 in Orange County North Carolina, and died Abt. 1825 in Orange County Indiana.

Notes for EDWARD RILEY, SR:

[EdwardRiley.FTW]

I am not certain that this is the father of Edward Riley (b. 1758).  I'm pretty sure, but not 100%.  So don't take this as a fact until it's fully proven!

Information from Riley Researcher, Joe Sissom...June 22, 1999 posted on Genealogy.com message board...

"With help of a number of other cousins, we have put together a sequence that seems to hold water.

Miles, b.1614 IRE, immigrated to VA 1634, reportedly had 4 sons and a daughter: Hugh, b.1653 to MD; Tom to Accomack; Edward to northern VA.  Is this Edward the same as the one below?

Edward b. Abt. 1648 immigrates to VA 1670, gets a land grant in Rappahannock same year

Edward b. Abt. 1680 VA, land grant in Stafford Co., VA in 1716

(The above three are VERY conjectural, the ones below seem quite sound, but need confirmation.  I've seen folks admitted to DAR - Daughters Of The Revolution- on much less, though)

William, b. Abt. 1705 probably VA, moves to New Hanover, NC, married to Mary ________; has sons Edward, John, William, Bartholomew; dies there 1744; in his will, his sons are minors at the time of his death.  Tax rolls 1741.

Orange Edward, probably named for his paternal grandfather, b. Abt. 1730, New Hanover Co., NC, moves to Orange Co., NC 1763, probably between 1767-1771; dies about 1790 (based on fact that he is no longer appearing in census after that year).  Tax rolls 1762, and 1763; 2 deed records in 1778.

1762 William and John on tax rolls in New Hanover

1763 John on tax roll in New Hanover

1763 John and Richard on New Hanover tax roll

1767 John still on New Hanover tax roll

1771 2 Johns on militia roll in Orange Co.  (Does this narrow the family move from New Hanover to Orange?)

1772 Richard on Brunswick Co., NC tax roll

1774 Jacob in Orange Co

1777 James on Casell tax roll

1779 Jacob, James, John Riley in Orange Co., 1779

1790 Jacob dies 1812 Orange Co; will has sons to Green Co., GA early 1800's

Tim; James, John, William in 1790 Orange Co., census - Note, Edward is NOT

1800 James, John, William in 1800 Orange Co. census

Indiana Edward b.1758 New Hanover, marries Liz Whitaker 1780.  Probably in the Revolutionary War in some fashion.  Moves to Georgia between 1785 and 1794, to Bedrord Co., TN (tax rolls in 1812 have him) after 1810 (Edward Jr. marriage - if earlier, Jr. would have probably gone too), on to IN.  Bondsman in Whitaker-Horn marriage in 1785.  Bought and sold land in Franklin Co., GA in 1803.  Involved with Nathaniel HIX, who is also connected to the descendants of the 'youngest" Edward, confirms that this is likely the correct bunch of Edwards.  Dies in 1821 (according to will) in Indiana.

All of the Edward Rileys in Faquier Co., VA are probably descendents of 'our" immigrant.

Edward Jr. b. 1784 (tombstone), Orange Co., NC 1850 census, to GA with family, married Polly Westbrook 1810, etc.  Stays in GA because he is already married, though no children born.  Westbrooks seem well established.  Dies 1854 in Franklin Co., GA"

1779 ORANGE COUNTY, NORTH CAROLINA TAX LIST

Copied from the North Caroline Division of Archives and History, 109 East Jones Street, Raleigh, NC 27601

1779R400RILEYEdwardN/AN/AN/ATax Roll

1779R400RILEYEdward Jr.N/AN/AN/ATax Roll

1779R400RILEYJacobN/AN/AN/ATax Roll

1779R400RILEYJamesN/AN/AN/ATax Roll

1779R400RILEYJohnN/AN/AN/ATax Roll

*****************************************************************************************************************

******************************************************************************************************************

1810 TAX DEFAULTERS LIST, CAPT. BROOKS’S DISTRICT, FRANKLIN CO., GEORGIA

Edward Ryley

John Ryley

James Ryley

***************************************************************************************************

ORANGE COUNTY, NORTH CAROLINA  -  EARLY RILEY MARRIAGE BOND RECORDS

GroomBrideDate Of BondWitness

Riley, Alson G.     Polly Ray            6 Jan. 1855    Andrew Jones

Riley, Anderson  Betsey Vaughn       20 Dec. 1834      Henderson Vaughn

Riley, David        Leathy A. Crabtree   18 Jan. 1854       Wm. McCauly

Riley, David        Mary Dollar          3 July 1856         John Dollars

Riley, Dudley       Jane Jones           21 Dec. 1860        Green Blalock

Riley, ?            Ann Blackwood        9 Oct. 1861         Thos. Wilson

Riley, Edward       Susan Ray            18 Dec. 1826        Richard Nichols

Riley, Eli          Larcena Vaughn       11 June 1857        Wm. Roberts

Riley, Elza         Mary Jordan          28 Jan. 1858        C. P. Warren

Riley, Elzy         Margaret Hicks       15 Aug. 1863        Joseph Reese

Riley, Guilford     Mary Simpson         5 Mar. 1862         Wm. Gates

Riley, James        Sarah Grimes         9 Aug. 1793         Wm. Belvin

Riley, James        Ellender Watson      3 Feb. 1802         Jno. Taylor

Riley, James        Jean Dunrafer        26 Dec. 1808        Wm. Fausette

Riley, James        Mary Denate          8 Aug. 1833         James Clark

Riley, James        Betsey Hall          16 Sept. 1834       Thomas Riley

Riley, James        Elizabeth Wilkerson  2 June 1838         Wm. Wilkerson

Riley, James        Caroline Page        23 Apr. 1859        Nathaniel Riley

Riley, James        Saluda Vaughn        5 Aug. 1861         C. Wilson

Riley, Jefferson    Eliza Pool           14 June 1858        A. D. Umstead

Riley, John         Mary Lytle           26 July 1785        James Cullach

Riley, John         Sally Redman         19 Jan. 1793        John Whitaker

Riley, John         Polly Whitaker       30 June 1794        A. (Abimelech) Barbee

Riley, John         Polly Collins        11 July 1800        John Bollen

Riley, John         Elizabeth Dollar     1 Feb. 1810         Stephen Pritchard

Riley, John         Nancy Whitaker       7 Dec. 1833         Wm. Whitaker

Riley, John Jr.     Sarah Jane Sims      9 Dec. 1852         Simpson Riley

Riley, John J.      Mary E. Lindsey      14 Oct. 1860        Wm. Wilkerson

Riley, John R.      Margaret Thompson    13 Feb. 1867        Wm. Riley

Riley, John W.      Tempy E. Sykes       21 Dec. 1866        --- ----

Riley, Levi R.      Jane Graves          9 Mar. 1846         ----- -----

Riley, Nathaniel    Martha Merritt       7 Aug. 1858         ----- -----

Riley, Norwood     Elenina Taylor       13 Aug. 1839        Pleasant Riley

Riley, Peter        Elizabeth Woods      21 July 1795        Robert Ray

Riley, Peter        Nancy  Finley        18 Jan. 1830        J. McKerall

Riley, Pleasant     Elizabeth Taylor     2 Oct. 1834         Henderson Riley

Riley, Presley      Anna Hicks           25 Sept. 1846       Norwood Riley

Riley, Samuel       Ann Watson           16 Oct. 1840        Daniel Thompson

Riley, Samuel       Mary Jane Roberts    21 Dec. 1842        D. W. Thompson

Riley, Sanders      Martha Thompson      2 Feb. 1828         James Thompson

Riley, Simpson      Lucenda Cates        24 Nov. 1842        John Riley

Riley, Thomas W.  Mary Margaret Thomas 27 Apr. 1854        Wm. Cope

Riley, Uriah T.     Mary Bane            17 Jan. 1838        Will Allison

Riley, Warden      Hawkins Poke         22 May 1847         Copeland Riley

Riley, William      Elizabeth Chambers   21 Sept. 1791       ---- ----

Riley, William      Sarah Dollar         6 Feb. 1793         Henry Bunch

Riley, William      Frances Hopkins      6 July 1825         Robert Cates

Riley, William      Meade Cates          2 Apr. 1834         Anderson Riley

Riley, William      Susan Hall           13 Jan. 1836        Jame Riley

Riley, William      Judith Smith         3 Jan. 1860         Presley Riley

Riley, William H.   Catherine Miles      20 Dec. 1855        Thos. Hayes

Riley, William L.   Josephen Jackson     17 Dec. 1867        ---- ----

Riley, William      Catherine Thompson   27 Dec. 1866        John Riley

Riley, Willie       Sarah Walker         26 July 1848        Harwood Riley

It is known that Edward and Elizabeth moved to Georgia for awhile; census records indicate that is where several of their children were born.  It appears that they lived in Franklin County.  An Edward Riley Sr. and an Edward Riley Jr., both from Franklin Co., drew land in the 1805 Georgia Land Lottery.  Edward Jr. drew land while Edward Sr. drew blanks.  We believe that our Edward’s son, Edward Riley Jr. and his wife, Polly Westbrook, stayed behind in Georgia when the rest of the family moved on.  In the 1810 Franklin Co. list of tax defaulters, Edward Ryley as well as James and John Ryley are named.  Edward’s father was almost certainly dead by this time.  So we believe that Edward and family had moved out of Georgia before he was 52 in 1810.

The next possible stopping point on Edward’s trek north to Indiana may have been Bedford Co., TN.  The 1812 Bedford County tax list named Edward Riley, Abraham Riley, William Riley, and John Wilson (Edward’s daughter Elenor married a John Wilson).  Other families who later had connections to the Rileys in Arkansas and Texas also lived  in Bedford Co., TN at the same time.

From Bedford County, the Rileys moved on to Indiana.  It’s possible that Edward and Elizabeth lived in Kentucky for awhile on their way to Indiana, or perhaps they just “wintered over” there.  A number of Edward Rileys appear in KY records in the early or mid 1800's.  Our Riley family is heavily intertwined with the Hart family, who came from Hardin Co., KY.  The two families may have become acquainted in Kentucky and traveled together.

The first mention of  Edward in Indiana is found in the “History Of Orange County Indiana,” which states that Edward Riley appeared on a list of voters held the first Monday of August, 1817, in Greenfield Township, Orange County, Indiana.  Edward and Elizabeth listed themselves in the category of “over 45 years old” when they and one son still at home, age 16-26 yrs., were enumerated in the 1820 census for Orange County.  In fact, born in 1758, Edward would have been 62.  Edward made his will on August 29, 1819 in Orange Co, IN.  His son William and a man named Lewis Pitman were his executors.  (Edward’s son James married Sarah “Sally” Pitman)

Edward died at age 63 in April 1821.  His will was probated 14 Apr 1821 Orange Co., IN and named his wife Elizabeth and 12 children.  There are two versions of the will with two different orders of the children: one on file in LDS (Latter Day Saints) archives, and one transcribed by a Mrs. Mavity, an Orange Co., IN historian.  The birth orders are the only clue to possible birth dates, so giving exact birth dates is a problem.  The exception is Edward Jr. because we know the location of his grave and headstone.  The transcript of the will that I have gives the following order: Edward Riley, Mary Riley Hogg, Elenor Riley Wilson, Abraham Riley, William Riley, John Riley, Isaac Riley, Jacob Riley, Elizabeth Riley Roads, James Riley, Thomas Riley, and Sally Riley Hart. 

LAST WILL AND TESTAMENT OF EDWARD RILEY

Indiana State             )

Orange County          )              In the name of God amen

Whereas I Edward Riley of the County and State aforesaid being of sound mind and memory but knowing that it is appointed for all men to die do acclaim establish and declare this to be my last Will and testament to wit that my soul may be received by God that gave it; And my Body decently buried at the discretion of my surviving friends as touching the estate goods which God hath graciously been pleased to bless me with now in my possession consisting of stock farming utensils household furniture and I do hereby give and bequeath to my beloved wife Elizabeth Riley to be and remain in the peaceable possession and to the proper us of the said Elizabeth Riley during her life or widowhood the Just debts of my contracting being Justly paid and all credits collected and I do therefore give to my lawful heirs to wit my son Edward Riley, to Mary Hogg, Elenor Wilson, Abraham Riley, to William Riley, to John Riley, to Isaac Riley, to Jacob Riley, to Elizabeth Roads, to James Riley, to Thomas Riley, and to Sally Hart each the sum of one dollar in addition to all which I have given to them individually at any former period which is declared to be theirs and I do further appoint and ordain my son William Riley and Lewis Pitman my lawful Executors to my last will and testament.  In Witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this twenty ninth day of August and year of our Lord 1819

/s/ Edward Riley (his mark)

Test

/s/  Isaac Riley

/s/  James Riley

PROBATE OF WILL OF EDWARD RILEY

Be it remembered that heretofore to wit on the 14th day of April in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and twenty one the last will and testament of Edward Riley deceased was produced to me William Hoggatt Clerk of the Circuit Court for Orange County and proven by the oaths of Isaac Riley and James Riley two of the subscribing witnesses thereto and William Riley and Lewis Pitman performed on their part what was necessary for them to do to obtain a Letter testamentary.

/s/  W. Hoggatt Clk

*****************************************************************************************************************

Probate of Edward Riley Will - 14 Apr 1821

14 Apr. 1821. LT to William Riley on EDWARD RILEY estate.  21 Oct. 1822 ADM. returns inventory as appraised by John Andrews and William Carter on 19 Oct. 1822, and sale bill.  Buyers: Elizabeth, Isaac, James, John and William Riley; Richard Gruer, Samuel Lowe, Lewis Pitman, James Totten, Johnson Wall [or Hall?], John Willon and John Wilson.  22 July 1823 adm. reports payments (of $1.00 each) to Josiah Hart, John Wilson, Isaac, John and James Riley and to James Riley as adm. of ABRAHAM RILEY estate.

16 Feb. 1829.  Ext. reports.

****************************************************************************************************************

MAJOR BREAKTHROUGH:  I received this e-mail from James Hardy Riley, Dec 10, 2005:

"Mark. My name is JAMES HARDY RILEY and I am a Riley family researcher. I recently had a Y-DNA-12 test to determine if I had a paternal relationship to the Riley family. Unfortunately it was negative but to be sure I had an unquestionable comparison I had a DNA test run on LEWIE DANIEL RILEY, born June 6, 1910 at Echo, Dale County Alabama. His DNA was an exact match to yours and I am trying to determine the exact relationship of the two of you.

I am definitely related to Lewie through my grandmother and have an extensive Riley family data base. If you are willing to share data I can provide any information you may desire on LEWIE DANIEL RILEY. Please let me hear from you. Sincerely Jim Riley"

Concerning this e-mail, Riley Researcher Sharon Tingley wrote:

"This is a major find! Yes, I would love to contact him. I know who this is... I had talked with this guy once before. He descends from the John Riley who married Mary "Polly" Whitaker in Orange Co., NC!!!! This not only FINALLY proves that our Elizabeth Riley was truly a Whitaker, but it also proves that Edward & John were brothers!!!"

More About EDWARD RILEY, SR:

Name 2: Edward Riley (Source: (1) OneWorldTreeSM., (2) OneWorldTreeSM., (3) OneWorldTreeSM., (4) OneWorldTreeSM., (5) EdwardRiley.FTW, Date of Import: 12 Dec 2005.)

Notes for ELIZABETH WHITAKER:

[EdwardRiley.FTW]

We know Edward’s wife was named Elizabeth.  They would have been married sometime between 1780-1783 either in Orange Co. or the Salisbury District of Surry Co., NC.  We believe she was probably Elizabeth Whitaker.  In 1803, Abraham Whitaker left a will in Orange Co. NC which named two daughters who married Rileys: Elizabeth and Mary.  (See the transcript of the will later in this section)  Also, Edward and Elizabeth named one of their sons Isaac W. Riley.  The name Isaac W. kept passing down through Edward’s descendants until finally there was an Isaac Whitaker Riley who was born several generations later in Hunt Co., TX.  It’s likely that all the Isaac W.’s in the line were Isaac Whitakers.

More About ELIZABETH WHITAKER:

Date born 2: Abt. 1765, Baltimore, Baltimore Co., MD (Source: (1) OneWorldTreeSM., (2) EdwardRiley.FTW, Date of Import: 12 Dec 2005.)

Died 2: Apr 1821, Orange Co., IN (Source: (1) OneWorldTreeSM., (2) EdwardRiley.FTW, Date of Import: 12 Dec 2005.)

More About EDWARD RILEY and ELIZABETH WHITAKER:

Marriage 1: 1780, Orange County North Carolina

Marriage 2: Bet. 1780 - 1783, Salisbury District, Surry Co. or Orange Co., NC (Source: EdwardRiley.FTW, Date of Import: 12 Dec 2005.)

       

Children of EDWARD RILEY and ELIZABETH WHITAKER are:

                   i.    ELEANOR⁶ RILEY (Source: (1) OneWorldTreeSM., (2) EdwardRiley.FTW, Date of Import: 12 Dec 2005.), b. 1783, Orange County North Carolina; d. 1850, Riley Township, Yell Co., AR (Source: (1) OneWorldTreeSM., (2) EdwardRiley.FTW, Date of Import: 12 Dec 2005.); m. JOHN WILSON (Source: EdwardRiley.FTW, Date of Import: 12 Dec 2005.), 1809, GA or Bedford Co., TN (Source: EdwardRiley.FTW, Date of Import: 12 Dec 2005.); b. Abt. 1790 (Source: EdwardRiley.FTW, Date of Import: 12 Dec 2005.); d. Bef. 1850, Yell Co., AR (Source: EdwardRiley.FTW, Date of Import: 12 Dec 2005.).

Notes for ELEANOR RILEY:

[EdwardRiley.FTW]

The pieces of her puzzle are 1) Edward Riley’s 1821 will names her as Elenor Wilson, 2) the probate of Edward’s will names her husband John Wilson, 3) the 1812 Bedford County, TN tax list names John Wilson along with Edward, Abraham, and William Riley, and 4) in the 1850 Riley Township, Yell County, Arkansas census three of John and Elenor’s sons give their birth dates and birthplaces as  1810:Indiana (William), 1817:Georgia (George), and 1824:Indiana (Robert).

Puting the pieces together, Elenor would have met and married John Wilson before the first son’s birth in 1810.  In 1812 John Wilson is listed as a tax payer in Bedford County, TN along with Edward, Abraham, and William Riley.  This would mean that after their marriage sometime, John and Elenor went to Indiana where their first son William was born in 1810.  Perhaps they were scouting out land there in Indiana for the Riley clan to eventually live and Elenor became pregnant or was already pregnant and delivered in Indiana.  The Rileys did begin migrating in about 1810-12 toward Indiana and finally to Orange County, Indiana.  After this short trip to Indiana, John and Elenor and son William joined the Riley family in Bedford County, Tennessee long enough for John to be placed on the tax roll there.  By 1817 the Riley family had moved on to Orange County, Indiana, but it seems John and Elenor went to Georgia where their second son George was born in 1817.  Perhaps they went there to visit brother Edward Jr. who had stayed behind, and while there delivered their son.  Some time after that, they moved to Indiana, presumably to re-join the Riley family, and their youngest son Robert was born there in 1824.  It is possible that John and Elenor were in Indiana before 1821 when Edward died and his will was probated naming Elenor Wilson and John Wilson.

In 1831, the Riley family migrated from Orange County, Indiana to Yell County, Arkansas where they helped found Riley Township there.  In 1850, the brothers William, George, and Robert are all married with families and living near one another farming in Riley Township.  George married an Eliza E. (unknown maiden name) and they had three children: Radford, John, and Thurzy.  William married a Nelly (unknown maiden name) and had a son named Robert F. Wilson. Youngest son Robert married a Martha A. (unknown maiden name) and had no children in 1850.  William’s family was living with Robert and his wife down the road from brother George’s family.  Obviously, with William naming his son Robert F., he was close to his youngest brother.  I found an Abraham Wilson given in other researchers’ records, though I found no record of him in the 1850 Riley Township census.  The brothers gave their occupations as farmer.  George could not read or write, nor could William and wife Nelly.  Robert had gotten an education somewhere along the way because he stated on the census that he could read and write.

More About ELEANOR RILEY:

Date born 2: Abt. 1786, Orange Co., NC (Source: (1) OneWorldTreeSM., (2) EdwardRiley.FTW, Date of Import: 12 Dec 2005.)

More About JOHN WILSON and ELEANOR RILEY:

Marriage: 1809, GA or Bedford Co., TN (Source: EdwardRiley.FTW, Date of Import: 12 Dec 2005.)

                  ii.    EDWARD RILEY III (Source: (1) OneWorldTreeSM., (2) OneWorldTreeSM., (3) EdwardRiley.FTW, Date of Import: 12 Dec 2005.), b. 12 Apr 1784, Orange Co., NC (Source: (1) OneWorldTreeSM., (2) OneWorldTreeSM., (3) EdwardRiley.FTW, Date of Import: 12 Dec 2005.); d. 12 Nov 1854, Franklin Co., GA (Source: EdwardRiley.FTW, Date of Import: 12 Dec 2005.); m. MARY POLLY WESTBROOK (Source: EdwardRiley.FTW, Date of Import: 12 Dec 2005.), 01 Mar 1810, Franklin Co., GA (Source: EdwardRiley.FTW, Date of Import: 12 Dec 2005.); b. 26 Mar 1795, GA (Source: (1) OneWorldTreeSM., (2) EdwardRiley.FTW, Date of Import: 12 Dec 2005.); d. 27 Apr 1850, Franklin Co., GA (Source: EdwardRiley.FTW, Date of Import: 12 Dec 2005.).

Notes for EDWARD RILEY III:

[EdwardRiley.FTW]

In early Georgia records, there are Edward Rileys in Washington, Franklin, and Jackson Counties.  Since Franklin and Jackson Counties share a border, the records there may refer to the same Edward.  There was also another Edward Riley who lived in Georgia at the same time ours was there.  Originally from Lancaster Co., PA, this “other” Edward was a Revolutionary War veteran who lived in Edgefield Co., South Carolina at the time he volunteered in 1776, later moved to Georgia, and finally to Rankin Co., MS before 1833 when he made his affidavit at the age of 85.  To complicate matters even further, both Edward Rileys had wives named Elizabeth and sons named Edward Jr.  Was our Edward the one in Washington Co., GA or the one in Franklin/Jackson Co., GA?

From descendant records we find that the Edgefield SC Edward Riley Revolutionary War veteran’s son Edward Jr. married Mary Shows.  Our Edward’s son Edward Jr. married Polly Ann Westbrook.  Also both Edward Sr. and Edward Jr. of Franklin Co. appear in the 1805 Georgia Land Lottery.  Our Edward Jr. was born on April 12, 1784, making him 21 years old (of legal age) at the time of the lottery.  Edward Miles Riley, son of Revolutionary War Edward, was not born until 1796.  He was only 9 years old at the time of the lottery and was therefore ineligible to draw.

The 1805 Georgia land lottery was held to distribute land in Baldwin, Wilkinson, and Wayne Counties, which are located in middle to south Georgia.  In order to draw, one had to meet certain qualifications: 1) Bachelor, 21 years or older, with one year residence in GA received 1 draw; 2) Married man with wife and/or child and one year residence in GA received 2 draws; 3) Widow with minor child and one year residence in GA received 2 draws; 4) Minor orphan, or family of minor orphans received 1 draw.  Our Edward Sr. drew blanks or no land, whereas Edward Jr. drew a pass, or portion, indicating that he won some land.  This may be one of the reasons that Edward Jr. remained in Georgia while Edward Sr. and the rest of the family moved on to Tennessee then Indiana.

Edward Jr. married Polly Ann Westbrook (b. 26 Mar 1795 GA), the daughter of Stephen Bartley Westbrook and Emphellady Hudson.  They were married 1 Mar 1810 in Franklin Co.  The Westbrooks were well-established members of Franklin County.  This marriage could explain another reason why Edward Jr stayed behind in Georgia while the rest of his family moved on to Bedford Co., TN in 1812 and finally to Orange Co., IN by 1814.  His wife and her family were a strong part of the Franklin County community, so he stayed with them.

The Edward Riley Jr home was located in what is now Banks Co., GA off of GA Highway 326.  Banks was formed from Franklin and Habersham Counties in 1858.  The home was located only a short distance from Jackson County and Madison County.  The house is no longer standing.  It is remembered by family members as a “large white house.”

Edward Jr. had some education.  He was able to read and write.  During his lifetime, he accumulated between 1,000 and 2,000 acres of land and in 1850 he had 18 slaves.  After his death, some of the land was sold and some passed down in the family.  Tradition states that at his death, the children were given a choice of money or servants.  The land was passed down from generation to generation and some of it is still in the family.

Probably a victim of the typhoid epidemic, Edward Jr. died on Nov 12, 1854 in Franklin County, Georgia.  Three of his children died in 1855, also during the epidemic.  He had dedicated an acre of his land for a community cemetery, which was known as the Riley Cemetery for years, and this is where he was buried.  When his home place was sold to the Bolton family, it became known as the Bolton Cemetery.  The Riley graves are the oldest ones in the cemetery.  They are easy to spot because all of them have little rock houses covering the graves.  The graves are marked, but many of the markings have been lost through time.  Edward Jr’s birth and death dates can both still be read on his tombstone.

More About EDWARD RILEY III:

Name 2: Edward Riley

Date born 2: Abt. 1784, Orange County North Carolina

Died 2: 1854, Franklin County Georgia

Died 3: 12 Nov 1854, Franklin, GA (Source: (1) OneWorldTreeSM., (2) EdwardRiley.FTW, Date of Import: 12 Dec 2005.)

Burial 1: Bolton Cemetery, Franklin Co., GA (Source: EdwardRiley.FTW, Date of Import: 12 Dec 2005.)

Burial 2: Edward gave 1 acre of his land for a family burial plot.  His land was later bought by the Boltons and became Bolton Cemetery.  Today it is is Banks Co., GA (Source: EdwardRiley.FTW, Date of Import: 12 Dec 2005.)

Burial 3: Edward's home is no longer standing, but descendant's remember it as a "large white house." (Source: EdwardRiley.FTW, Date of Import: 12 Dec 2005.)

Burial 4: Had 1000  - 2000 acres, 18 slaves in Franlkin Co., GA (Source: EdwardRiley.FTW, Date of Import: 12 Dec 2005.)

Comment 1: Probably died in Typhoid epidemic (Source: EdwardRiley.FTW, Date of Import: 12 Dec 2005.)

Comment 2: Birth and death dates here are from his headstone (Source: EdwardRiley.FTW, Date of Import: 12 Dec 2005.)

More About MARY POLLY WESTBROOK:

Name 2: Mary Polly Westbrook (Source: (1) OneWorldTreeSM., (2) EdwardRiley.FTW, Date of Import: 12 Dec 2005.)

Burial: Bolton Cemetery, Franklin Co., GA (Source: EdwardRiley.FTW, Date of Import: 12 Dec 2005.)

Fact: Birth and death dates here are from her headstone (Source: EdwardRiley.FTW, Date of Import: 12 Dec 2005.)

More About EDWARD RILEY and MARY WESTBROOK:

Marriage: 01 Mar 1810, Franklin Co., GA (Source: EdwardRiley.FTW, Date of Import: 12 Dec 2005.)

                 iii.    ABRAHAM RILEY, SR (Source: (1) OneWorldTreeSM., (2) OneWorldTreeSM., (3) OneWorldTreeSM., (4) OneWorldTreeSM., (5) EdwardRiley.FTW, Date of Import: 12 Dec 2005.), b. 1787, Franklin Co., GA (Source: (1) OneWorldTreeSM., (2) OneWorldTreeSM., (3) OneWorldTreeSM., (4) OneWorldTreeSM., (5) EdwardRiley.FTW, Date of Import: 12 Dec 2005.); d. Sep 1821, Orange Co., IN (Source: (1) OneWorldTreeSM., (2) OneWorldTreeSM., (3) OneWorldTreeSM., (4) OneWorldTreeSM., (5) EdwardRiley.FTW, Date of Import: 12 Dec 2005.); m. SARAH ANN YOUNG (Source: EdwardRiley.FTW, Date of Import: 12 Dec 2005.), 1810, Bedford County Tennessee (Source: EdwardRiley.FTW, Date of Import: 12 Dec 2005.); d. 17 Aug 1835, Orange Co., IN (Source: EdwardRiley.FTW, Date of Import: 12 Dec 2005.).

Notes for ABRAHAM RILEY, SR:

[EdwardRiley.FTW]

Abraham only lived about 37 years.  He was born between 1784 - 1787 probably in Franklin County, Georgia, though he could have been born in Orange County, NC if he was born before 1787 when Edward and Elizabeth sold the land on Flat Creek and moved on to Georgia.  We don’t have a birth record on Abraham, and we don’t know where his grave is, so his birth date and place are a matter of educated guesses.  We know that his father Edward in Orange Co., NC was bondsman for an Isaac Whitaker/Catherine Horn marriage in 1785.  He was also listed on the tax list of St. Mary’s District in Orange Co., NC that year.  He served on two grand jury cases in 1786, and on 1 Feb 1787 Edward and Elizabeth sold their 250 acres on Flat Creek and after that there is no more record of them in North Carolina.  So any children of Edward and Elizabeth Riley born before Feb 1787 were born in Orange County, NC.  After that, they would have been born in Georgia, as that was the next stopping place for Edward and Elizabeth’s family.

Here’s the problem: the only child of Edward and Elizabeth whose birth date we know is Edward Jr. because we’ve found his grave.  The only clue to the other children’s birth dates comes from Edward’s will which lists the 12 children.  We assume it’s in birth order, though we don’t know.  However, there are two versions of the will: one on record in LDS archives, and one transcribed by a Mrs. Mavity, an Orange County historian which gives a different order of the children. Assuming a 1780 marriage of Edward and Elizabeth and one child a year, and the LDS will’s birth order and that it is in order of birth (that’s a lot of “if”s), Abraham would be born in 1784.  If the marriage was 1783 and one child a year, etc., the birth would be 1787.  The sale of the land was early in the year of 1787, making a Georgia birth later in that year possible and likely after 1787 if there was not a birth every year, but spaced further apart.  Add to this the fact that in the 1880 census, Abraham’s son William Riley gave his father’s birthplace as Georgia.  Georgia seems most likely.

Abraham Riley is listed as one of the first settlers of Jackson Township in 1816.  Abraham owned land in Jackson Township, Orange Co., IN.  According to "A History Of Orange County, Indiana, “...the southwest corner township of Orange County in Jackson, was created in September, 1831, out of the western end of Greenfield.  It was named for Andrew Jackson, who at that time was the most prominent and honored citizen of America.  This township embraces a territory of forty-two square miles, being seven miles north and south and six miles east and west, the exact size of Greenfield Township.  Tradition has it that the first inhabitants of this part of the county, other than the Indians, were some negroes, who wre supposed to have been fugitive slaves.  At any rate there is little doubt that some of these people were among the earliest settlers in this locality, and by some of it is said they had mixed with the Indians to a considerable extent and became a race half Indian half negro.  This no doubt is partially true, for nothing would be more natural than for a people thus isolated and ostracized to seek the companionship of whatever class of humanity might present itself.  The first white man to locate in this township was Lewis Allen who entered the northwest quarter of Section 27, Township 1  south, Range 2 west, on the 5th day of June, 1815.  After him and piror to 1820 came the following: Daniel Allen, 1816, James Rawlings 1816, Abraham Riley 1816, John Dixon 1817, Joseph Wells 1817, Cloud Bethel 1817, John Belcher 1817, John Broadwell 1818, Henry Broadwell 1818, Isaac Eastridge 1819, John Eastridge 1820, Lewis Putnam 1820, John McVey 1816, William B. Connell 1817, Christopher Flick 1817, William Miller 1816, Thomas Atkinson 1817, and Joseph Farlow 1816.  Most of thse men like the majority of the first settlers in the county were from Kentucky and the Carolinas.”

Abraham was enumerated on the 1820 census for Orange Co., IN as age 26-45 with a wife also age 26-45 and 6 boys and 1 girl under age 10.  Six of these children are named in Abraham’s estate, with one of the boys missing, who might have died at a young age or he may have been a relative living with the family in 1820, and not Abraham’s son. Living nearby was Lewis Pitman, who was later named as an executor of Edward Riley’s estate, and John Wilson, Abraham’s bro-in-law.

Abraham died around September 1821 in Orange Co. when his brother James was appointed executor of his estate.  In 1829, James had moved out of state and Isaac W. Riley Sr. took over as executor of the estate.  He submitted papers to the probate court indicating that he had paid notes due to John Wilson (Abraham’s brother-in-law), Elizabeth Riley (sister), William Riley (brother), John Riley (brother), and Johnson Hall (probably his mother, Abraham’s widow’s, new husband).  In 1830, money was paid to Henry M. Canaday as guardian of Abraham’s children.  By 1839 the guardian of Abraham’s heirs was Alexander Morris who sold Abraham’s land on his heirs behalf because the land was “suffering unavoidable waste and decay.”  The heirs were listed in the indenture when the land was sold, except for Owen Riley who was not named.

TRANSCRIPT OF ABRAHAM RILEY'S WILL:

Probate Order Book A, Page 82: At a Court of Probate held at the Court House in Paoli on the 21 day of October 1822. James Riley

administrator of the estate of Abraham Riley, decd, returned into Court an inventory and sale-bill of the property of s'd dec'd, and it is ordered that the s'd James be charged with the amount of the sale-bill and the amount of property unsold in the inventory. Inventory included 1 broadax,   1 new ax, 1 meat ax, 1 Yankee ax, 1 Dutch oven, 1 skillet, 1 dutch oven, 1 wedge, good gears, 1 matick, a kettle, household furniture for a total dollar amount of $42.40.

Probate Order Book A, Page 81: At a Probate Court held at the Court House in Paoli on the 21 day of July 1823. James Riley, admr of Abraham Riley, dec'd, produced to this Court receipts and satisfactory fo rhaving paid the following sums of money, to wit: Thomas F. Chapman, admr of E. Blanchard, dec'd......$10.00

Isaac Riley...........................................................................2.50

Elizabeth Riley....................................................................2.00

William Hoggatt...................................................................4.50

Thomas F. Chapman............................................................2.50

James W. Riley...................................................................22.66

Abraham Bosby....................................................................2.00

William Riley.......................................................................1.50 Jacob

Hobson......................................................................1.00

Jonathan Hamed..................................................................5.40

Peter McNichol.....................................................................3.75

Paid William Riley......................................................... $123. Paid

A. Bosby Taxes .........................................................$2.

John Wilson........................................................................ .50

When James Riley left IN, Isaac W. Sr., another brother, took over as administrator of Abraham's estate. Probate Order Book B, Feb 1829-Aug 1842, Page 87: At a Probate Court held at the Court House in Paoli in the first Monday in September in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and twenty-nine. On Motion and Complaint made by Isaac Riley and it appearing to the satisfaction of the Court that James Riley, Administrator of Abraham Riley, dec'd, had removed out of this State. The Court Orders that the said James be removed from his said administration and that Isaac Riley be appointed Administrator of all and singular the remainder of said Abraham Riley's Estate and that he give bond in the sum of Three hundred dollars and that William Cannell, James Roden, & John Wilson be received as Securities and who entered into bonds as above required and took the oath in such cases required.

Probate Order Book B, Page 87: At the March Term last aforesaid the aforesaid Isaac Riley returned into Court an Inventory of notes and

accounts which had come to his hands as administrator, to wit: One Note on John Wilson & John Sheppard.............$20.02

One Note on John Wilson &Isaac Riley........................5.81

One ditto on John Sheppard & F.F. Tucker.................25.00

One ditto on Jesse Allen...............................................25.00

One ditto on Johnson Hall & John Sheppard................4.46

One ditto on Johnson Hall & John Riley......................10.42

$90.71 Sworn to in open Court March Term 1830. W Hoggatt Clk

The aforesaid Isaac Riley returned into Court several Vouchers for money he has paid out for said Estate which the Court approve and order that said Riley have a credit for the same, to wit: William Smith   2.50 for his own Services.........4.50 ditto   Paid Henry M. Canaday,

Guardian......90.41

Probate Order Book B, Pages 240-241: ORANGE PROBATE COURT Please before the Honorable Thomas Vandiver, Probate Judge of the County of Orange, at the Court House in Paoli on the 7th day of July in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty-one. Widow of Abraham Riley, dec'd) Petition to Assign Dower) Be it remembered that heretofore, to wit, on the 11th day of March 1831, Henry M. Canaday, on behalf of the said widow, filed his certain petition in open Court in the words and figures following, Viz: To the Honorable Thomas Vandiver, Judge of the Probate Court of the County of Orange in Chancery Sitting: Henry M. Canaday, who guardian for the minor heirs of Abraham Riley, deceased, and whose names will more fully and at large appear, reference being had to the record of this Honorable Circuit, would hereby represent to tyour honor that a petition is now depending in this Honorable Court praying for the sale of

certain lands of which the said Riley, dec'd, seized in the County aofresaid and for the benefit of said minor heirs according to the prayer

of said petitiion as in said petition set forth. Your petitioner would suggest to your honor that there is no record by which it can be

ascertained that the Dower right of the widow of the said Abraham in the land aforesaid hath ever been set off and assigned to her according to law and that your petitioner may be inabled [sic] and more effectually to sell and convey the said lands and thereby avoid the filtering and clogging the said Estate by such proceeding. He prays that Dower may be set off and assigned to the widow of the said Abraham according to law and equity and that commissioners may be appointed for that purpose and that your Honor may grant such other relief, &c. H. M. Canaday, Guardian for the minor heirs of A. Riley, dec'd. Whereupon a motion of said Canaday, ordered that William Lindley, Jacob Hobson, and Daniel Allen be appointed commissioners to set off and assign dower to the said widow in all the real estate in the County of Orange which the said Riley died seized and possessed.

Guardianship Papers On Abraham's Children After His Death:

PROBATE ORDER BOOK 2, Page 40 AUGUST TERM A.D. 1839. Tuesday Morning, 9 o'clock, August 13 1839. Alexander Morris, Guardian ) of Abraham Riley's Heirs ) Petition to Sell Real Estate

Comes now the said Alexander Morris and represents that he is guardian of William Riley, Abraham Riley, Owen Riley, Hannah Riley, Isaac Riley, Jacob Riley, and Young Riley, minor heirs of Abraham Riley, deceased, that his said wards are the owners of the following tract of land lying and being situate in the County of Orange and known and designated as the Northwest Quarter of Section Seventeen in Town One south of Range Two West, that it would conduce much to the interest of his said wards to have said land sold as the same is suffering unavoidable waste and decay, and that he believes the same will not henceforth yield rents enough to keep the appointment of three disinterested freeholders to appraise the same, and that it may be sold in pursuance to the order of the Court. Whereupon it is ordered that David Riley [not related--he was of another Riley family in the County], John Overlin, and Simeon B. Lewis be appointed to appraise said land and report their appraisement in writing at the next Term of this Court and this matter for such report is continued.

More About ABRAHAM RILEY, SR:

Fact: One of the first white settlers of Jackson Township, Orange Co., IN (Source: EdwardRiley.FTW, Date of Import: 12 Dec 2005.)

Notes for SARAH ANN YOUNG:

[EdwardRiley.FTW]

If you look up any information about Abraham, his wife will be listed as either Unknown Elizabeth, Mary Dale, or Sarah Sally Ann Young.  I have researched this extensively and I believe the correct wife is Elizabeth (maiden name unknown).  The Abraham Riley who married Mary Dale in Kentucky was a totally different person, different parents, different children.  So it wasn’t Mary Martha Dale, Mary Catherine Dale, or just plain Mary Dale.  Nor was it Sarah Young, Sarah Ann Young, or Sarah Sally Young.  Many records list Sarah Sally Young as Abraham’s wife, but a little research shows that all these records have their origin in one source, Col. Robert Riley’s book, Colonial Riley Families Of The Tidewater Frontier.  As I said before, it’s a great resource book, but not inerrant.  This book lists Sarah Sally Young as a possible wife for Abraham, but it was probably just a theory of Col. Riley’s.  However other researchers copied that information without proof and it has spread through the internet.

Indications are that Abraham’s wife was Elizabeth - maiden name unknown - and that sometime after his death in 1821, she married Johnson Hall.  Johnson Hall was named in the 1828 Orange Co., IN estate settlement for Edward Riley as a purchaser of certain property.  In March of 1830, Johnson Hall was paid $10.42 for a note due out of the estate of Abraham Riley.  On April 27, 1850, Isaac Riley Jr filed an application for letters of administration on the estate of Johnson Hall.  Isaac Riley was Nancy Hall’s (daughter of Johnson Hall) husband, and son-in-law of Johnson.  Letters were granted and the administration took place.  Commissioners were appointed to allocate the assets of the estate and made their return on November 22, 1850.  They decided to divide the entire estate of Johnson Hall with that of his wife Elizabeth Hall between all their heirs  This is the best case for Abraham’s spouse being Elizabeth.  With no evidence for Mary Dale or Sarah Sally Young, and some evidence for Elizabeth...Elizabeth seems the most reasonable candidate.

More About ABRAHAM RILEY and SARAH YOUNG:

Marriage: 1810, Bedford County Tennessee (Source: EdwardRiley.FTW, Date of Import: 12 Dec 2005.)

                 iv.    MARY RILEY (Source: (1) OneWorldTreeSM., (2) EdwardRiley.FTW, Date of Import: 12 Dec 2005.), b. 1790, Franklin County Georgia; d. Aft. 1821, Orange County Indiana (Source: (1) OneWorldTreeSM., (2) EdwardRiley.FTW, Date of Import: 12 Dec 2005.); m. JOHN HOGG (Source: EdwardRiley.FTW, Date of Import: 12 Dec 2005.), Abt. 1808, Bedford County Tennessee (Source: EdwardRiley.FTW, Date of Import: 12 Dec 2005.); b. Abt. 1780.

More About MARY RILEY:

Date born 2: Abt. 1785, Orange Co., NC (Source: (1) OneWorldTreeSM., (2) EdwardRiley.FTW, Date of Import: 12 Dec 2005.)

Fact: Her husband’s name may have been Hodges.  It is hard to read on the census.  Edward’s will names her as Mary Hogg (or Hodges).  Apparently she lived about 36 years. (Source: EdwardRiley.FTW, Date of Import: 12 Dec 2005.)

More About JOHN HOGG:

Name 2: Hogg

More About JOHN HOGG and MARY RILEY:

Marriage 1: Abt. 1808, Bedford County Tennessee (Source: EdwardRiley.FTW, Date of Import: 12 Dec 2005.)

Marriage 2: 1898, Bedford County Tennessee

                  v.    WILLIAM N. RILEY (Source: (1) OneWorldTreeSM., (2) EdwardRiley.FTW, Date of Import: 12 Dec 2005.), b. Abt. 1792, Franklin Co., GA (Source: (1) OneWorldTreeSM., (2) EdwardRiley.FTW, Date of Import: 12 Dec 2005.); d. 05 Jan 1847, Clay Co., IL (Source: (1) OneWorldTreeSM., (2) EdwardRiley.FTW, Date of Import: 12 Dec 2005.); m. (1) UNKNOWN, 1810, Bedford County Tennessee; b. 1792; d. 1822; m. (2) THIRSEY BROOKS (Source: EdwardRiley.FTW, Date of Import: 12 Dec 2005.), 30 Nov 1823, Orange Co., IN (Source: EdwardRiley.FTW, Date of Import: 12 Dec 2005.); b. 1800, North Carolina; d. Bef. 1850, IL (Source: EdwardRiley.FTW, Date of Import: 12 Dec 2005.).

Notes for WILLIAM N. RILEY:

[EdwardRiley.FTW]

Abraham and Elizabeth’s son William N. Riley was born around 1792 in Franklin County, GA.  He married Thirsey Brooks, daughter of Micajah and Rachael Brooks, on 30 Nov 1823 in Orange Co., IN.  They had four children: Jonathan born about 1824, an unknown daughter, Rolley (a very interesting person) born in 1825 in Orange County, IN, and Maragaret born in 1833 in Clay County, Illinois.  William Riley died on 5 Jan 1847 in Clay Co., IL.

The first record of William is the 1812 Bedford Co., TN tax list in Capt. Duncan Neile’s district where he is living near Edward and Abraham Riley.  When the family moved to Orange County, Indiana, William moved with them.  He and  and H. Brooks (probably his wife’s Thirsey’s Uncle Hezekiah Brooks) were elected judges in an election in Orange County on 13 Feb 1819.

For the 1820 Indiana census, there were two William Rileys in the area around our clan: an older William in Orange Co. who was 26-45 years of age, with a wife and 5 young boys under age 10 in the household; and a younger William in Dubois Co., who was single and 15-25 years of age, living next to John Riley.  Our William married Thirsey Brooks on 30 Nov 1823 in Orange Co., IN.  If he was the older William from the census record, with five young boys, this would have been his second marriage.  However, data from the 1830 census point to him being the younger William Riley.

William was co-executor of his father Edward’s estate, with Lewis Pitman.  Edward’s will was written in Aug 1819.  Perhaps one of the reasons that his father chose him as co-executor instead of other sons who were older was due to the fact that William may have been a judge.  William was still in Orange Co. in 1828 for the final settlement of his Edward’s estate; then he seemed to vanish into thin air.

The rest of the Riley clan moved down to Yell Co., AR by 1830, and there were some William Rileys who also appeared there, but they were too young to be Edward’s son.  Unlike the rest of the family who moved to Arkansas in 1831, in full force and claimed the best lands, William moved to Clay County, Illinois where he was listed in the 1830 census with his wife, two sons, and one daughter.   The 1830 census lists members of the William Riley household as follows: 1 male under 5 (Rolley), 1 male 5-10 (Jonathan), 1 male 30-40 (William); 1 female under 5 (unknown daughter0; 1 female 20-30 (Thirsey).  Further down the same census page are the households of Elijah Brooks and Micajah Brooks.  These men are the brother (Elijah) and father (Micajah) of Thirsey Brooks.  Apparently, William moved to Illinois with his in-laws.

In 1840, there is no listing in Clay County for William Riley (Micajah Brooks is also missing and his son, Elijah, was in Morgan County, Illinois).  There is a William Riley in Knox Co., IL who could be ours.  However, it’s also known that another William from a different line of Rileys died in Knox Co., IL in 1849, so we are unsure which William is in the census.  The household included William, age 40-50; a female age 40-50 (Thirsey?); a male age 10-15 (Rolley?); a female age 10-15 (unidentified daughter?); and another female age 5-10 (Margaret?).

Our William (wherever he was in 1840) returned to Clay County by 28 Oct 1845, and bought land from Henry and Nancy Kenley.  There is a record at the Clay County Court House where James R. Davis promised to do his best to settle William N. Riley’s estate.  A notation states: “William N. Riley died January 5th, 1847.”

According to the 1850 census, some of Jonathan’s brothers and sisters had moved in with him by 1850's, so perhaps their mother, Thirsey, had also died by then.  William Brooks and William Hill, brother and brother-in-law of Thirsey Riley, named sons who were born right around this same time William Riley.  Both of William’s sons Rolley and Jonathan named sons for their father.

More About WILLIAM N. RILEY:

Name 2: William Riley

Date born 2: 1782

Elected: 1819, Judge of Orange Co., IN (Source: EdwardRiley.FTW, Date of Import: 12 Dec 2005.)

Fact: Co-executor of his father Edward's estate, along with Lewis Pitman; most likely because he was a judge (Source: EdwardRiley.FTW, Date of Import: 12 Dec 2005.)

More About WILLIAM RILEY and UNKNOWN:

Marriage: 1810, Bedford County Tennessee

More About THIRSEY BROOKS:

Date born 2: Abt. 1798, NC (Source: EdwardRiley.FTW, Date of Import: 12 Dec 2005.)

More About WILLIAM RILEY and THIRSEY BROOKS:

Marriage 1: 30 Nov 1823, Orange Co., IN (Source: EdwardRiley.FTW, Date of Import: 12 Dec 2005.)

Marriage 2: 30 Nov 1823, Orange County Indiana

                 vi.    JAMES W. RILEY (Source: (1) OneWorldTreeSM., (2) EdwardRiley.FTW, Date of Import: 12 Dec 2005.), b. 1792, Franklin Co., GA (Source: (1) OneWorldTreeSM., (2) EdwardRiley.FTW, Date of Import: 12 Dec 2005.); d. 06 Mar 1844, Lamar County Texas; m. SARAH SALLY PITMAN, 04 Jan 1821, Orange Co., IN (Source: EdwardRiley.FTW, Date of Import: 12 Dec 2005.); b. 1805, Illinois; d. 01 Mar 1855, Hopkins County Texas.

Notes for JAMES W. RILEY:

[EdwardRiley.FTW]

The following story appears in the “McClean Papers Concerning Robertson’s Colony in Texas, Vol.XI:

“In September and October surveying parties were organized by Thomas A. Graves.  They were attacked by Indians while at work on the San Gabriel.  Two whites were killed.  The others saved themselves by flight.  Numerous depredations were committed.  Many small parties of frontiersmen fitted out and did good service in affording protection.  The savages seemed ubiquitous.  They were not often seen, though their depredations were many.  When a murder was committed or horses stolen, by the time the alarm was given the Indians were many miles on their way to their fastnesses.  With their characteristic cunning it was no easy matter to trail them.  Their powers of endurance were greater than those of the whites.  The savages were capable of traveling over a hundred miles, through prairies and forests, without rest or food.

Soon after the dispersion of the surveying party under Graves, two young men named Riley were crossing the San Gabriel, when a band of about forty Indians overtook them.  At first the young men were at ease, because the Indians professed friendship.  When the two white men were off their guard the Indians seized one of the Rileys and butchered him.  When the surviving brother saw this treachery he seized his rifle and killed two Indians on the spot.  The remainder of the Indians seeing the effect of a single rifle shot fled to the river bottom, and some of them jumped off a high bluff into the river.”

McLean Papers Concerning Robertson’s Colony in Texas, Vol. XIII

The Tyler Version of the Riley (Reily) Massacre taken from The History Of Bell County, pp. 38-39:

“...Near the mouth of Brushy Creek on the San Gabriel, Colonel [William Crain] Sparks and Jack [a negro] met en route [from Sparks’ camp to Tenoxtitlan] two brothers named Riley, with their wives, children, another young man, two wagons and their effects, going to the Little River country.  Sparks, advising them of his recent experience [an  Indian attack], urged them to return but they would not, and moved on.  Inside of a mile the Indians appeared, professed friendship for the Rileys and claimed that they were only following Sparks and Jack.  The Riley part then decided to return to the lower country and were about the re-enter the Brushy Creek bottom when the Indians appeared on each side of the wagons and thus accompanied them to the creek.  As the wagons  reached the creek, an Indian jumped on the lead horse, cut loose his harness and was about tho whirl in an offensive attitude when one of the Rileys shot him dead.  The fight then started.  The young man of the party, with the women and children, fled to the brush and, keeping on foot reached the settlements on the Brazos in about two days.  One of the Rileys was mortally wounded but killed two Indians before he expired.  The

other Riley brother killed two of the red-skins – making five in all.  The Indians then fled and the surviving Riley laid his brother’s body on a mattress and covered him with sheets and quilts, mounted one of the horses and arrived next day at Yellow Prairie, in the present county of Burleson.  He returned with a party and buried his brother.”

Telegraph and Texas Register, San Felipe de Austin, Texas, Saturday, January 23, 1836, p. 99:

Account of the Reily Massacre:

“More Indian Difficulties – We have just learned that two or three families of emigrants, traveling with wagons, a few days since, fell in with a party of Indians on Brushy Creek, in the upper [Robertson’s] colony.  The Indians, appearing perfectly friendly, excited no apprehension of danger.  After the wagons passed the Indians, they were proceeding on their way, in an unguarded manner, not suspecting the least danger, when the Indians came up, and seeing their unprepared situation, commenced an attack and killed one man on the spot.  The women and children fortunately made their escape, and after arriving at the settlement, ascertained that the two of the company were missing, including the man who was killed [Thomas Reily].  The Indians took away eight of their horses.  We understand that a company of twenty-five men went out immediately in pursuit of them.”

In Williamson County, TX around Leander, TX where Brushy Creek meets the San Gabriel there is a historical marker on the old country road that marks the spot where this happened.  If you’re ever that way, it would be worth a look.

Petition On Behalf Of James Riley Of Red River

From McLean Papers Concerning Robertson's Colony in Texas, Vol. XIII  -  Entered January 17, 1836

“We the under assigned would most respectfully petition and beg our honorable Congress, in favor and behalf of our fellow citizen James Riley [Reiley] who in honest defence of himself and in mortal combat with the enemies of our Government has become entirely disabled and an invalid for life. We would most respectfully state to your Honorable Body that in January 1836 he, his Brother Thomas Riley [Reiley] and one Coleman attempted to make a settlement on the [deleted: Brush Fork] St. Gabrial [San Gabriel] and that they were attacked by about 40 Cadoes and Commanches and that he lost his Brother in the engagement besides a good deal of property and was severely wounded in four different places and was a long time confined with the wounds he received in that engagement and that it deprived him of almost all the property he had and that he has six children who were all under the age of fifteen years and the family of of [sic] his Brother Thomas Riley who lost his life in the engagement and the four children who do not exceed in age eleven years are now upon his hands and are entirely dependent on him for support and that are helpless and totally dependent and believing it is to the honor of our young Republick to Honor the brave and protect the oppressed and the orphan and to reward those who have honestly suffered in defence of her rights against any enemy more especially against our barbourous Indian enemies who respect no law, we do respectfully most earnestly solicit your Honorable body to give to him a donation in land sufficient at least to support him in his misfortune and support those helpless orphans who are left dependent upon his exertions: and your petitioners as in duty bound &c.

Signed by:

E H Tarrant, W C Young, Isaac H Fishback [?], L. W. Tinnin, [Deleted: James Reiley], James S. Wright, J. B. Craig [?], E. M. Smith, W. B. Stout, Jn W Wheat [?], Martin Guest [?], N. G. Benton, Wm. M. Williams, W. R. [?] Brown, John C Batt [?], M H Ragsdale, Jas Ritchey, Byrus Ritchey, S W Sims, John Stiles, G S Fulton, Wm. L. Broning, Job Ware, J W Green, John Robbins, John Clark, Wiley Wetherspoon, Wm. C. Harrison, G. A. Mebane, James [?] C Sadler, John Davis [?], Willard Stovell [?], Joseph H. Mebane, James H. Williams, Robert W. Mebane, Alexander, Mebane, Thos. Dennis, John S. Porter, Urias D. Pace, John Tollar [or Tollin?], James Ward, James Dalton, Jos. Morris, Thos. Tatvott [?], Rufus Ward, John Cornelision, John Dennis, Y. J. Day [?], Silas Feril, P. Viser [?], James Dennis, Williams [sic] Scott, John Patterson, A. J. Viser [?], Gordon Ty Sage [Gage?], A. Gage, H. G. Nowell, J. Denis, Jason Wilson, C. S. Askins, Merrit Brannerson [?], H F Viser [?], A. W. William [sic], Marquis Dalton, A. P. Zachary, N. C. [?] Maddox, Christopher Balen [Baker?], Jonathan Niz [Nix?], Hiram H. Robards, Miller H. Dixon, C L Ewing, I Harresson, Jesse W Marks [?], Josiah Hart, Elijah Jackson, Isaac J Nowell, E. W. Collett [?], Joel Davis, Isaiah Davis, Belson D. ..., B. B. Davis, Gains Coor [?], Wesley Askins, John D. Clark, John Wilson, Robert T. Petite [?], Benjamin Pettit, E Early, Israel Boren, Wm. Boren, John Boren, John V Cherry, L Johnson, George Dillard, H. Hart, J Hart, W Davis, Merideth Hart, John Coly

[First enclosure]:

Republic of Texas

County of Red River

Your Affiant Abrew Mittower M.D. would respectfully state to your hon. body that he has examined the body of James Riley and as a physician pronounces him an invalid and very severely disabled and he believes it occasioned by gun shot wounds. This 29th September 1840.

[Unsigned]

I do certify that Abrew Mittower was duly sworn by me an acting Justice of the peace in and for the County of Red River this 29th day of Sept 1840

Wesley Askins J P

[Endorsed:] Petition of Jas. Reily of Red River Refd to committee on Public Lands 5th Nov 1840

[Second enclosure]:

Republic of Texas

Red River County

This day personally appeared before me an acting Justice of the peace in and for sd county [no name given] and after Being Sworn deposeth & saith that he saw James Riley on the Brazos River in Jan 1836 lying severely wounded (as he understood) by the Indians & further this Deponent saith not

Wesley Askins

Sworn to & subscribed before [me] the 29th September 1840.

A. H. Latimer

Justice of the peace

More About JAMES W. RILEY:

Burial: Trimble Cemetery, Lamar County Texas

Fact: Wounded in Riley Indian attack on the Brazos River in Texas near Leander where his brother Thomas was killed (Source: EdwardRiley.FTW, Date of Import: 12 Dec 2005.)

More About SARAH SALLY PITMAN:

Name 2: Sally Pitman

Name 3: Sarah Pitman (Source: EdwardRiley.FTW, Date of Import: 12 Dec 2005.)

Date born 2: Abt. 1805, IL (Source: EdwardRiley.FTW, Date of Import: 12 Dec 2005.)

Died 2: 01 Mar 1855, Hopkins, TX (Source: (1) OneWorldTreeSM., (2) EdwardRiley.FTW, Date of Import: 12 Dec 2005.)

Fact: Listed as Sarah Pittman in Cherokee application (Source: EdwardRiley.FTW, Date of Import: 12 Dec 2005.)

More About JAMES RILEY and SARAH PITMAN:

Marriage 1: 04 Jan 1821, Orange Co., IN (Source: EdwardRiley.FTW, Date of Import: 12 Dec 2005.)

Marriage 2: 04 Jan 1821, Orange County Indiana

                vii.    JOHN T. RILEY, SR, b. Abt. 1796, Franklin County Georgia; d. Bet. 1840 - 1846, Hunt County Texas; m. PRISCILLA HALL (Source: (1) OneWorldTreeSM., (2) EdwardRiley.FTW, Date of Import: 12 Dec 2005.), 06 Mar 1820, Harrison County Indiana; b. 1799, North Carolina; d. Bet. 1860 - 1870, Jack County Texas.

Notes for JOHN T. RILEY, SR:

[EdwardRiley.FTW]

John T. Riley was born to Edward and Elizabeth in 1796 in Franklin County, Georgia, one of twelve children.  At age 24 he married Priscilla “Siller” Hall (b.1799 NC d. 1850).  They had twelve children: John T. Jr. born in 1821 while the Rileys were all in Orange County, Indiana, Thomas born in 1822 in Indiana, William born about 1832 in Indiana, an unknown daughter born between 1825 and 1830, Joseph born in 1826 in Indiana, and Henry born 10 Oct 1827 in Indiana. When the Rileys moved to Yell Co., Arkansas, John T. and family were with them.  Lorenzo D. was born about 1833 in Arkansas, Pernica born about 1835 in Arkansas, Reuben Russell born about 1837 in Arkansas, Charles born 1839 in Arkansas, Rachel born 1841 in Arkansas, and Isaac Riley born 1844 in Arkansas.  Interestingly, John T. Riley came from a family of twelve children and had twelve children himself.  Most of the children went on to pioneer Hunt or Jack Counties in Texas where they had very rugged and interesting lives in that pioneer time: run ins with Indians, outlaws (at least one of our Rileys was an outlaw of sorts), and the extreme harshness of life in that part of our country’s history.

In the 1820 Dubois Co., Indiana census, John Riley was 26-44; his wife was 16-26. (Priscilla would have been about 20)

There were two daughters under 10.  Also on same page in this census is William Riley ----1--------.  Living three houses down next to each other in order were Josiah Hart (Jr.) ----1-/1-1---/1, John Riley ----1-/2-1---/1, Joseph Hall ---11-/--1---/2, Thomas Hart -----1/11--1-/1. (males/females/slaves. "-" indicates blank square)  If Priscilla Hall Riley's father wasn't older than 44 (which is possible), then Joseph Hall could be the man.  This Joseph could also have been her brother.  There were two Joseph Hall marriages in the correct time frame to be Priscilla's father in Rowan Co., NC:

Joseph Hall, Katherine Weston, 7 Aug 1788

Joseph Hall, Margaret Linster, 19 Aug 1793

Also found:  v. Mary Cox b. 30 Apr 1775, Dobbs Co., NC; d. 14 Nov 1800, Wayne Co., NC; m. Joseph Hall, 2 Dec 1792, Wayne Co., NC; son of Isaac Hall and Ann White.

source:  The Descendants of Thomas Cox.

A Joseph Hall married Polly Wilson in Orange County, Indiana on 12 Mar 1821. (possibly a brother of Priscilla Hall)

By 1830 John and Priscilla lived in Pope County, Arkansas.  John's brothers and sisters also lived in Pope Co. in 1830 including Isaac Riley, James Riley and Thomas Riley, Sarah Riley and Josiah Hart, Jr., Elizabeth Riley and William Rhoads. In the 1830 Pope Co. Census, John and Priscilla have 7 children, five boys (two under 5 yrs., three between 5 and 10 years) and two girls (one under 5 years and one between 10 and 15 years).  It appears that one daughter listed in the 1820 census had died.  No Rileys were listed in the 1843 Pope Co. Tax List, and no Rileys or Harts were in the Pope County, AR Census of 1850.  In the Arkansas Cherokee Papers-Excerpts from Pioneer Stories and Records, Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Western Arkansas, it states:  "One of the earliest settlements in the interior of the county was made in Riley Township, on the Petit Jean River, above Danville.  The first permanent settlement was in 1829 by Elijah Baker.  Josiah Hart came in 1830.  The Riley's came in 1831."  Also mentioned is John Riley and Joseph Hall.

In 1846 John and Priscilla were living in Hunt County, Texas.  The 1846 Tax Roll for Hunt County included 113 total names.  John's brother and brother-in-law were again listed with him on this Tax Roll which included Isaac Riley, and Josiah Hart (Jr.); (John Riley’s brother James Riley died in 1844).  William Riley, Thomas Riley and Joseph Riley are also listed.  William could be John's brother (who wasn't with them in 1830) or one of his sons or nephews.  Thomas is likely John's son (John’s brother Thomas died in an Indian massacre in 1836) and Joseph could also be a son or nephew (John's sons counted in 1830 would have been between 16 and 26 in 1846. His son Reuben Russell Riley born in 1837 would have been 9 years old).  Precilla (Priscilla) Riley is also included on this tax roll.  Two John Harts are listed.  One being Josiah Hart, Jr.'s brother, the other possibly the son of his brother or his own son.  A Thomas Hart listed could be another of Josiah Hart, Jr.'s or John Hart's sons.  Read about John Hart and Richard Meredith Hart at the Handbook of Texas Online.  John Hart, Josiah Hart Jr., and Richard Meredith Hart are the sons of Josiah Hart, Sr. and his wife Ann Rawlings.  Other Hart siblings were Rebecca, Silas, McKensey, Nancy, Aaron and Olivia.

In The History of Hunt County, Texas it says:  “The first settlers arrived in the area that is now Hunt County around 1840. These early settlers found tribes of Kiowa, Caddo and Tawakoni Indians settled amidst the tall native prairie grass and large thickets. Approximately 500 people lived in the county when it was formed from Fannin and Nacogodoches Counties by the first legislature of Texas in 1846. The official act to create Hunt County was signed on April 11, 1846. Hunt County's early settlers came mostly from Tennessee, Kentucky and states in the deep south such as Alabama, Georgia and Mississippi. Many of the county's early settlers also came to stake claim to land grants from the Republic of Texas, or as a part of Charles Fenton Mercer's colony.”

In the Greenville Independent, Saturday, 22 February 1868, page 1, Registered Voters of Hunt Co., Texas is listed Riley, John; Riley, O.; Riley, W.   If still living, our John Riley would have been 72 years old.  This could also be a son or a different John Riley.

More About JOHN T. RILEY, SR:

Name 2: John T. Riley (Source: (1) OneWorldTreeSM., (2) OneWorldTreeSM., (3) EdwardRiley.FTW, Date of Import: 12 Dec 2005.)

Date born 2: 1796, Franklin Co., GA (Source: (1) OneWorldTreeSM., (2) OneWorldTreeSM., (3) EdwardRiley.FTW, Date of Import: 12 Dec 2005.)

Died 2: Bet. 1842 - 1846, Hunt Co., TX (Source: (1) OneWorldTreeSM., (2) OneWorldTreeSM., (3) EdwardRiley.FTW, Date of Import: 12 Dec 2005.)

More About PRISCILLA HALL:

Date born 2: 1799, NC (Source: (1) OneWorldTreeSM., (2) EdwardRiley.FTW, Date of Import: 12 Dec 2005.)

Died 2: Bef. 1850, TX (Source: (1) OneWorldTreeSM., (2) EdwardRiley.FTW, Date of Import: 12 Dec 2005.)

Census: 1850, Siller Riley age 50 and children Suzanna 17, Pernica 15, Reuben 13, Charles 11, Rachael 9, and Isaac 7 is living next door to William's family in Hunt Co., TX; this is Priscilla Riley, William's mother, wife of John T. who is apparently deceased (Source: EdwardRiley.FTW, Date of Import: 12 Dec 2005.)

More About JOHN RILEY and PRISCILLA HALL:

Marriage 1: 06 Mar 1820, Harrison County Indiana

Marriage 2: 06 Mar 1820, Harrison Co., IN (Source: EdwardRiley.FTW, Date of Import: 12 Dec 2005.)

               viii.    ELIZABETH RILEY (Source: (1) OneWorldTreeSM., (2) EdwardRiley.FTW, Date of Import: 12 Dec 2005.), b. 1796, Franklin County Georgia; d. 1840, Scott Co., AR (Source: (1) OneWorldTreeSM., (2) EdwardRiley.FTW, Date of Import: 12 Dec 2005.); m. WILLIAM ROADS (Source: EdwardRiley.FTW, Date of Import: 12 Dec 2005.), 27 Dec 1814, Harrison County Indiana; b. Abt. 1796 (Source: EdwardRiley.FTW, Date of Import: 12 Dec 2005.).

More About ELIZABETH RILEY:

Date born 2: Abt. 1799, NC (Source: (1) OneWorldTreeSM., (2) EdwardRiley.FTW, Date of Import: 12 Dec 2005.)

More About WILLIAM ROADS and ELIZABETH RILEY:

Marriage 1: 27 Dec 1814, Harrison County Indiana

Marriage 2: 27 Dec 1814, Harrison Co., IN (Source: EdwardRiley.FTW, Date of Import: 12 Dec 2005.)

                 ix.    ISAAC WHITAKER RILEY, SR (Source: (1) OneWorldTreeSM., (2) EdwardRiley.FTW, Date of Import: 12 Dec 2005.), b. 1797, Franklin Co., GA (Source: (1) OneWorldTreeSM., (2) EdwardRiley.FTW, Date of Import: 12 Dec 2005.); d. 1858, Hunt Co., TX (Source: (1) OneWorldTreeSM., (2) EdwardRiley.FTW, Date of Import: 12 Dec 2005.); m. (1) NANCY, Abt. 1813; b. 1795, North Carolina; d. 1859, Commerce, Hunt County Texas; m. (2) NANCY UNKNOWN (Source: EdwardRiley.FTW, Date of Import: 12 Dec 2005.), 1822, Orange County Indiana (Source: EdwardRiley.FTW, Date of Import: 12 Dec 2005.); b. 1795, NC (Source: EdwardRiley.FTW, Date of Import: 12 Dec 2005.); d. Abt. 1859, Commerce, Hunt Co., TX (Source: EdwardRiley.FTW, Date of Import: 12 Dec 2005.).

Notes for ISAAC WHITAKER RILEY, SR:

[EdwardRiley.FTW]

Isaac W. Riley was born in 1797 in Franklin County, Georgia to Edward and Elizabeth.  In 1813 when he was 16 he married Nancy (maiden name unknown).  They had seven children: Mary, Martha, William Walker, Nancy J., Elinor, Mily Melissa, John C., and Isaac W. Riley Jr.  Isaac Sr. died in 1858 in Hunt County, Texas.

Not much is known about Isaac Sr. or his family except a little bit about the two youngest sons.  John C. married Elmira Williams.  Their marriage record appears in Yell County, Arkansas with the date 13 Nov 1845.  This could be the sister or cousin of our ancestor Owen Riley’s first two wives: Mary and Nancy E. Williams.  They were both from Yell County also, and the marriage of Owen to Mary appears in the same marriage record as John C. and Elmira’s.

Isaac W. Riley Jr. married a Nancy, and it is possible that she was Nancy Hall.  They married somewhere around 1843 or 1843.  Isaac’s uncle John T. Riley married Priscilla “Siller” Hall, Nancy’s aunt, cousin, or older sister perhaps.  Isaac’s second wife was Cynthia Ann Riley whom he married 4 Aug 1862 in Hunt County, Texas.  Cynthia Ann Riley was Isaac W. Riley Jr.’s first cousin, daughter of his Uncle James Riley.

I need to come back and do some more work on this family.  There is more out there, I’m certain.

**************************************************************************************************

1860 CENSUS - ISAAC W. RILEY JR.

1860 Black Jack Grove, Hunt Co., TX p. 354, family #237   #249-237 

Riley, Isaac W.  37, IN, Farmer, RE, 2095, PE 1000

Nancy, 34

Sally, 16, AR

Meredith H. 13, TX

Melissa J., 11, TX

William, 9, TX

Felix J., 7, TX

Lafeyette H., 1, TX

*****************************************************************************************************************

1880 CENSUS - ISAAC W. RILEY JR.

1880 Hunt Co., TX

Riley, Isaac W. - W M 57 Farmer IN GA NC

Cynthia A - W F 49 Keeps House IN GA NC

Amanda V. - W F 17 daughter cannot read/write TX IN AR

Delaney W. - W F 12 daughter school cannot write TX In AR

Maynard, Nancy W. - F 22 niece (idiotic) cannot read/write  TX AR AR  (daughter of James and Elizabeth Trinkle Maynard?)

Riley, Felix - W M 24 son Farm laborer cannot read/write  TX IN ??

(Slave Schedule lists Isaac W. Riley, Hirer and agent for Riley’s Estate  1 female age 28)

*****************************************************************************************************

More About ISAAC WHITAKER RILEY, SR:

Name 2: Isaac Whitaker Riley

Date born 2: 1794, Georgia

Died 2: 1858, Hunt County Texas

More About ISAAC RILEY and NANCY:

Marriage: Abt. 1813

More About ISAAC RILEY and NANCY UNKNOWN:

Marriage: 1822, Orange County Indiana (Source: EdwardRiley.FTW, Date of Import: 12 Dec 2005.)

                  x.    THOMAS YOUNG RILEY (Source: (1) OneWorldTreeSM., (2) EdwardRiley.FTW, Date of Import: 12 Dec 2005.), b. 1801, Franklin Co., GA (Source: (1) OneWorldTreeSM., (2) EdwardRiley.FTW, Date of Import: 12 Dec 2005.); d. Jan 1836, Brazos River, Travis County TX (Source: (1) OneWorldTreeSM., (2) EdwardRiley.FTW, Date of Import: 12 Dec 2005.); m. ESTHER MOAD, 22 Feb 1827, Orange County Indiana; b. 1804.

Notes for THOMAS YOUNG RILEY:

[EdwardRiley.FTW]

The following story appears in the “McClean Papers Concerning Robertson’s Colony in Texas, Vol.XI:

“In September and October surveying parties were organized by Thomas A. Graves.  They were attacked by Indians while at work on the San Gabriel.  Two whites were killed.  The others saved themselves by flight.  Numerous depredations were committed.  Many small parties of frontiersmen fitted out and did good service in affording protection.  The savages seemed ubiquitous.  They were not often seen, though their depredations were many.  When a murder was committed or horses stolen, by the time the alarm was given the Indians were many miles on their way to their fastnesses.  With their characteristic cunning it was no easy matter to trail them.  Their powers of endurance were greater than those of the whites.  The savages were capable of traveling over a hundred miles, through prairies and forests, without rest or food.

Soon after the dispersion of the surveying party under Graves, two young men named Riley were crossing the San Gabriel, when a band of about forty Indians overtook them.  At first the young men were at ease, because the Indians professed friendship.  When the two white men were off their guard the Indians seized one of the Rileys and butchered him.  When the surviving brother saw this treachery he seized his rifle and killed two Indians on the spot.  The remainder of the Indians seeing the effect of a single rifle shot fled to the river bottom, and some of them jumped off a high bluff into the river.”

McLean Papers Concerning Robertson’s Colony in Texas, Vol. XIII

The Tyler Version of the Riley (Reily) Massacre taken from The History Of Bell County, pp. 38-39:

“...Near the mouth of Brushy Creek on the San Gabriel, Colonel [William Crain] Sparks and Jack [a negro] met en route [from Sparks’ camp to Tenoxtitlan] two brothers named Riley, with their wives, children, another young man, two wagons and their effects, going to the Little River country.  Sparks, advising them of his recent experience [an  Indian attack], urged them to return but they would not, and moved on.  Inside of a mile the Indians appeared, professed friendship for the Rileys and claimed that they were only following Sparks and Jack.  The Riley part then decided to return to the lower country and were about the re-enter the Brushy Creek bottom when the Indians appeared on each side of the wagons and thus accompanied them to the creek.  As the wagons  reached the creek, an Indian jumped on the lead horse, cut loose his harness and was about tho whirl in an offensive attitude when one of the Rileys shot him dead.  The fight then started.  The young man of the party, with the women and children, fled to the brush and, keeping on foot reached the settlements on the Brazos in about two days.  One of the Rileys was mortally wounded but killed two Indians before he expired.  The

other Riley brother killed two of the red-skins – making five in all.  The Indians then fled and the surviving Riley laid his brother’s body on a mattress and covered him with sheets and quilts, mounted one of the horses and arrived next day at Yellow Prairie, in the present county of Burleson.  He returned with a party and buried his brother.”

Telegraph and Texas Register, San Felipe de Austin, Texas, Saturday, January 23, 1836, p. 99:

Account of the Reily Massacre:

“More Indian Difficulties – We have just learned that two or three families of emigrants, traveling with wagons, a few days since, fell in with a party of Indians on Brushy Creek, in the upper [Robertson’s] colony.  The Indians, appearing perfectly friendly, excited no apprehension of danger.  After the wagons passed the Indians, they were proceeding on their way, in an unguarded manner, not suspecting the least danger, when the Indians came up, and seeing their unprepared situation, commenced an attack and killed one man on the spot.  The women and children fortunately made their escape, and after arriving at the settlement, ascertained that the two of the company were missing, including the man who was killed [Thomas Reily].  The Indians took away eight of their horses.  We understand that a company of twenty-five men went out immediately in pursuit of them.”

In Williamson County, TX around Leander, TX where Brushy Creek meets the San Gabriel there is a historical marker on the old country road that marks the spot where this happened.  If you’re ever that way, it would be worth a look.

More About THOMAS YOUNG RILEY:

Name 2: Thomas Riley

Fact: Killed in an Indian attack on the Brazos River in Texas (Source: EdwardRiley.FTW, Date of Import: 12 Dec 2005.)

More About ESTHER MOAD:

Name 2: Esther Moad (Source: EdwardRiley.FTW, Date of Import: 12 Dec 2005.)

More About THOMAS RILEY and ESTHER MOAD:

Marriage 1: 22 Feb 1827, Orange County Indiana

Marriage 2: 22 Feb 1827, Orange Co., IN (Source: EdwardRiley.FTW, Date of Import: 12 Dec 2005.)

                 xi.    SARAH SALLY RILEY (Source: (1) OneWorldTreeSM., (2) EdwardRiley.FTW, Date of Import: 12 Dec 2005.), b. Abt. 1802, Franklin Co., GA (Source: (1) OneWorldTreeSM., (2) EdwardRiley.FTW, Date of Import: 12 Dec 2005.); d. 1839, Fanning, Texas (Source: (1) OneWorldTreeSM., (2) OneWorldTreeSM., (3) EdwardRiley.FTW, Date of Import: 12 Dec 2005.); m. (1) JOSIAH HOUSTON HART, JR. (Source: EdwardRiley.FTW, Date of Import: 12 Dec 2005.), 25 Dec 1817, Orange Co., IN (Source: EdwardRiley.FTW, Date of Import: 12 Dec 2005.); b. 18 Nov 1794, Hardin Co., KY (Source: (1) OneWorldTreeSM., (2) EdwardRiley.FTW, Date of Import: 12 Dec 2005.); d. 28 May 1872, Cummings Valley, Kern Co., CA (Source: (1) OneWorldTreeSM., (2) EdwardRiley.FTW, Date of Import: 12 Dec 2005.); m. (2) YOUNG RILEY (Source: (1) OneWorldTreeSM., (2) EdwardRiley.FTW, Date of Import: 12 Dec 2005.), 23 Feb 1843, Yell Co., AR (Source: EdwardRiley.FTW, Date of Import: 12 Dec 2005.); b. Bet. 1819 - 1820, Orange County Indiana (Source: (1) OneWorldTreeSM., (2) EdwardRiley.FTW, Date of Import: 12 Dec 2005.); d. 1900 (Source: (1) OneWorldTreeSM., (2) EdwardRiley.FTW, Date of Import: 12 Dec 2005.).

More About SARAH SALLY RILEY:

Name 2: Sally Riley (Source: EdwardRiley.FTW, Date of Import: 12 Dec 2005.)

Date born 2: 1800

Notes for JOSIAH HOUSTON HART, JR.:

[EdwardRiley.FTW]

CENTRAL CALIFORNIA HISTORICAL BIOGRAPHY - JOSIAH HOUSTON HART

"Josiah Hart was a hunter and trapper and followed that occupation for many years. He hunted buffalo and antelope in the Red River Valley as early as 1826, shipping his game down the Red River to market points. He lived in Texas until 1852, when he came to Los Angeles County, California, leased a portion of the Azusa Ranch and remained there until 1854, when he located at Newhall. At the latter place he resided till 1858, keeping a public "stopping-place." In 1858, he became the first settler of Cummings Valley, locating the present place of George Cummings. He spent the rest of his life in Cummings Valley, dying May 28, 1872. He was born in Hardin County, Kentucky, November 18, 1794; was a man of strong individulaity and industrious habits and a born pioneer of the old times."

More About JOSIAH HOUSTON HART, JR.:

Name 2: Josiah Hart

Census: 1860, No wife, living with children Isaac, Martin, Joseph, and Meredith in Los Angeles Co., CA; next door to sin Aaron's family (Source: EdwardRiley.FTW, Date of Import: 12 Dec 2005.)

More About JOSIAH HART and SARAH RILEY:

Marriage 1: 25 Dec 1817, Orange Co., IN (Source: EdwardRiley.FTW, Date of Import: 12 Dec 2005.)

Marriage 2: 03 Dec 1817, Orange County Indiana

More About YOUNG RILEY and SARAH RILEY:

Marriage: 23 Feb 1843, Yell Co., AR (Source: EdwardRiley.FTW, Date of Import: 12 Dec 2005.)

                xii.    JACOB RILEY (Source: (1) OneWorldTreeSM., (2) EdwardRiley.FTW, Date of Import: 12 Dec 2005.), b. 1808, Franklin Co., GA (Source: (1) OneWorldTreeSM., (2) EdwardRiley.FTW, Date of Import: 12 Dec 2005.); d. 01 Nov 1857, Houston County Georgia (Source: EdwardRiley.FTW, Date of Import: 12 Dec 2005.); m. UNKNOWN, 1833, Pope County Arkansas.

More About JACOB RILEY:

Date born 2: 1808

Comment: Named in Edward Riley Sr.’s will probated 16 Feb 1829 (Source: EdwardRiley.FTW, Date of Import: 12 Dec 2005.)

More About JACOB RILEY and UNKNOWN:

Marriage: 1833, Pope County Arkansas

9.  JOHN⁵ RILEY, SR. (EDWARD⁴, WILLIAM³, EDWARD², EDWARD¹) was born Abt. 1762 in Orange County North Carolina / Baltimore County Maryland, and died 1846 in Echo, Dale County Alabama.  He married MARY POLLY WHITAKER 30 Jun 1794 in Orange County North Carolina, daughter of ABRAHAM WHITAKER and MARY POTEET.  She was born Abt. 1772 in Orange County North Carolina, and died 1859 in Echo, Dale County Alabama.

Notes for JOHN RILEY, SR.:

The place of birth for John is listed as Orange County NC, however it is almost certain he was born in Baltimore County Maryland.

The baseline data for John senior and Mary Whitaker Riley was originally established by the late Robert Earl Woodham of Columbus Georgia. Robert Earl descends from John through Joanna Riley Woodham and family genealogy has been his passion for many years. He is recognized as the premier Riley family researcher. He inspired other Riley family researchers to actively document their family genealogy and to verify his work.

The number of children originally attributed to John and Mary was 13 but only 11 can be accounted for on the 1820 and 1830 Darlington District of South Carolina Federal Census and the 1840 Dale County Alabama Federal Census. The two children not accounted for on these Census are Milledge, said to be born around 1807, and Joanna said to be born November 18, 1814 in South Carolina. Since no record for Milledge could be found REW has now deleted Milledge from the list. It is noted that the 1850 Dale County Alabama Census lists Joanna's year of birth as 1824. With all due respect to REW, and other Woodham family members, I believe It is very possible that Joanna is the daughter of Needham and Winifred Outlaw Riley and not of John Senior and Mary Riley.

Although not in complete agreement with Robert Earl Woodhams findings, the 1850 Dale County Alabama Federal Census lists ten of the children being born in North Carolina from 1795 through 1815 and one child born in South Carolina in 1817.

There were at least three John Riley families in Orange County North Carolina.

The 1779 Tax List for Orange County Has a John Riley who is probably the uncle of our John since our John would not have been old enough to own property and pay taxes at that time. This John was the brother of Edward Sr. born in Pa. in 1735 and an uncle to our 1762 John.  Another John Riley married Mary Lytle on 26 July 1785. Robert Earl Woodham's research could not establish a kinship with our Rileys. This John moved to South Carolina and died there in 1827. His family moved on to Itawamba County Mississippi.

The 1790 Federal Census for North Carolina lists John Riley's in the Hillsborough District of Orange County, Chatham County, Mecklenburg County, New Hanover County, and Wake County North Carolina. I believe the John in Orange County fits our family because the Orange County North Carolina marriage records Lists his marriage to Mary Whitaker on June 30, 1794.

John Riley served as bondsman for the marriage of Abraham Isaac Whitaker and Martha Proctor on January 7, 1797 in Orange County.

The Orange County North Carolina Deed Book 7, page 219, 18 March 1798, James Heflin of Oglethorpe County, Georgia, to John Riley of Orange County, three hundred and twenty silver dollars, 320 acres, begin at a black oak on John Holt Senior line, N 33  chains to a black jack, 16W 25 chains to a black jack, N 7 chains to a black jack, W 75 1/2 chains to a white oak, S 36 chains to a pine on side of Holt's land, E 100 1/2 chains to first station; signed James (X) Heflin; witness: John Holt, John Cabe; proved May Term 1798 by Cabe, delivered. JNO. Riley

1801. John bought property at the estate sale of John Rencher. Others who bought property at the same sale were Redding, Copley, Peelor, Redmon, John Whitaker, William Rhodes, Elizabeth Dollar and Barner Grimes. These Neighbors are listed on the Markham Map.

December 13, 1800 John (X) Riley served as a witness to a Deed from John Holt to John Redmom in Orange County, North Carolina.

January 27, 1801 John Riley served as a witness to a Deed from Matthew Clinton to John Redmon in Orange County.

The move from Orange County NC to the Darlington District of South Carolina probably occured around 1816 as the 1850 Dale County Alabama census lists Mary as the last child born in NC. in 1815 and Moses born in SC. in 1817

The 1820 Federal Census for the Darlington District of South Carolina ( Film Series M33, Roll 118, Page 069 ) is the first clear distinction of John's family. It lists John Riley senior as a male over 45 years old, with 1 male 16-25, ( probably Needham ) 3 males 10-16, ( Abraham, Edward, and William ) 2 males 0-9, ( Daniel and Moses ) 1 female 26-44, ( Mary ) 1 female 10-15, ( Caron ) and 2 females 0-9 ( Elender, or Joanna, and Mary ). There is a question about Elender being an Indian girl Adopted at the age of 5 years, and if so, Joanna could be the second child listed as age 0-9. There also is a question about Joanna being born in 1824 and not a daughter of John and Mary.

1822. The Orange County North Carolina General Index to Deeds from 1752-1868, Book 20, page 335, records that John Riley sold Property to James Lynn. Property sold is not indicated but it is presumed it was the property bought from James Heflin in March of 1798.

Old Darlington District Flag, Volume 5, No 4, Spring 1993, Page 12. 1822 GRAND JURY REPORT. on 2 October 1822 John Riley and Asa Woodham were two of the members of the Grand Jury that recommended to the Legislature the appropriation of a sufficient Sum of Money to build a New Court House and Goal.

The 1830 Federal Census for the Darlington District of South Carolina, page 246, lists John Riley Senior, age 60-70 with 1 male age 20-30, ( probably Abraham ) 1 male age 15-20, ( Daniel ) 1 male age 10-15, ( Moses ) 1 female age 50-60 ( Mary ) and 2 females age 20-30, ( probably Caron and Joanna )

Page 229,  John Riley Junior male, age 30-40, 1 male age 0-5, 2 females age 30-40, and 2 females age 5-10.

Page 230, Whitaker Riley, male, age 30-40  with 1 male age 0-5, 1 female age 30-40, and 2 females age 0-5.

Page 230, Edward Riley, male, age 20-30 with 1 male age 5-10, 2 males age 0-5, 1 female age 20-30, and 1 female age 0-5.

Page 229, Needham Riley,  male age 20-30 with 1 female age 20-30, 2 females age 5-10, and 3 females age 0-5,

Page 229, William Riley, age 20-30 with 1 male age 5-10, 1 female 20-30, and 2 females age 0-5.

Page 212, Mary Riley,  born 1815 was married to Thomas Gay and her household was made up of 1 male age 40-50, believed to be the father of Thomas, 1 male age 15-20, and 1 female age 15-20.

This accounts for the 11 children listed in the 1820 Darlington SC Census.

The 1840 Federal Census for Dale County Alabama lists John Riley Senior, age 70-80 with 1 male age 10-15, ( believed to be John, son of Whitaker ) and 1 female age 60-70.

 Edward Riley, age 40-50 with 1 male age 15-20, 1 male age 10-15, 2 males age 5-10, 3 males age 0-5, 1 female age 30-40, 1 female age 10-15, and 1 female age 0-5.

Needham Riley, age 40-50 with 2 males age 5-10, 1 male age 0-5, 1 female age 30-40, 3 females age 10-15, 2 females age 5-10, and 1 female age 0-5.

Abraham Riley, age 30-40  with 1 male age 20-30, 2 males age 0-5, 1 female age 20-30, and 1 female age 0-5.

William Riley, age 30-40, moved to Dale County with the Riley families but moved to Mississippi before 1840. He returned to Alabama and is listed on the 1855 Henry County Census.

Moses Riley, age 20-30 with 1 female age 15-20.

Mary Riley Gay, age 20-30 with 1 male age 20-30, 1 male age 15-20, believed to be a brother of Thomas, 1 male age 5-10, believed to be the son of a sister to Thomas, 1 Female age 50-60, believed to be the mother of Thomas, 2 females age 20-30, believed to be Mary Riley the wife of Thomas and a sister to Thomas.

Daniel was not listed separately but I believe he was living in the household of Abraham as age 20-30.

Caron Riley was married to Aris Woodham Junior and living in his household which had the following members. 1 male 40-50, 1 male 0-5, 2 males 5-10, 1 male 15-20, 1 male 20-30, 1 female 20-30, 2 females 0-5, 1 female 5-10, 1 female 10-15, 1 female 15-20.

Elender Riley was married to John Grady Ward and living in his household.

John Riley Junior moved with the Riley families to Alabama and is listed on the 1840 Census for Henry County as age 40-49, 1 male 10-14, 1 female 40-49, 1 female 15-19, 1 female 10-14.

Whitaker Riley moved with the Riley families to Alabama but settled in Henry County. The last known record of him is a marriage to Neoma Bess on August 1, 1839 in Henry County Alabama.

Of the eleven children for which we have family history, eight were married in South Carolina but moved from the Darlington District of South Carolina to the Echo community of Dale County Alabama during the period of 1832 to 1835. Three children were married in Dale County Alabama after the move. John and Mary also moved with the rest of the families to Alabama. John's year of birth is estimated as 1762 and his Gravestone lists his age as 84 years at death which would make his death 1845/1846. After John's death Mary lived on the 120 Acre farm of her youngest daughter, Mary Riley Gay, at Township 6-N , Range 26E, Section 22, Dale County Alabama, until her death in 1859 at the age of 88 years.

The Dale County Alabama Courthouse burned down at Newton on 22 March 1869. The new Courthouse at Ozark burned down in 1884 with all County Records Destroyed..

These are my conclusions based upon the research that is available to me as of July 22, 2005. I realize that some of the data available to me may not be accurate and I will continue my research and update these conclusions as warranted. James H. Riley.

On Sunday July 2, 2006 the following article was submitted by Carla Miles <msgeorgiagirl@mchsi.com> to  ALDALE-L@rootsweb.com.

The Southern Star

Ozark, Dale County Alabama

Wednesday, April 15, 1885

Page Three

Correspondence

Echo, Ala,. April 11, 1885

Mr. Moses Riley of our vicinity had his parents disinterred a few days since, and their remains removed to the Center Church Burying grounds, where they were again buried inside a neat iron rail fence and tombs placed above them. His father had been buried thirty, and his mother twenty eight years. Their remains were found to be in a much better state of preservation than was expected: their former burial place was in an old plantation.

If these data are correct it places John's death in 1854/1855 and his year of birth as 1770/1771. This does not reconcile with the 1820, 1830, 1840 Federal Census Data, and given the fact that John does not appear on the 1850 Dale County Alabama Census, even though his wife Mary is listed living in the household of her daughter Mary Gay, I Submit that there may be a 10 year discrepancy in the time he was buried on the old plantation prior to his internment in the Old Center Methodist Cemetery in 1885. John's year of birth as 1762 is consistent with the research done by the descendents of Edward Riley, brother of John, and would place his death as 1845/1846.

More About JOHN RILEY, SR.:

Name 2: John Riley, Sr (Source: (1) OneWorldTreeSM., (2) EdwardRiley.FTW, Date of Import: 12 Dec 2005.)

Burial: Center Methodist Cemetery, Henry County Alabama

Census 1: 1820, Darlington District South Carolina, page 069, age over 45

Census 2: 1790, Hillsborough District, Orange County North Carolina, page 94

Census 3: Nov 1830, Darlington District South Carolina, page 246, age 60-70

Census 4: 01 Aug 1840, Echo, Dale County Alabama, age 70-80

Event 1: 22 Mar 1869, Dale County Courthouse at Newton burned down. All Records destroyed

Event 2: 1884, The new Courthouse at Ozark burned down. All Records destroyed

More About MARY POLLY WHITAKER:

Name 2: Mary Whitaker (Source: EdwardRiley.FTW, Date of Import: 12 Dec 2005.)

Burial: Center Methodist Cemetery, Henry County  Alabama

Census: 30 Oct 1850, Dale County Alabama, HH 182, Age 80

Fact: Sister of Elizabeth Whitaker, wife of our ancestor Edward Riley (Source: EdwardRiley.FTW, Date of Import: 12 Dec 2005.)

More About JOHN RILEY and MARY WHITAKER:

Marriage: 30 Jun 1794, Orange County North Carolina

       

Children of JOHN RILEY and MARY WHITAKER are:

                   i.    JOHN⁶ RILEY, JR. (Source: Riley.FTW, Date of Import: Aug 18, 2000.), b. 1795, Orange County North Carolina (Source: Riley.FTW, Date of Import: Aug 18, 2000.); m. WINIFRED, Abt. 1820, Darlington District, South Carolina; b. Abt. 1800.

Notes for JOHN RILEY, JR.:

The 1820 Darlington County South Carolina Federal Census, roll 118, page 070, list John Riley,Jr, age 16-26 with one female age 16-26.  I believe John Junior was the first child born to John Senior and Mary Riley and was born in 1795.

The 1830 Darlington County South Carolina Census, lists John Riley, Jr. age 30-40, with 2 females age 20-30, (his wife Winifred and perhaps a sister Joanna)  2 females age 5-10, and 1 male age 0-4. 

The 1840 Henry County Alabama Census, page 168,  list John Riley, Jr. age 40-50 with 1 female age 40-50, 1 female age 16-20, 1 female age 10-15, and 1 male age 10-15.

John Jr. has not been found on other Census and no record exists on him after 1840.

More About JOHN RILEY, JR.:

Census 1: Nov 1830, Darlington District South Carolina, page 229

Census 2: 1820, Darlington District South Carolina, roll M33-118, page 070

Census 3: 1840, Henry County Alabama, page 168, age 40-50

Notes for WINIFRED:

There is no direct evidence to indicate John's wife was named Winifred but as the first child was named Winifred, or Winnie, it is a good guess

More About WINIFRED:

Census 1: 1820, Darlington District South Carolina, page 070, age 16-26

Census 2: Nov 1830, Darlington District South Carolina, page 229, age 20-30

Census 3: 1840, Henry County Alabama, page 168, age 40-50

More About JOHN RILEY and WINIFRED:

Marriage: Abt. 1820, Darlington District, South Carolina

                  ii.    WHITAKER RILEY, b. Abt. 1797, Orange County North Carolina; d. Abt. 1845, Henry County Alabama; m. (1) UNKNOWN WIFE # 1, Abt. 1819, Darlington District, South Carolina; b. Abt. 1804, South Carolina; d. Bef. 1839, Henry County Alabama; m. (2) NEOMA BESS, 01 Aug 1839, Henry County Alabama; b. Nov 1824, Henry County Alabama; d. 09 Sep 1920, Dale County Alabama.

Notes for WHITAKER RILEY:

The 1820 Darlington District, South Carolina Federal Census, roll 118, page 065 list Whitaker age 16-26, with 1 female age 16-26. I believe this was the second son of John Senior and Mary Riley and was born in 1797. His brother John Jr. was living in household 070 and his father John Sr. was living in household 069.

The 1830 Darlington District, South Carolina Census lists Whitaker age 30-40 with 1 female age 20-30, 2 females age 0-4, and 1 male age 0-4, living in household 230.

Henry County Alabama Marriage Records indicate that Whitaker Riley obtained a license to marry  Neoma Bess on July 30,1839 and the marriage was executed on August 1,1839 by John A. Wood, J.P.

No further record has been found on Whitaker since that date.

After much research Sarah F. Riley and John F. Riley have been added as children of Whitaker. There was a male Riley living with John Senior on the 1840 Dale County Census between age 10-15. There was a John Riley age 22 living in the household of Abraham on the 1850 Dale County Census. I believe Sarah and John were siblings and belong to Whitaker but I have no direct proof.  Jim Riley. March 16, 2010.

More About WHITAKER RILEY:

Census 1: Nov 1830, Darlington District South Carolina, page 230

Census 2: 1820, Darlington District South Carolina, roll M33-118, page 065

More About UNKNOWN WIFE # 1:

Name 2: Unknown wife # 1

More About WHITAKER RILEY and UNKNOWN 1:

Marriage: Abt. 1819, Darlington District, South Carolina

More About NEOMA BESS:

Name 2: Naomi Bess

Burial: Old Salem Cemetery, Dale County Alabama

Census 1: 1870, Beat 11, Dale County Alabama, age 50

Census 2: 1860, Dale County Alabama, age 36

Census 3: 1880, Clopton, Dale County Alabama, age 60

More About WHITAKER RILEY and NEOMA BESS:

Marriage: 01 Aug 1839, Henry County Alabama

                 iii.    NEEDHAM RILEY, b. Abt. 1799, Orange County North Carolina; d. Abt. 1865, Washington County Florida; m. (1) WINIFRED OUTLAW, Abt. 1822, Darlington District South Carolina; b. 1805, Darlington District, South Carolina; d. 1852, Dale County Alabama; m. (2) ANN T. ALEXANDER, 26 Feb 1853, Henry County Alabama; b. 1806, Sumter County South Carolina; d. 1870, Washington County Florida..

Notes for NEEDHAM RILEY:

The 1830 Federal Census for the Darlington District of South Carolina page 229 list Needham between the ages of 20-30 and his wife between 20-30. Three females age 0-5 and 2 females age 5-10.

The 1840 federal Census for Dale County Alabama list Needham between the age of 30-40,  Winifred 30-40, 1 male under 5 ( Daniel ) 2 males 5-10 ( George Washington and John Edward ) 1 female under 5 ( Argent ) 2  females 5-10 ( Winifred and Margaret ) and 3 females 15-20 ( Mary Jane ) and two whose names are not known.

More About NEEDHAM RILEY:

Census 1: 27 Jun 1860, Orange Hill,  Washington County Florida, HH 180, age 71

Census 2: 1820, Darlington District South Carolina,  age 16-25

Census 3: Nov 1830, Darlington District South Carolina, page 229, age 20-30

Census 4: 01 Aug 1840, Echo, Dale County Alabama. age 40-49

Census 5: 31 Oct 1850, Echo, Dale County Alabama. HH  186, age 60

Notes for WINIFRED OUTLAW:

Winifred and Needham were deeded 28 acres of land in the Darlington District of South Carolina from her father, George Outlaw's estate on June 25, 1823. See notes for Edward and Mary Polly Outlaw Riley.

Winifred's year of birth has long been reported as 1810. From HISTORICAL SOUTHERN FAMILIES , VOL XVI, Outlaw family of Virginia, her father, George Outlaw, is reported to have died before 1806.

More About WINIFRED OUTLAW:

Census 1: 01 Aug 1840, Echo, Dale County Alabama. age 30-40

Census 2: Nov 1830, Darlington District South Carolina, page 229, age 30-40

Census 3: 31 Oct 1850, Echo, Dale County Alabama. HH 186, age 40

More About NEEDHAM RILEY and WINIFRED OUTLAW:

Marriage: Abt. 1822, Darlington District South Carolina

More About ANN T. ALEXANDER:

Census 1: 27 Jun 1860, Orange Hill, Vernon P.O. Washington County Florida, age 54

Census 2: 1870, Vernon P.O. Washington County Florida, HH 182, age 60

More About NEEDHAM RILEY and ANN ALEXANDER:

Marriage: 26 Feb 1853, Henry County Alabama

                 iv.    EDWARD R. RILEY, SR, b. 22 Jun 1801, Orange County North Carolina; d. 15 May 1875, Echo, Dale County Alabama; m. MARY POLLY OUTLAW, Abt. 1822, Darlington District, South Carolina; b. 1803, Darlington District, South Carolina; d. 11 Sep 1888, Echo, Dale County Alabama.

Notes for EDWARD R. RILEY, SR:

Edward was living in household 069 with his parents on the 1820 Federal Census of the Darlington District of South Carolina. Age 10-16 years.

The 1830 Federal Census for the Darlington District of South Carolina, Completed prior to November 1830, household 246, is the first Census on which Edward appeared as a separate household. It list Edward between the age of 20-30 and his wife Mary between 20-30. It also list 2 males age 0-5, 1 male 5-10, and 1 female 0-5.

The 1840 Federal Census for Dale County Alabama, household 036, List Edward between the age of 40-50, Mary 30-40 and 2 males 0-5 ( Absalom Abraham and John ) 1 male 10-15 ( Wesley ) 1 male 15-20 ( Gillum ) 1 female 0-5 ( Mary Druscilla ) and 1 female10-15, Name unknown.

There has been much speculation about Edward's year of birth. The following represents my research and my estimation of his birth year. His year of birth as listed on the 1820 Darlington District of South Carolina Federal Census was between 1804 and 1810. In 1830 it was between 1800 and 1810. In 1840 it was between 1790 and 1800. In 1850 it was 1795. In 1860 it was 1793. In 1870 It was 1805. His Cemetery headstone list his age as 90 years at death on 15 May 1875 which would make his YOB 1785. E.T.Riley in his survey of beat nine, Echo, Dale County Alabama lists his DOB as 22 June 1783 and Mrs. Marvin Scott in her history of Henry County Alabama, page 413, lists his DOB as 27 June 1785  On page 414 she uses E. T. Riley's data and lists his DOB as 22 June 1783. This would make his YOB range from 1783 to 1805. This is a span of 22 Years and makes it difficult to arrive at a true YOB.

 I believe that Edward was the fourth child born to John Senior and Mary Whitaker Riley who were married on June 30, 1794 according to the Orange County North Carolina Marriage records. Assuming a two year spread between the first six children beginning in 1795 would place Edwards estimated year of birth around 1801.

More About EDWARD R. RILEY, SR:

Burial: 18 May 1875, Center Methodist Cemetery, Henry County Alabama

Census 1: Feb 1820, Darlington District South Carolina, page 069, age 10-16

Census 2: Nov 1830, Darlington District South Carolina, page 230, age 20-30

Census 3: 01 Aug 1840, Echo, Dale County Alabama. page 036, age 40-50

Census 4: 31 Oct 1850, Echo, Dale County Alabama. HH 181, age 55

Census 5: 16 Aug 1860, Echo, Dale County Alabama. Dwelling 897, age 67, b, NC

Census 6: 28 Jul 1870, Echo, Dale County Alabama. Dwelling 161, age 65

Notes for MARY POLLY OUTLAW:

George Outlaw, the father of Mary Polly, Owned 140 acres of land, divided into two tracts, in the Darlington District of South Carolina. His Widow Winifred inherited the land upon his death abt 1806. After Winifred married Thomas Bushell the land was deeded in five parcels of 28 acres each as follows;

(1) Dec.31, 1818, Thomas Bushell and Winifred his wife to Benjamin Outlaw, 28 acres of George Outlaws land, it being Winifreds dower (D.B.L.) page 320, Historical Southern Families, Vol XVI, Outlaw Family of Virginia.

(2) June 10 1820,  To Jesse Thomas and Sarah his wife 28 acres from the estate of George Outlaw. ( ibid,p 317-318)

(3) Sept. 6, 1821, to George Outlaw from his father George Outlaw (ibid, p.318)

(4) June 25, 1823, to Needham Riley and Winifred his wife, 28 acres from the estate of George Outlaw. (ibid, p.315)

(5) Jan. 4, 1825, Edward Riley and Polly his wife, 28 acres from the estate of George Outlaw. (ibid, p. 319)

More About MARY POLLY OUTLAW:

Burial: Center Methodist Cemetery, Henry County  Alabama

Census 1: 19 Jun 1880, Echo, Dale County Alabama, HH  6, age 77, Widow

Census 2: Nov 1830, Darlington District, South Carolina, page 229, age 20-30

Census 3: 1840, Echo, Dale County Alabama. age 30-40

Census 4: 31 Oct 1850, Echo, Dale County Alabama, HH  181, age 45

Census 5: 16 Aug 1860, Echo, Dale County Alabama, HH  897, age 56

Census 6: 28 Jul 1870, Echo, Dale County Alabama, HH 161, age 66

More About EDWARD RILEY and MARY OUTLAW:

Marriage: Abt. 1822, Darlington District, South Carolina

                  v.    ABRAHAM RILEY, b. Abt. 1803, Orange County North Carolina; d. 1865, Dale County Alabama; m. NANCY ANNA BECK, 1832, Darlington District, South Carolina; b. 1813, South Carolina; d. 1910, Dale County Alabama.

Notes for ABRAHAM RILEY:

The 1840 Federal Census for Dale County Alabama List Abraham between the age of 30-40, Mary 20-30, 2 males 5-10 ( James Samuel and ? ) 1 male 0-5 ( Elias ) 1 female 0-5 ( Mary R. ).

Abraham enlisted in the Alabama 7th Infantry Regiment as a private on April 3, 1861 at Barnes Crossroads. He gave his age as 48 years and was discharged on August 8, 1861 near Pensacola Florida due to sickness.

More About ABRAHAM RILEY:

Burial: Old Center Methodist Cemetery, Henry County Alabama

Census 1: 1840, Dale County Alabama, page 38, age, 30-40

Census 2: 01 Nov 1850, Echo,  Dale County Alabama, HH 204, age 52

Census 3: 23 Jul 1860, Newton P O. Dale County Alabama.HH 468, age 63

More About NANCY ANNA BECK:

Burial: Old Center Methodist Cemetery, Henry County Alabama

Census 1: 23 Jul 1860, Newton P O. Dale County Alabama. HH 468, age 52

Census 2: 01 Nov 1850, Echo,  Dale County Alabama, HH 204, age 37

More About ABRAHAM RILEY and NANCY BECK:

Marriage: 1832, Darlington District, South Carolina

                 vi.    WILLIAM MONROE RILEY, SR, b. 1804, Orange County North Carolina; d. 1885, Holmes County Florida; m. SARAH BRANNON, Abt. 1822, Darlington District, South Carolina; b. 1808, South Carolina; d. 1887, Holmes County Florida.

Notes for WILLIAM MONROE RILEY, SR:

The 1820 Darlington District of South Carolina Federal Census does not list William as a separate family as he was still living with his parents John and Mary.

The 1830 Census list him from age 20-30 and his wife Sarah from age 20-30. It also lists 1 male from age 5-10 and 2 females less than 5 years of age. One daughter has not been identified by name.

William moved with the other Riley families to Dale County Alabama as he had a child born there in 1835, but I cannot locate him on the 1840 Dale County Census. He moved to Wayne County Missssippi About 1847 as he had a child born in Ala in 1846 and one born in Mississippi in 1849. The 1850 Wayne County Mississippi Census list William, 51, SC. Sarah 40, SC. It also list the children from Emily through William.

There is no mention of the three children listed on the 1830 Darlington District, SC Census.

 It is not known how long he stayed in  Mississippi but he was in Henry County Alabama in 1855 and back in Dale County in 1860.

More About WILLIAM MONROE RILEY, SR:

Census 1: Nov 1830, Darlington District South Carolina, page 229, age 20-30

Census 2: 1820, Darlington District South Carolina, HH 069

Census 3: 24 Oct 1850, Wayne County Mississippi, HH 250, age 50

Census 4: 20 Jul 1860, Dale County Alabama, Newton, PO. HH 428, age 56

Census 5: 28 Jul 1870, Beat 9, Dale County Alabama, HH 78, age 63

More About SARAH BRANNON:

Census 1: 24 Oct 1850, Wayne County Mississippi, roll 382, book 1, page 267, age 40

Census 2: 20 Jul 1860, Dale County Alabama, Newton, PO. HH 428, age 48

Census 3: 28 Jul 1870, Beat 9, Dale County Alabama, HH 78, age 60

More About WILLIAM RILEY and SARAH BRANNON:

Marriage: Abt. 1822, Darlington District, South Carolina

                vii.    DANIEL RILEY, b. 20 Jun 1809, Orange County North Carolina; d. 29 Jun 1897, Echo, Dale County, Alabama; m. (1) MARY ANN BRANNON, Abt. 1842, Dale County Alabama; b. 16 Dec 1826, Darlington District South Carolina; d. 30 Jan 1891, Echo, Dale County Alabama; m. (2) LUCINDA EURAL, 08 Aug 1891, Dale County Alabama; b. Abt. 1837; d. 27 May 1897, Echo, Dale County Alabama.

Notes for DANIEL RILEY:

 Daniel was a Minister of the Methodist Church.

More About DANIEL RILEY:

Burial: Center Methodist Cemetery, Henry County Alabama

Census 1: 23 Jun 1880, Echo, Dale County Alabama,  HH 11, age 71

Census 2: 31 Oct 1850, Southern District, Dale County Alabama, HH 180, age 43

Census 3: 23 Jul 1860, Newton, Dale County Alabama, HH 462, age 51

Census 4: 28 Jul 1870, Echo, Dale County Alabama, HH 76, age 63

More About MARY ANN BRANNON:

Burial: Center Methodist Cemetery, Henry County Alabama

Census 1: 23 Jun 1880, Echo, Dale County Alabama,  HH 11, age 54

Census 2: 31 Oct 1850, Southern District, Dale County Alabama, HH 180, age 25

Census 3: 23 Jul 1860, Newton, Dale County Alabama, HH 462, age 34

Census 4: 28 Jul 1870, Echo, Dale County Alabama, HH 76, age 40

More About DANIEL RILEY and MARY BRANNON:

Marriage: Abt. 1842, Dale County Alabama

More About LUCINDA EURAL:

Burial: Center Methodist Cemetery, Henry County  Alabama

More About DANIEL RILEY and LUCINDA EURAL:

Marriage: 08 Aug 1891, Dale County Alabama

               viii.    CARON H "CARRIE" RILEY, b. 1810, Orange County North Carolina; d. 16 Mar 1873, Dale County Alabama; m. ARIS WOODHAM, JR., 25 Dec 1831, Darlington District South Carolina; b. 02 Jun 1801, Stokes Bridge, Darlington District, South Carolina; d. 18 Aug 1880, Dale County Alabama.

More About CARON H "CARRIE" RILEY:

Burial: Woodham Cemetery, Dale County Alabama

Census 1: 18 Aug 1860, Dale County Alabama, HH 885, age 45

Census 2: 26 Oct 1850, Southern Division, Dale County Alabama, HH 156, age 40

Census 3: 16 Jul 1870, Echo, Dale County Alabama, HH 54, age 60

More About ARIS WOODHAM, JR.:

Burial: Woodham Cemetery, Dale County Alabama

Census 1: 11 Jun 1880, Reynolds, Dale County Alabama, page 630C, age 80

Census 2: 26 Oct 1850, Southern Division, Dale County Alabama, HH 156, age 49

Census 3: 16 Aug 1860, Echo, Dale County Alabama, HH 885, age 59

Census 4: 16 Jul 1870, Echo, Dale County Alabama, HH 54, age 69

More About ARIS WOODHAM and CARON RILEY:

Marriage: 25 Dec 1831, Darlington District South Carolina

                 ix.    ELENDER 'ELEANOR' RILEY, b. 21 Jul 1813, Orange County North Carolina; d. 18 Jul 1895, Echo, Dale County Alabama; m. JOHN GRADY WARD, 14 Feb 1830, Darlington District, South Carolina; b. 23 Nov 1808, Edgefield District, South Carolina; d. 15 May 1901, Echo, Dale County Alabama.

I contacted James O. Dresser, jim@dresser.org, whose wife, Janet Louise Screven, descendends from John Grady through Robert Edward Ward and his wife Linda Bush. Jim is a fellow Ward researcher and the lineage for John Grady that I have listed in my file came from him. He is certain of his research. In addition I researched The Census for Cheraw and Darlington Districts of South Carolina for 1790, 1800, 1810, 1820 and 1830. I could not find John Grady Ward in the 1830 Darlington District of South Carolina, Though that is the year he and Elender were married there on February 14th according to my current records.

Following is a list of the Ward Families I researched:

1790 Cheraw District; (1. James, over 16 with 1 female no age.( 2. James over 16 with 1 male under 16 and 2 females all ages.( 3. Theopilus over 16 with 3 males under 16 and 5 females all ages.

1800 Darlington District; ( 1. Theopilus 45 and over, 2 males 10-16, 2 males 0-10, 1 female 26-45, 1 female 16-26, 3 females 10-16.

( 2. John 45 and over, 1 female 16-26, 1 female 0-10. ( 3. Thomas 26-45, 1 female 26-45, 2 females 10-16, 3 females 0-10, 3 males 0-10.

1810 Darlington District; ( 1. Thomas 26-45, 1 female 16-26, 1 male 0-10, 2 females 0-10. ( 2. Henry 16-25, 1 female 16-25, 1 male 0-9, 1 female 0-9.

1820 Darlington District; ( 1. Thomas over 45, 1 female 26-44, 1 male 10-15, 2 males 0-9, 1 female 10-15, 4 females 0-9. ( 2. James 26-44, 1 female 26-44, 1 male 0-9, 1 female 16-25, 2 females 10-15. ( 3. Elizabeth over 45, 1 male 16-25, 1 female 26-45, 1 female 16-25. I believe Elizabeth was the wife of John as listed on the 1800 Census.

It is possible that John Grady was the son of Thomas listed on the 1810 and 1820 Census.

1830 Darlington District; ( 1. James 50-60, 1 female 50-60, 1 male 10-15, 1 female 16-20, 1 female 10-15. ( 2. Simon 20-30, 1 female 20-30, 1 male 15-20, 1 male 0-5, 1 female 15-20, 2 females 0-5. ( 3. Thomas 50-60, 1 female 40-50, 1 male 20-30, 2 males 10-15, 1 male 5-10, 2 females 15-20, 2 females 10-15, 1 female 5-10, 1 female 0-5.

John Grady and Elender Riley Ward were not listed as a seperate household on the 1830 Census. I believe they were a part of the household of Thomas Ward as listed above.

JAMES HARDY RILEY  26 January 2006

More About JOHN GRADY WARD:

Burial: Center Methodist Cemetery, Henry County Alabama

More About JOHN WARD and ELENDER RILEY:

Marriage: 14 Feb 1830, Darlington District, South Carolina

                  x.    JOANNA 'JODY' RILEY, b. 18 Nov 1814, Orange County North Carolina; d. 03 Apr 1890, Dale County Alabama; m. EDWARD CHRISTOPHER WOODHAM, 1844, Dale County Alabama; b. 1824, Darlington District, South Carolina; d. 1907, Lee County Florida.

Notes for JOANNA 'JODY' RILEY:

E. C. was not listed with Joanna on the 1880 Census.

More About JOANNA 'JODY' RILEY:

Burial: Apr 1890, Woodham Cemetery, Dale County Alabama

Census 1: 05 Dec 1850, Dale County Alabama, HH 663, Age 26

Census 2: 28 Jun 1870, Beat 9, Dale County Alabama, age 45

Census 3: 11 Jun 1880, Reynolds, Dale County Alabama ,HH 1, page 630C, age 60

Divorced: Abt. 1870, Echo, Dale County Alabama, age 45

Notes for EDWARD CHRISTOPHER WOODHAM:

E.C. served in Company G, 15th Alabama Infantry Regiment from 11 Oct. 1863 to 15 Aug 1864

More About EDWARD CHRISTOPHER WOODHAM:

Burial: Near Fort Myers, Lee County Florida

Census 1: 05 Dec 1850, Dale County Alabama. HH 663, age 26

Census 2: 28 Jul 1870, Beat 9, Dale County Alabama, age 50

More About EDWARD WOODHAM and JOANNA RILEY:

Marriage: 1844, Dale County Alabama

                 xi.    MARY RILEY, b. Bef. 30 Oct 1815, Orange County North Carolina; m. THOMAS GAY, Abt. 1830, Darlington District, South Carolina; b. 1810, North Carolina; d. 21 Apr 1848, Dale County Alabama.

Notes for MARY RILEY:

 The 1850 U. S. Census of Dale County Alabama lists a Mary Gay in household 182 in the midst of the other Riley children. Her age was listed as 35 years and her place of birth was North Carolina. Mary, the widow of John Senior and mother of these Riley children, was living with her.

There was no male listed in the household but Mary was living on the 120 acre farm,  that was acquired by Thomas Gay. BLM records indicate that Thomas Gay purchased 80 acres on July 1, 1841 and another 40 acres on September 1, 1849.He was not listed on the 1850 Census as he was deceased at that time, There was a Thomas Gay listed on the 1840 Dale County Census and on the Darlington County South Carolina Census for 1820 and 1830.  The 1830 Census List Thomas Gay from age 15-20 and a wife who has been determined to be Mary Riley from age 15-20. There was also another male from age 40-50 who was probably the father of Thomas.  Indications are that they moved from SC. to Ala, about 1833 and settled in close proximity to the other Riley families.

No evidence of Mary's whereabouts after 1850 have been found.

More About MARY RILEY:

Census 1: Nov 1830, Darlington District South Carolina, page 212

Census 2: 1840, Echo, Dale County Alabama, page 38

Census 3: 30 Oct 1850, Echo, Dale County Alabama, HH 182, age 35

More About THOMAS GAY:

Census 1: Nov 1830, Darlington District South Carolina, page 212

Census 2: 1820, Darlington District, South Carolina, page 064

More About THOMAS GAY and MARY RILEY:

Marriage: Abt. 1830, Darlington District, South Carolina

                xii.    MOSES RILEY, b. 18 Oct 1817, Darlington District, South Carolina; d. 20 Jan 1902, Echo, Dale County Alabama; m. (1) SARAH ENFINGER, 03 Mar 1840, Dale County Alabama; b. 19 Jun 1820, South Carolina; d. 30 Dec 1889, Echo, Dale County Alabama; m. (2) LAURA FRANCES KEAHEY, 09 Mar 1890, Dale County Alabama; b. 28 Feb 1867, Dale County Alabama; d. 1940.

More About MOSES RILEY:

Burial: Center Methodist Cemetery, Henry County  Alabama

Census 1: 26 Jun 1900, Echo, Dale County Alabama, HH 230,  age 80

Census 2: 1840, Dale County Alabama, page 38

Census 3: 31 Oct 1850, Southern District, Dale County Alabama, HH 182, age 32

Census 4: 23 Jul 1860, Newton, Dale County Alabama, HH 461, age 32

Census 5: 17 Jul 1870, Echo, Dale County , Alabama, HH 78, age 52

Census 6: 23 Jun 1880, Echo, Dale County Alabama, HH 6, age 63

More About SARAH ENFINGER:

Burial: Center Methodist Cemetery, Henry County Alabama

Census 1: 23 Jun 1880, Echo, Dale County Alabama,  HH 6, age 59

Census 2: 31 Oct 1850, Southern District, Dale County Alabama, HH 182, age 29

Census 3: 23 Jul 1860, Newton, Dale County Alabama, HH 461, age 38

Census 4: 27 Jul 1870, Echo, Dale County , Alabama, HH 78, age 45

More About MOSES RILEY and SARAH ENFINGER:

Marriage: 03 Mar 1840, Dale County Alabama

More About LAURA FRANCES KEAHEY:

Burial: Center Methodist Cemetery, Henry County Alabama

Census: 26 Jun 1900, Echo, Dale County Alabama,  HH 230, age 31

More About MOSES RILEY and LAURA KEAHEY:

Marriage: 09 Mar 1890, Dale County Alabama

10.  WILLIAM⁵ RILEY, SR (EDWARD⁴, WILLIAM³, EDWARD², EDWARD¹) was born 31 May 1762 in Baltimore County Maryland, and died Abt. 1844 in Orange County North Carolina.

Notes for WILLIAM RILEY, SR:

William stated that he moved to Orange County North Carolina with his father when he was nine years old. He does not give the name of his father. He was living there at enlistment in the Revolutionary Army according to a petition filed in 1833. He helped Davis Gresham survey land adjoining the Curry's in December 1778. His application for a pension was rejected because his father had hired James Clark to fulfill his duties. His date and place of birth was stated on his pension application.

In about 1793, he moved to Wilkes County Georgia with several Orange County Neighbors and lived near the Oglethorpe County line for twenty-five years. He is listed on the 1800 census living beside John Curry and Abimelech Barbee, who had married Hannah Whitaker, the Greshams, and others from Orange County. William later lived in Morgan, Jasper, and Henry Counties, Georgia. One of his daughters married the son of  David Gresham in Oglethorpe County Georgia.

More About WILLIAM RILEY, SR:

Census: 1790, Hillsboro District, Orange County Notth Carolina, page 94

       

Children of WILLIAM RILEY, SR are:

                   i.    WILLIAM⁶ RILEY, JR.

More About WILLIAM RILEY, JR:

Census: 1790, Hillsborough District, Orange County North Carolina, page 94

                  ii.    FEMALE RILEY, m. GRESHAM, Oglethorpe County Georgia.

More About GRESHAM and FEMALE RILEY:

Marriage: Oglethorpe County Georgia

11.  MARY POLLY⁵ RILEY (JOHN⁴, WILLIAM³, EDWARD², EDWARD¹) (Source: EdwardRiley.FTW, Date of Import: 12 Dec 2005.) was born 30 Jun 1767 in Orange County North Carolina, and died 13 Oct 1821 in Elbert County Georgia.  She married JAMES DONALDSON (Source: (1) Michael R. Dunagan. mortarmike@yahoo.com. Updated 02-05-2007., (2) EdwardRiley.FTW, Date of Import: 12 Dec 2005.) 28 May 1788 in Orange County North Carolina.  He was born 1760 in North Carolina, and died 03 Dec 1816 in Giles County Tennessee.

More About JAMES DONALDSON and MARY RILEY:

Marriage 1: 28 May 1788, Orange County North Carolina

Marriage 2: Bet. Mar - 20 May 1788, Orange Co., NC (Source: EdwardRiley.FTW, Date of Import: 12 Dec 2005.)

       

Children of MARY RILEY and JAMES DONALDSON are:

                   i.    ROBERT⁶ DONALDSON.

                  ii.    NANCY DONALDSON, b. 1800; m. ROBERT SHADDEN.

                 iii.    MARGARET PEGGY DONALDSON, b. 1802, Tennessee; d. Aft. 1850; m. MARTIN DUNAGAN; b. 1800; d. Aft. 1850.

                 iv.    SALLY DONALDSON, b. 1804.

                  v.    HARRIET DONALDSON, b. 1806; m. THOMAS S. LEIGH.

                 vi.    ALFRED DONALDSON, b. 1808.

                vii.    BETSY DONALDSON, b. 1810.

               viii.    POLLY DONALDSON, b. 1812.