Mysteries

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Please click HERE to read an excellent discussion and proposed identification of Mary, the 'lost' daughter of John, Sr., and Mary. See also the related discussion below by Jim Riley on the date of migration from North Carolina to South Carolina.

As you know, Abraham was a son of John Riley, Sr. Family rumor has it that they are buried at the Old Center Church Cemetery, too, but nothing is confirmed. Maybe someone out there knows for sure. Hope you and yours have a very Merry Christmas and a great 2008!

I have been researching Emanuel Riley for quiet some time now, trying to find him in the War Between the States. Well, I finally found him. If you would like to post somewhere on the Riley site. I found him on the ADAH web site. He is listed as Manuel Riley, 57th AL Reg., Co E, Pvt. Scotts Brigade.There was a pension application in Dale Co, AL, dated 22 Apr 1887 filed by Mrs. Juda Riley.

This photo, contributed by Don Bergin, is of two of our Riley ancestors or kinfolk. The photo appears to have been taken early in the 20th century- the catch is that we don't know the couple depicted. Please contact us if you know who they are!

Jim Riley has identified this photo as a print from the book MA-MA Country by Manonia Snell. They are identified as James E. (Jimmy) Riley and Mary Deal Riley. Thanks, Jim!

The 1850 Dale County census lists a John Riley, age 22, born in South Carolina. This John is listed in a manner consistent with him being a member of the household of Abraham Riley. If anyone can shed light on this John's origin, please contact the website administrator.

My mother, Billie Riley (gg-granddaughter of John Riley, Sr.) always said we were 'Black Irish'. It never occurred to me to wonder about this until recently. Click on the following link for an interesting dissertation on the subject. Myth of the Black Irish

I think it is logical to assume that John Riley was born, or at least, spent a lot of his life in North Carolina. From the 1850 Dale County Alabama census we know that Mary was from NC. and that many of their children were born there. I believe the move from NC. to SC. was made about 1816. Your records show that a daughter � Mary� was born in 1803. The 1850 census shows John�s widow � Mary� age 80, living in Dale County with a � Mary Gay � age 35, born in NC. Robert Earl Woodham said this was their daughter and if so would place them in NC in 1815. Moses was born in SC in 1817. I have not been able to find any information on Mary�s husband but she should have been about 20 years old when they moved to Ala. They could have been married in SC. GA.or AL. It would be a good project for someone to research.

Joanne Riley is listed in the 1850 census as age 26 from SC and married to Elias C. Woodham, age 26 from SC. This would put her born in 1824 not 1814 [as reported in Generation 1, ed.}

I know there is some difference of opinion about � Eleanor/ Rachel Elender/ Elender. Again the 1850 census gives her name as Elender, born in NC in 1813. Also, gravemarker and Ward history unequivocally list 'Elender'. Mystery- where did the name Eleanor come from, was it a nickname or misunderstanding?