Samuel Riley Jr. (1747 - 1819)

Born 1747 in Prince George's, Maryland

Ancestors

Descendants

Died Mar 1819 at about age 72 in Blue Springs, Roane, Tennessee, United States

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Biography

Samuel Riley is believed to have been born in Maryland about 1747 the son of Samuel R Sr Riley and Eleanor Wallace. He came to the Cherokee Nation as a trader and became a partner of Doublehead. He was listed as a white trader living in the Cherokee Nation in 1797. He lived about 4-5 miles south of the present town of Kingston in the Hiwassie District on what is now Rileys Creek. He was a taxpayer in 1808 Roane County, Tennessee. He married two of Doublehead's daughters, Nigodigeyu and Gulustiyu.

Samuel and Nigudayi had five children:

1. JAMES RILEY, born 1792, married Jenny Shields and they had four children: Lewis Riley
Susan Riley
Malinda Riley
Nannie Riley

2. CATHERINE RILEY, born about 1800, married Andrew Lacey and they had six children: Ensley Lacey
Amanda Lacey
Eliza Lacey
Macy Lacey
Alexander Lacey
Catherine Lacey

3. MARTHA RILEY, born about 1802, married John Hall and they had three children: Elizabeth Hall
Ellen Hall
Martha Hall

4. NELSON RILEY, born about 1803, first married Mary Cordell and had two children: Martha Jane Riley
Louisa Riley

His second marriage was to Elizabeth Thompson and they had seven children:
Ellen Riley
Margaret Riley
Julius Riley
Joseph Riley
Mary Ann Riley
Perry Andre Riley
Charles Riley

Nelson died between 1848 and 1851

5. MADISON RILEY, born about 1808

Research Notes

Samuel Riley [III], a white man, b. circa 1747 Maryland, d. 1817-19 TN (RSR).

Riley III was the son of Samuel Riley II and his first wife Eleanor (Nelly) Wallace of Prince George's County, Maryland. The "William Womack Riley Journal" makes reference to him as a great uncle. A paper in possession of the writer (Robert Sean Riley) prepared by Jewell Gammill of San Jose, California, who has researched this line of Rileys, provides the following quotes about Samuel Riley (III) Taken from several reliable sources including the "History of the Cherokee Indians" by Emmet Starr and "Cherokee by Blood" compiled by Jerry Wright Jordan, and other records including marriage records pertaining to the Cherokees in Tennessee and Oklahoma. "Samuel Riley was born in Maryland and died before 1819 in Tennessee. He married (1) Gu-Lu-Sti-Yu in the Eastern Cherokee Nation, daughter of Chief Doublehead. He married (2) Ni-Go-Di-Ge-Yu in the Eastern Cherokee Nation, also a daughter of Chief Doublehead. [The writer (RSR) does not believe that this Samuel Riley (III) married Sarah Smith]. lived with his two wives near South West Point on the Tennessee River in Roane County, TN. A Samuel Riley married Sarah Smith 11 Dec. 1798 in Knox Co., TN. Samuel was a taxpayer in Roane Co., TN, in 1808. His two wives were sisters from the Long Hair Clan. Samuel was known as "The White Trader from Maryland". He was also an Interpreter for the Indians. [On] 05 May 1804 Samuel was paid ,213.32 for his interpreter services. Samuel Riley had 18 children by his two wives, described in another document found on this site.

III was the son of Samuel II, but this is where it gets really strange as Samuel II was the son of ELIPHAZ(S) (sic) Riley. There was no Samuel I! Eliphas Riley and Elizabeth had Samuel II in 1720, in Prince George's County Maryland. This is well documented. Where the II came from is anybody's guess. Samuel III was the product of Samuel II and Eleanor (Nelly) Wallace Riley. Supporting documents for Samuel Riley [III] include many sources and records of Samuel Riley and his two wives. They can be found in Robert Sean Riley's book, and again I suggest that for your own genealogical library you attempt to find and purchase a copy. This is becoming increasingly difficult as time passes." David S. Riley and (RSR).

SW Point did not become a Federal Blockhouse until 1792. Riley's first son Richard might have been born about 1791 in the area (to be confirmed), Col. R. J. Meigs first arrived at SW Point in 1801 as the Federal Agent. (SW Point, pg 51).

11 March 1797, Knoxville, Silas Dinsmoor, then Indian Agent, writes letter to Secretary of War reporting the names and employment of all persons residing in the Cherokee county not natives of the land. Samuel Riely is listed as a Trader. No Agency interpreters are listed. (Tennessee Archives)

Samuel Richy (sic Samuel Riley) appointed Cherokee interpreter to be attached to post at Southwest Point and subject to the orders of Lt. Col. Butler, commanding the troops of the U.S. in TN, per Hawkins to Henley letter dated 28 Aug 1797, David Henley Papers, 1791-1817, Manuscript Dept, William R. Perkins Library, Duke University, Durham, NC (SW Point, pg 31).

1798 Samuel Riley continued to be employed at Southwest Point as an interpreter of the Cherokee Language, Record Group 94: 152 (SW Point, pg 33).

Cherokee agent Return Meigs cited intent to reduce the number of Interpreters of the Cherokee at SW Point, CN (TN) from 5 to 3 in letter dated 7 Dec 1801, one each for Factory, Agent and asst Agent.

Between 19 Nov 1804 and 30 Jun 1807 Meigs' second Day Book records over sixty entries to Samuel Riley as Interpreter and other services, including a 19 Nov 1804 payment to Riley for Doublehead. Also cited are several references indicating that Samuel Riley was an active blacksmith, the last notation being as follows "20 Mar 1806 - Paid Samuel Riley for working 617 lbs public iron into implements of husbandry for the Cherokees 5.51 2/3." (Colonel Return Jonathan Meigs Day Book Number 2, edited by James L. Douthat).

1804 Samuel Riley, Cherokee interpreter, assisted in a variety of activities of the agency, Record Group 208:77-78, and operated the ferry across the TN River at Southwest Point, RG 208:36 (SW Point, pg 81).

Samuel Riley, along with James Chisolm and Thomas Norris Clark, were three white men who seized much of the property (mostly slaves) of Chief Doublehead after his assassination in 1807. Chisolm and Clark were business partners of Chief Doublehead; Riley may well have been his son-in-law. (Source misplaced).

1808 Riley letters suggests he is still using Southwest Point garrison for federal purposes (after Meigs moved to Hiawassee) RG 208:47-48 (SW Point, pg ?).

22 Apr 1805 agency document lists 11 Riley children baptized by Rev. Evan Jones. (Cher Agency Records).

'Samuel Riley arrested at knifepoint by Charles Hicks on 31 Aug 1808 at Chickamauga Creek. Hicks was mad because he had been fired by Chief Meigs and Samuel was hired to replace him. Hicks finally allowed Riley to post 0 bond for his freedom. After he had informed Chief Meigs of the ordeal, Meigs ordered the arrest of Charles Hicks. (Cherokee Renascence) Much more on Charles Hicks, Second Chief of Cherokee, in Renascence and Starr pg 599.

12 Jan 1808, Bill of Sale from Samuel Riley of the Indian Nation to John McEwen . . . for two certain negrows (sic) one named Mary and her child Samuel two years of age . . . Deed Book B-1, page 408. Bills of Sale of Slaves (1801-1825) Compiled by Robert L. Bailey, Old Roane County Courthouse, online. 1

Samuel ran a saltpeter mine and a powder mill, likely in vicinity of Nickajack. So did Col. James Ore. Either these were leased directly from the Cherokees or from R. J. Meigs, Riley's boss. (Cherokee Renascence, McLoughlin, pg 171, original a letter from John Walker to R. J. Meigs, 14 Jan 1813, RG75, M208).

delivered goods to the Cherokees who removed to the Arkansas River, document itemizes same worth 9.50, goods received on 13 Mar, 1813 and signed for. (PA0030).

12 Nov 1816 document of employees of Cherokee Agency (TN), Samuel Riley, Interpreter, born in Maryland, also lists Agent Meigs and Assistant Agent Lovely and Richard Taylor also as Interpreter. (Cher Agency Records).

M-208, Roll 7. Cherokee Indian agency in TN 1801- 1835: Correspondence and Miscellaneous Records 1816-1818.

just prior to this letter from Samuel Riley to Col. Return J. Meigs were two letters from Crow Town and Fort Deposite asking for corn. Crow Town stated there were 19 families with 95 people. Fort Deposite letter stated their corn crops were poor and the Intruders had ruin their corn range and the people and the cattle and hogs were in bad shape. The following letter does appear to have Samuel Riley's signature. Note the significance of the letter; this eventual meeting with General Jackson in the summer of 1817 was the basis of all future reservations in the east and emigrations to the west. And Samuel Riley was there, assume as an interpreter. >.

Southwest pint. 11 April 1817.

Sir plese Rite me if the path killer has reconsidered the meeting of the Counsel meeting at ammoney & have the one meeting onely at the Time Ginnell jackson appinted at Highwassee agreabel to the <Glass> & twochalle Reqested if not plese to Rite how long he has perlonged the Time they will meet Ginnel jackson at Highwassee I have Bought abote Lode of Corne plese to let me know if the Cherokee will want it & if the pathkiller has Derected you to let the hongry indons have Corne as the <Glass> Requested. I have the onner to be yours Saml Riley.

Jul 1817, Register of persons who wish reservations under Treaty of 8 Jul 1817, cites Samuel Riley residence as "south side of Tennessee opposite to South West Point", applicant in possession of land, 8 in family (TN Historical Records) (I believe that the 1817 Treay did not ceded the TN land south of the TN River at SW Pt. And thus Samuel's Reserve was taken in Cherokee lands; when the concept of reserves was to have been exercised only in ceded land. His was not the only case. See Owen Brady. There were numerous others as well.).

27 Apr 1818, # 68, Samuel Riley granted life reservation in accordance with above Treaty (Cherokee Reservees, pg 3).

In Cherokee Day Book, mentions pay on 28 Nov 1818, "Cash paid to Samuel Riley for superintending the issues at the late conference." Presumed at Turkey Town in 1817. (pg 127, Thompson).

Samuel Riley, the white interpreter for the agency between 1796 and 1820, had two Cherokee wives." R. J. Meigs to John Calhoun, 6 Apr 1820, M-271, reel #3, #0481 (pg 332, Renascence).

Personal visit to Kingston, TN (SW Point Mgr William Woody, and Historian Sarge Rodgers) learn local lore is of Chief Riley, and that he went to England as a Cherokee Interpreter. Found Riley Creek and Riley Creek Recreational Area on south side of TN River (Watts Barr Lake), Manager Max Patterson knows of only a slave cemetery in Recreational Area.

See Chapter on Rileys in this source. (Thompson).

article in The Roane County News, by J. C. Parker, Thursday, 4 Sep 1969. Interesting story of Samuel Riley, and Riley District (Creek area), etc. (Parker).

Riley Indian Chief buried in what is now commonly called the Smalley Cemetery, for Kingston go South on Hwy 58 to Anglers Cove Road. Turn right on to old Hwy 58. Cemetery is on left behind small garage. (Roane Cemeteries, pg 263).

A 30 Oct 1844 sale of property recorded 9 Nov 1844 in Book J, pg 250 excepts above a parcel `where Samuel Riley' is buried. (Smalley).

There exists a photo reported to be of Samuel Riley's tombstone. Referring to tombstone of Riley Indian Chief, Jerri Chasteen wrote, " I would presume that the grave is of Samuel Riley, himself. Although he was not of Cherokee blood. There are several precedence of white-men who were considered to be at least "minor Chiefs" (actually "leader" would be a better title) of several of the Tribes." More likely, it is possible that some of his heirs embellished his title somewhat after his death. Descendants tend to do that ." (Chasteen).

Record Group 75 NARA. M-208,'Cherokee Indian Agency in Tennessee, 1801-1835. Roll'8 - Correspondence and Miscellaneous Records, 1819-1820.

George Foster Vs Samuel Riley

Letterfrom Foster to the Secretary of the Treasury. On that subject dated 28 April. Received here 11 August 1819. Greensboro, 28 April 1819.

The Honorable W. H. Cranford,. Sir

I am about to trouble you once more on this old Negro business with Riley and Foster in the Cherokee Nation, not withstanding it does not come immediately before you, but in consequence of your knowing something of the affair, and the Secretary of War being absent from Washington at this time. In consequence of your letter to Col. Meigs, he brought Riley to agree to a trial at law. I went out, employed two attorneys, paid them sixty dollars to commence the suit. They brought suit against them both, but the writ could not be served on Tuders. He however gave the attorney his bond to give up the Negro girl provided my son obtained the mother of Riley. (Does this mean obtain the mother from Riley?) At last March term, the suit was to have been tried but about fifteen days before court Riley died. So the suit died. His children all being Indians, took another witness out with me. He went on to Rileys but they run the old woman off. He could not get to see her. I have been seven times to Tennessee on this business and spent more money than one of the Negroes is worth and as yet to no purpose. My son's attorneys told me it must become an Indian business. Col. Meigs then being at Washington, I procured a copy of Rileys interrogatories. He had no witness subpoenaed - brought them home, went up to see W. Cobb who has put the papers in order and sent them onto the Secretary of War, hoping as Col. Meigs was, to have something done at once, but finding the Secretary of War being on to the Southward (?), I fear nothing will be done. Now, Sir, will you be kind enough to visit the War Office and try if anything can there be done, as a Special order for Col. Meigs to have something done immediately by his calling on an assistant or two men of standing to set with him and decide by giving of my son timely notice. From information I expect the Negroes will be run to the Arkansas. Excuse this request, but really having been treated so badly and spent so much money I am compelled to call on you to try and get something done if possible. I am your most obedient.

George W. Foster.

Record Group 75 NARA. M-208, Cherokee Indian Agency in Tennessee, 1801-1835. Roll 8 - Correspondence and Miscellaneous Records, 1819-1820.

Department of War. 23rd July 1819.

Col. R. J. Meigs, Indian Agent, Cherokee Agenc Sir, John Lowry is desirous to purchase some of the buildings at the Tellco Blockhouse. You will report their present state and value and whether of any public use. Should Mr. Lowry make any proposition for the purchase of them, you will report whether the price he may offer, is equal to the value.

Ienclose you a copy of a letter from G. W. Foster, Esq. to the Secretary of Treasury, and by him referred to this department, In relation to a claim for payment for certain negroes.

The original direction given to this business previous to the death of Riley appears correct, and if Riley's children are of age or being under age, have proper representatives, the suit ought to be revived, so as to be determined at a due course of law. If this cannot be done, let it be arbitrated. You will report the result to this department.

I am very respectfully. Your most obedient Servant. ? C. Calhoun.

Record Book of the Proceedings of the Supreme Court of the Cherokee Nation; will and testament as authenticated by the deposition of R. Richards, Phisicien (sic), who attended on the said Sam'l Riley dec'd, in his last sickness, given from under my hand at New Town this 25 October 1825. [signed] John Martin C S C (Ancestry.com) yet to possess firm documentation.

This Record Book is basically a journal of the cases brought before the court which includes legal documents that needed to be "Notarized" by the court. The book is at the National Archives in D.C I don't know if the will itself is on file at the National Archives, it probably is. (Jim Hicks).

Samuel Riley will was not found in Roane County, TN Archives. "Roane County Estates" by Robert Bailey, the Roane County Historian, was checked through 1863 for any estate record for Samuel but didn't find one listed. Also checked, "Index to Tennessee Wills & Administrations 1779-1861", by Byron Sistler, and found nothing that matches time and place. Robert Bailey abstracted the wills from the deed books and I checked my list just to see it a will might have been recorded but once again found nothing. It's entirely possible that the will existed but just was never probated for some reason. Darlene Trent, Researcher at Roane County.

Tennessee State Archives, Manuscript Division, AC #1787. Cherokee Agency Bradley County TN

Personally appeared before me Joseph Byrd under oath that he is acquainted with Samuel Riley, he lived for many years opposite south west about 2 miles from the River, at the blue spring where he died shortly after the Treaty of 1817. He understood Col. Starr pd. Sam'l Rily's wife for an improvement that he claimed on the Tennessee River, about 5. That under the Treaty of 1819, Looney Riley, a son of Samuel Riley being married during that year took a reservation after building him a house on a tract of land opposite south west point on Tennessee River, that Looney never had but one wife that he heard of and he knew him from a boy. He believes Samuel Riley had two wives, Looney was turned out of Land by a short writ from Judge Keith he sued for his land & lost it on the point that he was not married at the date of the treaty. Looney Riley never sold or traded his place in any manner or rec'd anything for it as I believe & I live in a mile of him.

Jo Byrd.

Sworn to & Subscribed before me the 6th day of January 1838.

Wit M. W. Wilson one of the Commissioners.

From the Tennessee Court Transcription (page 10) in the Luney Riley Reserve Claim Case (NARA RG 75, Entry 229, Reservation Claims 1836/37) before the Commissioners as a result of Article 13 of the Treaty of 1835.

State of Tennessee, Knox County Luney Riley vs Uriah Allison

Be it remembered that on the trial of this cause in the Circuit Court of the County aforesaid in August 1828 behalf of the plaintiff the Treaties of 1817 and 1819 between the United States of America and the Cherokee nation were relied upon as part of the title of the plaintiff as also the following evidence the deposition of Dr. R Richards proved as well as he recollected in the summer of 1818 he married Luney Riley to Rachel Stewart he being a minister of the gospel, that he had a license from the Clerk of Roane County to marry them he married them as the law directed and returned them to the Clerk, that he saw said license afterwards on a trial of this cause in the Circuit Court of Roane County that Luney Riley was a native of the Cherokee nation, that he Richards was a Doctor and attended Samuel Riley Luney Riley's father in his last illness in 1819 six miles from S. W. Point said Sam Riley told him he did not want his sons to go to Arkansas, proved that Looney Riley was living on the reservation in dispute in 1819, and that Looney Claimed no other place in dispute.

ditto source.

In another deposition made in August 1828 in the Tennessee Courts on the above reserve ...'State of Tennessee Circuit Court August 1828 Knox County

Luney Riley Lessee vs Uriah Allison

This affidavit makes oath that during the trial of this cause and since the trial he is informed by Genl Browne and believes the fact so to be, that Samuel Riley, Luney Riley's father, leased the land in dispute to one John Burnett for three years by a written lease in 1818, and that said Burnett leased to said Allison, and that Allison has kept possession ever since and never did surrender up the possession to Samuel Riley or any one for him, that this affiant knew not of said written lease before this trial - that he is also informed that said Luney has purchased the right of the other <leins> in said land, he is also informed and believes that as early as 1798 Samuel Riley lived on said land and has Kept the possession ever since until 1818, when he leased to Burnett.

Sources

• See also:

Use the following with extreme caution:

• Doublehead Last Chickamauga Cherokee Chief page 49

• http://ourtexasfamilycom.ipage.com/BrockWebSite/KinshipNotes-KBTankersley.html