John G. Riley Collection

Item set

Title

Description

John G. Riley was born on September 24, 1857 in Leon County to the union of Sarah and James Riley. Born an enslaved African, Riley grew up in “slave quarters” located behind the Knott House in downtown Tallahassee. It is believed that Riley was self-educated, but further research shows Professor Riley did study at colleges and universities. Professor Riley went on to teach in Wakulla, Gadsden, and Leon counties in Florida as well as serving as principal to Lincoln Academy in Tallahassee. In addition to being a distinguished educator, Professor Riley was also a successful businessman. After building his home on East Jefferson Street in Tallahassee, Professor Riley began to buy and sell property in the capital city. His business dealings would yield profits for years after his death. The collection contains a biographical history of John G. Riley. This includes a brief history of property records, family genealogies, and a 1915 copy of Who’s Who, which cites Professor Riley.

Physical Location

John Gilmore Riley Collection, John G. Riley House Archives, Tallahassee Community College Library, Tallahassee, Florida.

Items

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Death of John G. Riley

Tallahassee Democrat newspaper clipping of announcement of John G. Riley's death.
Riley Family Genealogy Research

Research on Riley genealogy and history of the Riley Family. Includes correspondence between Byron Spice and Altamese Barnes on progress of their research on the Rileys, as well as a pamphlet about Riley history with handwritten corrections.
Thirteenth Census of the United States: 1910 Population

A copy of the section of the 1910 United States census in which the Riley Family appears.
Estate of John G. Riley

Records concerning the Estate of John G. Riley, including receipts, disbursements, and Riley's last will and testament.
John G. Riley Biography

A brief biography of John. G Riley. Included are amendments and addendums from Mrs. Marion Hadley, a friend of his wife, who sheds light on Riley's family history, as well as his business endeavors and teaching experience.
John G. Riley Purchases, Sales of Property and Court Appearances

Records concerning the history of John G. Riley's purchases and sales of property, from 1887-1969. Also included are notes on his court appearances as evidence of assistance he provided to surviving heirs, guardians, minors and mutual aid groups in establishing records of legal ownership. Also, notes on his court appearances advocating for salary raises for instructors and increases in school funds.
Riley Family Genealogy Research

Research on Riley family genealogy, with notes on the descendents of James H. B. Vaughn and Daniel Vaughn, as well as a family by the name of Meachum.
Riley Biographical Research

Research on Riley history and ancestry, including a list of Virginia planters who relocated to Leon and Jefferson Counties.
Local NAACP Meeting Programme

A copy of local NAACP branch meeting programme at Tallahassee's Bethel A.M.E. Church. Also includes a notice for an upcoming Emancipation celebration on New Year's Day of 1920.
Essay by John G. Riley about St. James C.M.E. Church

An essay on the history and significance of the St. James C.M.E. Church in Tallahassee, Florida, advocating for the construction of a memorial on the site.