OKGenWeb Project

The Indian Pioneer Papers Collection

About | Interviews | Cemeteries | Microfiche Reference

Indian Pioneer History Project for Oklahoma
Date: June 2, 1937
Name: Richard Riley
Post Office: Medford, Oklahoma
Date of Birth: 1861
Place of Birth: Missouri
Father: William Riley
Place of Birth: Ireland
Information on father: 
Mother: Emily Brumfield
Place of Birth: Missouri
Information on mother: 
Field Worker: Naomi L. Garringer
Interview #4317

Mr. Riley was born in Missouri in 1861. He made the race into the Cherokee Strip from Bluff City with a team and wagon. He staked a claim nine miles west of Medford, Oklahoma, and built a small frame house, but it leaked so bad that he had to build a dugout and sod house.

Mrs Riley came in April to her new home. 

Mr Riley then went back to Kansas and worked as a plasterer.

Mr. Riley's brother-in-law was responsible for Mr. Riley's making the "run." He thought it looked like good country and insisted that Mr. Riley should try for a claim.

Mr. and Mrs. Riley still own their place but have moved to Medford to live.

Transcribed for OKGenWeb by Lola Crane coolbreze@cybertrails.com  November 6, 2001.