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Ancestors of Fay Perry Greene, Jr. M.D.

Generation No. 3

      4. Burnett Jennings Greene, born 1861 in Franklinville, Cattaraugus, NY; died 1933 in Franklinville, Cattaraugus, NY. He was the son of 8. Allen Madison Green and 9. Julia Holden. He married 5. Sarah Fay March 28, 1880 in Ellicottville, Catt. County, New York.

      5. Sarah Fay, born 1858 in New York; died 1912 in Franklinville, Cattaraugus, NY. She was the daughter of 10. Cyrus M. Fay and 11. Ellen I. Pierce.

Notes for Burnett Jennings Greene:
Burnett J. Greene always spelled his last name with an E, as is noted in his dairy from 1880.
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Burnett was a dairy farmer for 50 years on his farm just outside of Franklinville, Cattaraugus County, New York.
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A poem was published in the local newspaper re: his marriage to Sarah Fay:

      "The story goes that Cyrus Fay
            did lost a daughter the other day;
      And yet by all that was plainly seen
            the daughter was won to Allen Green.

      For he by whom the deed was done,
            did prove to be his oldest son,
      Yet no great loss, without some gain,
            For Cyrus did a son obtain.

      And may the union thus formed ________?
            Grow brighter, stronger every year,
      Until within the realms above
            They join in everlasting love."

(Note of explanation by L.G. Greene - Cyrus Fay was the father of Sarah Fay and Allen Green was the father of Burnett Greene)
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OBITUARY FOR BURNETT J. GREENE - 1933


      Franklinville: Burnett J. Greene, 72, dropped dead while cranking his car near his home on the Narrows road, west of this village Monday afternoon, July 3rd at 12:30.
      Deceased was born in Franklinville, July 14, 1861, and had lived here all his life. His wife, Sarah Fay died 32 years ago. He is survived by one son, Fay Greene of Winfield, Kansas, and one sister, Mrs. Rust of Ellicottville.
      Funeral arrangements were delayed pending the arrival of the son from the west.

From M. Graves' Scrapbook of Ischua Valley Historical Society in New York, from local newspaper)

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From Remembrances of Fay Perry Greene Jr., grandson of Burnett:
Interviews with his daughter Laura, 1996-1998

I remember my Grandfather Greene very well. He lived on a farm a few miles from Franklinvlile. I belive the farm was on the old road from Franklinville to Ellicottville (Cattaraugus Co. NY). It was quite hilly. He kept cows and horses. One of my early memories is that he put me on a cow's back for a joy ride. Unfortunately for me the cow had other ideas and headed at high speed for the barn. It was a large barn with a divided door. The upper section was closed and I was effectively removed from the cow's back.

Burnett to me was a very jolly outgoing person. He had a good-sized mustache.--hair was a brownish-grey.He had a family that worked for him & that lived on the farm. Their name was Sanford. Mrs Sanford was called "Ev" ! Nigh Olin who married Grace was one of the most personable individuals I've ever met. . I do remember riding in a hay wagon when they were putting up hay--pulled by a team of horses. Ev was blind in one eye from injuries received in an accident--vaguely I think it was the result of being struck by a cow's horn. She didn't wear a glass eye--just had an empty socket there. She did a man's work. Also had a flock of kids. She did it all!!!! --the equivalent of doing it all today & then some!~! I don't remember her husband's first name. It'll probably come to me sooner or later. I would say their family were early settlers. The farm was very hilly. It must have been tough to scratch out a living on it.

I hope we can get back there soon. I think you'll be thrilled with the area. We can find the farm . It's on the Ellicottville---Franklinville road. I doubt if B.J's farmhouse is still standing I found the house my father built on Pine Street--but it was all butchered up by some home-made remodeling.
My father probably sold the farm for a pittance at the height of the depression after B.J.'s death (1933).

Notes for Sarah Fay:
OBITUARY OF SARAH OLIVE FAY GREENE
From The CHRONICLE JOURNAL, dated January 2, 1913 (Front Page)
Franklinville, New York

Mrs. Sarah Olive Greene, wife of Mr. B.J. Greene, died at her residence on Pine Street Dec. 27th, 1912, aged 54 years.
Mrs. Greene had been a patient sufferer of an incurable malady for many years and while her early death was not entirely unexpected, yet it came with a shock to the members of her family as she had been up and about on Christmas Day.
Mrs. Greene was the eldest daughter of our venerable townsman, Mr. Cyrus Fay, and was born and lived always in our town. .She belonged to a family that has been conspicuous in the history of Franklinville for nearly a century, and who for several generations have been men and women of superior intelligence and noted for their high grade of morals both in social and business life. Mrs. Greene was a splendid representative of the family and her generation. To her husband and son she devoted the best energy of her life and as wife and mother she was tender, faithful and true and to the aged members of her family she was devoted to a marked degree, and has been ever willing and eager to minister to their declining years. (-------------------- --------------------unreadable sentence). She was a woman who as long as her health would permit took a lively interest in church and social affairs, and for many years had been a member of the First Presbyterian church. Mrs. Greene possessed a bright mind, sparkling with intelligence and was always interesting in conversation. She was a kindly and generous neighbor and a faithful friend, and true in all things to the memory of her distinguished ancestors. She died just as she had entered a new and beautiful home, just at the summit of Life's steep hill, where the decline on the other side looked so inviting and pleasant, with here and there a shady spot to sit down and rest and drink from the cool spring of memory and see the golden glory of the setting sun. She had a Christian's hope and a Christians courage and realizing that her end was near, bade her family good-bye and sank into peaceful sleep to awake at the dawn of eternal day.
The funeral was held from the family residence on Pine street the 29th inst., Rev. Higibotham officiating, and was largely attended.
Those of the immediate family who mourn her loss is her husband, Mr. B.J. Greene, an only son, Fay P. Greene and her venerable father, Cyrus Fay. Also one sister, Mrs. E. E. Litchfield.
Those from out of town attending were: Mr. and Mrs. E.E. Litchfield, Ellicottville; John Fay, Dundee, Io; Dr. James J. Cole, Oelwein, Ia.;Mrs. Frank Hopkins, Salamanca; Mrs.and Mrs. E.E. Rust and Mr. and Mrs. N.T. Olin, Ellicottville; Mrs. George Williams, Machias; Mrs. Harriett Baker, LeMar, Ia.; Mrs. Dr. (sic) Baker, Clyde Ohio; Mr. A.B. Clark and Miss Isabel Clark, Buffalo; Mr. John Pierce and Mr. and Mrs. William Pierce, Machias.
By request, M.H.W.

(Below obituary:)
CARD OF THANKS
We wish in this manner to express our thanks to the neighbors and friends who kindly assisted us in our time of bereavement. Especially would we remember those who furnished flowers, and the choir.
B.J. Greene and family

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Child of Burnett Greene and Sarah Fay is:

Fay Perry Greene, born December 6, 1885 in Franklinville, Cattaraugus, NY; died November 1972 in Williamstown, Wood, WV; married (1) Bessie Gilford Perry November 30, 1910; married (2) Edith Mary Riley 1917 in Olean, Cattaraugus, NY.

      6. Millard Fillmore Riley, born March 30, 1850 in Brooklyn, Kings, New York (Source: From M.F.Riley Sr.s death certificate. Informant was his son, Millard F. Riley, Jr.); died January 15, 1927 in Olean, Cattaraugus, New York (Source: Gravestone in Olean). He was the son of 12. Solomon Curtis Riley and 13. Sarah Newhouse. He married 7. Martha Wayne Wands October 12, 1870 in New York.

      7. Martha Wayne Wands, born November 22, 1849 in Albany, New York; died January 14, 1922 in Olean, Cattaraugus, New York. She was the daughter of 14. Isaac Hardenbergh Wands, Sr. and 15. Harriet Wayne.

Notes for Millard Fillmore Riley:
There was a family story, according to Mignon Riley, granddaughter of Millard, passed down from her father Millard Jr. Riley, that Solomon Riley was a good friend of Millard Fillmore (the President) and named his son Millard Fillmore Riley Jr. after his friend. Millard Riley was in fact born before Millard Fillmore became president, however connections between Solomon Riley and Millard Fillmore have not been substantiated yet.
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Letter from MILLARD FILLMORE RILEY to his daughter, EDITH MARY RILEY, dated May 12, 1911. Sent to Edith in Arcola, Louisiana, in care of I. H. Wands (brother of his wife Martha Wayne Wands).

Miss Edith, my dearest daughter,
I hope you are getting along all right. I sent this to Arcola, hoping you will get it - as I understand you intended to go there. All well at home - everything _______ (not readable) as usual. I suppose you will be home again in the course of two weeks. We had a heavy thunder storm last night and again today. It was terrific, but no harm done. I hope you will get home safe. Our business is ok. Well there is no particular news - same old furniture. I am feeling ok and get to _____(not readable) about 7 to 7:30. I hope Molly Edith and Janet and Grant are all well. Wish Grant would write me sometime. Remember me to them all.
      With love,
      I am Your Poppa
=================

Christmas card sent to Mrs. F. P. Greene, 307 - East State St. Olean NY.
“With the Seasons Greeting and Best Wishes for a Bright and Happy New Year”
Loving Father

Sent December 18, 1924 from Tulsa OK. He was probably vising his son Ralph Riley.
=========================

OBITUARY OF MILLARD FILLMORE RILEY, SR.
From OLEAN EVENING TIMES, January 17, 1927, page 9

Millard F. Riley, Sr., senior member of the firm of Riley and Wands, wholesale grocers, and prominent in commercial and business circles of Olean, died Saturday evening at eleven o'clock at the family residence, 307 East State street, following an illness of a long duration.

Mr. Riley was born in Brooklyn New York, May 4, 1850, and had been a resident of Olean for more than forty years. He had been connected in the wholesale business for some time. The firm Riley and Wands was established approximately forty years ago. The firm was recognized at one time as one of the largest wholesale houses carrying the most complete line of stock to Western New York.

He is survived by three sons, James W. Riley and Millard F. Riley Jr. of Olean, and Ralph F. Riley of Tulsa, Oklahoma. Three daughters, Mrs. H.B. Phillius of Youngstown, Ohio, Mrs. Fay P. Green of Olean, and Mrs. J.R. Coon of Pleasantville, New York; one brother, Abram Riley of Westfield, New York, and nine grandchildren.

He was a member of the First Methodist Episcopal Church of this city and for many years officiated on the official board.

Funeral services will be held Tuesday afternoon at three o'clock at the home. The Reverend C.C.Shedd, pastor of the First Methodist Episcopal Church, and the Rev. G. R. Williamson of Rochester, former pastor of the Methodist Episcopal Church, will officiate. Burial will be in Mt. View Cemetery.

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FUNERAL NOTICE OF MILLARD F. RILEY, SR.

CONDUCT FUNERAL OF MILLARD F. RILEY, SR.
Olean Evening Times
January 19, 1927 page 9

Funeral services for Millard F. Riley, Sr., prominent local business man, were held Tuesday afternoon at three o'clock at the home, 307 East State Street. The Rev. C. C. Shedd, pastor of the First Methodist Episcopal Church and the Rev. G. R. Williamson of Rochester, former pastor of the Methodist Episcopal church here, officiated. Burian was in the Mt. View cemetery.

The pall-bearers were:
F. F. Hammond, W.A. Bryant, W. L. Pelton, A. Schaumleffel, W. W. Murphy, and A. E. Yahn.

Among the out-of-town relatives and friends present at the services were: Mrs. H. B. Phillius of Youngstown, Ohio, Mrs. J.R. Coon of Pleasantville, NY, Ralph C. Riley of Tulsa, Oklahoma, and Mr. and Mrs. C. Westfield of Westfield, of Westfield, New York.

Note by Laura Greene: Mrs. H.B. Phillius is Harriet Riley, , his daughter - married to Harry B. Phillius; Mrs. J.R. Coon is Edna Riley, his daughter, married to James Ralph Coon. It is unknown if the surname Westfield is an error by the newspaper, as the known family in Westfield, Chautauqua Co, NY, would have also been named Riley -Abram, Millard's brother)

The Pall Bearers were: Ford Hammond was the manager of the Cold Storage operation run by Millard. Mr. Bryant used to run the drugstore on the corner of 6th and Sullivan inside the Riley and Wands building. The Peltons were family friends. Mr. Schaumleffel, or his son, married Esalea Quirin and were friends of the Rileys. W.W. Murphy was a family friend. Arthur Yahn was a banker and a next door neighbor (behind) the house on State Street. Notes according to Fay Perry Greene, MD, grandson of Millard.
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EDITORIAL from OLEAN TIMES, January 18th, 1927
In possession of Fay Perry Greene, Jr., grandson of M. F. Riley.

"A LOSS TO OLEAN"
In the passing of Millard F. Riley, Senior, the city of Olean suffers a distinct loss.
Mr. Riley was in every sense a good citizen. No fuller praise can be afforded. Although born in Brooklyn, he had been a valued member of this community for more than forty years, and his friends and well wishers were legion. He was, indeed, one of Olean's pioneers; for he came to it when it was a village of some few thousand inhabitants, and not only lived to see it grown into an extensive city of recognized importance, but actively aided in making it such.
Mr. Riley was the Senior member of the successful wholesale grocery house of Riley and Wands; and erected the Riley and Wands building at the corner of Sullivan and North Streets. He also built the Riley and Wands cold storage building, on North Union Street, north of the Pennsylvania tracks.
He was a most active man, a citizen of great personal and community worth, and a conscientious churchman - one of the old school whose attributes are always cause for admiration. He was a staunch member of the First Methodist Episcopal Church, and for many years sat on the official board of that edifice.
Living to complete a valuable existence of nearly four score years, Mr. Riley leaves an heritage that may well be the envy of all men.
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Article on RILEY AND WANDS, from
THE NEW YORK INDUSTRIAL RECORDER
sent by the Olean Historical and Preservation Society.

One of the handsomest business blocks in Olean is that located on the corner of Union and Sullivan Streets, occupied by Riley and Wands. The leading wholesale grocers of Western New York. It is a large fourt story brick block, its entire frontage of 60 feet by 120 feet being one mass of glass. This standard firm is composed of Mr. Millard F. Riley and Mr. Charles R. Wands, and was established about 22 years ago. Their store is one of the largest and their stock one of the most complete in Western New York. Their business is both wholesale and retail and covers all of Cattaraugus., Allegany, Potter, and McKean Counties, keeping two traveling men on the road all the time. In addition to handling all lines of staple and fancy groceries, the firm deals in all kinds of fruit in their season, making a specialty of melons, peaches, grapes and domestic grown fruits. They also handle choicest brands of cigars, imported and domestic, and the finest lines of tobacco, smoking and chewing. One of their departments is devoted to candy and confectionery. They handle on the purest and highest quality of goods and their prices are the lowest in the market. Their motto has always been "It pays to handle the best and our customers are entitled only to the best". Both Messrs. Riley and Wands are prominent in commercial and financial circles and are largely interested in oil and gas property.
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From "Olean, New York, the City of Natural Advantages, Its History and Its Institutions" (written in 1889)

"The whole sale grocery house of Riley & Wands is one of the successful business institutions of Olean. The firm, composed of Millard F. Riley and Charles R. Wands, is one energetically alive to the interests and requirements of the trade. Both members have served long in mercantile pursuits and both are giving the business the benefit of their experience and judgement. The retail store was established in 1882 and the wholesale in 1887. The business of the latter has grown to such an extent that the firm are contemplating giving the exclusive attention to it and removing to larger quarters. Whatever pluck, energy and sound business principles will accomplish, their measure of success fill be attained by Riley & wands. These gentlemen have been largely interested in Olean real estate, and today have some of the best paying property in the City of Natural Advantages."
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Afticle on Riley and Wands sent by Olean Historical and Preservation Society, Oct 1999
Written approximately 1920, unknown reference book.

      Among the staunchest of the many old-time believers in Olean's advantages, natural and otherwise, none of made manifest that belief more effectively and profitably in every sense than Millard F. Riley, who although nearing the three-score-and-ten age mark, is remarkably vigorous and alert. When a very young man, M. F. came to Olean and worked in the hardware store and metal shop of A. Blake, one of Olean's prominent business men forty years ago, to whom reference will be made in a later article. In the same shop with M. F. was George W. Leader, another virile Old Timer, who left Mr. Blake's employment to accept a similar position with C. V. B. Barse and Co., where he has remained ever since; a continuous occupation of nearly half a century.
      The result of "M. F.s" leaving the employ of Mr. Blake was a "branching out" on his own responsibility and this, in the course of the many years which have elapsed, has brought him a very desirable and extensive business and doubtless a respective balance in the bank. Furthermore, a tangible evidence of his faith in Olean as a progresive business centre is a fine brick business block, standing on the northwest corner of Union and Sullivan streets, surmounted by a sign which reads, down the front: "Riley and Wands"; in the center "1895" and below, along the tope of the stores on the lower floor, "Riley and Wands - Wholesale Grocers". The firm also has a $50,000 cold storage building on Union street, on the east side further north of three stores, covering a lot 40 by 100 feet. Mr. Riley's continuous partner in this business, which has been established some forty years, is his brother in law, Charles R. Wands, a man whose executive ability and personal modesty are both of large proportions.
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From "History of Cattaraugus County" 1893:
Page 917

The firm of Riley & Wands (Millard F. Riley and Charles R. Wands) is one energetically engaged in the wholesale and retail grocery trade. Both members have served long in mercantile pursuits. The retail store was established in 1882 and the wholesale in 1887. They have been largely interested in Olean real estate, and in all their enterprises have been signally successful.

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From talks with Dr. F. P. Greene, grandson of Millard F. Riley in 1996:

"The wholesale grocery was called "Riley & Wands Wholesale Grocery.
The Riley& Wands building is still standing in good condition at 6th & Main St.
It is now occupied by a business college with multiple offices,etc. The
President of the College gave me the copy of the Olean booklet with the
information about Riley & Wands in it. The Riley & Wands Cold Storage
Building has been razed & is now the site of the Olean shopping mall."

'My Grandfather Millard used to play checkers with me all the time."

"The family first lived in a frame house on Henley Street before the move to 307 East State Street."
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1880 US Census Records show:

Ceres, Allegheny County, New York
Millard F. Riley, age 30, born in New York
Martha, age 31, born in New York
J. Wands Riley, age 5
Ralph C. Riley, age 4
Hattie M. age 4 months.

Found on Soundex.
Volume 4, E. C. 17, Sheet 15 or 16, line 32.

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It is known that Riley and Wands company had a grocery concern in Ceres, NY sometime in the late 1800s. In addition, the Holmes family that were ancestors of James Richmond Holmes (husband of Millard Riley Sr's granddaughter Elizabeth Riley) also lived in Ceres, McKean County PA, which is the same town that Millard lived in during the 1870s (the town straddles the NY/PA border). Richmond's grandfather, Elba Holmes of Ceres, had a son named Ralph Clifton Holmes, and Millard had a son named Ralph Clifton Riley, born at approximately the same time. It is unknown where this name came from, but certainly implies that Millard and Elba had a relationship of either friendship or family.

Notes for Martha Wayne Wands:
Letter to Martha Wayne Wands Riley, dated April 1876 from Washington Heights, NY. Signature is just from "Uncle", so it is unknown at this point who the letter writer is. The letter is addressed to Martha while she and Millard Riley were living in Ceres, Allegany County, NY. The letter was apparently written just after the birth of their first child, James Wands Riley.

Dear Martha,
As Millard is coming out it will be a good opportunity for you. There certainly can be no good real cause why you should not accompany him but I think every reason why you should - if you come at night you will have a good berth and if in the day you can have a private compartment if you wish. I think a trip just now will be great for you and we want to see you and the little stranger. I will be pretty disappointed if you do not come with Millard. You certainly cannot be specially needed at home and the arrangement I suggested to Millard will certainly be all that is needed to be done. You must come!
UNCLE

NB. I thought perhaps it might not be convenient for Millard just now to spare the fare, so I have taken the liberty to enclose a check for that purpose.
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Letter from Martha Wayne Wands Riley to her daughter Edith. Dated Oct 29, 1912, sent from
Olean NY to Edith at 151 ½ S. Irvine Ave., Sharon PA. (Edith must have been visiting her sister Harriet, as at that time Harriet lived in Sharon, PA)

Dear Daughter.
Thought I would drop you a few lines. Papa and I visited Mrs. P and Miss Connell to go to the Grand with us. On our way home we met Edna and Carrie W. coming from Langs. So you see everybody’s doing it. There is a bad taste in my mouth today. Ha Ha. Millard reports having a good time and everybody was good to him. Also that Cornelius was a lovely boy. Much improved since he was here. I wanted him to stay until Thursday and see the great parade. His train lay at Lake _____ (unreadable) for a number of hours on account of a wreck to a cattle train. Edna and Ralph took dinner with us on Sunday in the evening. Mrs. P and Miss Connell were with us at luncheon. I have not quite finished house cleaning yet - have not heard any news to tell you. Mrs. P. told me that Mr. P was going around by Sharon. Now don’t let him near you. Just stay if you want to - burn this letter up after you both read it.
Give Minnie my love and I hope she will have a good time. It is a beautiful day. We are having our Indian summer. Mr. Georgia has returned and is some better, although he is not able to work yet - Edna got her new brown coat at Lax - the one with buttons on. Kiss my baby and love to all.
Lovingly, Mama
Your letter came opened on the end. Be very slow about closing your letters and see that it is stuck tight.
================

Letter from MARTHA WAYNE WANDS RILEY written to Edna A. Riley. Letter sent from Sharon, PA, where Martha was visiting, to Edna in Olean at 405 West Henley St., Olean NY, dated Sept 20, 1910.

Sharon (PA), 19th Sept.

Dear Edna,
This is Monday afternoon. The baby is lying on the couch with his bottle which has become his best friend. Hattie is upstairs so Mama thought she would write a few lines to you. I have looked for my mail every day for a week. Isn’t it strange she has not sent it - or if she has sent it - how did she sent it. She told me she would ____ (unreadable) for me after the 20th of August, then I waited three weeks and had to come off without it. Now, if she sent it to me it - it is lost - for I have seen nothing of it. Harry took us a riding in a two seated one horse rig Saturday afternoon. We saw all the beautiful houses and there are a great many of them, the Whitla’s (difficult to read) among the rest. There are a great many more than in Olean. But the stores do not amount to much. But they carry a good stock, and Harry says they do a great business, all the little towns around come here to trade. Then we went down by the mills and we went out to the park which is quite nice. They have a nice dancing Pavilion. When we came home, it was after five o-clock. It was Cornelius first ride in a buggy and he enjoyed it - as much as anybody. How is the invalid getting along. Improving I hope. Do you girls help Aunt Edith. How is she feeling. I hope the family is well. Mrs. P. sent 8 day eggs and a crock of butter. She told them to pack them down on salt for next winter. The ______ down 7 day - the rest were cracked. Did the boys gather the plums. Where is Millard. He keeps so very quiet. Uncle Charley and Wands must be well pleased with the peaches papa has sent by now. He sent a small basket here. He said all his peaches were like that. If that is so then you will not have so much trouble to sell them. Papa is so pleased he feeling so well. I am glad too. How are you and the Cooks getting along. Mama thinks about you all every day. Lots of love and kisses to you all.
Lovingly, Mama

(Note by Laura Greene, great granddaughter of Martha. In this letter, Harry refers to Harry Philius, and Hattie refers to Harriet Riley Philius, wife of Harry and daughter of Martha, and Cornelius was the son of Hattie and Harry. Martha was undoubtedly visiting her daughter Harriet at the time this letter was written.)
=======================
OBITUARY for MARTHA WAYNE WANDS RILEY -
OLEAN EVENING TIMES, JANUARY 14, 1922 (page 3)

MRS. M. F. RILEY Sr. CALLED BY DEATH

Mrs. Millard F. Riley, Sr. died at her home, 307 East State Street this morning after a severe illness of heart trouble, lasting since Christmas day. For a number of years she had been in very poor health, seldom able to leave her home, but kept up her interest in outside things, a well as being a very good mother.

She was a devoted member of the First Methodist Episcopal Church and her Christian spirit was always evident. Her many kind deeds will long be remembered by her many friends and relatives.

She leaves surviving her husband, Millard F. Riley, Sr., two brothers, Isaac H. Wands of New Orleans, LA, ; Charles R. Wands of Olean; and six children, James Wands Riley and Millard F. Riley of Olean; Ralph C. Riley of Tulsa, Oklahoma; Mrs. Harry B. Philius of Youngstown, Ohio; Mrs. Ralph Coon of New York City, and Mrs. Fay Green of Franklinville.

The funeral services will be held at 1 o'clock Monday afternoon from the family residence.

(Note by Laura Greene: Mrs. Fay Green is Edith Riley, Mrs. Harry B.Philius is Harriet Riley, Mrs. Ralph Coon is Edna Riley)
________________________________________

FUNERAL NOTICE OF MRS. M.F. RILEY
OLEAN EVENING TIMES, January 16, 1922 (page 7)

FUNERAL OF MRS. M. F. RILEY WAS HELD THIS AFTERNOON

The funeral services for the late Mrs. Millard F. Riley, Sr. were held this afternoon at 1 o'clock from the family residence, 307 East State Street, Rev. G. R. Williamson, pastor of the First Methodist Episcopalian Church, officiated.

The bearers were: W. A. Bryant, Fay Green, Fordyce Hammond, and Henry Hill.

Burial was made in Mount View Cemetery.

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Letter from a dear family friend to Edith, daughter of Martha re: Martha's death:

My dear Edith,

We were all so surprised and sorry for you and your family when I read in the Buffalo Evening News a week ago last night about your mother's funeral having been held that day, as we had heard nothing about her death until then.

I was talking with Fay the day before her death and he said then that she was very low. He also tells me that your father is quite poorly. This grief will be hard for him to bear in that condition. It is hard enough when people have their health.

I hope you will not get down sick with so much responsibility on your hands. Y ou must take good care of yourself because so much depends upon you.

We all join in expressing our sympathy for you and kindly extend it to your family.

Sincerely,
Katherine P. Duncan
Jan 24, 1922
==============

Children of Millard Riley and Martha Wands are:

James Wands Riley, born 1876 in Olean, Cattaraugus, New York; died 1954 in Olean, Cattaraugus, New York.

Notes for James Wands Riley:
Never Married. Was New York state assemblyman and then a state senator for some years. His Senate desk with the number engraved on it is in the Fay Perry Greene home (Little Run Farm, WIlliamstown, West Virginia).

Fay Greene, nephew of James Riley, remembers that his Uncle Jim was always very kind to him and they got along very well. James Riley never forgot his young nephew at Christmas -and during the Depression years, Fay can remember a Christmas when the only gift Fay received was from his Uncle Jim. Jim helped Fay get a job at the Worlds' Fair in New York.
====

From a Winfield, Kansas newspaper, date not known:
MRS. FAY GREENE's BROTHER IS RE-ELECTED
James W. Riley, of Olean, NY, brother of Mrs. Fay P. Greene of Winfield, was re-elected state senator from the district for a second term at the recent election, according to word received by Mrs. Greene. Mr. Riley was elected on the Republican ticket by a majority of 26,000 over his opponent.

Mr. Riley visited in Winfield three years ago when he came to see Mrs. Greene, and his brother, who was ill in the hospital.

(Note by L. Greene: "his brother" probably refers to Ralph Riley, who was living in Tulsa OK at the time.)

More About James Wands Riley:
Fact 1: State Senator for NY many years
Fact 2: Never Married

ii.

Ralph Clifton Riley, born 1877 in Olean, Cattaraugus, New York; died 1940 in Santa Monica, CA; married Eva Wright; born in New York.

Notes for Ralph Clifton Riley:
The book "The Hardenbergh Family" lists Ralph as being born in Clifton, Illinois. Possibly his parents were on a trip at the time, or the book may be incorrect.

Lived most of his adult life in Tulsa, Oklahoma (according to Fay Perry Greene, Jr., his nephew.)
He was Vice President of J. A. Hull Oil Company with headquarters in Tulsa.

Lived 1415 South Denver in Tulsa, OK
======

There is a discrepancy in the birth year of Ralph Riley: Some family members have him as being born in 1880, however census records suggest 1877, and his obituary in 1940 stated he was 63, which also suggests 1877.
======

Obituary of Ralph Riley from Tulsa Newspaper, 1940:

TULSAN RETIRED THREE YEARS AGO: RITES HERE

Ralph C. Riley, 63, prominent Tulsa oil producer for 21 years, died this morning at his Santa Monica, California, home after a 3 year illness.
Mr. Riley was associated with J. A. Hull and E. E. Adams during his career here. He retired from business and moved to California in Sept. 1937, after an illness.
He was a native of Olean, NY. Upon completing his education there, Mr. Riley moved to West Virginia and entered the oil business in Sistersville.
He later became associated with the Pure Oil Co. and when the fields at Casey and at Robinson, Illinois were developed, he followed the play for Pure.
Mr. Riley came to Tulsa in 1916, and was associated with J. A. Hull in the Oklahoma Central Oil Co., In 1921 he aided in forming the J. A. Hull Co. He was vice President and general manager until it was sold to the Sinclair-Prairie Oil Co. in 1936.
He then joined E. E. Adams in a production association, and about a year later suffered the illness which led to his retirement. Since 1937, he had spent most of his time at Santa Monica.
Mr. Riley was a devoted member of the Trinity Episcopal church. He was a member of the vestry for 10 years, and had served as senior warden for 3 years prior to his illness.
He is survived by the widow, Mrs. Eva Wright Riley, whom he married in 1907 at Sistersville. Surviving also are a son, James Wands Riley of California; a daughter, Mrs. J. Richmond Holmes of 1415 S. Denver Ave.; two brothers, James W. Riley and Millard F. Riley, both of Olean, and three sisters, Mrs. F. P. Green of Winfield, Kansas, Mrs. J. R. Coon of Bronxville, NY, and Mrs. Harry Philius of Youngstown, Ohio.
Funeral services will be held at 11 AM Monday in the Trinity Episcopal church. Place of interment has not yet been decided.
Active pallbearers will be O. J. McCann, P. F. Cole, E. E. Adams, W. S. Cochran, J. K. Finlayson, and H. L. Fitzgerald.
Honorary bearers will include J. A. Hull, Preston C. West, Luther White, DeWitt Hull, R. A. Griffth, Jr., and T. W. Francis.

FUNERAL MONDAY
Sixty three old retired Tulsa oil operator, Ralph C. Riley, died Thursday at his Santa Monica Calif. home after a 3 year illness. The body will arrive in Tulsa Saturday night, and funeral services will be held at 11AM Monday at the Trinity Episcopal church, with Rev. E. H. Eckel, Jr. rector, in charge. Interment will be in Memorial Park, directed by the Stanley and McCune Funeral home. Pallbearers will include his two former business associates, J.A. Hull and E. E. Adams.

Notes for Eva Wright:
Social Security Record:
RILEY, EVA 441-34-4412 (OK) b. 28 Aug 1884 d. Oct 1971
last residence: 74114 (Tulsa, Tulsa, OK)

iii.

Harriet Riley, born 1882 in Olean, Cattaraugus, New York; died 1952 in Youngstown, Ohio; married Harry Philius.

Notes for Harriet Riley:
Notes from Dr. F. P. Greene, nephew of Harriet, June 1997:
We visited Harry and Harriet in Youngstown and had a good time. We always called her Aunt Hattie.....everybody called her Hattie. She was a very jolly person, and we got along well. She always showed a very strong interest in all her relations' activities.

Notes for Harry Philius:
Notes from Dr. F. P. Greene, nephew of Harriet Riley Philius and 1st cousin of her son Charles.

Harry was a very handsome guy......well over 6 feet. Wonderful voice, would have been great on Television or Radio. His parents lived in Olean, and I can even remember the house they lived in. Harry worked for Youngstown Sheet and Tube for many years. One of the outstanding things about his parents that I remember is that they used to make homemade root beer, and boy was it good!! Better than any commercial root beer you can buy! Harry and Harriet lived at 712 Warren Ave. in Younstown Ohio, and their son Charles still lives in this house.

iv.

Edna Riley, born January 7, 1885 in Olean, Cattaraugus, New York; died November 15, 1975 in Worchester, Massachusetts; married James Ralph Coon; born Bef. 1885 in Cattaraugus County, NY; died Abt. 1972 in NY.

Notes for Edna Riley:
Edna was the identical twin of Edith

Social Security Record:
COON, EDNA 134-36-1704 (NY) b. 07 Jan 1885 d. Nov 1975
lr. 01609 (Worcester, Worcester, MA)

She and her husband lived in Bronxville, New York for many years. After Ralph's death, Edna lived in Worcester to be near her daughter Martha, their only child. Upon Edna's death, she was brought back to NY to be buried next to her husband in Hartsdale, NY.

After Edna and Ralph were married, they moved to Staten Island, New York, then on to Westchester, NY. Martha spent many of her childhood years in Pleasantville, NY before they moved to Bronxville, NY.

Edna loved painting with water colors and working with flowers. She was very active in the Garden Club in Bronxville.

Notes for James Ralph Coon:
Notes of Fay Greene, cousin of Martha Riley Coon:
"Ralphs' ancestor was one of the first mayors of Olean. Ralph's cousin was Leslie Coon, who worked for the New York Central Railroad as a Railroad Dick......a railroad detective. Leslie's wife's name was Lillian, and she was the life of the party. Ralph was Comptroller of the American Tobacco Company in New York. Ralph and Edna lived first in Bronxville, then in Tuckahoe, NY, then back to Bronxville, in beautiful homes. Ralph was raised in Olean, but spent most of his adult life in New York City. There was a seafarer's organization called Sailor's Snug Harbor and he had an accounting position there, then moved on to American Tobacco Company. "

Names of Ralph's siblings provided by Martha Coon Piehler Fallon, his daughter. She believes Ralph was born either in Olean, or Ceres NY.

	3	v.		Edith Mary Riley, born January 7, 1885 in Olean, Cattaraugus, NY; died October 1973 in Williamstown, Wood, WV; married Fay Perry Greene 1917 in Olean, Cattaraugus, NY.
		vi.		Millard Fillmore Riley, Jr., born April 12, 1887 in Olean, Cattaraugus, New York; died September 1962 in Olean, Cattaraugus, New York; married Ethelyn Frances Colburn; born May 1, 1890 in Boston (Source: Gravestone in Olean, NY.); died May 18, 1944 in Olean, Cattaraugus, New York (Source: Gravestone in Olean, NY.).

Notes for Millard Fillmore Riley, Jr.:
Social Security Record:
RILEY, MILLARD 079-07-2182 (NY) b. 12 Apr 1887 d. Sep 1962
last residence: NY

Notes from Mignon:
Entrepreneur, involved in property, oil leases in Kansas, had an automobile agency, ran a soup kitchen during the depression. He ran a hotel which is now a nursing home, and held property for a Cold Storage. He had a lawsuit with the state of NY when he fell down the stairs at the Courthouse, won and settled for damages.

He was a wonderful man. He worked for Jim for a while in Albany. He got the first fire truck for Olean.
=============

Obituary of Millard Fillmore Riley, Jr., Olean Times Herald, Thursday, September 20, 1962
Provided by the Olean Historical and Preservation Society, Oct 1999

M. F. RILEY, OLEAN REALTOR, SUCCUMBS

Millard F. Riley, well known Olean business man, died at the Olean General Hospital Wednesday, Sept 19, 1962 following a long illness.
Mr. Riley, who resided at 210 N. Barry St., was born in Olean on April 12, 1887, a son of Millard F. Riley Sr. and Martha Wands Riley. He was a graduate of Olean High School and a lifelong resident.
Mr. Riley was president of the Olean-Kansas Gas and Oil Co. and for many years was vice president and manager of the Riley and Wands Wholesale Grocery Corp; manager of Riley and Wands Cold Storage Co., now the Crosby Cold Storage. In addition he managed the real estate interests for his family in the business district on N. Union St.
He was married to the former Miss Ethelyn Colburn, who died May 22, 1944.
Surviving are two daughters, Mrs. Donald (Suzanne) Wolcott, Rochester; and Mrs. Walter (Mignon) Sullivan, Mamaroneck, NY; eight grandchildren: twin sisters, Mrs. James R. (Edna) Coon, Bronxville; and Mrs. Fay (Edith) Greene, Brooksville, FLa; and several nieces and nephews. He is also survived by an aunt, Mrs. Mignon Jebb, who made her home with him.
Mr. Riley was a member of St. Stephen's Episcopal Church; a former member of the board of vestrymen of the church; and a member of the City Club of Olean.
Friends may call at the Halwig Funeral Home, inc. 2-4 and 7-9 pm until noon Saturday (sept 22, 1962) when Mr. Riley will be taken to St. Stephen's Episcopal Church to lie in state from 1-2 m. Funderal services will be conducted by the Rev. William G. Greenfield, recotr.
Burial will be in Mount View Cemetery, Olean
Memorials may be made to the "all Souls Fund" of St. Stephen's Episcopal Church or to the American Cancer Fund.

Notes for Ethelyn Frances Colburn:
Had fallen down stairs with a tray and got a blood clot, which went to her heart. She was only 54 years old.

Her step father was George Fred Bell, 2nd husband of Jane Jebb

She was asked to inspect Boarding Homes (essentially foster homes caring for children) during the Depression. She graduated from Mechanics Institute, which is now Rochester Polytechnical Institute. She had a degree in Home Economics.

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