James Riker

His father, James Riker (Snr) was a merchant and landowner descended from early Dutch settlers.

There Riker studied informally for the Presbyterian ministry and began the genealogical and historical research that would occupy him for much of his life.

Two years later, having given up his plans for a religious career, he began work as a teacher in New York's Ward School 24.

Several years later Riker moved to Waverly, New York where he established the Waverly Library and Museum, and wrote two additional historical works, Harlem (city of New York): its origin and early annals (1881) and Evacuation Day, 1783, with Recollections of Capt.

In his later years Riker struggled financially and was forced to auction off a substantial portion of his library.