Riley, Bennett, 1787-1853

Soldier. Distinguished himself during the War of 1812, in various Indian actions, and during the Mexican War. He served as miltiary governor of California in 1849. Bennett I. and Edward B.D. Riley were two of Bennett Riley's children.

From the description of Bennett Riley papers, 1818-1888. (Buffalo History Museum). WorldCat record id: 123812535

Biography

Bennet Riley, born in Virginia in 1787, early became a soldier, rising to the rank of Colonel by 1840 and General by 1849. He fought in Florida, distinguished himself in the Mexican war, particularly in the battle of Cerro Gordo. At the end of the war, in the spring of 1849, he was sent to command the Pacific department, with headquarters at Monterey. Appointed military governor of California, he proposed a convention for the purpose of forming a state constitution. He resigned when this was accomplished, staying on at Monterey until July 1850. He then resumed regular army life until his death in Buffalo, New York, in 1853.

From the guide to the Bennet Riley Papers, 1849, (The Bancroft Library)