Riley Wise Lindsey was born February 22, 1832, near Indian Springs, Georgia, and is the seventh son of Parham Lindsey, a prominent man in the early history of middle Georgia, being both senator and representative several times. His mother was a Miss Wise, from Maryland. Riley attended public school until seventeen years of age, when he became a dry goods clerk, and remained in that capacity two years. At the age of twenty-one years he formed a partnership in the mercantile business with H. M. Byers at his native place, Indian Springs. Continuing in the business one year and a half, he sold out, and in 1855 went to Kansas City, Mo., as a salesman. In two years’ time he bought a half share in a mercantile house, and ran it under the firm name of Mechetta, Lindsey & Co. Selling out in 1858, he came to the Cherokee Nation the following year and married Miss M. Bryan, daughter of Colonel Jelle Bryan, once a prominent Cherokee. In 1861 he joined the Confederate army, and at the close of the war visited Mexico, where he remained two years. Returning to the Cherokee Nation, he engaged in the mercantile business until 1885, when he commenced farming and stock rising, and continues the business at present. He has 150 acres of good land in cultivation, 200 head of stock cattle, 30 head of horses, and a good residence and orchard, besides some town property. Mr. Lindsey has been the father of fifteen children, but ten only are now living. He is a gentleman of good appearance and pleasant address, with the refinement and polish of the true Southern gentleman. Mr. Lindsey is an Odd Fellow of old standing and a member of the Presbyterian Church.
