Riker Surname – Access Genealogy

The Old Dutch Burying Ground in North Tarrytown New York

This book documents the early gravestones and inscriptions of the Old Dutch Burying Ground in North Tarrytown, New York, focusing on preservation efforts led by William Graves Perry. Commissioned for the church’s 250th anniversary, it records the deteriorating brownstone and marble markers, some dating back to the 18th century. The text highlights the artistry of gravestones and the community’s historical significance. Despite losses, surviving inscriptions are important for understanding the genealogy of early settlers in the area.

Ancestors of Mereitt G. Perkins of Bridgewater, MA

The Perkins family has deep roots in New England, tracing its lineage to Abraham Perkins, who arrived in Hampton in 1638. His descendants included influential figures in various fields, particularly in iron manufacturing. Notably, John Perkins of Bridgewater was a prominent machinist and manager at several iron works. His youngest son, Mereitt G. Perkins, born in 1864, became a successful banker in Newark, NJ, expanding the family’s legacy in business and finance while maintaining historical ties to their ancestral roots in Massachusetts.

Biography of Charlie H. Riker

Charlie H. Riker, born in 1866 in Ohio, became a prominent farmer in Kansas after moving there as a child. His family, including his father, William J. Riker, a Civil War veteran and successful farmer, settled in Coffey County. Charlie initially farmed there before relocating to Shawnee County, eventually acquiring and improving a ten-acre home near Topeka. Married to Effie D. Long, a respected physician’s daughter, the Rikers have established a beautiful home and a reputation for community engagement and social hospitality.