Edward Riker was born on 27. Dec. 1842 at New York, New York County, New York. He was the son of
Robert Riker and
Catherine Matilda McDougall. Edward Riker married
Margaret Keyes, daughter of
Philip Keyes and
Theresa Bonzer, on 17. Jan. 1867 at Brooklyn, Kings County, New York; at Edward's home 56 Flatbush Ave.
Edward Riker and
Margaret Keyes appeared on the census of 23. Jul. 1870 at Brooklyn, Kings County, New York,
; personal property 1,600.00. Edward Riker was an undertaker on 5. Jun. 1880.
Edward Riker and
Margaret Keyes appeared on the census of 5. Jun. 1880 at Brooklyn, Kings County, New York.
Edward Riker was a park employee on 7. Jun. 1900.
Edward Riker and
Margaret Keyes appeared on the census of 7. Jun. 1900 at Brooklyn, Kings County, New York,
; 11 children, 7 living.
Edward Riker appeared on the census of 28. Apr. 1910 at Brooklyn, Kings County, New York,
; a widower.
Edward Riker appeared on the census of 13. Jan. 1920 at Brooklyn, Kings County, New York,
; a widower.
Edward Riker left a will on 8. Apr. 1924 at Greenwich, Fairfield County, Connecticut. He died on 23. Feb. 1928 at Brooklyn, Kings County, New York, at age 85. He was buried at Evergreen Cemetery, Brooklyn, Kings County, New York. His estate was proved on 23. Mar. 1928 at King's County Surrogate Court, Brooklyn, Kings County, New York. 14th Brooklyn was part of the Eastern Iron Brigade. Name came after marches around Fredericksburg Apr - July 1863. Provost said that they were made of Iron. This brigade was disbanded shortly after Chancellorsville. The first brigade had also been given the same name "Western Iron Brigade"at G-burg they were the only Iron Brigade. 14th was part of 2nd Brigade at G-burg.
CW Veteran 1862-65 14th Brooklyn Co D in 2,1,I.
Antitam (prob no action, guarding camp)
At Fredericksburg, in Mud March.
Orderly on Hooker's Staff.
Returns to 14th on June 30, McPherson Ridge and Culp's Hill at Getysburg. Saw action each day (lost diary at the RR cut).
'64 Army reorganized 14th to 4,V Division mauled in Wilderness,14th not there guarding river ford. 14th completes term but Ed has time on enlistment.
Assigned to Co C 5th NY Vet V of 1,2,V.
Part of diversion which lets Army cross James.
At Petersburg V Corp is on the far left extending the lines inc the Weldon RR.
Fights at Five Forks and follows Lee to Appomattox. AM of 9 April in front of Confederate line of March.
At Appomattox during surrender.
Mustered out in June 1865.
10-01 Obit in Eastern Star implies that Edward belonged to the Masons. Services at his home Sat evening. Burial on Sun the 26that Evergreen following military rites at the 14th Armory.
Picture of Edward with four other aging veterans is taken before the new armory of the 14th which was dedicated in 1894. The Gettysburg inscription showing to the left is from a stone taken from G-burg. from article supplied from 14th Assoc.
02-02 AG Report Edward enisted 30 Aug 1862 at 18yr. Enlisted in Co D 84th NYSM on 03 Sep. Transferred on 02 Jun 1864 to Co C of 5th NYVV.
09/02 from New York Times 1) 1879 Edward is resigning from 14th. From LT.acc to 14th NYSM up to 1872 Edward is a LT. He continues in the unit after the war. So he became an officer. 2) from NYT 1923 in charge of a Vet event in honor of Col Fowler. He is designatedas a Captain. Article of eventalso in Brooklyn Daily Standard Uniom. 12 survivors present. 3) NYT Mem Day 1927 five members of 14th inparade. Edward and four others: Geo H Rice, Wm F Smith, Fred Sanders, and John Boyce. Probably the five in the picture.
03/04 - from "Brooklyn Daily Standard Union" 17 Sep 1923. Veteran ceremony Edward is listed as Captain and he lays a wreath.Edward had also been the chairman. He is one of twelve vets ofCW present. (Fred Sanders who is in picture is not listed; the others are.)
Apr 1928 Probate of will no real prop and 4,000 in personal to be divided seven ways to children and heir.