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Part #10 of 12
(so far):
NYCHS presents
excerpts from
The Rikers:
Their Island, Homes, Cemetery and Early Genealogy in Queens County, NY
by permission of its author, an 11th generation Abraham Rijcken vanLent descendant, Edgar Alan Nutt.
He retains & reserves all copyrights. To supplement the book's few images, NYCHS has added others with appropriate identification. Above left: Image of the book's front cover. Above right: Detail from 1852 map on Page 48 (color added).

Below: Excerpts from Page 70 to Page 78 of
Chapter Four: The Riker Cemetery

THE INSCRIPTIONS AND IDENTIFICATIONS

"The Riker Cemetery Survey . . . completed August 1, 1919."
The map image and caption line DO appear in Edgar Alan Nutt's 2004 book.

Webmaster Note: Click a markers group in graveyard map above for notes on markers in that group. Mapped markers are grouped vertically, numerically and consecutively: #1 to #4, #5 to #11, #12 to #20, #21 to #22, #23 to #37, #38 to #40, #41 to #58, #59 to #66, #67 to #77, #78 to #94, #95 to #102, #103 to #119, #120 to #126, #127 to #131.

While there are some burial groupings of closely related individuals, there are no plots as such and in general the burials seem to have been without any plan as to location.

On the basis of the 1919 survey and using the numbers assigned in it, a list of the cemetery’s inscriptions was made in 1932. [Description of Private and Family Cemeteries in the Borough of Queens, compiled by the Topographical Bureau, Charles U. Powell, C.E., Engineer in Charge, and edited by Alice H. Meigs; the Long Island Collection, published by the Queens Borough Public Library, Jamaica, New York, 1932. The Riker Cemetery is Number 5 in this compilation.]

The list that follows is based upon that 1932 list, but it has been compared with two later informal lists, some corrections have been made, further identifications of individuals have been made, and identification numbers have been added, but the description of the nature and condition of the markers, noted in the 1932 list, has not been included.

Lent Riker Smith Homestead tour participants wander through the cemetery.

Photo by NYCHS during the June 5, 2005 tour given by Marion Smith to benefit the Queens Historical Society. Tour images do not appear in Edgar Alan Nutt's 2004 book and have been added to the web version by NYCHS. Click image to visit the Queens Historical Society web site.

#1 “To the Memory of DANIEL PHOENIX RIKER oldest son of Richard and Jennet Riker; born February 2 1st, 1808; died April 30th, 1868. Show me Thy mercy and grant me Thy Salvation. ‘Blessed are the peace makers.”’

#2 “To the Memory of REBECCA PHOENIX RIKER youngest daughter of Richard and Jennet Riker; died March 4th, 1868; aged 46 years & 14 days. ‘And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow nor pain.’”

#3 “To the Memory of SARAH LEVERICH; born August 1st, 1864; died August 5th, 1864 and CHARLES D. LEVERICH, JR.; born February 18th, 1866; died August 6th, 1867. Only children of Charles D. & Julia Lawrence Riker Leverich. ‘Suffer the little children to come unto Me and forbid them not for of such is the Kingdom of God.’”

#4 “To the Memory of JULIA L. LEVERICH, wife of Charles D. Leverich and youngest daughter of John L. & Lavinia S. Riker; born July 24th, 1844; died February 28th, 1866. Immortality downed on her enraptured mind even before it quitted its earthly abode; and her pure and devoted soul made an easy transit to the Society of the Blessed.”

To Grave Markers Map

Notes re Markers #5 to #11

#5 “Sacred to the Memory of ABRAHAM RIKER who departed this life January 28th, 1843; aged 86 years, 8 months and 18 days. And also MARY, his wife, on April 12th. 1844; aged 82 years, 5 months and 9 days, who departed this life.”

#6 “In Memory of PETER RIKER departed Nov. 10. 1829; aged 49 years & 18 days.”

#7 “In Memory of ABRAHAM RIKER who departed this life March 14th, 1823; aged 33 years & 3 months.”

The cemetery, seen over the wrought iron decoration atop the graveyard's brick wall from an adjacent strip of landscaped land overlooking it. Mentioned as the "Secret Garden" during the Lent Riker Smith Homestead tour, the strip serves as a kind of buffer between the cemetery and the street on the other side of the high stockade fence along the property line.

Photo by NYCHS during the June 5, 2005 tour given by Marion Smith to benefit the Queens Historical Society. Tour images do not appear in Edgar Alan Nutt's 2004 book and have been added to the web version by NYCHS. Click image to visit the Queens Historical Society web site.

#8 “In Memory of MARY RIKER, wife of Peter Riker, who departed this life May 25th, 1827’ age 64 years.”

#9 “Sacred to the Memory of PETER RIKER who departed this life February 5th, 1851; aged 90 years,9 months & 10 days.”

#10 “In Memory of WILLIAM C. RIKER, son of Peter Riker of Riker’s Island, who died August 11th, 1857; aged 42 years.” (Another report specifies his date of death as June 16, 1851 at 38 years; no explanation of the discrepancy is apparent.)

#11 “Sacred to the Memory of ANDREW RIKER, son of Peter Riker of Riker’s Island; died June 15th, 1851; aged 68 years, 2 months & 15 days. My Husband, not lost but gone before. Sacred to the Memory of SARAH ANN, wife of Henry Riker, who died July 17th, 1852; aged 30 years - -died June 23rd, 1852. RUSSELL C., son of Henry & Sarah Ann Riker; aged -—years, 3 months and ---days; died July 29th, 185- ANN WILLSON, daughter of Henry and Sarah A. Riker; aged 2 weeks & 3 days. ‘Our Buds were nipped on earth to bloom in Heaven.”

To Grave Markers Map

Notes re Markers #12 to #20

#12 “JAMES RALPH BURNETT, youngest son of the late Mary & Jeremiah Burnett; born January 30, 1845’ died June 24, 1908.” (Relationship, if any, with Riker family is not apparent.) #12A (A mound of earth indicated in 1932 a recent burial without a marker.)

#13 “GERTRUDE RIKER, daughter of Emma 5, and William H. Guion, Jr.; born Sept. 12, 1883; died April 1, 1893.”

#14 “WILLIAM H. GUION, JR.; born September 25, 1848; died January 7th, 1886.” (If and how he is related to Edward M. Guion and his wife Hannah J. Riker Guion has not been determined. The 1974 Henke chart treats him as identical with Edward M. Guion, Jr., but clearly this is an error.”

#15 “EMMA S. GUION. born March 19th, 1855; died January 13th, 1903”

Another view of the cemetery, seen from an adjacent strip of landscaped land overlooking it. Mentioned as the "Secret Garden" during the Lent Riker Smith Homestead tour, the strip serves as a kind of buffer between the cemetery and street on the other side of the high stockade fence along the property line.

Photo by NYCHS during the June 5, 2005 tour given by Marion Smith to benefit the Queens Historical Society. Tour images do not appear in Edgar Alan Nutt's 2004 book and have been added to the web version by NYCHS. Click image to visit the Queens Historical Society web site.

#16 “ALPHEUS R. GUION, born August 14th, 1853; died August 16th, 1882.” (He was a son of Edward M. & Hannah)

#17 “In Memory of Edward M., son of Edward M. and Hannah J. Guion; born March 15th, 1846; died September 16th, 1872. ‘For so he giveth his beloved sleep.”'

#18 “HANNAH I. GUION; born August 26th, 1816; died April 27th, 1880.”

#19 “In Memory of EDWARD M. GUION, born July 8th, 1808; died April 14th, 1871. ‘Mark the perfect man and behold the upright, for the end of that man is peace.’”

#20 “In Memory of ELIZA J. RIKER, the beloved wife of Daniel Riker; died March 10th, 1864; aged 38 years.” (The identity of this Daniel Riker has not been found.)

To Grave Markers Map

Notes re Markers #21 to #22

#21 “SYLVANUS RIKER, son of Patrick Henry & Maria Louise Butler; died December 23, 1873; age 10 months & 7 days. ‘Suffer little children to come unto Me.”' (The relationship of the Butlers to the Riker family has not been found.)

#22 “In Memory of ANNA PATIENCE CHURCHILL; died Oct 23, 1901. ‘Blessed are the pure in heart for they shall see God.’”

To Grave Markers Map

Notes re Markers #23 to #37

#23 “I.R.R.”
#24 (no inscription)
#25 (no inscription)

#26 “In Memory of JOHN RIKER, who departed this life Feb. 14th, 1825; aged 37 years.” (The year may be 1823.)

#27 “In Memory of ANDREW RIKER, who departed this life November 14th, 1815; aged 85 years and 6 months.”

#28 “In Memory of JACOBUS RIKER, who departed this life August -6, 1809; aged —years.”

#29 “In Memory of ANN CATHERINE, wife of Jacobus Riker, who departed this life July 1st, 1815; aged 79 years, 10 months & 27 days.”

Path, tucked away at far end of Lent Riker Smith Homestead beautifully decorated and landscaped grounds, leads to the open gate for the "Secret Garden" that borders the cemetery's north side.

Photo by NYCHS during the June 5, 2005 tour given by Marion Smith to benefit the Queens Historical Society. Tour images do not appear in Edgar Alan Nutt's 2004 book and have been added to the web version by NYCHS. Click image to visit the Queens Historical Society web site.

#30 “In Memory of ELLEN RAPE LYE, who died Feb.17th, 1822; aged 1 year & 11 months. Also ELLEN ELIZABETH RIKER, who died July 25th, 18—; aged 1 year & 9 months, daughter of James & Elizabeth Riker. ‘Sweet infants thou hast gain’d that shore Where pain and sickness are no more; Happy now thou reignest above, Blest through thy dear Redeemer’s love.”'

#31 “In Memory of DEBORAH, wife of Daniel Riker and daughter of William & Dorothy Leverich, who died April 9th, 1818; aged 45 years, 10 months & 5 days. ‘Weep not my friends all dear, I am not dead but sleeping here; The debt is paid, the grave you see, Prepare for death and follow me.”'

#32 “In Memory of JOSEPH L. RIKER, son of Daniel & Deborah Riker, who departed this life October 27th, 1823 aged 13 years, 2 months and 10 days.”

#33 “In Memory of JOHN R. RIKER, son of Daniel & Deborah Riker, who departed this life February 4th, 1824; aged 24 years and 9 days.”

#34 (broken off about one foot above base; no inscription)

#35 “In Memory of R., wife of Samuel Valentine, and daughter of Daniel & Deborah Riker, who died March 3rd, 1828; aged 32 years, 2 months and 10 days.” Also MARIA, daughter of Samuel & Maria R. Valentine, who died Sept. 4th, 1828, aged 11 months & 21 days.”

#36 “In Memory of WILLIAM L. RIKER, who died March 8, 1828, AE 35 years & 3 months.”

#37 “In Memory of BERRIAN, son of William L & Catherine Riker, who died June 26, 1828; AE 1 year, 9 months & 13 days!”

To Grave Markers Map

Notes re Markers #38 to #40

A scene near entrance to the "Secret Garden" that borders the north side of the cemetery.

Photo by NYCHS during the June 5, 2005 tour given by Marion Smith to benefit the Queens Historical Society. Tour images do not appear in Edgar Alan Nutt's 2004 book and have been added to the web version by NYCHS. Click image to visit the Queens Historical Society web site.

#38 “In Memory of ELIZABETH, wife of James Riker, who died October 10th, 1851; age 43 years & 6 mos. ‘Her eminent virtue endeared her to all her friends. She lived beloved and died deeply lamented.”'

#39 “In Memory of JAMES RIKER, born in Newtown December 25th, 1791; died at Harlem, N.Y., April 4th, 1852. ‘The Lord is my strength and song and is become my salvation.”'

#40 “In Memory of DANIEL B., son of Daniel & Ann Ellen Riker, who died December 4th, 1844; aged 8 years,5 months and 19 days. ‘Weep not for me my friends all dear, I am not dead but sleeping here. The debt is paid, my grave you see, Prepare for death and follow me. My flesh shall slumber in the ground Till the last trumpet’s solemn sound, Then burst the bond, in sweet surprise, And in my savior’s image rise.”’

To Grave Markers Map

Notes re Markers #41 to #58

#41 “JOHANNIS R,; B. 1721; D. 1744”
#42 “ALTIE R;B1719;D1753”
#43 “JORES R;B1733;D1753”
#44 “A. R,”
#45 “J. R.”
#46 “J. R.”
#47 “A. C. R.”
#48 (no inscription)

#49 “In Memory of JACOBUS, son of Daniel & Ranchey Lent, who departed this life March 3rd, 1793’ aged 16 days.”

View of stockade fence from the narrow pathway in the "Secret Garden" that borders the north side of the cemetery.

Photo by NYCHS during the June 5, 2005 tour given by Marion Smith to benefit the Queens Historical Society. Tour images do not appear in Edgar Alan Nutt's 2004 book and have been added to the web version by NYCHS. Click image to visit the Queens Historical Society web site.

#50 “D. R.”
#51 “J. R. R.”
#52 “J. L. R.”
#53 (illegible initials)

#54 “In Memory of DANIEL, son of Daniel & Ranchey Lent, who departed this life July 25th, 1796; aged 2 months, 27 days,”

#55 “DANIEL LENT, died Apr. 20, 1797; aged 42 years & 10 months.” (uncertain name)

#56 “In Memory of GEORGE RAPELJE, who departed this life the 4th of August, 1789; aged 49 years.”

#57 “In Memory of ALETTA RAPELJE, the wife of George Rapelje, who departed this life the 23rd of December, 1810; aged 63 years & 8 months.”

#58 (inscription disintegrated)

To Grave Markers Map

Notes re Markers #59 to #66

#59 “MADISON LAWRENCE, M.D.; died February 16th, 1880, in the 77th year of his age. ‘He that believeth on me though he were dead yet shall he live.’” (A son of John & Patience Riker Lawrence.)

#60 “Sacred to the Memory of SAMUEL RIKER LAWRENCE, who died February 24, 1876, in the 71 year of his age.” (A son of John & Patience Riker Lawrence.)

#61 “Sacred to the Memory of PATIENCE RIKER LAWRENCE, who departed this life February 22nd, 1851; aged 72 years, 9 months & 12 days.”

#62 “In Memory of WILLIAM ELLIOTT, son of Timothy & Patience Churchill, who died May 12th, 1847; aged 1 year, 7 months & 27 days. ‘Suffer the little children to come unto Me and forbid them not for of such is the Kingdom of God.’” (A grandson, through Patience Churchill, of Patience Riker Lawrence.)

Another view of stockade fence from the narrow pathway in the "Secret Garden" that borders the north side of the cemetery. Digital image taken facing the direction of the tucked away open gate a group of Lent Riker Smith Homestead tour participants just used to enter the Secret Garden.

Photo by NYCHS during the June 5, 2005 tour given by Marion Smith to benefit the Queens Historical Society. Tour images do not appear in Edgar Alan Nutt's 2004 book and have been added to the web version by NYCHS. Click image to visit the Queens Historical Society web site.

#63 “Sacred to the Memory of JOHN LAWRENCE, son of John & Patience Lawrence, who departed this life on the 29th of April, 1838; aged 21 years, 2 months & 10 days. ‘Bless are the pure in heart for they shall see God.’”

#64 “Sacred to the Memory of LAWRENCE, youngest son of John & Louisa Ann Campbell; born 14 August, 1842; died 21 December, 1865; aged 23 years, 4 months & 7 days. ‘Asleep in Jesus gone to rest, Thy tolls and cares are o’er; And sorrow, pain, and suffering now Shall ne’er distress thee more. Yet again we hope to meet thee When our day of life is fled; Then in Heaven with joy to greet thee Where no farewell tear is shed.’ MATILDA, daughter of John & Louisa A. Campbell; born 25 Nov. 1839; died 17 Dec. 1903.” (Grandchildren through Louisa Ann Campbell of Patience Riker Lawrence.)

#65 “In Memory of JOHN LAWRENCE, eldest child of John & Louisa Ann Campbell. who died on the 7th day of October A.D. 1833; aged 6 years & 3 days.” (A grandchild through Louisa Ann Campbell of Patience Riker Lawrence.)

#66 “Sacred to the Memory of JOHN CAMPBELL, born in Bally Robin, Ireland, 26 June 1804; died in New York City 28 May 1861. Also his wife, LOUISA A. CAMPBELL; born in New York City 3 September 1807; died 29 January 1885. (a daughter of John and Patience Riker Lawrence.) ‘Dear parents we lay thee to rest in loving faith the lamb, who is the resurrection, and the life will restore thee to our sight again.’”

To Grave Markers Map

Notes re Markers #67 to #77

#67 “TIMOTHY G. CHURCHILL; born Sept. 23, 1809; died Sept. — 1873. ‘As for me & my house we will serve the Lord.”’ (Husband of Patience Lawrence, daughter of John and Patience Riker Lawrence.)

#68 “Lieut. JOHN LAWRENCE CHURCHILL, 24th U.S. Infantry; son of Timothy G. & Patience Churchill born Nov. 14, 1842; died at Jackson, Miss. Oct. 14, 1868.” (A grandson through Patience Churchill of Patience Riker Lawrence.)

#69 “Sacred to the Memory of PATIENCE LAWRENCE, wife of Timothy G. Churchill. and daughter of John and Patience Riker Lawrence; born October 2nd, 1814; died August 23rd, 1858. ‘She died in full hopes of a blessed immortality.’”

#70 “ABRAANNA, daughter of Abraham & Hannah Riker, wife of Alfred Dickinson; died October 20th. 1853; aged 31 years, 8 months & 2 days. ‘Blessed are the pure in heart.”’

#71 “JANE MARY, wife of John Purdy, and daughter of Win. James & Jane M. Macneven, who departed this life at Mackinac, Michigan, August 13th, 1856; aged 44 years, 10 months & 20 days. Entombed with his mother are the remains of MACNEVEN PURDY, aged 10 months & 24 days.”

#72 “Sacred to the Memory of SAMUEL RIKER MACNEVEN, son of William J. & Jane M. MacNeven; died February 19, 1851; aged 29 years, 11 months and 19 days.”

Click above image of the MacNeven gravestones group for larger image and more about Irish freedom leader Dr. William James MacNeven, son-in-law of Congressman Samuel Riker.

Photo by NYCHS during the June 5, 2005 tour given by Marion Smith to benefit the Queens Historical Society. Tour images do not appear in Edgar Alan Nutt's 2004 book and have been added to the web version by NYCHS. Click image to visit the Queens Historical Society web site.

#73 “To the Memory of JANE M. MACNEVEN, daughter of Samuel & Anna Riker and widow of Dr. William James Macneven. She departed this life March 26th, 1868; aged 85 years, 4 months & 26 days. ‘The strife is o’er the loved of years, To -- our yearning hearts had grown, Hath left us with life’s gathering fears To struggle darkly and alone. Yet mourn her not! The voice of woe Befits not this her triumph hour, Let sorrow’s tears no longer flow For life eternal is her bower.’”

#74 “I.H.S. Sacred to the Memory of Dr. WILLIAM JAMES MACNEVEN, an United Irishman, born at Ballynahowne, County of Galway, Ireland; departed this life ~ 1 July 12th, 1841(or 1844); aged 78 years, 5 months and 21 days. ‘An affectionate husband and father and a faithful friend, beloved, honoured, and venerated! He closed an eventful and useful life in piety and peace.’”

#75 “To the Memory of WILLIAM H. MACNEVEN, M.D., son of William J. & Jane M. Macneven, born on Christmas Day, 1815, departed this life May 12, 1854; aged 38 years, 4 months & 17 days. ‘Sweet peace and heavenly hope and — day divinely beamed on his exalted soul and crowned him for the skies.”’

#76 “This stone is raised to the memory of ROSA PATIENCE MACNEVEN, daughter of William James and Jane M. Macneven; who departed this life February 5th, 1839; aged 20 years, 10 months and 11 days, ‘The Lord hath taken her away in her early beauty. While her voice was yet sweet with the lark’s new song, in her mind’s bright intelligence and in her young heart’s devotion to Thee, oh God, Thou hast taken her away. Blessed be Thy Name.’”

#77 “This stone is raised to the memory of JAMES JOSEPH MACNEVEN, who departed this life December the 11th, 1832; aged 19 years, 4 months & 5 days. ‘Life how “ short, eternity how long .“‘ (A son of William James and Jane M. Macneven.)

The Barclay names on Riker cemetery markers #82 & #83 figure in the history of the landmark building (above) at Broadway and Worth Street (formerly Anthony St.), Manhattan, and its vicinity that includes The Tombs and DOC headquarters at Worth St. and West Broadway.

In the 1720s, Anthony Rutgers, a city alderman and member of the colonial assembly, acquired 45 acres of farm land bounded on one side by the 40-foot Collect Pond (near today’s Foley Square). The property extended north and west to what is today Canal Street and West Broadway, and south as far as Reade Street.

Rutgers was granted the swampland and pond to drain. The property passed in 1746 to heirs Anthony Jr. and daughter Mary Rutgers who three years later married the Rev. Henry Barclay, Trinity Church rector (left).

In 1786, two years before her death, the widow Barclay conveyed the remainder of the property she had inherited to her son Anthony Barclay (1755-1805), Riker Cemetery marker #82. Anthony's wife Anna Lent, daughter of 5th Riker generation Abraham Lent, has marker #83.

Health concerns about Collect Pond and its adjacent marshes led the city to purchase the area the Rutgers family in 1791, begin draining them in 1798 and begin filling in the pond in 1803. A few decades later the original Tombs was built on part of that reclaimed land.

Click building image for more Landmarks Preservation Commission history on it. Click Rev. Barclay image for a Colonial Albany Social History Project bio by Stefan Bielinski.

The images do not appear in Edgar Alan Nutt's 2004 book and have been added to the web version by NYCHS.

To Grave Markers Map

Notes re
Markers #78 to #94

#78 (no inscription)
#79 (no inscription)
#80 “M. B.”
#81 “A. L.”

#82 “In Memory of ANTHONY BARCLAY, son of the Revd. Henry & Mary Barclay, who departed this life August 25th, 1805; aged 43 years & 17 days.” (The father was a one-time rector of Trinity Church in downtown Manhattan.)

#83 “Sacred to the Memory of ANNA, wife of Anthony Barclay, died August 27, 1837; aged 61 years, 6 months & 23 days.”

#84 “To the Memory of JENNET RIKER, wife of Richard Riker, who departed this life February 17th, 1861; aged78 years, 7 months & 2 days. ‘The path of the just is as the shining light that shineth more & more unto the perfect day.’”

#85 “To the Memory of RICHARD RIKER, son of Samuel & Anna Riker, who departed this life September 26th, 1842; aged 69 years & 13 days. ‘The perishable marble cannot record his virtues: they are engraved on the hearts of all who knew him.”’

#86 “Died 31st of October, 1848, ANNA RIKER DITMARS, daughter of Dow Ditmars and Anna F. Riker, born 22nd of December, 1830.”

#87 “In Memory of SAMUEL RIKER, son of Dow Ditmars & Anna E. Riker, born 18th May, 1827, & died 21st July, 1828.”


Dr. Dow Ditmars' ancestor from Ditmarsen, Denmark, in 1647 obtained a farm at Dutch Kills (Jackson Ave. btwn Queens Plaza & Newtown Creek). The family later moved to Brooklyn where Dow aka Douwe was born. After Princeton, he spent 12 years in British Guiana, moved to Astoria, married Anna Elvira Riker, practiced medicine locally 50 years, living at the Hell Gate on the street that bears his name. Son, Abrham, became Long Island City Mayor. Ditmars names appear on markers #86 - #88. For bio, click image.

The above caption and Greater Astoria Historical Society image do NOT appear in Edgar Alan Nutt's 2004 book and have been added to the web version by NYCHS.

#88 “DOUWE DITMARS, son of Abram & Elizabeth nee Johnson. his wife, born June 12, 1771, died June 20, 1860. ANNA ELVIRA, wife of Douwe Ditmars, daughter of Samuel Riker and Anna nee Lawrence, his wife, born May 1, 1785, died Aug. 2, 1860. RICHARD RIKER DITMARS, 2nd son of above, born Aug. 7, 1820; died Aug. 17, 1850, at San Francisco, Cal., and buried there.”

#89 “To the Memory of HENRY L. RIKER,son of JohnL & Maria Riker; born January 11, 1820; died June 24, 1861. ‘His life presented a beautiful example of filial affection, of moderation, of self-control and of integrity. His death was sudden. At mid-day he was worshipping in the sanctuary of the Lord on earth, at midnight his spirit had entered the upper sanctuary and joined the redeemed and angelic host around the throne, in the eternal anthem of praise.’”

#90 “To the Memory of RICHARD RIKER, son of John L & Lavinia Riker; born the 10th of March 1834; died the 3rd of October, 1853; aged 19 years, 6 months & 23 days. ‘In his bit of life were --- many which will not quickly fade from the remembrance of those who mourn him.’”

#91 “Sacred to the Memory of MARY ANN, daughter of John L & Maria Riker; born December 23rd, 1823, died July 21st, 1865. ‘She is not dead, but sleepeth.’”

#92 “The grave of MARIA RIKER, wife of John L Riker, who died the 4th day of January, 1828, aged 27 years, 9 months & 17 days. ‘In remembrance of she who was beloved by every person acquainted with her worth & virtues, this tablet is erected by her husband.”(additional inscription illegible)

#93 “To the Memory of JOHN L. RIKER, son of Samuel & Anna Riker; born April 9, 1787, died May 11, 1861. ‘After a life spent in the constant practice of virtue, he sleeps in Jesus.”’

#94 “To the Memory of LAVINIA RIKER, widow of John L Riker and daughter of Silvanus & Mary Smith; born October 21, 1796; died December 15, 1875. ‘She looked well to the ways of her household and ate not the bread of idleness; her children arise up and call her blessed.’”
A stand-alone wrought iron gate, used just as decoration, in the "Secret Garden" that borders the north side of the cemetery.

Photo by NYCHS during the June 5, 2005 tour given by Marion Smith to benefit the Queens Historical Society. Tour images do not appear in Edgar Alan Nutt's 2004 book and have been added to the web version by NYCHS. Click image to visit the Queens Historical Society web site.

To Grave Markers Map

Notes re Markers #95 to #102

#95 “In Memory of THOMAS A. WATERMAN, who departed this life the 11th day of Jan., 1830, in the 10th year of his age.”

#96 (no inscription)
#97 (no inscription)
#97A “J. L. R.”

#98 “In Memory of ANNE, wife of Solomon Strang, who departed this life March 12th, 1802; aged 48 years.”

#99 “In Memory of GEORGE BRINKERHOFF, who was born June 1779(?), and died June 1808.” (He was the father-in-law of William L Riker)

#100 “Sacred to the Memory of SUSAN STRANG, wife of Garret Strang, who departed this life Sept. 25th, 1821; aged 36 years.

#101 “In Memory of MARIA, wife of Daniel Strang, who departed this life May 7, 1828; AE 34 years & 11 days.”

#102 “In Memory of JOHN STRANG, JR., who died Nov. 5, 1828; AE 30 years, 5 mo. & 27 days.”

To Grave Markers Map

Notes re Markers #103 to #119

A view of Lent Riker Smith Homestead and part of its beautifully decorated and landscaped grounds, as seen from the open gate of the Secret Garden bordering the north side of the cemetery.

Photo by NYCHS during the June 5, 2005 tour given by Marion Smith to benefit the Queens Historical Society. Tour images do not appear in Edgar Alan Nutt's 2004 book and have been added to the web version by NYCHS. Click image to visit the Queens Historical Society web site.

#103 (no inscription)

#104 “DENIS, son of Denis & Jane Lawrence; aged 20 years.” (Stepson of Jane Berrian Lawrence’s second husband, Andrew Riker)

#105 “The grave of ABRAHAM RIKER, son of Abraham & Margaret Riker; born 1655; died Aug. 20, 1746, in the 91st year of his age. (The #125 grave marker, however, indicates his burial at that location.) And in Memory of his grandsire GUYSBERT RIKER, a native of Holland, who came to America in 1630 obtained a patent for his lands at Bowery, L.I., bearing date 1632. In Memory of JOSEPH LAWRENCE, eldest son of Samuel & Anna Riker; born March 26, 1770; died at Kingston, Jamaica, July 20, 1796; aged 26 years. ‘The well beloved & early lost.’ In Memory of Capt. ANDREW RIKER, second son of Samuel & Anna Riker; born Sept. 21, 1771; died at Port Au Prince, St. Domingo, Oct. 17, 1817; aged 46 years. ‘An honest man the noblest work of god.’ In memory of Capt. ABRAHAM RIKER, son of Andrew and Jane Riker; born 1740. Served his country nobly in the war of the Revolution and died at Valley Forge May 7, 1778 in his 38th year”

#106 “In Memory of ANDREW RIKER, who departed this life April 11th, 1762, aged 64 years. ‘Deign reader to be taut thy nature ‘er so strong thy time is short.’”

#107 “In Memory of JANE RIKER, the widow of Andrew Riker, who departed this life Sept. 26th, 1770; aged 72 years, 6 months & 20 days.”

#108 “In Memory of Doctor JOHN BERRIEN RIKER, who departed this life on the 7th day of September. 1794, in the 57th year of his age.”

#109 “Sacred to the Memory of SUSAN RIKER, relict of the late Doctor John Berrien Riker, who departed this life December 6th, 1836, in the 83rd year of her age. ‘Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints.’ ‘Yes ‘Us a rough & thorny road That leads us to the saints’ abode, But when our Father’s house we gain ‘Twill make amends for all our pain.’” (The Meigs transcription has “83rd year of ‘his’ age”.


Logo for Congressional biographical directory web site that includes data on Rep. Samuel Riker:

Born in Newtown, April 8, 1743; attended common schools; member committee of correspondence 1774; supervisor Suffolk County 1783; lieutenant of Light Horse in the Revolution; member Assembly 1784; elected to 8th Congress to fill a vacancy, served from Nov. 5, 1804, to March 3, 1805; elected 10th Congress (March 1807-March 1809); died in Newtown, May 19, 1823.

That bio places "interment in the Dutch Reformed Cemetery." If so, the marker in the Riker Cemetery would be a memorial cenotaph.

Click Congressional bios logo above to access the Rep. Samuel Riker entry.

The above image and caption do NOT appear in Edgar Alan Nutt's 2004 book and have been added to the web version by NYCHS.

#110 “In Memory of SAMUEL RIKER, who departed this life on the 19th of May, 1823; aged 80 years,4 months & 11 days. ‘The deeds of a virtuous man are recorded in Heaven. Sacred spirit, there is thy reward for a well spent and useful life.’”

#111 “In Memory of ANNA RIKER, daughter of Joseph & Patience Lawrence, and wife of Samuel Riker, to whom she was the faithful, fond and discreet companion for more than half a century. As a mother her children could ‘arise and call her blessed’. She retained her faculties & vigour of youth to the advanced age of 83 years, 27 days, and resigned her breath in peace to God who gave it on the 5th of January, 1833.”

#112 “Sacred to the Memory of ABRAHAM RIKER, who departed this life February 6th, 1826 in the 42nd year of his age.” (The year may be 1820, not 1826.)

#113 “Sacred to the Memory of JANE RIKER, only daughter of Dr. John B. Riker and Susannah, his wife; born at Rocky Hill, N. Jersey, June 24, 1780; died 25th of November, 1857; aged 77 years, 5 months and 1 day. ‘She was the last member of her father’s family, her eldest brother, Capt.John B. Riker, died at Hamburg November 3rd, 1797, aged 25 years; her second brother, Dr. Nathaniel F. Riker, died at sea Aug. 24th, 1802, aged 27. Both possessed excellent qualities and her youngest brother, who reposes at her side, was a merchant of N. York. The record of his death speaks the sad void of the deeply smitten heart that loved as only a sister can love. For a long time she was the solace of her widowed mother; her filial affection shone with a pure and undying light over her onward path ‘till at the portal of Heaven she was conveyed to the Saviour of her soul. Sweet spirit, Farewell.”’ (Her youngest brother was Abraham, #112 marker,)

#114 “In Memory of JOHN RIKER, son of Edward M. & Hannah J. Guion, who departed this life ----"

#115 “Sacred to the Memory of HANNAH RIKER, widow of Abraham Riker, who died February 8th 1837’ aged 49 years, 3 months and 8 days. ‘Calmly & peacefully she resigned her spirit, trusting in the merits of her Redeemer.’ ‘Oh, Death, where is thy sting; Oh, Grave, thy victory.’”

#116 “In Memory of ABRAHAM RIKER, who died August 25, 1821; aged 45 years & 3 months.”

#117 “In Memory of MACNEVEN, son of Edwd. M. & Hannah L Guion; born March 21st, 1851; died January 1st, 1852. ‘Of such is the Kingdom of Heaven.’”

#118 “In Memory of JANE A., daughter of Abraham & Hannah Riker, who died September 2nd, 1819; aged 6 months & 12 days.”

#119 “In Memory of SAMUEL RIKER JUN’R, son of Samuel & Anna Riker, who departed this life September the 17th in the year of our lord 1811; aged 31 years, 6 months and 14 days.”

To Grave Markers Map

Notes re Markers #120 to #126

#120 (no inscription)
#121 “....1706...TAER....AB’q...OND.”
#122 “I. e. R.’
#123 “W. R.”
#124 (no inscription)
#125 “A. R.; Dyed August the 20th Day, 1746.”
#126 (no inscription)

To Grave Markers Map

Notes re Markers #127 to #131 (+unmapped #131 )

#127 “Erected by the South 3rd Street Presbyterian Church, Williamsburgh, LL , to the Memory of MARIA RAPELYE, a beloved member who died December 17th, 1868; aged 80 years. ‘She hath done what she could.’”

#128 “Sacred to the Memory of HARRIS WILSON, infant son of Harris & Jennie Wilson, born 3rd July, 1812; died 3rd October, 1812 aged 3 months.”


The signatures of (above) "affectionate sister" Maria McKesson & (below) "affection brother" John McKesson on letters to each other.
The images are details extracted from full letter images on New-York Historical Society's American Revolution Digital Learning Project site. Clicking a signature will access its full letter on that site.

John McKesson was a close associate of fellow Revolutionary patriot George Clinton. Later Dewitt Clinton became a John McKesson law partner. Richard Riker was a Clinton close friend and ally; thus Maria McKesson's grave in Riker cemetery.

The signature images do not appear in Edgar Alan Nutt's 2004 book and have been added to the web version by NYCHS.

#129 “MARIA M’KESSON, of the City of New York; died Dec. 6, 1829; aged 87 years, 2 months, & 6 days. ‘She was a confidential friend of Mrs. Governor George Clinton, of whose family she was a member during the American Revolutionary war. She lived highly esteemed and died greatly regretted by all her relatives, friends, and acquaintances.”

#130 “To the Memory of LOUISE F. VAILLANT” who died 1869, ae 65.

#131 (no inscription)

#132 “Sacred to the Memory of MARGARET, daughter of Andrew and Jane Riker, who died of the smallpox by inoculation, April 3, 1760; aged 25 years. ‘She was wise and good; the link between earth and heaven.’” (This marker was found to one side of the cemetery, its proper location is not known, hence its omission from the surveyed plan of the cemetery.”

To Grave Markers Map

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home = NY
Correction
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NYCHS presents excerpts from The Rikers: Their Island, Homes, Cemetery and Early Genealogy in Queens County, NY by permission of its author, an 11th generation Abraham Rijcken vanLent descendant, Edgar Alan Nutt, who retains & reserves all text copyrights.

Rikers Island's role in NY correction history warrants our providing material on its "pre-Correction" background that is so bound up with Rikers family history. Bishop Nutt's book serves as an excellent vehicle for doing that. His approach is not exclusively or narrowly genealogical. More than simply tracing lineage, he places his family history in wider chronological and geographic contexts through which his exhaustive research tracked it, thus reflecting much other history -- of the island, county, city and country.

Strictly genealogical citations, notes, and codes in the printed book have been reduced or dropped in these excerpts. This presentation includes a book print copy information page.

NYCHS retains and reserves all rights to images of photos it took during the June 5, 2005 homestead tour and the September 1998 Samuel Perry Center dedication and their captions as well as captions of inserted images not taken from the printed book.