History of Conecuh County, Alabama

by B.F. Riley

Embracing a detailed record of events from the earliest period to the present; Biographical Sketches of those who have been most conspicuous in the annals of the county.

Genres: History, American History

283 pages, Hardcover

First published May 28, 1881

About the author

Benjamin Franklin Riley was born July 16, 1849, at Pineville, Monroe County, Ala. His parents were Enoch George and Sophronia (Autrey) Riley, of whom he always spoke with much respect and deep affection. In 1872 he was ordained a Baptist minister, following his graduation in 1871 with an A.B. degree from Erskine College in South Carolina. He was a brilliant divinity student at The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary and The Crozier Theological Seminary, and was a tireless worker in the field of both religious and secular education for more than a half-century. His pastorates included Carlowville, Snow Hill, and Livingston, Ala., 1876; Albany, Georgia, 1877-78; Opelika, Ala., 1879-82; and Houston, Texas, 1900-06.
As an educator, he was President of Howard College, Birmingham, Ala., 1888-93. Under his able administration much of the essential groundwork was laid which put Howard among the important Southern colleges. He later (1893-1900) was a distinguished Professor of English at the University of Georgia.
Not only was he famous as a minister and educator, but as an author and historian who made a valuable contribution to literature. Among his works, mention here is made of History of Baptists of Alabama; Physical Geography of Alabama; History of Baptists of the Southern States, East of the Mississippi; History of Baptists in Texas; Solution of the Negro Problems and the White Man’s Burden; and Makers and Romance of Alabama History.
Something of his recognition is realized in his having had honorary doctorates conferred upon him by the University of Alabama, Erskine College, Baylor University, and Simmons College. He was elected a Fellow of the Society of Sciences, Letters and Arts, London.
Dr. Riley was a devoted husband and father, having married Miss Emma Shaw, a childhood sweetheart, June 21, 1876. Proudly they were the parents of four sons and four daughters.
He died December 14, 1925, in Birmingham, Ala., the city to which he had returned fifteen years earlier – these latter and fruitfully mellowed years being devoted to writing and a confirmation of being an influence for good as to be immeasurable.

Reviews

[Marshall · Rating 3 out of 5]

I use this book in my personal genealogy, I refer to it as needed. It is hard to follow at times.

[J. Paul · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great history of Conecuh. I wish I new where B.F. Riley's original notes and papers are to see if there is more information on my Hawthorne's and alliead families: Baggett's, Regan's, King's, etc.