My Genealogy Hound

ALVAH RISLEY, deceased, whose portrait* appears on the opposite page, was a prosperous and energetic farmer of Truxton, and was a son of Reuben and Sabra (Webster) Risley, and was born in Tolland County, Conn., October 28, 1800.

Reuben Risley, the father of our subject, was born in 1769, and followed the vocation of a farmer all his life. In 1801 he moved to the State of New York, and was one of the oldest settlers in his section of the country. The two hundred acres, which Mr. Risley purchased, were covered with a dense forest; through his efforts the land was made to blossom and bring forth the fruits of civilization and prosperity. While history may bear the names of the pioneers of Central New York down to posterity, the early struggles they experienced with untamed nature, and its final subjugation through their labors, and the results thereof, erect a lasting monument to their memories. He was united in marriage to Sabra Webster, and they were the happy parents of three children: Minerva; Ruth M.; and Alvah. Mr. Risley passed to the unknown beyond in 1850.

Alvah Risley was but one year old when he came to New York State with his parents, and here he resided all his life on what is now called the old homestead. He chose the occupation of a farmer, in which he was more than ordinarily successful, owning at the time of his death several farms. He was joined in wedlock, December 31, 1838, to Miss Dorinda Brown, daughter of Seabury Brown of that section of Truxton township that has since been incorporated into Cuyler township. Two children blessed their happy home, Alvah, deceased; and Mary, wife of Peter D. Muller.

Politically, Alvah Risley was an old time Whig; upon the organization of the Republican party, he joined the ranks of the Democrats, and remained with that political organization until his death. He was very popular among his fellow-men, who had great confidence in his executive ability. He was elected justice of the peace for thirty years and served two years as supervisor. The duties of every position to which he was chosen were faithfully and honestly discharged. He passed from this life November 22, 1886, on the old homestead in Truxton township. His death was mourned by a large circle of friends, and he is still held in most affectionate memory. Mr. Risley was a keen, shrewd and upright business man, and succeeded in accumulating a fair fortune. He was an honorable and highly respected citizen, a man of good judgment, and was frequently consulted by his associates.

*A portrait was included in the original printed volume.