William M. Riley Lincoln County, New Mexico

William M. Riley, a cattleman of Capitan, New Mexico, came to the Territory in 1890 from Louisiana. He settled at Lincoln and entered the cattle business, in which he has since continued, being closely associated with this enterprise, which is one of the most important sources of revenue of the Territory. In 1894 he removed to Capitan, where he entered a homestead claim, covering a part of the town site. He is now proprietor of the Capitan Hotel and also conducts a meat market, his varied business interests being a good source of revenue and winning for him a place among the substantial residents of this part of the Territory.

While living in Lincoln County Mr. Riley was called to various public offices. He served as deputy sheriff, was collector of the county for one term after his arrival and in 1897-98 filled the office of assessor of the county. He also had charge of the district clerk's office in Roswell under George Curray, and his devotion to all public duties is one of the strong and salient characteristics in his life record. His social relations connect him with Coalora Lodge, I. O. O. F.

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Source: History of New Mexico, Its Resources and People, Volume II, Pacific States Publishing Co., 1907.