Bennet C. Riley
Bennet C. Riley | |
|---|---|
1852 portrait of Riley | |
| 7th Military Governor of California | |
| In office April 12, 1849 – December 20, 1849 | |
| Preceded by | Persifor Frazer Smith |
| Succeeded by | Peter Hardeman Burnett as first Governor of California |
| Personal details | |
| Born | November 27, 1787 St. Mary's County, Maryland, U.S. |
| Died | June 9, 1853 (aged 65) Black Rock, near Buffalo, New York, U.S. |
| Resting place | Forest Lawn Cemetery, Buffalo |
| Spouse | Arabella Israel Riley |
| Profession | Soldier |
| Signature | |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance | United States of America |
| Branch/service | United States Army |
| Years of service | 1813–1850 |
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Bennet C. Riley (November 27, 1787 – June 9, 1853) was the seventh and last military governor of California. Riley ordered the election of representatives to a state constitutional convention, and handed over all civil authority to a governor and elected delegates at the end of 1849; the following year, California joined the U.S. as a state. He participated in the War of 1812 on Lake Ontario. He also served in the United States Army during the Seminole War in Florida, and Mexican–American War.