It’s the weekend! Happy Saturday. To close out this week’s threads, I will highlight George Putnam Riley.
George Putnam Riley (1833–1905) was an important and public doer supporting the African-American community in the United States. He was considered a leader in the African-American community and made large contributions for their recognition. Despite his lack of education, Riley was active in political and business circles. A group named after him commemorated his legacy in Seattle, which is still trying to create affordable housing for different minorities.
George Putnam Riley was a native of Boston born on March 29, 1833. His grandfather was a participant in the Revolutionary War. Riley’s father was engaged in the clothing trade in Boston. His mother was an active, prominent abolitionist. Riley’s education was hampered because of his African-American ethnicity.
Originally living in Boston, Riley worked for one of the well-known lawyers and then for General Benjamin Butler. Then he moved to Portland. He had a barber position. Riley also became an active political and business. In 1869, George Riley Putnam together with several Oregon residents formed the Joint Stock Workers Association (WJSA) where he was appointed president. The organization gained 20 acres of land in Seattle for donation, making this treatise called the “Riley Supplement to South Seattle”. The Association also gained 67 acres of land in Tacoma, which was a major contribution to the African American community. Also, to draw attention to the important points of African Americans, Riley gave a lecture on April 26, 1870 on extending the voting rights of black men.
In 2004, a housing and commercial development group in urban portals was named in honor of George Riley Putnam. The company has taken its roots since 1983 because of the activities of African American businessmen followers of Riley.