Riley, Edward P. "Ted" (1900-1994)
Papers, 1923-1994, 3 ft.
Riley played an important role in John F. Kennedy's 1960 Presidential election. Riley resigned as County Attorney in 1978 to assist his son Richard W. Riley in a successful run for the governor's office.
Collection Finding Aid
The collection documents Riley's long involvement with and leadership of the Democratic
Parties of Greenville County and South Carolina, the South Carolina Bar Association,
and American Legion Post 3 of Greenville.
Oral History Transcript (105 pages)
Ted Riley, an assistant United States attorney (1933-1952), was also known for his
long-time involvement with the Democratic Party. He chaired the Greenville County
Democratic Party Executive Committee, 1954-1955, and the SC Democratic Party, 1960-1964.
In this extensive interview, recorded 1986-1991, Riley reflects on many aspects of
his involvement in state politics. An attorney for the Greenville County School Board,
he discusses his involvement with the school integration lawsuits and his respect
for fellow attorney, Matthew Perry. Riley established relationships with many politicians
active in the 1950s, such as James Byrnes, Sol Blatt, Edgar Brown, and Strom Thurmond,
and he shares anecdotes about them. He also discusses his role in the 1960 John F.
Kennedy presidential campaign in South Carolina. Riley was the father of former governor
Richard Riley and retired from the U.S. attorney's office to work on his son's gubernatorial
campaign. He discusses in detail Dick's youth, political foundation in the state Senate,
campaign for Governor, his time in office, and his accomplishments. Riley also explains
how state politics had changed over thirty years and offers his opinion on recent
elections. He also takes time at the beginning and end to detail his personal background
and the history of the Riley family.
Related Link:
Memory Hold the Door (USC Law School)