Richard Riker (1773–1842) was an American lawyer and politician from New York, notable for his roles as the first district attorney of what is now New York County and as recorder of New York City. His career was marked by both significant legal contributions and controversies that have drawn scrutiny in historical assessments. Riker was born in a prominent and affluent family on September 9, 1773, in Newtown, Queens County, New York. His father, Congressman Samuel Riker, and mother, Anna Lawrence Riker, were members of established New York families. He was connected to Jonathan Lawrence, a notable figure in colonial and early American history through his mother. The Riker family owned Rikers Island, which became New York City’s primary jail complex. This association has led to modern debates about the island’s name, given Riker’s controversial actions during his career.
He pursued his education at the College of New Jersey, now known as Princeton University, studying law under the tutelage of Rev. John Witherspoon. After completing his studies, Riker was admitted to the New York State Bar in 1795. His legal acumen earned him an appointment in 1801 as the first District Attorney of the First District of New York. This newly created position required him to prosecute cases across multiple counties, including New York, Queens, Kings, Richmond, Suffolk, and Westchester. Before this role was established, prosecutions were handled directly by the New York State Attorney General. Riker held this office until 1810 and briefly resumed the position from 1811 to 1813. During his tenure, he also served as a member of the New York State Assembly in 1806, representing New York City.
Riker’s political career extended beyond his work as district attorney. He served three non-consecutive terms as Recorder of New York City between 1815 and 1838. The recorder was a judicial officer with significant influence over legal proceedings in the city. However, Riker’s tenure in this role is shadowed by allegations of abuse of power under the Fugitive Slave Act. He was accused of exploiting the law to send free African Americans to the South, where they were sold into slavery. By the 1830s, abolitionists had identified Riker as a key figure in what became known as the “Kidnapping Club,” a group that included Daniel D. Nash and Tobias Boudinot. This group reportedly boasted about their ability to detain and sell African Americans into bondage, regardless of their legal status as free individuals. These actions have left a lasting stain on Riker’s legacy and have been widely condemned by historians.
Riker’s reputation also made him a target for satire during his lifetime. In 1828, poet Fitz-Greene Halleck published “The Recorder,” a satirical work that mocked Riker and other members of New York’s political machine by comparing them to classical figures such as Julius Caesar. Riker was closely associated with DeWitt Clinton, a leading political figure in early 19th-century New York and a supporter of Alexander Hamilton. Their alliance placed them in opposition to Aaron Burr and his supporters, leading to several duels—a common means of settling disputes among gentlemen at the time. On July 30, 1802, Riker acted as Clinton’s second during a duel with John Swartwout at Weehawken, New Jersey. Swartwout sustained a leg injury during this encounter. The following year, on November 21, 1803, Riker himself faced John Swartwout’s brother, Brigadier General Robert Swartwout, in another duel at Weehawken. This time, Riker was wounded in the leg, leaving him with a permanent limp.
In his personal life, Riker married Janette Phoenix in March 1807. She was the daughter of Daniel Phoenix, who served as New York City Treasurer from 1784 to 1809. The couple had six children together. Despite his controversial public career, Riker maintained his status as a member of one of New York’s most prominent families. Richard Riker passed away on September 26, 1842. While his contributions to New York’s legal and political systems were significant during his lifetime, his legacy is marred by his involvement in the exploitation of African Americans under the Fugitive Slave Act. This duality has made him a figure of both historical importance and moral controversy. His name remains tied to Rikers Island, which continues to provoke discussions about its historical connections and implications for justice and equity in modern times.