At some time during my school years, I remember a teacher making the claim that Capt Thomas Mercer Riley, Commander of Co. C, 5th Ala. Reg't. was in command of the 5th at Appomattox. I attended elementary school in Monroe County, home of Capt. Riley, and the claim may be unsubstantiated yet it is common lore in these parts.

Capt. Riley led a fascinating after the war. He personally saved Monroe County from bankruptcy in the 1870's, a time of dire financial conditions. After the death of his wife, Capt. Riley took an African-American woman as his consort and fathered several children by her. The Riley home still stands along side Alabama 21 north of the Riley's Crossing intersection with Alabama 47 and is owned by the black Riley heirs.

Capt. Riley is buried at Turnbull Cemetery.