Risley, Thomas Eugene
     Thomas Eugene Risley was a businessman and property owner in Fresno, California, during the early part of the twentieth century; he was also a socially active community figure. Born in Arizona in 1881, Risley moved to Fresno in 1889 when his father Eugene W. Risley, an attorney, moved the family west. Risley studied mining engineering in college. Upon graduation he relocated to Nevada to work in the mining industry. Returning to Fresno in 1915 to look after his father's business affairs, Risley became a very wealthy and influential man. Risley also had a family by this time--his wife Gladys, and their daughter, Eleanor. His reputation for astute financial dealings brought him the attention of local political figures. As a result, he was appointed to various political positions in the Fresno area, including that of city commissioner in 1923. Risley also took an active interest in education and was the chairman of the committee on schools of the Fresno County Grand Jury.
Thomas Risley died of heart disease in 1942.
Risley participated in the advising of Fresno County schools(1925-1932), especially on funding and other financial matters. He was also a member of the Fresno County Grand Jury dealing with educational matters.
(source: Henry Madden Library (California State University, Fresno). Sanoian Special Collections Library. Fresno, California)

(submitted by Ida Maack Recu)