Hi, Danielle! I am sorry it has taken so long to get back to you, but I have had computer problems and am also in the process of changing internet service providers.
I have been researching the descendants and ancestors of Samuel Adam Rial for about 2 years now. I am a rookie at this, but it has been quite fun as well as frustrating at times. I know how you feel about not getting much cooperation from other family members, but don't give up. It will be worth it in the end. As a matter of fact, those who were so unwilling to help will enjoy it, also.
Unfortunately, I have not been able to find any information about Samuel Adam Rial's ancestors and information about his descendants comes sporadically. Here is what I have found so far that will help you in your search:
Samuel Adam Rial, b. 9/14/1837 in ? d. 1/3/1891 in Aspen, Pitkin Co., CO married to Mary Catherine Larkin, b. 11/4/1841 in Wilmington, New Hanover Co., NC d. 1/11/1897 buried in Enon Cemetery, Drew Co., AR. They were married in 1861. According to information I have they had four children: William David Rial, b. 3/28/1865 d. 3/23/1949, buried in Lone Sassafras Cem., Drew Co., AR; James Alvin (my Great-grandfather); Mary Catherine "Mollie"; and Samuel Percy. While looking over some papers I had printed from a rootsweb.c website I also noticed a Henry listed as a 5th child. For some reason I did not have this information before. William David Rial,
"Willie", as he was known to the family married 3 times. The 1st time to Adelade Clementina Golding, then to Emma Dee Daniel and then Ella Taylor. It is said he had children by all 3 marriages, but I do not know who goes with who. William David Rial had 7 children, 6 males and 1 female. Three of those children were dead at the time that I got this info. They were: Willie Belle Rial, Richard Hanson Rial and your grandfather, Leonard Coker Rial, b. 3/4/1906 d. 6/27/1980. Your grandfather was born in Ladelle, Drew Co., AR and died in Chowchilla, Madera Co., CA.
In July, 1988 there was a RIAL Family Reunion in Monticello, AR. I remember a lot of people being there. I also remember being so surprised at the number of people that I did not know. I also remember people coming up to me and saying "You must be Etta's daughter, you look so much like her!"
Of course, I did not know who Etta was at the time, so I asked my father and he said it was my great-grandmother Rial, who I knew, she died when I was young, but I had never heard her referred to as "Etta". Later he brought me an old tin-type picture of her.
I could go on and on, but I better not. I hope this had been some help to you. Keep in touch. I'm sure we can compare share other information over the course of time.
I am sorry to hear of your father's poor health.
Go through e-mail next time if you have it.
Rita Kay Rial Holthoff
tyro97@gte.nettyro97@seark.net