John Riley
John Riley, of M. Riley & Son, grocers, London, was born at Morrow, Warren Co., Ohio, May 8, 1859. His father, M. Riley, was born in County Meath. Ireland. May 9, 1830. His parents were Edward and Bridget Riley, both now deceased. Mr. Riley was reared in his native land, and when seventeen years of age came to America. He landed at New Orleans, and from there went to Morrow, Warren County, Ohio, where he was employed as foreman of Alfred Watt's distillery. He there learned the distilling business thoroughly, remaining with Mr. Watts for fourteen years. During the last four years of this time, he was engaged in the manufacture of liquors for himself. In April, 1866, he came to London, and established a wholesale liquor and grocery trade. Mr. Riley enjoys a very large trade in both lines of goods, selling at wholesale and retail. In 1879, he erected his present building, which is a brick, 100x25 feet in size, three stories high. He is a member of St. Patrick's Catholic Church and the Democratic party. He was married, July 3, 1856, to Anna Malloy, a native of Ireland. Of the four children born to them, three are living -- John, Edward and Katy, the latter attending convent school. Mrs. Riley and the family are also members of the Roman Catholic Church. John Riley came to London with his parents when but seven years of age. He obtained only a fair education, and has been clerking in his father's store mostly during life. In June, 1877, be became associated with his father in business, and the firm have prospered exceedingly. Mr. Riley was married November 1, 1881, to Bessie, daughter of Dr. Toland Jones, of London.
From HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY - W. H. Beers [Chicago, 1883]