JOHN RILEY, attorney at law, was born in Harrison County, Ohio, September
19, 1824, and is one of ten children born to William and Nancy (Ewing)
Riley.  He was reared in his native State, educated in the common schools
and began when a young man to teach school at the same time studying both
law and medicine.  In October, 1845, he married Rebecca Agnew, who died
during the summer of 1848, leaving one son--Clinton C.-to survive her.  The
fall of 1849, Mr. Riley removed to Lawrence County, Ind., locating near the
present town of Mitchell, where he continued to reside until 1864, when he
was elected County Clerk.  He moved to Bedford, served one term of four
years, was re-elected to a second term and served in all eight years, after
which he resumed the practice of law, associating himself in partnership
with George O. Iseminger at Bedford.  This partnership has since continued,
and is recognized as one of the leading legal firms of Bedford.   August 14,
1851, Mr. Riley was united in marriage with Nancy J., daughter of John R.
Nugent, and the following named of their nine children are yet living:  John
R., Euphemia (Mrs. Dunn), Mary (Mrs. Erwin), Sarah A., Nancy J. and Louise.
As a member of the Masonic brotherhood, Mr. Riley has several times served
as Worshipful Master.  In early years he was a Whig in politics, but on the
death of that party, joined the American party, and in 1860 was an Elector
for the Bell and Everett ticket.  When the war broke out he unhesitatingly
united with the Republicans, and has since been an active worker in that party.


Data Entry Volunteer:  Diana Flynn  "ivie@tima.com"