Riley, John H. (Colonel)

Passed: 1919-07-27

Age: 76

Source:

Death Notice: 1919-07-27

Obituary Date:

Information: DEATH OF COL. J. H. RILEY - Few, if any sadder messages has ever come to the friends and loved ones of his native county than the message received here of the death of Col. John H. Riley, who died in Marietta, Ohio on Sunday afternoon, July 27th, 1919 at at 2:30 o'clock.  For several years he gave strong and sturdy battle against the subtle and insiduous fatal malady that continued to creep upon his vitality, until a few weeks ago it made such steady and relentless progress, the end came, and death relieved his suffering and the spirit of the noble life of Col. Riley took its flight to the ""far away home of the soul"".      Col. Riley was the son of Robert R. and Elizabeth (Cleek) Riley, one of the early pioneer and most excellant families of Jackson county.  He was born on the home farm August 2, 1842.  On April 3,1864, married Miss Malissa Jane Harpold, daughter of Solomon Harpold, who preceded him to the grave a number of years ago.  To them were born two sons, Willie M. of Gallipolis Ferry, and Harry; also two daughters, Mrs. Vena (Riley) Moore of Harmar, Ohio and Mrs. May (Riley) Dye of New York City, all of whom survive him except Harry, who died several years ago.  Besides his children, there remain of his immediate family to mourn his death, four brothers, viz:  W. W. Riley of Saint Cloud, Florida, M. F., P. M., and R. R., all of Ripley; two sisters, Mrs. Mary E. Rankin of this county and Mrs. J. W. McCoy of Mason county.      The funeral services were conducted by the Masonic order in his home city of Marietta, Ohio, to which place he moved from his Ripley home in the early 80's.  The remains after the conclusion of the ceremonies were borne and laid to rest beside his beloved wife in one of Marietta's beautiful cemeteries.      Col. Riley's educational opportunities were rather meager, consisting solely of attending three or four months of the year during the winter season the common schools of his community.  Nevertheless, by close observation, hard study and concentration of mind, he won his way to places of trust and responsibility.  He determined to turn his splendid abilities to the legal profession and took up the study of law and was admitted to the bar in January 1869. He has filled the positions in this county of Deputy Assesor, Deputy Clerk of the Circuit Court, and was elected Prosecuting Attorney and served two terms in the State Legislature in the sessions of 1877 and 1880 in which he proved to be a most splendid representative in the interests of his constituents.  His ability as a lawyer and speaker was quickly recognized and the Republican party elected him a delegate-at-large to the National Republican Convention of 1880, which nominated the lamented Garfield.      He was one of the brightest and most enthusiastic members of the Masonic fraternity in the State, was Worshipful Master of Ripley Lodge, No. 16, for a number of consecutive years and was chosen and installed as Grand Master for West Virginia at the November session of the Grand Lodge in 1881, which position he held until his removal from the State.  Col. Riley possessed a vigorous intellect, a courageous and independent spirit, but with all a tender an lovable consideration for his fellows.  The writer read law in Col. Riley's office and had an opportunity to be familiar with his tender and thoughtful consideration of the welfare of his fellow man--kindly as a woman, unselfish to a fault, brave and unflinching in the discharge of every duty, devoted and helpful to his young men friends--no truer friend ever lived.  As a lawyer he possessed a keen intellect, a logical mind and a sound judgement.  As an advocate he was calm, but firm and convincing with a potent influence over a jury.  With a half century faithfully spent in his chosen profession he must be recorded as true and loyal to his clients, courteous to his collegues, a man of honor and integrity, a successful lawyer and a noble citizen.  Whether as attorney or citizen, as husband, father or friend, he had rounded out a life and leaves behind him a record to challenge the approval of mankind.  I place a flower of regret and affection upon the grave, and turn away from it with a sad heart, for I loved him while he lived and shall sincerely mourn his death.     H. G. A.