Joseph Albert Riley (1869 – 6 January 1940), invariably referred to as "J. A. Riley", was a prominent South Australian businessman, and longtime organising secretary of several South Australian institutions.

Born at Bilton, Warwickshire, he emigrated at an early age with his parents to South Australia. He was educated at Pulteney Grammar School and found employment in the office of John Creswell,[1] whom he assisted in his many activities and positions, several of which he filled when Creswell died.

Activities

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Recognition

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  • He was awarded the OBE for his work in fundraising during the Great War.
  • He was awarded the King Albert Medal for his work in assisting Belgian refugees.

Family

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He married Agnes Christina Davidson Sketheway (died 3 September 1945), a daughter of the president of South Adelaide Football Club; they had two children:

Eva Agnes Riley (died 24 July 1952) married John George Edge (died 31 October 1931) of Mount Guide station, Queensland, on 22 January 1919.
W. Norman Riley of Toorak, who played cricket for East Torrens and played several games for South Australia

Their home was "Sunnybrae", 133 Park Terrace (later Greenhill Road), Wayville

References

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  1. ^ a b c "Death of Mr. J. A. Riley". The Advertiser. Adelaide: National Library of Australia. 8 January 1940. p. 16. Retrieved 23 November 2012.
  2. ^ "Out among the People". The Advertiser. Adelaide: National Library of Australia. 2 July 1937. p. 29. Retrieved 23 November 2012.