John Frances Riley, son of Patrick Riley (Ireland) and Rose Kieran (Ireland) was born on this date in 1885 in Pawtucket. He was the 7th of the 8 children born to Patrick and Rose.

According to his death certificate, his birth date was September 4, 1885, but two separate US Census forms listed his birth on the 15th of September. In additional support of the census forms, there is his WWII draft card, which gives his birth date as the 15th. Since he signed that draft card verifying the information as correct, I going with today as his birth date. Additional information from his draft card lets us know that he was 5′ 7 1/2, had hazel eyes, gray hair and weighted 125 lbs with a light complexion.

Michael never married. His work history indicates he was a laborer all his working life. My father, Patrick J. Riley (1900-1985), told me that when John was in his early 50’s he had injured his back while at work and became unemployed till his death. His passing occurred on December 18, 1951 at 181 South Bend Street in Pawtucket.