1949-1950, John Edward Riley, Mayor of Wigan

John Edward Riley

Mayor of Wigan

1949-1950

Born: 31^st October 1889 Scholes

Married Ellen Mcgeever 1916

John was the eldest of four sons of James Patrick and Jane Riley. His youngest brother Billy was a well known wrestling champion. John left school at age 11 and went to work at a pawn brokers, where he started work as a halftimer. From the Pawn Brokers he worked in the engineering industry and was also a member of the Municipal and General Workers Union.

John then became a licenced victualler(licenced to sell alcohol). The first establishment that John owned after gaining his licence was the Grapes Hotel in Wallgate Wigan. From the Grapes Hotel John then went on to own the Stanley Arms Hotel on Warrington Road, Wigan which he ran for thirteen years before moving on and owning the Preston Arms, Darlington Street, Wigan, which he was still running when elected Mayor.

John and his wife Ellen had seven children, six sons and a daughter. Ellen was mainly a housewife, but she did assist John with the running of the business. Ellen also came from Scholes and worked in a cardroom at a mill in Wigan before she met and eventually married John.

John entered local politics as the Labour councillor for the Victoria Ward in 1924, he served on various committees. In 1933 John he made the decision to retire from the council to concentrate on the running of his business. However, after only a twelve month break he returned to the Council. In 1944 John was made an Alderman of the Borough, and in 1947 was elected Deputy Mayor. During his time as Deputy Mayor John served as Vice Chairman of the Transport and School Maintenance Committees. In addition to those committees, John also served on the Cleansing, Gas, Electricity, Cemetery and Education Committees. On 9^th April 1949, in the Wigan Observer it was announced that the Mayoral Selection Committee had unanimously elected him as the town’s next Mayor. John assumed the role on 23^rd May 1949. For his contribution to local politics John was give the Freedom of the Borough in 1967.

Religion also played a key role in John’s life. As a practising Roman Catholic, he was a member of the St Mary’s and St Patrick’s Churches and also a member of the Catholic Young Men’s Society. In his spare time, John enjoyed boxing and wrestling were he was assisted by his famous brother, Billy, with his training.

John’s death was announced in the Wigan Observer, dated 21^st May 1971. He was 81 at the time of his death. John was buried on the same day that his death was announced in the Wigan Observer, with a Requiem Mass taking place at St Patrick’s Church, followed by interment at Wigan Cemetery.

By David Ollerton

Volunteer.