Celina in Mercer County, Ohio — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
The Riley Home
Photographed By William Fischer, Jr., October 5, 2008
1. The Riley Home Marker (Side A)
The museum of the Mercer County Historical Society, the Riley Home, represents six generations of the Riley family in the county. The first Riley to arrive here was Captain James Riley, who surveyed the area in 1819, after it was opened to American settlement following the Treaty of Saint Marys in 1818. Captain Riley was elected to the Ohio General Assembly in 1823. Captain Riley's son, James Watson Riley platted Celina in 1834, was Mercer County's Clerk of Courts, and then represented the area in the Ohio General Assembly beginning in 1843.
James Watson Riley's son Calvin began the family's involvement in banking and built the Riley Home in 1896. Following Calvin into the leadership of the Commercial Bank was his son Ashley, grandson Roscoe, and great-grandson David K. Riley. James Zura Riley, another of Calvin's sons, led an expedition to Alaska during the gold rush of 1898-1900. James Zura's daughter Lena, who died in 1974, was the last Riley to live in the house. The Mercer County Historical Society obtained the residence in 1975 and it was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1978.
[Secondary
Photographed By William Fischer, Jr., October 5, 2008
2. The Riley Home Marker (Side B)
this page online
This home was built in 1896 by Calvin Riley, whose son, James Zura Riley, and granddaughter, Lena Riley, also lived here. Calvin's grandfather was Captain James Riley, world traveler and explorer. Calvin's father, James Watson Riley, platted Celina in 1834. Through the efforts of David K. Riley, fifth generation descendent of Captain Riley, this home now houses the Mercer County Historical Museum.
Bell from Old Courthouse built in 1869.
Erected 2002 by Ohio Bicentennial Commission, The Longaberger Company, Mercer County Historical Society, and The Ohio Historical Society. (Marker Number 3-54.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Settlements & Settlers. In addition, it is included in the Historic Bells, and the Ohio Historical Society / The Ohio History Connection series lists. A significant historical year for this entry is 1819.
Location. 40° 32.939′ N, 84° 34.199′ W. Marker is in Celina, Ohio, in Mercer County. Marker is on East Market Street, on the right when traveling east. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 130 East Market Street, Celina OH 45822, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Mercer County Veterans Memorial (approx. Ό mile away); Early Celina History
Photographed By William Fischer, Jr., October 5, 2008
3. Riley Home Secondary Marker
The original marker for this site, also titled The Riley Home, is located on the brick face of the structure holding the old courthouse bell.
Photographed By William Fischer, Jr., October 5, 2008
4. The Riley Home and Old Courthouse Bell
Photographed By Craig Doda, February 27, 2022
5. The Riley Home and Marker
Photographed By Clifford Piepkorn, 2021
6. Captain James Riley
Photographed By Craig Doda, February 27, 2022
7. The Riley Home Bell and Marker
Photographed By William Fischer, Jr., October 5, 2008
8. Mercer County Courthouse Bell
Credits. This page was last revised on March 19, 2022. It was originally submitted on October 9, 2008, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania. This page has been viewed 2,434 times since then and 47 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on October 9, 2008, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania. 5. submitted on March 2, 2022, by Craig Doda of Napoleon, Ohio. 6. submitted on October 31, 2021, by Clifford Piepkorn of St Petersburg, Florida. 7. submitted on March 2, 2022, by Craig Doda of Napoleon, Ohio. 8. submitted on October 9, 2008, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania. • Kevin W. was the editor who published this page.
