Jon Riley

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For the traditional song, see John Riley (song).

Jon Riley, also known as John O'Riley, (1805-1850), a United States Army private, was one of the estimated 800 immigrant Irishmen who deserted the US Army to fight for Mexico in the 1846-48 war. Prior to his desertion, he served in Company K of the 5th US Infantry Regiment Riley deserted before war was declared and so avoided execution following the court martial held in Mexico City in 1847.

Riley and Patrick Dalton formed the Batallón de San Patricio, (St. Patrick's Battalion) or the San Patricios. They fought at the Battle of Churubusco, on the outskirts of Mexico City, where they were captured.

Robert Ryal Miller, author of "Shamrock and Sword," did not discover Riley's death certificate. Like Riley's Mexican army records, it uses the name "Juan Reley." It reads:

"In the illustrious city of Veracruz, on Aug. 31, 1850, I, Don Ignacio Jose Jimenez, curate of the parish church of the Assumption of Our Lady, buried in the general cemetery the body of Juan Reley, 45 years old, a native of Ireland, unmarried, parents unknown."

Riley is thought to have returned to Ireland.

A former British soldier, Riley is believed to have landed in Canada before entering the United States and shortly thereafter joining the US Army in Michigan.

Riley was from Clifden, Connemara, County Galway. In his honor, and that of the San Patricios Brigade, a bronze sculpture has been placed in the town center of Clifden.