Background
Alexander Riley was born in Middlesex, London in 1778.
- Photos
- Works
- Photos
- Works
Alexander Riley
Edit ProfileCareer
Born in London to George Riley Snr, a well-educated bookseller, and Margaret Raby, he was the older brother of Edward Riley, also a merchant and pastoralist in Sydney. lieutenant was here that Lieutenant Governor Patterson looked upon Riley favourably and granted him generous land grants in the Liverpool area. Later that year Riley was appointed deputy-commissary which enabled him to grasp the possibilities of international trading.
Riley travelled to the colony of Sydney in January 1809 with Patterson, after Patterson assumed command of New South Wales after William Bligh was stood down.
lieutenant was here that Riley became devoted to his land grant at Liverpool, named Raby, after his mother"s family, and his love of sheep began. Riley took on many careers for which he gained his wealth.
Riley was known for his role in the international trading firm Jones & Riley, with Richard Jones, which conducted an import-export business between Calcutta and Canton. Jones & Riley continued until the 1820s.
He was one of the founders for the Bank of New South Wales in 1816, now Westpac, as well as the first marine insurance broker in New South Wales.
Riley bought the Harriet and on 22 December 1817, sailed with his family, back to London. lieutenant is believed that the reason for his move was frustration with the East India Company"s monopoly over international trading. Back in London he operated a mercantile firm.
lieutenant is believed Riley never returned to Australia, however he did continue to have dealings with New South Wales.
In 1819 Riley joined the successful and highly respected firm Donaldson, Wilkinson & Company who were agents for the colonial trade. Later Riley was granted one of the first pastoral runs in the Yass-Canberra area.
Riley died in London on 17 November 1833.
