BIO: John A. REILY, Dauphin County, PA

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Commemorative Biographical Encyclopedia of Dauphin County, 
Containing Sketches of Representative Citizens, and Many of the 
Early Scotch-Irish and German Settlers.  Chambersburg, Pa.: 
J. M. Runk & Company, 1896, pages 303-304.
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  REILY, JOHN A., retired, was born in Myerstown, Lebanon county, Pa., 
September 20, 1826, and is a son of William and Saloma (Valentine) 
Reily.  Mr. Reily may trace back his ancestral line with no 
apprehension of finding anything but that which would be pleasant to 
discover, for in all his preceding generations here appeared men of 
character and mark.  The fourth generation preceding his own was headed 
by Peter Reily, of English ancestry, while next comes Capt. John Reily, 
son of Peter, a soldier in the Revolution and a prominent lawyer, who 
practiced at the first court held in Dauphin county, followed in the 
next generation by William Reily, his father.  On his mother's side Mr. 
Reily finds the record just as favorable and enviable, his great-
grandfather, Michael Valentine, having for many years been a successful 
merchant and a prominent and honored citizen of Myerstown, Lebanon 
county, Pa.  William Reily, the father of John A. Reily, having lost 
his father in his early childhood, found a good home with his uncle, 
Governor Heister, who cared for him and carefully looked after his 
training and instruction.  His uncle wisely judged that, for a boy who 
had his own way to make in the world, a good trade is one of the best 
kind of preparations, hence he was put to learn the trade of carpenter, 
and accomplished his apprenticeship in the usual time, subsequently 
following the occupation for some years.  In the spring of 1836 Mr. 
Reily removed to Harrisburg, and became largely interested in 
agricultural pursuits, to which he gave most of his time until a short 
period before his death.  Mr. Reily was advanced by his fellow-citizens 
to many prominent places of service and trust.  He represented Lebanon 
county in the State Legislature and served with ability and honor in 
several county offices.  His prominence in military circles was no less 
marked.  He served in the United States militia at Baltimore in 1814.  
Later in life he was made a brigade major, and at the time of his death 
was holding the rank of brigadier general.  His career was an honorable 
and useful one, beginning in humble obscurity, advancing by easy and 
certain steps of preferment and ending in prominence and distinction by 
death, July 28, 1843, his worthy wife long surviving him, and dying May 
23, 1866.  They had sixteen children, and of this large family there 
are but three now living, John A., Martha, wife of James B. Thompson, 
and Frank, all of whom are residing in Harrisburg.
  John A., when he was ten years of age, came with his parents to 
Harrisburg, and was here given all the educational advantages afforded 
by the city schools, of which he availed himself with industrious 
application.  Although abundantly qualified for any of the learned 
professions or active branches of business, his inclinations and 
surroundings led in the direction of agricultural pursuits to which he 
has given his attention for the greater part of his active life.  This 
city has been his residence for the whole of his life, with the 
exception of five years, spent at Minneapolis, Minn., and one year of 
service in the U. S. Army during the war of the Rebellion.  For a score 
or more of years Mr. Reily has been retired from the engagements and 
exacting requirements of active business, and has enjoyed the full 
quiet and comfort of home life.  He was married in Harrisburg September 
25, 1852, to Miss Catharine Olewine, daughter of George and Maria 
(Pifer) Olewine, her father being of French ancestry, and both parents 
natives of Berks county, Pa.  Mrs. Reily was born in Cumberland county, 
Pa., near Fairview, November 7, 1827, and when about seven years of age 
came with her parents to Dauphin county, where she spent her entire 
life.  The children born to Mr. and Mrs. Reily are:  William P., a 
printer now in Cincinnati, George E., now holding a position in the 
Pension Department, Washington, Martha L., and John Franklin, who both 
died in childhood.  Mr. Reily is a member of Cornplanter Tribe, 
I.O.R.M.  In politics he is a Democrat. Both he and his wife are 
members of Christ Lutheran church, of Harrisburg.