James W. Reilly facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
James William Reilly
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| Born | May 20, 1828 Akron, Ohio |
| Died | November 6, 1905 (aged 77) Wellsville, Ohio |
| Place of burial |
St. Elizabeth's Cemetery, Wellsville, Ohio
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| Allegiance | United States of America Union |
| Service/ |
United States Army Union Army |
| Years of service | 1861–1865 |
| Rank |  Brigadier General |
| Unit | Army of the Ohio |
| Commands held | 104th Ohio Infantry 1st Brigade, 3rd Division, XXIII Corps |
| Battles/wars | American Civil War
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| Other work | Lawyer, state legislator |
James William Reilly (born May 20, 1828 – died November 6, 1905) was an important person from Ohio. He was a lawyer, a politician, and a brave soldier. During the American Civil War, he became a general in the Union Army. He led many soldiers in battles across the western parts of the United States.
Contents
Early Life and Start in Politics
James Reilly was born in Akron, Ohio, on May 20, 1828. He went to Mount St. Mary's College in Maryland. After college, he studied to become a lawyer.
He passed his bar exam and started a successful law business. This was in Wellsville, Ohio. In 1858, he decided to get involved in politics. He was chosen as a Republican to serve in the Ohio House of Representatives. There, he supported the ideas of President Abraham Lincoln.
Serving in the Civil War
Joining the Army
In August 1862, James Reilly joined the military. He became a colonel of the 104th Ohio Infantry. After training, his group was sent to different places in Kentucky. They worked to stop Confederate forces led by Edmund Kirby Smith and John Hunt Morgan.
On September 1, 1862, Reilly and his soldiers moved to Covington, Kentucky. This was to get ready for the Defense of Cincinnati. They were protecting the city from a possible attack by Confederate troops. Reilly was also part of a small fight called the Skirmish at Fort Mitchell.
Key Battles and Promotions
In the summer of 1863, Reilly's 104th Ohio Infantry joined Maj. Gen. Ambrose Burnside's Army of the Ohio. They were part of a mission in East Tennessee. This included operations around the Cumberland Gap. They marched to Knoxville and became part of the XXIII Corps.
Later in 1863, Reilly led a group of infantry soldiers during the Siege of Knoxville. The next year, he showed great skill leading his group in the Atlanta Campaign.
On July 30, 1864, James Reilly was promoted. He became a brigadier general of volunteers. He then took command of the 3rd Division, XXIII Corps. He did very well during the Franklin-Nashville Campaign.
During the Battle of Franklin, his troops faced a very strong attack. At first, they broke apart. But General Reilly quickly gathered them again. He managed to push back the attack. His soldiers even captured over 1,000 enemy soldiers. They also took 22 Confederate battle flags.
In 1865, Reilly and his men joined Maj. Gen. John Schofield's forces. They took part in the Carolinas Campaign. Reilly left the army on April 20, 1865, and went back home to Ohio.
After the War
After the war, James Reilly went back to being a lawyer in Wellsville. He was very active in his community. He continued to be important in local politics. He helped many Republican candidates get elected. In 1873, he was chosen to represent Columbiana County. This was for a meeting to help write Ohio's state constitution.
James Reilly died in Wellsville when he was 77 years old. He was buried in St. Elizabeth's Cemetery there. After he passed away, his money was given to the State of Ohio. Part of his money helped build a stadium and a school in Salem, Ohio. These places still have his name today.
