Thomas REILY

REILY, QUINN, BARCUS, BUCK

Posted By: Sarah Thorson Little (email)
Date: 11/11/2010 at 10:54:31

Thomas Reily, probably one of the best known citizens of Monona County through his really ingenious and valuable invention of the wire tightener and fence post combined, is engaged in farming on section 5, in Sherman Township. He received the patent for the product of his brain and skill, January 15, 1889, and although but just placed upon the market, has found for it a ready and largely increasing trade.

Thomas Reily, was born in Livingston County, New York, May 1, 1853, and is the son of Patrick and Jane (Quinn) Reily. His parents were both natives of Ireland, the former born March 17. 1808, and the latter in 1810. They were married in the Emerald Isle, in 1828, and immediately sailed for the United States, settling in New York State. Of their eleven children Thomas was the ninth. When the latter was some six years of age he was brought to Iowa by his father and mother, who settled near Goldfield, in Wright County. At the age of twelve years he left home to win a living for himself, and for about six months found employment in herding cattle for Holman Bros., of Sergeant's Bluff. From there he came to Monona County in 18()5,and through the following winter, was engaged in working on the railroad, making his home with his brother Peter. For several summers he was employed in rafting on the Missouri River, from Decatur to Nebraska City, living with his brother in this county during the winter months. After engaging at farm labor for about five years, in April, 1875, Mr. Reily went to Yankton, Dak., and served as a teamster in Gen. Custer's Brigade of the United States Army for three months, being discharged at Ft. Rice. The next summer he worked at breaking prairie. In the spring of 1877 he made a trip to Nevada but, after a few months spent in the mines, returned to Monona County and commenced farming on his own account and has pursued that calling ever since.

December 31, 1878, Thomas Reily was united in marriage with Miss Mary Barcus, a native of Newark, Licking County, Ohio, and daughter of John and Fidelia (Buck) Barcus, a sketch of whom appears elsewhere in the pages of this Album. Four children have been born to them, as follows: Eva May, November 11, 1879; Kate, July 27, 1881; Edith J., March 7. 1883, and one that was born June 9. 1888.

History of Monona County, Iowa;