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G. W. REICHLEY, a dealer in grain and stock, of Letts, was born in 1828, in Perry County, Ohio, and is the third in a family of twelve children born to Conrad and Mary (Hoy) Reichley, who were natives of Pennsylvania. The father, accompanied by his family, removed to Ohio at an early day, and during his residence in that State always resided upon one farm. He served as a soldier of the War of 1812 under Gen. Harrison, and his death occurred at the advanced age of eighty-four years. The mother had departed this life some years before.
Our subject grew to manhood upon a farm in his native State, and there received his education in the district schools. In 1854 he was united in marriage with Catherine Brookhart, who was born in Ohio, and is a daughter of Daniel and Elizabeth (Tate) Brookhart, who were natives of Pennsylvania. Her father was a mechanic by trade, and in 1854 emigrated to Muscatine County, Iowa, settling upon a farm, where he passed the remainder of his days. After their marriage the young couple came directly to Iowa, locating in Muscatine County on a farm, but on the 15th of August, 1862, Mr. Reichley left his home to enlist in the service of his country, becoming a member of Company F, 35th Iowa Infantry. He was mustered in at Muscatine, and engaged in the battles of Pleasant Hill, Yellow Bayou, the Red River campaign, and the battle of Nashville. While aiding in the construction of a bridge at Springfield, Mo., he had his leg shattered by a piece of iron that fell on him. He received his discharge April 6, 1865, at Memphis, Tenn., and after the close of the war returned to Muscatine County, where he engaged in farming until 1876, and then removed to Letts, since which time he has been dealing in grain and stock.
Mr. and Mrs. Reichley are the parents of eight children: Joseph is married, and resides at Estherville, Iowa, where he is in the employ of the Burlington & Cedar Rapids Railroad; George is a machinist of Horton, Kan.; Elmer is working on a farm; Maggie is the wife of Rev. Charles Blanchard, pastor of the Christian Church; Millie is living at home, and has been one of the teachers in the public schools of Letts; Laura, now Mrs. Runyon, resides in Letts; Lizzie, deceased wife of Joseph Meeker, of Muscatine County; and Sarah, who died in 1881, at the age of nineteen years. Mr. and Mrs. Reichley are members of the United Brethren Church, while he belongs to the G. A. R. in which he holds the position of Adjutant, and is also a member of the A. O. U. W., serving as Recorder of his lodge. He has always taken an active part in political affairs, is a supporter of the . . .
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. . . Republican party, has served as Constable for about eight years, held the office of Marshal, was a member of the Town Council, and is now Justice of the Peace. He does all in his power to secure good educational advantages to the community, and is one of the respected citizens of Letts.