Rochelle Herald, Rochelle, Illinois
Wednesday, October 12, 1921 p. 1

JOHN RAHILLY, SR.
A Resident of This City for Sixty-five Years: One of The Oldest Citizens in Ogle County

John Rahilly was born in Limerick, 92nd birthday,(sic) died at his home in the South side on Saturday evening, October 8th, 1921 at 6:30.

Mr. Rahilly had been in failing health for several years and for two years previous to his death had been confined to his bed. His every wants were cheerfully and faithfully administered to by his daughters (sic) who were constant attendants at his bedside, and as his life gradually but surely wasted away after a long and well spent existance in this world, he passed on without a complaint or murmur.

John Reilly was born in Limerick, Ireland, in January 1828, where he resided until he was 26 years of age, when he was married to Catherine Mead June 20, 1854. Following their marriage the couple left their native country for America arriving in New York City the same year. They came west to St. Charles, Illinois, where Mr. Rahilly found employment with a railroad construction company which were building the Chicago and Northwestern road across the state. The following year they moved to Rochelle and he has resided here ever since. For twenty years he worked for the railroad and in 1875 purchased the homestead farm in Dement Township, adjoining the city Rochelle on the southeast. He had added to the original purchase, owning in all, 362 acres.

Some thirty years ago Mr. and Mrs. Rahilly retired and spent the remainder of their days in their home on the South side. Mrs. Rahilly died five years ago.

Ten children were born to this union: John of Glen Flora, Texas; James who died forty years ago; Mrs. Josie Hope, DeKalb; Mrs. Mary Herrmann, Lee County; Mrs. Edward Herrmann, Lee County; Mrs. Susan McDermott, DeKalb; and Mrs. Lizzie Riley of this city.

The funeral services were held from the Catholic church in this city Tuesday morning at 9:30. The burial was in the family lot at the South Side Cemetery.

Submitted by Peg Allen Arnold

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