JAMES A. REILLY, the well-known president of the Chamber of Commerce, and vice-president of the Queen City Coal Company, illustrates in his career the value of enterprise, diligence, and careful management in the active affairs of life.  He was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, a son of Michael, and Julie (McCormick) Reilly, natives of Ireland and of Cincinnati, respectively.  Mr. Reilly received his preliminary education in the public and parochial schools of his home city.  In 1890, he embarked in the coal business, and by steadfast application to his duties, soon became vice-president of the Queen City Coal Company.  This concern, which does a wholesale and retail business, has its mines located at Holden, Logan county, West Virginia, the model mining town of the world.  The company is one of the largest dealers of its kind, and ships coal not only throughout the United States, but to other countries as well.  Besides his large business interests, Mr. Reilly also finds time to devote to things of a civic nature.  He is sponsor of the civic of the Big Brothers' Association, which at the present time is doing some very valuable work.  He takes a keen interest in all public questions, but has sought no political preferment.  In religious faith, he is a member of the Roman Catholic church.  He holds the office of president of the Chamber of Commerce, president of the Cincinnati Coal Exchange, president of the Cincinnati Retail Dealers' Association, first vice-president of the Rotary club, is a member of the Business Men's Club, the Cuvier Press Club, and the Knights of Columbus, of which last he is a fourth degree member.  Although yet a young man, he has already made for himself an enviable name and a creditable position in industrial, and social circles.  During the period of the World war, Mr. Reilly was captain of a team for raising funds, and it is to be recorded that he more than did his share in the work.
Source:  Memoirs of the Miami Valley - Publ. Chicago: R. O. Law Co. - 1920 - Page 263