John T. Reily, for whom the John T. Reily Historic Society of McSherrystown, PA was named, is known as "The most quoted Catholic author in the United States." His many volumes were written in the late 19th and early 20th Centuries. Reily ran his own press and custom made books for individuals who came into his store/press room. Interestingly not all of Reily's volumes are the same (i.e. not all Vol. VII's are the same.) If a customer requested pages one to one-hundred from Vol. I, page 299 to 420 from Vol. IV etc., he would print the custom book under the most current Volume No.

Reily's volumes contain a wealth of information on local families and events.

As an orphan boy, John T. Reily "lived in Bonneauville, PA with the Laurences (Lawrences?) for a time." This Memorial Volume book is dedicated to John's beloved wife Susie who preceded him in death.

The format size of this Memorial Volume book is not consistent with most other of Reily's books. The fancy border around page text is typical.