Daniel O'Reilly (politician)

He was born in Limerick, Ireland and emigrated to the United States in July 1856 with his parents, who settled in Brooklyn, where he was educated.

O'Reilly worked in a variety of appointed government positions, including a post as Brooklyn's Weigher, and one in the New York Custom House.

Shortly after the start of his term, O'Reilly was accused of being a deserter from the Union Army, and alleged to have enlisted under false pretenses in order to collect cash bounties paid to new recruits.

O'Reilly defended himself by stating that he had in fact enlisted in the 104th New York Volunteer Infantry with the expectation of receiving an officer's commission.

He went on to state that after having attained the rank of color sergeant, two companies of the regiment were consolidated, which eliminated vacant officer positions, so he was discharged after three months.