It was the eighth in order of creation, erected from St. Clair Township by the Butler County Commissioners on December 7, 1807, with these boundaries.

[citation needed] The first election of township officers was at Henry Burget's home on January 2, 1808.

[citation needed] Located in the western part of the county, it borders the following townships: The only Reily Township statewide, it is named for John Reily (1763–1850), the former Clerk of the Northwest Territory and the first Butler County clerk of courts.

[citation needed] The township is governed by a three-member board of trustees, who are elected in November of odd-numbered years to a four-year term beginning on the following January 1.

The township is in the Talawanda City School District.