Henry Killilea

Henry James Killilea
Killilea while playing on the University of Michigan football team
Born	June 30, 1863 Poygan, Wisconsin
Died	January 23, 1929(1929-01-23) (aged 65) Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Citizenship	United States
Alma mater	University of Michigan
Known for	Football player/Lawyer

Henry James Killilea (June 30, 1863 – January 23, 1929) was an American baseball team owner and attorney. He was one of the founders of baseball's American League. He also played college football and baseball at the University of Michigan.

Killilea was born in Poygan, Wisconsin, in 1863. His parents, Matthew and Mary Killilea emigrated from Ireland in 1849 and established a farm in Winnebago County, Wisconsin. Killilea was raised on the family farm and attended public school in Winneconne, Wisconsin.

After completing grade school, Killilea attended Oshkosh Normal School (now University of Wisconsin–Oshkosh) and then taught school at Clay Banks, Wisconsin.

In the fall of 1882, Killilea enrolled at the University of Michigan, where he studied law. He also played for the Michigan Wolverines baseball team and for the 1883 and 1884 Michigan Wolverines football teams. He played at the forward position on the 1883 team, and as a senior, he played at the center position and was manager of the undefeated 1884 team that outscored its two opponents, 36-10. He graduated from Michigan in 1885.

After graduating from Michigan, Killilea established a law practice in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, in 1885. He specialized in trial practice, with much of his early practice constituting criminal defense. He gained attention for his defense of a school teacher who broke a student's neck. He later worked as counsel to the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul Railroad.