Marion County WV Archives Biographies.....Lilley, George M. July 27, 1862 - November 1, 1916 ************************************************ Copyright. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm http://www.usgwarchives.net/wv/wvfiles.htm ************************************************ File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by: Connie Burkett marionwvusgwarch@gmail.com March 5, 2012, 6:53 pm Source: Genealogical and Personal History of the Upper Monongahela Valley, West Virginia Author: James Morton Callahan New York; Lewis Historical Publishing Company; 1912 Volume II, pages 539-541 A Pennsylvanian by birth, West Virginian by adoption and choice, George M. Lilley is widely known in this section of the state as a leading contractor in sand and stone. He was born near Fairchance, Pennsylvania, July 27, 1862. His father was a Marylander who was born at Ellicott Mills, near Baltimore; his mother was a native of West Virginia, born in Barbour county. Like many another successful man, Mr. Lilley was reared to farm labor, and in his youth saw the pleasures as well as the hardships of rural life. Both his parents were extremely desirous of giving their son an education, but they were not in a position to do for him as they wished. Early in life he had to "hustle," as he said in an interview, and this trait of character has sent him "hustling" through the busy world. When he left the farm he engaged in digging coal. He made an excellent miner, and not like others of this calling, saved his earnings and put them to good account. After a time he conceived the idea that a tradesman always stood a better chance of getting on in the world than a man without a trade, hence, after looking the field over, he decided to learn the stonemason's trade, and made as good a mason as he had a coal miner. Coming to Fairmont in 1892, he engaged in the general contracting business in stone work. The scores of structures which he laid the foundations for in this community are lasting monuments to his excellent workmanship. Among other buildings, he was awarded the contracts for the works later operated by the National Glass Company; the Fairmont Brewing Company; the Fairmont Coal Company, at Murray; and the Virginia & Pittsburgh Coal & Coke Company, at Kingmont; and many other pieces of work of importance. His stone quarry on Washington street, Fairmont, possesses an inexhaustible bed of blue sand stone, ever in good demand for building purposes. It was in 1900, by a keen, farsighted business eye, that Mr. Lilley purchased what has proven to be the best sand bank in all this or adjoining states. It covers about forty acres, and is situated only a few miles out from Fairmont. The average thickness of the excellent sand is about thirty feet. In fact, this sand bank has proven to be worth as much as many small gold mines to its owner. Machinery has been placed in position by this clear-headed man of affairs. The most improved appliances in way of sand-washer, sand-screener, elevating and conveying machinery, a part of which Mr. Lilley invented himself, makes the plant a model one. Some of his inventions for handling sand have been bought and put into use by others in distant parts of the country. About six hundred cars of sand are shipped to points within a radius of three hundred miles from his sandpit, each year. Besides this industry, Mr. Lilley owns a large storage and supply house, located in the city of Fairmont, where he keeps a stock of builders' and contractors' supplies. He is a man who has forged his way to the front rank by sheer pluck and good judgment, with plenty of hard work thrown in, and possesses the qualities such as are only found in men of sterling worth, and to which the world generally gives due credit. The world loves a man who can surmount every obstacle in his way, and rise to a plane of success. While he is a busy man, yet he takes time to mingle with his fellowmen. He belongs to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, being a member of Palatine Lodge, at Fairmont. He is noted generally for his charity and true benevolence, although his work is never heralded abroad by himself. He is always willing to assist the needy, if they are willing to do their part, but has no time or money for mere idle triflers. Politically, he is a Democrat, and ever ready to further the cause of his party. He does not care for public office, but has served from his ward as councilman, during which administration he fully satisfied the citizens and taxpayers in his section of the city of Fairmont. In November, 1909, he was elected county commissioner for a term of six years, and in 1911 was elected president of the county court, which office he is now filling. Of his home life it may be said that his first wife, whose maiden name was Celia Lowe, a native of Fayette county, Pennsylvania, lived but a few years after their marriage. She left three small children, and Mr. Lilley decided to bring them up himself. Some years later he married Rebecca Tucker, of Marion county, West Virginia. By this union were born three children, one of whom is deceased. The living children are: Earl Smith and Edna Pearl. Additional Comments: ------------------------ Death Register, Marion County WV 1916, page 105 Geo. M. Lilley died 11/1/1916 in Fairmont (at age 55yrs) Cause: Oedema of Lungs Occupation: Contractor Marital-status: Married ------------------------ 1900 Census, Marion County WV Fairmont District, Fairmont Ward 2 ED:52, Sheet 7A, stamped page #50 Washington Street; Lines 36-40; Enum-Dwelling #113; Enum-Family #134 LILLY, George M. (head) July-1861, age 38, PA-MD-WV, Stone-contractor ", Rebecca J. (wife) July-1867, age 32, married 6/12, 0-children, WV-WV-PA ", Archie (son) Sep-1883, age 17, PA-PA-PA, Teamster ", Mary E. (dau) Mar-1885, age 15, PA-PA-PA, attends school ", George W. (son) Mar-1887, age 13, PA-PA-PA, attends school 1910 Census, Marion County WV Fairmont District, Fairmont 1st Ward ED: 59, Sheet 6B 600 Ogden Ave.; Lines 84-88; Enum-Dwelling #127; Enum-Family #139 LILLEY, George M. (head) 47, m2-10yrs, PA-..-..; Bldg Supplier ", Rebecca (wife) 42, m1-10yrs, 3-children/2-living, WV-WV-WV ", Earl S. (son) 6, WV-PA-WV ", R. Edna P. (dau) 4, WV-PA-WV SMITH, Mary Servant) 38, widow, WV-..-.. File at: http://files.usgwarchives.net/wv/marion/bios/lilley158nbs.txt This file has been created by a form at http://www.genrecords.net/wvfiles/ File size: 6.4 Kb