S. E. LILLY

LILLY, GIFFORD, EVANS, WOODS

Posted By: Norma Nielson (email)
Date: 5/15/2004 at 20:44:55

"S. E. Lilly is the owner of an excellent farm of one hundred and sixty seven acres in Lee township and is a progressive and successful farmer and stock-raiser. A native of Ogle county, Illinois, he was born on the 8th of October, 1853. His parents, George and Maria J. Lilly, were both natives of Pennsylvania but were numbered among early settlers of Illinois, where the mother passed away. The father subsequently removed to Buchanan county, Iowa, and eight years later, or in 1868, came to this county, where he passed his last days. He was married again, Mary Gifford becoming the wife, and had nine children. To his first union were born two children, but our subject is the only one now living.

S. E. Lilly remained under the parental roof until he was fifteen years of age and then began working as a farm hand. He was so employed for several years and also spent two years on the great plains hunting buffalo. In 1873 he returned to Adair county and again turned his attention to agricultural pursuits. Following his marriage in 1877 he purchased a farm, which he operated until 1912, when he bought his present home place, which comprises one hundred and sixty-seven acres in Lee township. He has already made a number of improvements and keeps all of the buildings in excellent condition. He makes a specialty of raising hogs for the market and studies carefully all phases of that business. As his animals are of good grade and are in excellent condition when sold, he receives a good price for them and his resources are steadily increasing.

In 1877 Mr. Lilly was united in marriage to Miss Margaret Evans, a daughter of William and Mary (Williams) Evans, both natives of England, who emigrated to America and settled in Pennsylvania many years ago. In 1870 they came to this county and settled upon a farm, where both passed away. They were the parents of eleven children, of whom eight survive. To Mr. and Mrs. Lilly have been born five children: Nellie E., formerly a teacher, now the wife of Foral Woods of Greenfield, Iowa; George W., at home; Charles S., who is farming in this county; Edna E., deceased; and John E., at home.

Mr. Lilly votes the democratic ticket and believes firmly in the wisdom of the principles of that party, but has never taken an active part in political affairs. His religious faith is indicated by his membership in the Congregational church. His industry and careful management of his affairs have been rewarded by the attainment of material success and his adherence of high standards of conduct has gained him the respect and friendship of those who know him."

Source: The "History of Adair County Iowa and its People," Volume II. (Chicago, The Pioneer Publishing Company) 1915.