Buena Vista County, IA
USGenWeb Project

Alexander T. Lilly, who is engaged in farming and stock-raising on his farm of two hundred acres in Coon township, where he also conducts a dairy, was born in Ohio on the 20th of August. 1850.  His father, Joseph Lilly, whose birth occurred in Baltimore, Maryland, in 1810, followed the trade of blacksmithing in early manhood but later turned his attention to general agricultural pursuits.  He was a democrat in his political views and his religious belief was indicated by his membership in the Catholic church, in the faith of which he passed away.  His wife, who bore the maiden name of Mary Fanning and was a native of Virginia, is also deceased.  Unto this worthy couple were born the following children:  Edward, deceased; Teresa, the wife of John D. White; Theodore, who is a farmer in Pocahontas county, Iowa; Joseph, a resident of Cedar Rapids; Alexander T., of this review; Rebecca, the wife of Dean Deman; Elias, who lives in Pocahontas county; John, of Fonda, Iowa; and Mary, who has also passed away.

Alexander T. Lilly attended school in Linn county, Iowa, until eighteen years of age and then returned to the home farm, assisting his father in the work of the fields until twenty-seven years of age.  He was then married and engaged in the operation of rented farms until his savings were sufficient to enable him to purchase his present place of two hundred acres in Coon township, Buena Vista county.  The property is now well improved and developed and a large number of shade trees greatly enhance its attractive appearance.  In addition to his general farming interests he also raises stock to some extent and conducts a small dairy, meeting with well merited prosperity in his various undertakings.  He is now numbered among the substantial and enterprising agriculturists of the county and the success which has attended his efforts is all the more creditable by reason of the fact that it has come to him entirely as the result of his unwearied industry and well directed labor.

As a companion and helpmate on life's .journey Mr. Lilly chose Miss Catherine Mackey, a native of Massachusetts, by whom he has the following children:  Ellen, the wife of Thomas Ashley, of this county; Joseph, who is a farmer by occupation; and Lawrence, Teresa and Martin A., all of whom are at home.

Mr. Lilly gives his political allegiance to the men and measures of the democracy, and in religious faith is a Catholic. A man of unfaltering integrity and genuine personal worth, he has won the regard and esteem of all with whom he has come in contact in business or social relations.