E. N. Lilley, p. 397

E. N. LILLEY, who in his lifetime was an influential citizen of California, Penn., was a son of Ellis Lilley (who was a native of this county) and a nephew of Thomas Lilley, a sketch of whom precedes this. In early manhood Ellis Lilley was united in marriage with Elizabeth Phillips, also a native of this county, and the young couple settled permanently on a farm in East Pike Run township. They were the parents of six children, namely: Solomon, Ruth (wife of B. C. Jackman), Thomas, Ellis N., Elizabeth (wife of Dr. Johnson) and Phoebe (married to Arthur Hulis). Mr. Lilley was a leading member of the Westland Quaker Church, and in politics was a Whig and Republican. He and his wife were buried in the home cemetery.

Ellis N. Lilley was born July 19, 1837, on the farm on East Pike Run township, Washington Co., Penn., where he received the advantages of a public school education. After leaving the public school he devoted some time to teaching, and he entered this work with his characteristic energy, which meant success. He proved a power for good, which was felt long after he was gone. He was married November 1, 1866, by J. C. Momyer, pastor of Greenfield C. P. Congregation, to Kate, daughter of Dr. Lewis Marchand, a native of Westmoreland county, Penn. The latter attended the public schools, and deciding to study medicine entered the office of a physician, with whom he remained several months. He then took a medical course, and after graduating began to practice his profession at Uniontown, Penn., where he continued to reside until failing health compelled him to seek rest in his country home. He was married to Sarah Sackett, a native of Fayette county, Penn., who bore him children as follows: Samuel, Rachel, Elizabeth, Louisa, Caroline, Lucius and Kate (Mrs. Lilley). Dr. Marchand possessed as a family heritage the receipt for the cure of hydrophobia, from which many wonderful cures have been reported. He was an ardent Whig and Republican in politics, and in religious faith was a leading member of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church.

Ellis N. and Kate (Marchand) Lilley resided on the home farm until 1881, when, his sight failing, he moved to California, same county. He died July 25, 1891, leaving three children, viz.: Sarah, Henrietta and Wilbur. He was buried in the Marchand family burying ground, across the river from California. In political opinion Mr. Lilley was an enthusiastic Republican, and in religious faith he gave liberally of his time and money to the support of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church. He was deeply interested in the founding of the Southwestern State Normal School at California, Penn., and put his first earned money into it. He served as trustee until his health failed. Patience in sickness and trouble, and a kind heart that reached all the poor and needy, were his notable characteristics, and by everybody could this be emphasized.

Text taken from page 397 of:
Beers, J. H. and Co., Commemorative Biographical Record of Washington County, Pennsylvania (Chicago: J. H. Beers & Co., 1893).

Transcribed May 1997 by Marilyn K. MacKendrick of N. Charleston, SC as part of the Beers Project.
Published May 1997 on the Washington County, PA USGenWeb pages at http://www.chartiers.com/.

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