.
Collection Overview
Title: Lilly Family Papers, 1780-1991
Extent: 12.12 Cubic Feet
Date Acquired: 09/22/1978. More info below under Accruals.
Subjects: Boonesboro (Ky.), Honor Societies., Kentucky--History--Civil War, 1861-1865., Kentucky--Politics and government--1865-1950., Kentucky--Politics and government., Kentucky--Social life and customs--19th century., Kentucky--Social life and customs--20th century., Madison County (Ky.), Madison County (Ky.)--History--19th century., Madison County (Ky.)--History., Madison County (Ky.)--Social life and customs--19th century., Madison County (Ky.)--Social life and customs--20th century., Madison County (Ky.)--Surveys., Madison Female Institute, Politics, Practical, Railroad companies--United States., Richmond (Ky.)--History--Pictorial works., World's Columbian Exposition (1893 : Chicago, Ill.), World War, 1914-1918., World War, 1939-1945.
Languages: English, Spanish;Castilian
Scope and Contents of the Materials
The Lilly Family Papers contain correspondence, photographs, legal material, publications, scrapbooks, memorabilia, and genealogical information. Much of the material in this collection deals with the many organizations with which the Lillys were involved, such as Democratic clubs, Daughters of the American Revolution, or the Gas Consumers' League. In addition to materials involving organizations, there is also an abundance of legal documents which attest to Grant Lilly's service as a lawyer and judge. There are many publications which highlight the interests and involvements of the family, including Austin Lilly. Since the original collection was submitted by Austin Lilly herself, there are aspects of the papers which highlight Austin's life and career, especially her involvement with the University of Kentucky and the Lexington Opera House.
Collection Historical Note
Grant E. Lilly was born in Estill County on February 27, 1865. He was the son of Colonel Henry Clay Lilly, a circuit judge of the Irvine district and a colonel in the 14th Kentucky Calvary, United States Army, during the Civil War, and Catherine Tracy, a member of a pioneer Pennsylvania family whose descendents moved to Kentucky.
Mr. Lilly received his early education in the private school in Madison County at College Hill and Dr. Elliot's School for Boys at Kirksville. He attended Central University in Richmond and was a honor graduate of the University of Michigan Law School in 1889. Upon completion of his studies at Ann Arbor, he returned to Irvine where he served as county attorney of Estill County. He had also taught school before receiving his law training. Like his father, Lilly became active in the Republican Party, but around 1900 switched his allegiance to the Democratic Party.
Anna Dudley McGinn Lilly was born February 27, 1872, in Maysville, Kentucky, the daughter of the Reverend John Bolivar McGinn and Mary Elizabeth Sheppard McGinn. She spent her early life in Versailles, where her father was minister of the Christian church.
On October 19, 1883, Grant E. Lilly and Anna D. McGinn were married in Versailles. They had one daughter, Austin Page Lilly; a son, John Marion Lilly; and a younger son, Grant Lilly, Jr., who died at the age of 12 in 1916. After marrying, the Lillys lived in Richmond where they were involved in numerous civic projects and organizations. Lilly was one of the leaders, along with Dr. Hugh McClellan, Col. C. E. Woods, and Col. N. B. Deatherage, in a local option fight prior to prohibition. Lilly as a member of the Prandennial Club, a charter member of the first Chamber of Commerce organized in Richmond, as well as one of the sponsors of the Richmond Chautauqua. He also was a member of the American Bar Association, the Kentucky Bar Association, and one of the organizers of the Madison Bar Association.
He was owner and editor of three newspapers, the Madisonian, which he founded, the Richmond Climax, and the Kentucky Register which later were merged into the Richmond Daily Register. The Kentucky Register was purchased by Lilly for his wife who was its editor.
In 1918 the Lillys moved to Lexington. Lilly was elected president of the Gas Consumers League which worked for the taxpayers in an effort to reduce the price of natural gas. Lilly ran for mayor of Lexington in 1927 and lost.
Anna Lilly was very interested in Central Kentucky politics and civic affairs. She became affiliated with the Daughters of the American Revolution in 1912 as a member of the Boonesborough Chapter, later transferring her membership to the Lexington Chapter, of which she subsequently became regent. Mrs. Lilly was regent of the Kentucky DAR from 1923 to 1926. In 1928, she spearheaded a drive to have the state legislature approve a bill designating "My Old Kentucky Home" as the official state song. The first rendition of Stepen Foster's composition was sung on Sunday, April 15, 1928, at the Valley Forge, Pennsylvania. The occasion was the dedication of the Kentucky bell in the memorial chapel there. The bell in the carillion at Valley Forge was purcased with $1000 raised by Mrs. Lilly and a committee of the DAR. She was an honorary life regent of both the state and Lexington DAR.
With the advent of women's suffrage in 1920, Mrs. Lilly organized the first Woodrow Wilson Club and in 1932 she founded the Roosevelt Democratic Club of Richmond. Twice she was county associate chairman for the Fayette Club of Kentucky. She actively supportive Alben Barkley's several successful senatorial campaigns.
Mrs. Lilly was four times president of the Richmond Women's Club; a member of the Women's Club of Central Kentucky; a charter member of the Madison County Historical Society, the Lexington McDowell Music Club and the Bradford Club of Lexington; and held membership in the Huguenot Society of South Carolina, the Colonial Dames of Kentucky and the state and state and national officers' club of the DAR. She was organizing president of the Kentucky branch of the Huguenot Society of the Founders of the Manakin Towne and of the Paul Revere chapter of the Children of the American Revolution.
During Lexington's sesqui-centennial celebration, Mrs. Lilly was chairman of the Hall of Fame, which featured an outstanding collection of historical items. She was instrumental in the naming of Henry Clay High School and served on the board of the Henry Clay Memorial Foundation when it began work on making Ashland a state shrine.
She was a member of the board of direcotrs of the Pioneer National Monument Association which acquired the Blue Lick battlefield and other historic spots in Kentucky. She eaded the Madison County Liberty Loan and War Savings stamp drive in World War I and served as co-chaiman of many Madison Red Cross campaigns. She worked with the NRA in the 1930s and was a honorary member of the VFW during World War II.
Grant Lilly died January 5, 1940, and Anna D. Lilly died July 30, 1948. Both are buried at the Richmond cemetery. Austin Lilly died September 18, 1991, in Georgetown, Kentucky.
Subject/Index Terms
Administrative Information
Repository:
Eastern Kentucky University - Special Collections and Archives
Accruals:
1978 - 049, 1979 - 027, 1979 - 035, 1981 - 018, 1982 - 035, 1982 - 021, 1986 - 024, 1986 - 030, 1987 - 024, 1987 - 017, 1988 - 018, 1988 - 032, 1987 - 004
Acquisition Source:
Lilly, Austin P.
Box and Folder Listing
Browse by Series:
[Series 1: Correspondence Series],
[
Series 2: Financial Series],
[
Series 3: Genealogy Series],
[
Series 4: Legal Series],
[
Series 5: Memorabilia Series],
[
Series 6: Newspaper Clipping Series],
[
Series 7: Photograph Series],
[
Series 8: Publication Series],
[
Series 9: Scrapbook Series],
[
Series 10: Speech Series],
[
Series 11: Subject Series],
[
Series 12: Oversized],
[
All]
- Series 1: Correspondence Series
- Box 1
- Barcode: 31234013924376
- Folder 1: Correspondence, 1780 - 1899
- This folder contains older correspondence, dating back to the Civil War. Some of the correspondence are copies, with some originals. Of interest: Copies of letters written by J.B. McGinn to Mr. J.E. Wooten, whose son was put to death in the Civil War, and Wooten's replies. Also contains B. Wooten's (the son) letter to his mother prior to his execution.
- Folder 2: Grant E. Lilly Correspondence, 1901 - 1938
- This folder contains correspondence addressed to Grant Lilly, largely surrounding his work as judge.
- Folder 3: Anna Lilly Correspondence, 1913 - 1948
- Correspondence to Anna Lilly. Much of the correspondence here revolves around the many social groups and organizations to which Anna belonged.
- Folder 4: Austin Lilly Correspondence, 1914 - 1969
- Correspondence to Austin Lilly, daughter of Grant and Anna Lilly. Correspondence in this folder reflects personal correspondence to Austin, as well as many pieces of correspondence in sympathy for the death of her mother, Anna.
- Folder 5: Austin Lilly Correspondence, 1970 - 1979
- Correspondence to Austin Lilly, regarding both personal matters as well as other topics such as donations or thank you letters.
- Folder 6: Austin Lilly Correspondence, 1980 - 1989
- Correspondence to Austin Lilly, regarding both personal matters as well as other topics such as donations or thank you letters.
- Folder 7: Austin Lilly Correspondence, Undated
- Undated miscellaneous correspondence written to Austin Lilly
- Folder 8: Anna and Austin Lilly Correspondence, 1927 - 1947
- Correspondence between Austin Lilly and her mother, Anna Lilly
- Folder 9: Grant E. Lilly, Austin Lilly, and children Correspondence, 1900 - 1939
- Correspondence from Anna and Grant to Austin and their other children. Some of the correspondence from Grant to the children contains drawings and puzzles by Grant.
- Folder 10: Grant E. Lilly and Anna Lilly, 1901 - 1934
- Correspondence between Grant E. Lilly and his wife Anna.
- Folder 11: Miscellaneous, 1911 - 1955
- Correspondence not addressed to members of the Lilly family. Also includes membership cards for the Children of the American Revolution.
- Folder 12: Donovan Art Course Correspondence, 1983
- Correspondence to Austin Lilly regarding her position as instructor for the Donovan Art Course at the University of Kentucky. The correspondence here addresses her accomplishments as an instructor and congratulates her on her retirement from the position.
- Folder 13: Austin Lilly Donations, 1981 - 1988
- Correspondence to Austin Lilly thanking her for her contributions and donations, most of which appear to be historical and archival donations
- Folder 14: Clarence Woods Correspondence, 1911 - 1937
- Correspondence between Clarence E. Wood and Grant and Anna Lilly. Woods was Mayor of Richmond from 1905 to 1909, as well as editor for the Richmond Register and Climax of Richmond for twelve years. The correspondence relates to professional conversations and the progress and development of Richmond, KY.
- Folder 15: City Management Meeting, 1933
- Meeting minutes and writing detailing "Plan of Richmond" meeting. Contains two notepads and printed minutes
- Folder 16: Richmond Women's Club Correspondence, 1916 - 1940
- Correspondence regarding the Richmond Women's Club, primarily to Anna Lilly who was heavily involved and held position in the Club. Also contains some general documents about the Richmond Women's Club.
- Folder 17: Calling Cards, Undated
- Folder of calling cards from family and friends of the Lillys
- Box 2
- Barcode: 31234013924384
- Folder 1: Climax-Madisonian, 1914 - 1917
- Correspondence to the publishers at the Climax-Madisonian in Richmond, KY. Many of the letters are regarding posted advertisement and freight shipping.
- Folder 2: Colonial Dames of America, 1945 - 1948
- Correspondence to Anna Lilly regarding the Colonial Dames of America, with which she was involved. Also contained in this folder are invitations to events for the organization
- Folder 3: Cuban Trip Correspondence, 1950 - 1960
- Contains correspondence to Austin Lilly, nominating her to be a member of the United States Delegation of Teachers to Cuba, as well as letters thanking her for her acceptance of this position.
- Folder 4: Roosevelt Democratic Club, 1935 - 1936
- Correspondence, membership cards, and notes regarding the Roosevelt Democratic Club, of which Anna Lilly was President
- Folder 5: Roosevelt Democratic Club, 1936 - 1941
- Correspondence between Kentucky politicians and Anna Lilly regarding events and congratulations from the Roosevelt Democratic Club, of which Anna Lilly was formerly President.
- Folder 6: Richmond Chamber of Commerce, 1933 - 1934
- Correspondence to Grant and Anna Lilly from the Richmond Chamber of Commerce regarding their clubs and organizations as well as City Management Meetings
- Folder 7: American Red Cross, Undated
- Lists of contacts for the American Red Cross drive and a call list for Anna Lilly
- Folder 8: Christmas Cards, 1913 - 1929
- Christmas Cards to the Lilly Family from family and friends
- Folder 9: Christmas Cards, 1930 - 1939
- Christmas Cards to the Lilly Family from family and friends
- Folder 10: Christmas Cards, 1940 - 1949
- Christmas Cards to the Lilly Family from family and friends
- Folder 11: Christmas Cards, 1950 - 1959
- Christmas Cards to the Lilly Family from family and friends
- Folder 12: Christmas Cards, 1960 - 1969
- Christmas Cards to the Lilly Family from family and friends
- Folder 13: Christmas Cards, Undated
- Christmas Cards to the Lilly Family from family and friends
- Folder 14: Christmas Cards, Undated
- Christmas Cards to the Lilly Family from family and friends
- Folder 15: Christmas Cards, Undated
- Christmas Cards to the Lilly Family from family and friends
- Folder 16: Daughters of the American Revolution, 1924 -1941
- Correspondence to and from Anna Lilly as Regent of the Daughters of the American Revolution. Correspondence in this folder revolves primarily around an upcoming state conference for the organization.
- Folder 17: Daughters of the American Revolution, 1926 - 1933
- Contains some correspondence regarding Daughters of the American Revolution meetings, as well as many invitations to meetings and conferences for the organization
- Folder 18: Democratic Party, 1935 - 1936
- Contains information related to the Democratic voters in Madison County, KY, at this time, including lists of Democrat voters, voting precincts, and election outcomes
- Box 3
- Barcode: 31234013924392
- Folder 1: Gas Consumers League, 1925 - 1928
- Grant E. Lilly acted as President of the Gas Consumers League of Lexington, KY. Correspondence here includes invitations to league meetings, discussion of important news to bring up during meetings, and proposed lawsuits by the league against the Lexington Gas Company
- Folder 2: Gas Consumers League, 1926 - 1927
- Includes Declaration of Principles of the Gas Consumers League, Articles of Incorporation for the Gas Consumers League, Deposit and Check Reports for the league, Gas Franchise Ordinance booklet and documents, and referendum petition
- Folder 3: Kentucky Constitutional Amendment, 1926
- Includes correspondence which accompanied proposed Kentucky amendments, as well as a copy of the proposed amendments
- Folder 4: Kentucky Federation of Women's Clubs, 1931
- Contains a document noting resolutions meant to be made at the Convention of Kentucky Federation of Women's Clubs in Frankfort, as well as certification cards in Anna Lilly's name
- Folder 5: Kentucky Society for Crippled Children, 1938
- A piece of correspondence noting a list of individuals solicited by Anna Lilly for the Society for Crippled Children, which also notes the individuals who contributed as well as those who could not be reached
- Folder 6: Louisville Flood Refugees, 1937
- Includes a stack of Red Cross index cards with refugee information on it, an autograph book with refugee names, and correspondence to Anna Lilly from many of the flood refugees describing the damage to their homes
- Folder 7: Madison County Historical Society, 1934
- A list of names sent to the historical society by Anna Lilly encouraging the addition of these individuals to the historical society
- Folder 8: Madison County Historical Society, 1936 - 1937
- Correspondence to Anna Lilly to publish information from the Madison County Historical Society and the Madison County Sesqui-Centennial Celebration of 1937
- Folder 9: National Democratic Victory Club, 1924
- Includes a document to Anna Lilly from the National Democratic Victory Club, informing her of her need to pay a 5 dollar dues for membership
- Folder 10: Needlework Guild, 1937
- Document naming members of the Richmond branch of the needlework guild, for which Anna Lilly was director
- Folder 11: Lilly Mayoral Campaign, 1927
- Contains speech outlines, lists of individuals, lists of executive salaries, editorials announcing Lilly's mayoral run, mayoral statements and questionnaire
Browse by Series:
[Series 1: Correspondence Series],
[
Series 2: Financial Series],
[
Series 3: Genealogy Series],
[
Series 4: Legal Series],
[
Series 5: Memorabilia Series],
[
Series 6: Newspaper Clipping Series],
[
Series 7: Photograph Series],
[
Series 8: Publication Series],
[
Series 9: Scrapbook Series],
[
Series 10: Speech Series],
[
Series 11: Subject Series],
[
Series 12: Oversized],
[
All]
