California Biographies

Source: History of Fresno County, California, with biographical sketches of 
the leading men and women of the county who have been identified with 
its growth and development from the early days to the present (1919)

History By Paul E. Vandor 
Illustrated, Complete In Two Volumes 
Historic Record Company, Los Angeles, California, 1919
 
Notes: Missing+page1185-1186

Transcribed by Peggy Hooper

This file is part of the California Genealogy & History Archives 
http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~cagha/index.htm


GEORGE F. CORLEY.� Well known as the proprietor of the Coalinga 
Dairy, the oldest and best dairy in the city, was the late George F. Corley, 
a native of Tennessee, born near Gordonsville, February 4, 1876, a son of 
Henry and Tennessee (Ray) Corley, both natives of Tennessee. The ancestors 
of the Corley family were from the Emerald Isle, Great-grandfather Corley 
emigrating from Ireland and settling in Tennessee. Grandfather Nathaniel 
Corley saw service in the Civil War. 

After completing his education in the public school of his native state, 
George F. assisted his father on the farm until 1903, when he came out to 
Madera County, Cal. Here he was employed by the Raymond Granite Com- 
pany as their foreman, remaining with them four years. In 1907, Mr. Corley 
moved to Fresno County, locating at Coalinga, where he secured employment 
in the oil-fields as a rig-builder, being engaged by different companies. De- 
siring to engage in business for himself, Mr. Corley bought, in 1914, the 
Coalinga Dairy from R. Thut, the purchase including his business, residence 
and dairy buildings. Since that date he personally conducted the business by 
the most modern and sanitary methods, and his care in safeguarding his milk 
was fully appreciated, as shown by the large patronage accorded the Coalinga 
Dairy, which had the reputation of selling the best quality of milk in the 
city. In addition to the dairy business, Mr. Corley also engaged in raising 
cattle and hogs. 

On January 20, 1898, George F. Corley was united in marriage with Miss 
Mary Inez Roberts, a native of Gordonsville, Tenn., and they became the 
parents of four children: Bessie, now Mrs. Reed of Coalinga; William, with 
the Coalinga Ice Company ; Lamon ; and Louise. Mrs. Corley is the daughter 
of Oliver and Lucy (Whitley) Roberts, born in Virginia and Tennessee, re- 
spectively, and who were farmers. Mr. Roberts served in the Confederate 
Army in the Civil War. Both parents died in Tennessee, the father in 1914, 
and the mother on July 30, 1912. 

Fraternally, Mr. Corley was a member of the Odd Fellows and the Eagles 
at Coalinga. He was well-informed and possessed a genial disposition, with 
the happy faculty of making and retaining friends and was always ready 
to aid in advancing the best interests of Coalinga. Mr. Corley passed away 
on January 13, 1919, after an illness of nine days. Mrs. Corley has bravely 
taken the management of their affairs and, with the aid of the youngest son, 
Lamon, continues the dairy business.