History of Delaware County, Iowa...Captain John F. Merry, supervising ed. 2
vols. Chicago: S. J. Clarke Pub. Co., 1914

Michael Lillis hold a prominent position in financial circles of Masonville as cashier of the Farmer's Savings Bank, which he was instrumental in organizing in 1905. He also owns valuable farming property in Buchanan county, his possessions covering five hundred and seventy acres. He is a native of New York, born December 19, 1856. His parents, Patrick and Ellen (Sheeley) Lillis, were natives of Ireland and in the early '40s emigrated to America, first locating in New York, where they spent several years. In 1857, however, they continued their journey westward to Dubuque county, Iowa, where they lived until 1868, when they removed to Buchanan county, this state, and there spent their remaining days, the mother passing away April 24, 1903, while the father departed this life February 19, 1910. Their union was blessed with fourteen children, of whom five are living.

Michael Lillis was educated in the common schools of Iowa, being but one year old at the time the family removed to this state from the east. He was reared under the parental roof and remained at home until the time of his father's demise. In 1905 he organized the Farmers Savings Bank at Masonville and has from that time to the present served as its cashier, and it is largely due to its efforts that the business has grown to goodly proportions. He ever fulfills the duties of his responsible position in a farsighted and able manner, winning recognition as a capable and winning financier. In addition to his interest in the bank Mr. Lillis is also the
owner of five hundred and seventy acres of valuable farm land located on sections 3, 10 and 11, Newton and Middlefield townships, Buchanan county and this returns to him a gratifying income.

In political views Mr. Lillis is a republican and has been called to fill some township offices. He is a communicant of the Catholic church.  He is well and favorably known throughout the county in which he makes his home and his judgment on everything related to banking and finance is sound and reliable.

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