Portrait and Biographical Record, Pgs. 282, 283
WALTER I. LILLIE, one of the promising young attorneys of Grand Haven, is a man possessed of superior mental endowments, strengthened and enriched by the highest culture. His mind is clear, concise, analytical and well poised and he impresses one at once as a man of great strength, depth and grasp of mind. The most abstruse and complicated subjects are handled with ease and grace, and made perceptible and plain to the most ordinary understanding. He is of a socal, genial disposition and has a large share of those traits of character that go to make up a popular citizen. His professional career has been a success and he is regarded as one of the leading young attorneys of the city. He is a native of this county, born in Tallmadge Township October 9, 1855, and the people have had every opportunity to judge of his character and qualifications, for he has resided here the principal part of his life.
Joel B. and Sarah (Augur) Lillie, the parents of our subject, were natives of the State of New York, where the father followed agricultural pursuits for a livelihood. The grandfather, Cyrus Lillie, was of Scotch descent, and the Augur family was of Scotch-Danish origin. In 1845 the father of our subject became convinced he could better his condition by a change of location, and he made his way to Michigan and located in Ottawa County. He sill resides in this county and makes his home at Coopersville, where he is highly esteemed. His career presents an example of industry, perseverance and good management, rewarded by substantial results, well worthy the imitation of all. His children, five in number, two sons and three daughters, were in the order of their births as follows: Edith, wife of J. W. Park; Walter I., Colon C.; Emma E., who now resides in Los Angeles, Cal.; and Anna M., wife of William E. Baxter, who also resides in Los Angeles, Cal.
Walter I. Lillie, the second in order of birth of the above-mentioned children, grew to manhood on his father’s farm and received his primary education in the district schools. When twenty-one years of age he entered the Agricultural College at Lansing, Mich., and was actively engaged in his studies in that institution for four years. From there he came to Grand Haven and read law with George A. Farr, being admitted to the Bar at Grand Haven in November, 1884. The following winter he taught school, and during that time pursued his legal studies, afterwards entering the office of Mr. Farr, where he remained two years. In the fall of 1886 he was elected Prosecuting Attorney for Ottawa County on the Republican ticket, and served in that capacity two years. So great was his popularity, and so ably did he discharge the duties of that position, however, that he was re-elected in 1888. He has held other prominent positions, and in his public career he has been useful and influential.
On the 28th of September, 1886, Mr. Lillie was married to Miss Ella McGrath, of Denison, this county, and the daughter of Michael McGrath. Three children have been born to this union: Harold I., Leo C. and Walter Ivan. In politics Mr. Lillie is a Republican and is deeply interested in county, State and national politics. He is at present City Attorney and is a member of the Judicial Committee.
Portrait & Biographical Record of Muskegon & Ottawa Counties, Michigan 1893, Chicago: Biographical Publishing Company Pg.
282,283Transcriber: Susan G. Davis
Created: 6 January 2003
URL: http://ottawa.migenweb.net/biographies/1893/lilliew.html