Martin Dilley

 Martin Dilley settled in the virgin forest near Dilley’s Mill. Here he "rescued from the wilderness quite a large estate and accumulated an ample compentency". He was widely known for his hospitality, energy, industry, honesty, thrift, and exemplary morals. On public occasions in Huntersville, such as musters, superior courts, and presidential elections, Martin, accompanied by his personal slave Elky, were wont to be conspicuous in the crowd, vending cakes, apples, and cider, of a quality praised by the entire countryside. Martin Dilley's will dated 18 May 1851, now in possession of his great, great grandson, Gordon Dilley, leaves his entire estate to his wife Hannah and their children. Land was left to his sons, John and Andrew, and the latter was released from payment of $1000 advanced to him to aid paying for the "Saunders" land. His personal property not otherwise disposed of, including bonds, notes, accounts etc., was to be sold and divided equally between his daughters, Rachel, Polly, Elizabeth and Patsy. His personal slave Elky was left to his wife and at her death to Andrew. "If within the time allowed by law for manumitted slaves to leave the Commonwealth of Virginia, my slave Lizzie, elects to be free, thereby manumit and set free my slave Lizzie, and if she fails to leave within the time allotted by law, I will the said slave, Lizzie, to my son, Andrew, for the time of five years, after which she may choose a mistress among my four daughters, and to the mistress chosen by Lizzie, to her and her children, I will and bequeath the said slave Lizzie.

 John Dilley's son Fletcher Dilley, was a journeyman printer and founded the Pocahontas Herald in Huntsville in 1893. Andrew Dilley is the subject of an exciting event still told in the family. He lived in a large house with a porch about 100 ft. long. One night, while Andrew was eating supper, seven robbers entered--four from one entrance and three from another. They demanded money, and held Andrew at bay with powder-loading pistols. They took $700 and departed. Andrew put out the house lights and followed. about 800 yards from the house, he attacked one of the robbers and took his gun. This gun is owned by Gordon Dilley, his great grandson.

 Elizabeth and her husband, Peter Yeager, lived at Traveler’s repose. Their grandson, H. A. Yeager, was Principal of the Marlington high school.


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