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John Bally Lilly House

From Early Residence to Athens Medical Center

Linda Hill Mann

John ‘Bally’ Lilly (1834-1941) was born at Flat Top, West Virginia, the son of Lewis and Frances Walker Lilly. He was a well-known farmer, miller, and educator having been a county superintendent in both Raleigh and Mercer Counties. He, and others, worked for the establishment of a college in Athens.---Source: 1984 Mercer County History, Patricia Linkenhoker and Jessie Lilly.


Mr. Lilly was one of the leading men in restoring Concord College (now Concord University) after it burned. He loved and cherished the school from its earliest beginning. (Source: Bluefield Daily Telegraph obituary, May 29, 1941; findagrave.com #53053398)

Home of John Bally Lilly was later used for student housing. In later served as the Athens Medical Center before being demolished to build a new facility on the property.

Home of John Bally Lilly was later used for student housing. In later served as the Athens Medical Center before being demolished to build a new facility on the property.

Changing Purposes
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