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"Spokane and The Spokane Country - Pictorial and Biographical - Deluxe Supplement." Vol. II. The S.J. Clarke Publishing Company, 1912. (No author listed.) pgs. 78-80.
In the period of early manhood J.H. Tilsley became a resident of
Spokane and in the years which have since come and gone has borne an important
part in the work of progress and development here, his real-estate operations
contributing in large measure to the growth and improvement of the city.
Moreover, he has studied conditions of the northwest, has learned to recognize
its possibilities and cast the weight of his influence on the side of
advancement in all those lines that work for the permanent good of the Inland
Empire.
Mr. Tilsley is a native of Newport, Kentucky, and he came from
Greeley, Colorado, to Spokane. The conditions which confronted him here in
that early period ere law and order had fully replaced the elements of
lawlessness which are always a feature in a new community were astounding to
the young man, for Greeley was a temperance town and possessed of those forces
which work for municipal advantage. However, the young man held himself aloof
from all those influences and activities that do not contribute to the best in
manhood and citizenship and bent his energies to the performance of his duties
as manager of the American District Telegraph Company. He entered upon this
position without previous experience in that line but close application and
determined purpose enabled him readily to master the tasks entrusted to him
and although at different times in his life he has met difficulties, hardships
and almost unsurmountable obstacles, he has nevertheless persevered and his
indefatigable energy and industry have at length brought him to a prominent
position in real-estate and insurance circles. In both departments of his
business he has been accorded a large clientage. He is now especially
interested in handling Greene's addition to Spokane, which he placed on the
market in 1908. This is located on the north hill west of Monroe street and
through his real-estate activities there many fine homes have been erected in
that district, which has been converted into one of the attractive residence
sections of the city. The greater part of the addition has already been sold
and Mr. Tilsley has been equally successful in his real-estate operations
elsewhere.
In his political views Mr. Tilsley is a republican and for one term
served as deputy county treasurer under A.L. Smith. While he keeps well
informed on the vital questions and issues of the day he has never sought
political honors, preferring to concentrate his efforts upon his business
affairs, which are of constantly growing volume and importance. He is a
stalwart advocate and supporter, however, of all movements that tend to
promote public progress in this section of the country. He has aided in many
of the leading projects that have made Spokane a city and has by his honesty
of purpose made a host of friends in all walks of life. He can be found in
every movement that has for its object the advancement of the city, yet his
work is always done in a quiet and unassuming way. He never falters, however,
until his purpose is accomplished and Spokane has benefited by the
improvements instituted.
Submitted by: Nancy Pratt Melton
* * * * Notice: These biographies were transcribed for the Washington Biographies Project. Unless otherwise stated, no further information is available on the individuals featured in the biographies.