Читать книгу History of Fresno County, Vol. 6 - Paul E. Vandor - Страница 51

Well known as the proprietor of the Coalinga Dairy, the oldest and best dairy in the city, was the late George F. Corley, a native of Tennessee, born near Gordonsville, February 4, 1876, a son of Henry and Tennessee (Ray) Corley, both natives of Tennessee. The ancestors of the Corley family were from the Emerald Isle, Great-grandfather Corley emigrating from Ireland and settling in Tennessee. Grandfather Nathaniel Corley saw service in the Civil War.

After completing his education in the public school of his native state, George F. assisted his father on the farm until 1903, when he came out to Madera County, Cal. Here he was employed by the Raymond Granite Company as their foreman, remaining with them four years. In 1907, Mr. Corley moved to Fresno County, locating at Coalinga, where he secured employment in the oil-fields as a rig-builder, being engaged by different companies. Desiring to engage in business for himself, Mr. Corley bought, in 1914, the Coalinga Dairy from R. Thut, the purchase including his business, residence and dairy buildings. Since that date he personally conducted the business by the most modern and sanitary methods, and his care in safeguarding his milk was fully appreciated, as shown by the large patronage accorded the Coalinga Dairy, which had the reputation of selling the best quality of milk in the city. In addition to the dairy business, Mr. Corley also engaged in raising cattle and hogs.

On January 20, 1898, George F. Corley was united in marriage with Miss Mary Inez Roberts, a native of Gordonsville, Tenn., and they became the parents of four children: Bessie, now Mrs. Reed of Coalinga; William, with the Coalinga Ice Company; Lamon; and Louise. Mrs. Corley is the daughter of Oliver and Lucy (Whitley) Roberts, born in Virginia and Tennessee, respectively, and who were farmers. Mr. Roberts served in the Confederate Army in the Civil War. Both parents died in Tennessee, the father in 1914, and the mother on July 30, 1912.

Fraternally, Mr. Corley was a member of the Odd Fellows and the Eagles at Coalinga. He was well-informed and possessed a genial disposition, with the happy faculty of making and retaining friends and was always ready to aid in advancing the best interests of Coalinga. Mr. Corley passed away on January 13, 1919, after an illness of nine days. Mrs. Corley has bravely taken the management of their affairs and, with the aid of the youngest son, Lamon, continues the dairy business.