Martin Dilley was born about 1779 and died about 1852 in Bath Co, VA.
From William T. Price's Historical Sketches of Pocahontas Co, WV (reprinted by McClain Publishing, Parsons, WV, 1963; originally published by Price Brothers, Marlinton, WV, 1901):
"In his day, Martin Dilley was one of the most widely known of Pocahontas citizens, and his presence and character reflected credit upon the citizenship of the county in the estimation of those coming from abroad. He was of the type of citizenship of which my county might be considered fortunate to possess. As a member of society, Martin Dilley was worthy of high esteem because of his energy, industry, attention to business, honest economical thrift, and exemplary morals. He owned a family of slaves to whom he was very indulgent and lenient. For many years on public occasions at Huntersville -- musters, superior courts and presidential elections-- 'Dilley’s George' was usually one of the most conspicuous figures in the crowd as the vender of ginger cakes, apples and cider. He would be dressed 'fine as a preacher,' very dignified in his manners and would count the cakes and deal out the cider as if it made no difference to him whether you wanted it or not. He put on very sanctimonious airs trying to look and act like the preachers and the imitation of tone, look and gesture was quite a success. The articles he vended were the admiration of the whole country, and the prosaic old colored man found it remunerative, and all was owing to the indulgence of his benevolent master.
Some years before his decease, Martin Dilley was waylaid, fired upon and severely wounded at the bend of the road a mile or so east of Driscol. The event startled the whole county, and was one of the most pathetic and tragical scenes ever transacted in our county.
Mr. Dilley deserves to be remembered as one of the most substantial and useful citizens of his generation. He should be held in high esteem for what he accomplished in developing his part of our county, for he demonstrated that a rich reward the diligent worker, and that an ample competence could be gathered by such in spite of natural obstacles of dense soil and seemingly capricious climate."
George Poage vs. Dilley--O. S. 271; N. S. 95--Bill, 1812. On 19th November, 1782, orator made two entries in Augusta (now Bath) on head Brown's Creek, one for 100 acres and one for 140 acres; surveys on 15th December, 1785, and patents 25th July, 1800, for 140 acres. Martin Dilly had a conflicting claim under an older patent to Moses Moore. Answer by Martin Dilly, 9th June, 1813: On 3d April, 1809, he bought 120 acres from John Moore in Bath, part of 400 acres. Patented to Moses Moore 16th August, 1787, between Naps Creek and Thorny Creek at a place called Richlands. This patent was in right of settlement by certificate 15th June, 1782. John Moore, Sr., is father-in-law of Martin Dilly. Samuel Waugh deposes, Moses Moore claims by the headright of Joseph Gregory. John McCutchan petitions, he purchased the land from William Moore, nephew of Moses Moore. Settlement certificate dated 15th June, 1782, for 400 acres settled by Joseph Gregory before 1st January, 1778, signed by Commissioners, viz: Wm. McKee, Robt. Davis, Thomas Adams, Saml. Vance. Levi Moore deposes, in Bath, October, 1817, has known the place called the Richlands 44 years; is said to be distantly related to Moses Moore's family, but does not know how. John Moore, Jr., deposes, in Bath, 13th October, 1817, has known Gregory's improvement 40 years. George Poage has been living there 35 years. Deponent is son of Moses Moore.
Will probated on May 18, 1851. Claimed to be German. Buried on farm owned by Gordon Dilley along with other family and slaves. --source: 300 years of Dilles in America. pg. 122. His personal slave was named Elky.
He married Hannah Jane Moore. She was born about 1789. She was the daughter of John Moore and Margaret Moore. View the Margaret Moore line here.
Their children were:
Rachel Dilley (married William Sharp)
Elizabeth Dilley (married Peter Yeager)
John Dilley (born 10 April 1810)
Ann Dilley (married William Sharp)
Martha Dilley (married William Cleek)
Mary Dilley (married Alexander Sharp)
Andrew Dilley (married Martha Sharp)
Amos J. Dilley (married Araminta Dilley)
Hanson Dilley (married Caroline Stalnaker)
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