Mohave County miner., 1916-12-02

AAS HSasuiSS endCJeu Dy our state that look to the welfare of the labor ing man is the result of the combined united effort of the organized men of Arizona, and stamped upon the mea- sures in everlasting characters are the imprints of the individuals whose ideals moulded them. The men of 1 Arizona know that Abe Lilies charac- ter is interwoven with the others, and we and our children will receive the benefits of him.
 Practically every camp in the state has known Abe Lilies. We learn that something like fifteen years ago he was elected delegate from the Ger bat Miners Union to the national con- vention of the Western Federation of Miners at Denver, Colorado. Sickness prevented his attendance. However, it was illustrative of the high regard in which his brothers held him. The same respect for his judgement con- tinued until his death. The calmness of his deliberations, the fairness with which he handled debatable questions, and the staunchness of his character caused him to be called upon time and again when the welfare of the li.boring men was at stake.
 Always an ardent advocate of Union Labor and holding close to it's kaacbiro-e ba ,.ooo;,-oJ lie G,--4 4-,s,, ing in the strike at Bisbee in 1907. While all the conditions asked for were not met at the close of the strike, and some may criticize the me- thods pursued, it served as a training ground for Abe Lilies who stood staunchly by and watched the plans of the leaders, never once withholding his aid, which was in a minor capacity, and more as scout or color bearer. In this school he learned his lesson well. He observed their mistakes, he noted their success, and put his les sons to good use a little later. He arrived in Miami in 1910 and found but 200 organized men in the camp. Less than four years later he removed from the camp leaving a solid front of 2500 men that is conceded to be one of the most aggressive unions of the state.
 "We are told that as much to the efforts of Abe Lilies as to that of any other men, and perhaps mote, to his untiring energy the Miami Union was built up. As secretary of the Union he holds a record second to none. For methods of handling, for complete organization, for peaceable means em- ployed, for like of fairness, for freedom from hate and anger, for nondestruction of property and for results obtained, the Miami strike is pointed to by all as the nearest ap- proach to the ideal strike.
 'Tn May, 1914, Abe Lilies moved to. Oatman. There were two labor unions in camp. He was one of the main factors in the organization of the Central Labor Union, which ultimately brought the other eight unions of the camp. At the time of his death he was president of this body and also president of the Miners Union. Abe was helper. When legislation for the relief of the working class was foremost, he helped. When organiza- tion and not contention was the theme, he helped. When it was for the moral bettement of his fellow men, he helped. When election day came around and less informed broth CTS wanted the truth, he helped. If it was financial assistance for the mar who was down and out, he helped. If it was the care of the widow and orhpan, he helped. Those who knew him best, speak of his devotion to principle, and surely the principle of this great hearted man must have had some of the characteristics of the gen. tie carpenter of Nazareth. He was a doer, not shirker.
 On the afternoon of November 2, as he took the place allotted him, knowing full well the danger to which he was exposed, he shirked not from his duty, nor passed it on to his neighbor. This was typical of Abe Lilies. Always doing, always advanc- ing, why should we doubt that as he kept that Divine inheritance fresh and green, which was gwen him as a child of God, he has returned to his Father and received the welcOTe words. 'wen Done"
 Two brothers and two sisters of Mir. Lilies and two brothers and sister of the widow, as well as the three sur viving children were present at the services. Jack McIver, Baldy Mason, Len Strum, George Shortly, Frank Wyland and Charles Waters acted as pallbearers.