Life Of Eli Lilly Chapter Summary

Madison in this book has explored the life of Eli Lilly, as a businessman, a philanthropist and a citizen of Indianapolis. He has tried to envision Lilly’s life as an extension over a wide range of endeavors in which he made major contributions. Under his active leadership, the pharmaceutical company he joined in 1907 evolved into one of America’s most successful business. Although hardworking, Lilly acquired diverse interests outside the pharmaceutical company.

The first theme is about Lilly’s early life and business as a career. The second theme talks about his family relations and the third theme will be his personal interest and philanthropy.

His early life is marked by his grandfather Colonel Eli Lilly who founded the family firm in 1876,

Madison describes Lilly as a modest man of simple taste and traditional values. He was especially interested in history and archaeology and enjoyed reading, writing, music and art. His wealth allowed him to enjoy wide variety of hobbies and philanthropic interests many of which were related to Indianapolis. His philosophy of giving was centered on local impact with a personal connection. His decisions to make charitable gifts was linked to the depth of his knowledge of a cause. His deep interest in character education predominates his philanthropy. He did not give to response to request but he gave because he had definite objectives he wanted to accomplish. (Madison, pg.191). His donations were often anonymous. He chose projects related to archaeology, historic preservation, education and religion. Below are some of the projects that Madison talks

He was especially dedicated to Christ Church, the Lilly family's church on Monument Circle in Indianapolis. As a young boy, Lilly sang in the church's choir. (Madison, pg. 225). Later, he served as a vestryman. Lilly combined his interests in history and the church by writing History of the Little Church on the Circle, published in 1957. Christ Church, as well as the Episcopal Diocese of Indianapolis, were recipients of several substantial gifts from Lilly for the church's upkeep, missionary work, and community service, provided that Christ Church remained on the Circle in downtown Indianapolis. In the 1960s displeasure with the political activism of Peter Lawson, the dean at Christ Church, caused Lilly to discontinue his financial support and attend services elsewhere; however, he returned to the church and resumed his financial support following Lawson's resignation in 1971. (Madison, pg.237). In the end, the Christ Church stood firm-as a vital parish church, as a community of Indianapolis Episcopalians with a sense of stewardship and as the little church on the circle. (Madison, pg.