George Tilles Sr. (September 11, 1859 – November 26, 1929) was an American businessman and an early developer of the city of Fort Smith, Arkansas.
During his career, Tilles became a prolific entrepreneur and established a variety of businesses in manufacturing, insurance, brokerage, telephone communications, local theatrical production, and commercial property.
[1][2] He was also involved in charitable activities, most notably supportive of tuberculosis care, in memory of his younger brother Manny who died of the disease as a teenager.
[8][9] Tilles also became an author, writing the history of Fort Smith from the Civil War to the early 20th century.
Although the institution was to be state owned, the money to create the project was generated through private donations of the Masons.
Within three years, the necessary funds were raised and allocated to the state government, where Tilles would regularly visit the children.