J. K. 's legacy is also evident in his company ’s charitable work . He established the Lilly tradition of providing aid to disaster victims . While he was company president , Eli Lilly and Company sent medicine and supplies to the victims of the 1906 San Francisco earthquake and fire . He also set a company precedent in 1919 that continued during the Great Depression . Instead of layoffs , which most companies did to cut expenses , Lilly 's company reduced employee work hours , but increased wages to compensate for the loss of income
1906 San Francisco earthquake
1906 San Francisco earthquake
Josiah K. Lilly Sr.