The founder of Tillsonburg, George Tillson, like most settlers, came to the area seeking better opportunities for himself and his family. George was born the son of Stephen and Hopestill Tillson in Enfield, Massachusetts, in 1782 and could trace his lineage back to the first Tillson to emigrate to the New World in 1638. He would grow up on the family farm and learn the iron trade from his father. In 1809 George married Nancy Barker from Exeter, Maine, and together they would raise nine children. George's skill as an ironworker would lead him to a partnership with Joseph VanNorman in New York State.

By 1822, Tillson and VanNorman had emigrated north to establish a furnace operation at a site on the north shore of Lake Erie in Upper Canada. The site soon became known as Normandale and the operation as the Normandale Furnace. The furnace was recorded as the first of its type in Upper Canada, producing castware items and the VanNorman stove.

It was during a journey inland, in the fall of 1824, that George would discover an area of wilderness rich in natural resources. Located in Dereham Township, the 600 acres that made up lots 3,4 and 5 of the 12th concession were waiting for development. George would seize the opportunity to purchase the land and begin a business of his own. He returned in the spring of 1825, bringing with him his nephew, Harvey Tillson, and son-in-law, Benjamin VanNorman.

Together, they built a two-room log cabin on the banks of the Otter Creek. This cabin became the first home in the new settlement, initially called Dereham Forge, and recorded in the District of London road books in 1836 as Tillsonburg. George would assist in the surveying of the town, laying out and naming the streets. He also ensured that Tillsonburg would be connected to the surrounding area by becoming elected one of the early road commissioners for the district. George Tillson lived the remainder of his life in the community he founded. His death in 1862 was mourned not only by his family, but also by all the citizens of Tillsonburg.

However, the Tillson family's influence on the community did not stop with George's passing, for his sixth child, Edwin Delevan, would follow in his father's footsteps. Born the same year that Tillsonburg was founded, E.D. created an industrial base for the community that would lead Tillsonburg into the twentieth century.