Dillard, George

DILLARD

Posted By: Karon Velau (email)
Date: 6/13/2021 at 14:28:11

GEORGE DILLARD
born Apr 15, 1825, Indiana

George Dillard has been a witness of the growth and development of Warren county for more than forty years. He has seen its wild lands transformed into beatiful homes and farms, has watched the building of railroads, the introduction of the telegraph and telephone, has seen the establishment of towns and cities, and in all the work of development and progress he has borne his part. He therefore deserves mention among the honored pioneers who form the advance guard of civilization. A native of the Hoosier State, Mr. Dillard was born in Fayette county, on the 15th of April, 1825, and is of English lineage, His grandfather, Thomas Dillard, was born in England in the seventeenth century, and when a young man came to America, locating in the Virginian Colony long before the Revolutionary war. Thus the family was established on American soil. He spent his remaining days in that State, where he died at an extreme old age. George Dillard, the father of our subject, was born in Virginia in the year 1777, and continued his residence there until 1799, when he removed to South Carolina. Two years later he emigrated to the Territory of Indiana, and took up his residence in the wilderness of Franklin county, in 1801. The greater portion of that State was then an undeveloped region, mile after mile having never been traversed by white man. Amid the rough and rugged surroundings of pioneer life he lived, following the trades of millwright and carpenter which he had learned in his early years. He belonged to that class of sterling pioneers who were possessed not of an adventurous spirit but of a desire to establish homes. He was a public-spirited citizen, devoted to the best interests of the community. In politics he was a stanch Whig. A well spent life gained him high regard and he passed away in 1843, at the age of sixty-six years. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Rachel Kitle, was a native of South Carolina, where her parents were also born, reared, and spent their entire lives. The family is of German lineage. Mr. and Mrs. Dillard became the parents of eight children, and the surviving members of the family are Thomas, who is living in Logansport, Indiana; Jacob, who makes his home in Warren county; Nancy, wife of Thomas Baldwin, of Albia, Iowa; Jane, wife of John Bennett, of Shelby county, Indiana; and George, of this review. The last named spent his early life in his native State, and after his father's death, which occurred during his boyhood, the care of his mother devolved upon him. Faithfully did he perform the task, managing her business interests until twenty-seven years of age. On the 22d of Octobter, 1849, he was married, the lady of his choice being Miss Mary Dowell, a native of North Carolina and a daughter John Dowell, of that State. She died in 1868, leaving nine children, of whom seven are living, as follows: Nancy Jane, wife of James Chandler, of Pottawattamie county, Iowa; Sarah A., wife of William Reshaw, who is living in the same county; John T., Simeon J., and Jacob F., all residents of Warren county; Frank M ,wife of William Blockmer, of Ritzville, Washington; and Hannah, wife of S. L. Kauffman, of South Dakota. In 1854 Mr Dillard cast in his lot with the early settlers of Warren county, locating in Greenfield township, which has been his home from that time up to the present. He became the owner of 120 acres of wild land, and with characteristic energy began its development and improvement. As acre after acre placed under the plow and crops were planted, the place began to assume the appearance a good farm, and has become one of the most valuable and desirable properties in this section of the State. As his financial resources increased, Mr. Dillard added to his farm until it now comprises 760 acres. Upon it stand large and substantial buildings, including commodious barns which furnish ample shelter for the large number of cattle, horses, and hogs which he raises. The latest improved machinery is there seen, the fields are well tilled and everything about the place indicates the careful supervision of the owner, who through his own efforts has become one of the most prosperous and prominent farmers and stock dealers of Warren county. Mr Dillard was again married in 1870, when he was united to Prissilla Dowell, who was born in North Carolina, but was reared in Indiana, a sister of his former wife. They have one son, George W., who is now at home. Mr. Dillard is pre-eminently a public-spirited man, devoted to the national welfare, and to the best interests of his resident community. In politics he is a pronounced Republican, although he has never sought or desired the honors or emoluments of public office.
Source: A Memorial and Biographical Record of Iowa, Lewis Publishing Co., Chicago, Illinois, 1896, vol.1, p.474