Dillon, Charles W.

DILLON, LARKEY, BARRETT, SHUMWAY, EWING, PARSONS, KAESTNER, HARTSHORN

Posted By: Mary H. Cochrane, Volunteer
Date: 6/29/2019 at 14:09:06

History of Decatur County Iowa and Its People
Illustrated, Volumne II.
Prof. J. M. Howell and Heman C. Smith
Supervising Editors
The S.J. Clarke Publishing Company. p. 336. Chicago. 1915

Charles W. Dillon
Charles W. Dillon, who is engaged in general farming and stock-raising in Fayette township, owns one hundred and sixty acres in that township and he and his wife own one hundred and fifty-seven acres in Ringgold county. His birth occurred in Jackson county, Iowa, on the 18th of February, 1857, and he is a son of J. P. and Elizabeth (Larkey) Dillon, the latter of whom is still living in Fayette township, this county, at the age of eighty-eight years. The father died about eighteen years ago at Lamoni, where he took up his residence in the early ‘80s, some time before the town was founded. Previous to removing to this county he had resided for two years in Linn county, Iowa, and for five years in Illinois. He was a farmer by occupation and also devoted considerable time to missionary work for the Latter Day Saints church. He was liberal in his views and a friend to those needing help and encouragement. For these admirable traits his memory will be lasting in the community. To him and his wife were born six children, all of whom became residents of this county, those besides our subject being: Frank; Emory; James; Riley; and Ella, who is now Mrs. Barrett. Mrs. Dillon was previously married, her first husband being Otis Shumway, and they were the parents of two sons.

Charles W. Dillon was reared in Iowa and when about twelve years of age he put aside his textbooks and gave his undivided attention to agricultural pursuits, assisting his father for some time. In the spring of 1871 he came to Decatur county and in the fall of 1872 he went to Missouri, residing there for two years. At the end of that time he returned to Decatur county and subsequently purchased a grain business at Lamoni which he conducted for a year, after which he sold out to J. R. Smith. Later, in partnership with Wilson Hudson, he engaged in the mercantile business for a few months. He then lived in Story county seven years, after which he removed to his present farm on section 18, Fayette township, formerly known as the Millspaugh place. It comprises one hundred and sixty acres of excellent land; he and his wife also own one hundred and fifty-seven acres in Ringgold county. With the assistance of his sons he operates both tracts and is recognized as a successful farmer and stock-raiser.

Mr. Dillon was married at Sandwich, De Kalb county, Illinois, to Miss Ency C. Ewing, who was born and reared in that place. Her parents, George and Deborah (Parsons) Ewing, both passed away in Davis City, this county. A brother of Mrs. Dillon is a well known stonemason of Lamoni. Five of the six children born to Mr. And Mrs. Dillon survive, one having died in infancy. Martha is the wife of William T. Kaestner, of Des Moines. Roy E. is at home managing the farm. Emory W., who is residing in this county, married May Grace Hartshorn and they have a son and daughter. Zadie is studying vocal music in Des Moines. May Elizabeth is at home with her parents.

Mr. Dillon believes in the wisdom of the policies of the democratic party where national issues are concerned but often votes an independent ticket, believing the qualifications of a candidate to be of greater importance than his political affiliation. He, his wife and their children hold membership in the Reorganized Church of Latter Day Saints and their religious belief finds expression in the integrity of their daily lives. The material success which he has gained is well earned, being the natural result of his energy, industry and good management.

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