After reading chapters of ROOTS! in Readers Digest and then seeing the mini-series [1977], I started asking my grandpa [LeRoy Anthony Dills] questions about his family. Besides telling me that the Dills family originally spelled the name, "Diltz" and related a few stories about his dad, Uncle Howell, and his grandpa, Harrison Dills before his death [Nov 1899]. In 1978, after having done basic research from micro-fish at the National Archives [in San Bruno, Ca], I began calling folk who shared our last name in gathering information. Clifford T Dills of Yakima, WA [now deceased] , was a great-grandson of Henry D Dills, brother of Harrison who moved to Fairfax, Mo from Quincy, Illinois. Several of his children eventually settled in Washington where Clifford grew up. He wrote, "My aunt, who's memory is now failing, told me a long time ago that Harrison Dills was living in Quincy, Illinois at the time Henry came to Illinois [1836]. She said that Harrison had been living there running a blacksmith shop. The government had him shoe 500 ponies for the Black Hawk Indians when they were sent to the Indian Territory."
I learned that Harrison opened his blacksmith shop around the beginning of 1834 having moved to Danville, Illinois [he had relocated from Ohio in 1832 though spent his childhood in Parkersburg, WVa where he and siblings were privately educated]. From 1834 to 1880 in Quincy, Illinois, Harrison thrived as one of the leading capitalist of Illinois starting as a blacksmith and inventor to head of the Free Masons though loosing a bid as Senator a few years later. He was also instrumental in promoting higher education in Quincy, and raised funds for Chaddock College for the Methodist Church "The institution was organized in the year 1853 under the name of Quincy English and German College. Among the trustees were George Leibrick, John Kinkil, H. Dills, W. D. Dickhut and F. W. Jansen."
His brother, Henry D Dills was a successful builder and mason, [ also born to Tunis and Mary [Cain] Dils in Parkersburg,WVa, died in Fairfax, Mo, though most of his sons settled in Yakima, Washington...
http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GRid=95187890
The plight of the Mormons [Missouri to Illinois 1838]:
“I saw a great many of the saints, old and young, lying in the mud and water, in a rainstorm, without tent or covering. . . . The sight filled my eyes with tears” (“Wilford Woodruff History, from His Own Pen,” Millennial Star).
The citizens of Quincy had compassion on the beleaguered Saints, especially the suffering women and children, and determined to take them in. The cry for compassion was led by Quincy’s mayor and founder, John Wood. http://www.ldsliving.com/The-Quincy-Miracle-How-One-Town-Saved-Thousands-of-Mormon-Refugees/s/83610 Today, anyone who visits the Mormon Tabernacle and museum in Salt Lake City besides the well organised historical documentation that helps researches locate family records, cannot help being impressed with the accomplishments of the Latter Day Saints especially in light of their journey. In 2015, the Church of The Latter Day Saints dedicated an exhibit in Quincy, Illinois as the City looked after persecuted Mormons fleeing Missouri as they traversed the Mississippi River to find safety in Illinois thanks to the citizens of Quincy https://www.deseretnews.com/article/865665101/Picturing-history-Mormon-history-room-Quincy-Illinois.html
In Missouri, Joseph Smith and the Mormons were treated with disdain and threats which led Smith to state: "Joseph Smith made this hollow threat on October 14th, 1838 in the town square at Far West, Missouri. Had Smith truly been the Prophet upon whom God laid the authority to oversee His people and usher in the last dispensation of time, then he should have been able to manage his affairs more effectively.
But whenever Joseph Smith tried to play hardball, the Gentile majority always threw it back at him, only harder. Consequently, Joseph's highlight reel would have included getting convicted of fraud, being driven out of three states, getting tarred by a mob, breaking out of jail while awaiting a death sentence, and his death in Carthage, Illinois."
Source: William G. Cutler's History of the State of Kansas 1883
The plight of Joseph Smith and his Mormon following illustrates how the sway of public opinion could create havoc for those who didn't fit in with established communities. The attitudes of the leadership of communities could impact the outcome in disputes though treatment of founder Smith for views considered unacceptable to other settlers, was heavy handed and hardship and violence occurred when he was incarcerated and murdered by a mob action.
The plight of Joseph Smith and his Mormon following illustrates how the sway of public opinion could create havoc for those who didn't fit in with established communities. The attitudes of the leadership of communities could impact the outcome in disputes though treatment of founder Smith for views considered unacceptable to other settlers, was heavy handed and hardship and violence occurred when he was incarcerated and murdered by a mob action.
https://famous-trials.com/carthrage https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Death_of_Joseph_Smith https://www.whig.com/story/15300641/once-upon-a-time-in-quincy-town-provided-refuge-for-persecuted-mormons
Though the Mormons led by Joseph Smith were treated with contempt for their beliefs in New York, Ohio, and Missouri, they found a safe haven in Quincy before settling 20 miles north in Nauvoo. Though most of the townspeople lived under Biblical precepts such as "Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself", they questioned Mormon authority when wanting to join the Scottish Free Masons fraternity. In June of 1841, Mormons petitioned Bodley Lodge Masons of Quincy to endorse a lodge in Nauvoo to be headed by Joseph Smith. Bodley Lodge members, including Harrison Dills, rejected their request as they were unknown as Masons having not gone through normal channels being new to the organization. Abraham Jonas of Columbus Lodge [Columbus, Illinois] who gained favor with Abraham Lincoln, sponsored the new lodge though briefly suspended the new lodge for "irregularities". "The city of Quincy, Illinois, is best known in Mormon history as a point of relocation for Latter-day Saint refugees after their expulsion from Missouri in 1839. The people of Quincy first encountered Mormons when groups of Latter-day Saints passed through the village on their way to Missouri between 1834 and 1838. When Mormons were driven from Missouri in the winter of 1838–1839, thousands of displaced Saints left the state, walking eastward across the frozen Mississippi River and settling temporarily in Quincy. As the weather warmed, others came, using skiffs, canoes, or small boats to cross the river until ferries opened for the season. With the arrival of the Mormon refugees, the population of Quincy swelled from 800 in 1835 to 2,300 in 1840.
The Quincy Democratic Association publicly denounced Missourians for their injustice toward the Saints and pledged to assist Mormon refugees. They gathered donations, arranged housing, and coordinated with other local communities to provide assistance for the impoverished Saints. Eliza R. Snow praised the generosity and charity of the townspeople in her poem “To the Citizens of Quincy,” thanking the “Sons and Daughters of Benevolence” for meeting the “urgent wants of the oppress’d and poor.”1
During the next year, the majority of the Saints who had stopped in Quincy moved 45 miles upriver to Commerce, Illinois, where they founded the city of Nauvoo. Sadly, in 1845, a committee from Quincy traveled to Nauvoo to demand that the Saints leave the state."https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/history/topics/quincy-illinois-settlement?lang=eng
Henry and Harrison Dills were were established members of Quincy, Illinois when the Mormons descended on the small community in need of help. With their Wesleyan Methodist values which compelled them to reject abuse and slavery of African Americans, the small community pulled together to support the Mormons without questioning their belief system. However, in light of problems within the city of Nauvoo to come, a committee from Quincy asked the Mormons to leave the state.
"If the people will let us alone we will preach the gospel in peace. But if they come on to molest us, we will establish our religion by the sword. We will trample down our enemies and make it one gore of blood from the Rocky Mountains to the Atlantic Ocean. I will be to this generation a second Mohammed, whose motto in treating for peace was "the Alcoran [Koran] or the Sword." So shall it eventually be with us --" http://www.algonet.se/~daba/lds/masons.htm "Joseph Smith or the Sword!"
Ana
"The post office and various businesses operated from the "Dills Block" which was between 6th and 7th on Maine Street, Quincy, Illinois. A fire in 1874 destroyed most of the properties and Harrison went on to sell that section off a couple years later. He bought more land in Missouri where he eventually retired."
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January 30, 1874. About 12 o'colock last night discovered the empty two story frame building on Maine street, one door west of Beuhrer's confectionery, to be on fire. Before engines arrival the fire gained fearful headway... A high wind was blowing at the time and sparks and pieces of burning wood were carried a distance of several squares.
January 31, 1874. The fire again broke out in Dills' building, between 1 and tow o'clock yesterdayand steamer No. 1 was immediately sent for to extinguish it.
Harrison Dills was born at Parkersburg, Va., May 13, 1812. He has held position of worshipful master 3 times, and in 1857 was elected grand master. After retirement from that office he was elected grand treasurer which he held for 11 years.
November 3, 1860: "Because it is the only party prominently before the people that proposes to check or ddiscourage the extension of slavery... Because slavery is bad- the "sum of all villainies," as John Wesley termed it- a curse to all concerned in the States where it exists, and will be a curse wherever it may be extended. Because, though we cannot interfere with it where it now exists, we can keep it there, and through the agency of kindness, Christian love, free discussion and education, "in the curse of human events," the slaveholders with themselves abolish the iniquity... Because he is conservative, disbelieves in the wisdom of slavery, is firm in his purposes, firm for the right, will put down corrumption and hang up traitors, and will, in every respect, "perserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States. "Hurrah for Old Abe!"
10 April 07:52
"Thirty years ago the citizens of the then modest City of Quincy, commenced the foundation of what has since grown to be one of the strongest and most efficient volunteer fire departments in the Union. At that time most of the solid men of Quincy mustered in No.1 Engine Company, and followed "the machine" when duty called. As a matter of interest, we reproduce a list of the members of this company, when it organized in 1839" [Harrison Dills was listed amonst the 52 volunteers].
Harrison Dills [1812-1899]. Harrison and kin were well respected in Illinois and though he had his start in Parkersburg, Western Va, Quincy is the city who considered HD one of their own though he moved to Kansas in 1882 and died on his farm in Warrensburg, Mo [1899]. The Quincy Whig recorded on June 12, 1890, "A HAPPY REUNION. With pleasure we are permitted the privilege of noting the celebration of the seventy-eight birthday ofMr.Harrison Dills, at his home one mile south of Redfield, in Bourbon county, Kansas, on Tuesday, May 18, 1890. Mr. Dills, a brother and wife, of Maitland, Mo., Mr. D.Lester, a brother-in-law and wife, and Miss Bessie Smiley, a niece, of Plainville, Adams county, Ill., Mrs.J.F. Lyons, of Newton,Kansas, aslo Mr. J.M. Morgan and family, Mr. A. Wagy and wife and Mr. John Whitsett, of Bourbon county, Kansas, making a goodly company of old friends to visit Mr. Dills. How pleasant amid the busy trials of life to stop for a time, at one of the stepping stones, to visit to cheer, and encourage those who are going down the hill of life."
In 1892, as the Dalton Gang was robbing banks and trains in Kansas, Harry [Harrison Francis Dills] was getting hitched to my ggrandma Myrtle Romans. Both families were well thought of though Harry was the subject of gossip especially when he left Kansas to join the Army in 1898. He had worked on the railroad, the Panama Canal, and various types of employment after leaving Redfield for the last time in 1906. Harry who had skills as a carpenter, didn't like settling into farming and paid work was limited in Redfield. He and Mrytle divorced, having spent too much time away from his family and leaving LeRoy to manage the farm. Stories have been told how Harry kept his horse with him even in church and was said to be spoiled by his priviledged upbringing. Whilst much of what is know about Harry is subject to opinion, we know that Harry's second marriage worked out better for him though he lost contact with the children he had with Myrtle. His eldest son LeRoy, in response to letter from Harry asking if he could see him and siblings, wrote back that it would be better if he stayed away. Myrtle felt that he had abandoned the family with his long periods away. Years later, Roy told me that he went looking for his dad to no avail and wished he had know what happened to him.
Military records show that Harry Dills didn't have an easy life health wise. He had contracted malaria during one of his tours and had reoccuring episodes of fever. He became partly blinded in one eye and had to give up his military ambitions taking various jobs as a laborer. I heard from my grandpa Roy that he had worked on a boat towing produce and though I've not seen documents, records show that he spent time in Central America.
I was also able to trace his steps and contact his last child born to his second wife who met with my eldest brother, Richard. Son Don showed him where Harry was buried and passed on a photo of him as an old man sporting a white beard.
Here is the article pertaining to his marriage to Myrtle Romans on June 29, 1892:
Dills-Romans- on Wednesday June 29, 1892
Mr. HF Dills and Miss Myrtle Romans were united in marriage at the home of the bride's parents near Redfiled. Rev. Spahr of the Redfield Methodist Church officiating. The wedding was a noted society event, cards having been previously issued announcing the affair. The wedding took place at high noon. The parlors were beautifully decorated. Over the archway was artistically arranged a semicircle of rare flowers, beneath which werethe initials of the bride and groom. The marriage rite was the solemn and impressive ceremony of the Episcopal church, the wedding ring being placed on the finger of the bride by the groom. The bride was robed in a lovely bridal costum of light tan lansdown trimmed in delicate gold braid with cream Chiffron garniture. The groom was handsomely attired in the conventional black. After congratulations were extended a vocal duet preparied for the occasion was rendered by Mris. Spahr and Miss Belle Morgan, with Miss Ivy Morgan at the organ. After which the bridal pair led the way to the dining room where a wedding dinner of the most delicate viands awaited the guests. On returning to the parlors the guests enjoyed themselves in various ways, music instrumental and vocal being given. The day following, the happy couple were tendered a brilliant reception and elegant dinner at the residence of the grooms parents. Afterwards Mr. and Mris. Dills took the train for Newton,Kansas and other points in the west returning in a short time. They will be at their home south of Redfield to receive their many friends. The bride is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Romans one of the most prominet and influenctial families of Bourbon county. She is a young lady of taste and refinement being handsome and accomplished, has made her a general favorite in social circles. The groom is a young man of wealth and culture possesing many friends who congratulate him on his choice.
Military records show that Harry Dills didn't have an easy life health wise. He had contracted malaria during one of his tours and had reoccuring episodes of fever. He became partly blinded in one eye and had to give up his military ambitions taking various jobs as a laborer. I heard from my grandpa Roy that he had worked on a boat towing produce and though I've not seen documents, records show that he spent time in Central America.
I was also able to trace his steps and contact his last child born to his second wife who met with my eldest brother, Richard. Son Don showed him where Harry was buried and passed on a photo of him as an old man sporting a white beard.
Here is the article pertaining to his marriage to Myrtle Romans on June 29, 1892:
Dills-Romans- on Wednesday June 29, 1892
Mr. HF Dills and Miss Myrtle Romans were united in marriage at the home of the bride's parents near Redfiled. Rev. Spahr of the Redfield Methodist Church officiating. The wedding was a noted society event, cards having been previously issued announcing the affair. The wedding took place at high noon. The parlors were beautifully decorated. Over the archway was artistically arranged a semicircle of rare flowers, beneath which werethe initials of the bride and groom. The marriage rite was the solemn and impressive ceremony of the Episcopal church, the wedding ring being placed on the finger of the bride by the groom. The bride was robed in a lovely bridal costum of light tan lansdown trimmed in delicate gold braid with cream Chiffron garniture. The groom was handsomely attired in the conventional black. After congratulations were extended a vocal duet preparied for the occasion was rendered by Mris. Spahr and Miss Belle Morgan, with Miss Ivy Morgan at the organ. After which the bridal pair led the way to the dining room where a wedding dinner of the most delicate viands awaited the guests. On returning to the parlors the guests enjoyed themselves in various ways, music instrumental and vocal being given. The day following, the happy couple were tendered a brilliant reception and elegant dinner at the residence of the grooms parents. Afterwards Mr. and Mris. Dills took the train for Newton,Kansas and other points in the west returning in a short time. They will be at their home south of Redfield to receive their many friends. The bride is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Romans one of the most prominet and influenctial families of Bourbon county. She is a young lady of taste and refinement being handsome and accomplished, has made her a general favorite in social circles. The groom is a young man of wealth and culture possesing many friends who congratulate him on his choice.
Besides acknowledgement from various mason groups, the newspapers around Adams County, Illinois reported the passing of HDills. Earlier, I took bits from a few of them, but here is excerpt of one written in context of his Masonic dealings.
Sunday, November 5, 1899. Prominent in Masonry - Late Harrison Dills Closely Identified With Fraternity. The first master of Bodley - last of charter members of this oldest lodge. For years he was Grand Treasurer- assisted in organizing the first Grand Lodge in the State at Jacksonville in 1840 - Funeral today [note: Harrison died in Warrensberg, Mo morning of Nov 3].
His funeral today will be largely attended bt the Masons of Quincy as well as Grand Lodge who will be present. The beautiful and solemn rites of the order will be impressively observed as the remains are consigned to their last earthly resting place in Woodland [cemetary]. During Mr. Dills' residence here he was one of the most highly esteemed citizens, and in public and private affairs he was without a blemish.
Sunday, November 5, 1899. Prominent in Masonry - Late Harrison Dills Closely Identified With Fraternity. The first master of Bodley - last of charter members of this oldest lodge. For years he was Grand Treasurer- assisted in organizing the first Grand Lodge in the State at Jacksonville in 1840 - Funeral today [note: Harrison died in Warrensberg, Mo morning of Nov 3].
His funeral today will be largely attended bt the Masons of Quincy as well as Grand Lodge who will be present. The beautiful and solemn rites of the order will be impressively observed as the remains are consigned to their last earthly resting place in Woodland [cemetary]. During Mr. Dills' residence here he was one of the most highly esteemed citizens, and in public and private affairs he was without a blemish.
11 March 10:59
Harrison married twice in Quincy [Adams Co, Ill] Laura Parson 3 Sep 1835 (until her death in March 1865). He then married widow Francis Electa Gooding [Wilson] 16 Oct 1867. In 1881, after Harrison retired in Quincy, they moved to Harvey County, Kansas where Francis's sisters lived [Redfield]. The only child from this marriage was Harrison Francis Dills "Harry" who was aged 10 when they moved. In 1893, 13 months after Harry married Myrtle Romans, LeRoy Anthony Dills was born in Redfield.
This is a page from Adams Co. census and illustrates how people came from all over in the early stages of Quincy, Illinois on the Mississippi River. Below it, is an obituary showing that Harrison's dad Tunis Dills [Dils] of Parkersburg, WVa died in Quincy 1845.
Thirty two years ago, after gathering census, etc, and contacting individuals named Dills to gain information about Harrison Dills, the library in Quincy, Illinois sent an obituary indicating Tunis Dills of WVa died in 1845 [besides Harrison's first infant daughter]. I had already heard a story about the young Harrison Dills from kin of Henry Dills who followed his brother to Quincy. Anyway, I was fortunate to find Eddie Dils of Parkersburg [through directory assistance] who was able to access family records [preserved since the late 1700's]. Harrison Dills was listed as the eldest son of Tunis Dils, son of William and Aranthe Dils. The family didn't know what happened to that part of the family though assumed they moved west. Later, after grandson Harrison Francis Dills's second wife died, I was able to gain military records plus birth certificates, etc. on the family which led to finding the only living grandson of Harrison Dills of Parkersburg, WVa. There is a new chapter in this study unfolding now...
Search ResultsJournal of the Illinois State Historical Society: Volume 32
Illinois State Historical Society - 1940 - Snippet view
The steel plow had first been invented in 1838 by John Deere, and had proved to be a real boon to the farmer in breaking ... However there could not have been much difference between this shop and that of H. Dills, who on August 1 of ...
Mr. Dills was born in Virginia, May 13, 1812, and in 1832 located in Quincy, Ill., where he was engaged in the manufacture of plows, and made the first Diamond Plow ever made in that State.Peoria land 1855
Illinois State Historical Society - 1940 - Snippet view
The steel plow had first been invented in 1838 by John Deere, and had proved to be a real boon to the farmer in breaking ... However there could not have been much difference between this shop and that of H. Dills, who on August 1 of ...
Mr. Dills was born in Virginia, May 13, 1812, and in 1832 located in Quincy, Ill., where he was engaged in the manufacture of plows, and made the first Diamond Plow ever made in that State.Peoria land 1855
DILLS, HARRISON IL Peoria 11/1/1855 Quincy 20136 IL4250__.130
DILLS, HARRISON IL Peoria 11/1/1855 Quincy 20137 IL4250__.131
DILLS, HARRISON IL Peoria 11/1/1855 Quincy 20137 IL4250__.131
Tunis Dils was born 1786 in Fayette Co., PA, and died 10 FEB 1845 in Quincy, IL. He was the son of 16. William Dils and 17. Arianthe Tunison. |
Harrison Dills, the first master of Bodley, passes away at Warrensburg, Mo... Prominent in Quincy years ago... remains will arrive here this morning [Quincy, Ill. Nov 1999]
"Although he left here, he is still remembered by the older citizens as a prominent factor in the early commercial and political history of Quincy. Mr. Dills was 87 years of age, and had been in feble health for some years past... was prominent in Masonic affairs and first worshipful master of Bodley Lodge No.1 - the Nestor of all Masonic organizations in the State." Three surviving sons Howell [Quincy], George - postmaster in Santa Monica, Ca Soldiers Home, and Harrison Francis in Regular Army of US.
The funeral of the late Harrison Dills: strictly Masonic nature with Bodley lodge No. 1 in charge. Conducted by Most Worshipful Charles F. Hitchcock, grand master of the grand lodge of Illinois, of Chicago. Dills was closely interwoven with the history of Masonry of Illinois. Was one of the organizers of the first grand lodge in Illinois which met in Jacksonville in 1840. He was a past grand master of the Illinois lodge and for years grand treasurer. He was the last remaining charter members of Bodley lodge which is the oldest lodge in Illinois.
"Although he left here, he is still remembered by the older citizens as a prominent factor in the early commercial and political history of Quincy. Mr. Dills was 87 years of age, and had been in feble health for some years past... was prominent in Masonic affairs and first worshipful master of Bodley Lodge No.1 - the Nestor of all Masonic organizations in the State." Three surviving sons Howell [Quincy], George - postmaster in Santa Monica, Ca Soldiers Home, and Harrison Francis in Regular Army of US.
The funeral of the late Harrison Dills: strictly Masonic nature with Bodley lodge No. 1 in charge. Conducted by Most Worshipful Charles F. Hitchcock, grand master of the grand lodge of Illinois, of Chicago. Dills was closely interwoven with the history of Masonry of Illinois. Was one of the organizers of the first grand lodge in Illinois which met in Jacksonville in 1840. He was a past grand master of the Illinois lodge and for years grand treasurer. He was the last remaining charter members of Bodley lodge which is the oldest lodge in Illinois.
"The successful man is the one who does his whole duty in that stage of life to which he has been called... One may be rich and successful, but the world owes the greatest debt to those who, starting in the more humble walks, accomplished great and lasting good for humanity." Helen Bushnell Fogg 1894 - (granddaughter)
Answer to Q: was proud to support America towards the cause of freedom for all though I didn't serve as a soldier. Supplied the Commissaries during the first Mexican War when there was a backlash over the annexation of Texas [1846-48] and again during the Civil War besides serving as recruiter and issuing pay. Sons served in the Civil War and youngest son Harry served in the Spanish-American War circa 1898-9.
I was an active member with the Methodist Episcopal church besides a member of Bodley Lodge [Free Masons] until my death. The church appointed me president of trustees to open a seminary in 1854. I was honored as the Grand Master of Illinois in 1857 and was it's treasurer for 11 years hence.
Parkersburg WVa was known as Newport, Va in the early days when my great grandfather Philip [Dilts] passed away. The Dils Cemetery where he was buried in 1801 is still there and his will [first registered in Wood County] is still intact. My grandfather William died just before I was born [1764-1811] but grandma [Arianthe Tunison Dils] was still around when I was growing up.
9. | Mary Cain was born 7 JUN 1791 in Wood Co., VA, and died 4 JUL 1824 in Wood Co., VA. She was the daughter of 18. John Cain and 19. Charity Booth. | ||||||||||||||||||
Children of Mary Cain and Tunis Dils are:
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