Harrison Dills was adamant regarding liberty for all and by 1850, supported legislation against slavery in the new west. Although it was common for communities to gather on racial and cultural levels, it was acceptable to work together on business levels. As a businessman, Methodist, Free Mason, and Northern Whig/Republican, Dills promoted self-reliance and offered equal pay to black soldiers during the Civil War. At the time, there were still laws were place regarding mixed marriage although white settlers and native Americans were already co-habituating and starting families. Settlers from various backgrounds were encouraged to work together in Quincy, which earned the area as a safe place for the "underground railroad" for those who escaped slavery.

  The newly elected "Black" Republicans agreed that all Union soldiers should receive the same pay and treated fairly for their loyalty. President Lincoln summons Black church leaders and offered to allow passage back to Africa for those who arrived against their will. Harrison Dills had also proposed that black American soldiers fighting a war with Maximillian along the borders of Mexico, should be able to cease and own liberated land but neither came to fruition. Afro-Americans were promised equality as American citizens by President Lincoln but it was not fully realized in the States for another hundred years, until various civil laws were challenged and removed.