Q Whig, Sat, Aug 31, 1872 Quincy, Illinois: "The State belonged to Sam Wiggins when Illinois organized. They borrowed $180,000 from Wiggins who owned a ferry in St. Louis [MO] and he paid 33 cents for it. People paid [Wiggins] back $2 for every $1 they got... In 1836, the state organized a bank which made enough money to pay Sam Wiggins off. The Banks - one day a settler would have a pocket full of money and the next day he couldn't get a dinner with what he had." Harrison Dills.
Blackhawk warriors and Abraham Lincoln
http://livinghistoryofillinois.com/.../History%20of%20the... It was estimated that in 1809, there were less than 50,000 American Indians and about 9,000 whites in the territory that became Illinois. In 1813, mounted rangers attacked and destroyed an Indian village on what became the site for Quincy, Ill. The cruel attack was in retaliation for injuries frontier pioneers had suffered and the natives were driven northward into Iowa. This led to a war orchestrated by chieftain Black-hawk a few years later. Time had passed when Quincy was settled and the US government hired Quincy blacksmith Harrison Dills in 1835 to shoe "500 ponies for the Blackhawk Indians" as part of the retribution after the federal government struck a deal to end of a drawn out war. Some Native Americans continued to settle and work along the Mississippi River between Missouri and Illinois as some of the new settlers mixed with native tribes in the region. Also, i n 1838, Quincy sheltered the Pottawatomie tribe as they were forcibly relocated from Indiana to Kansas.
Another point of interest was that a young Abraham Lincoln was elected captain of a militia to chase down the Blackhawk warriors in 1828, although the group didn't encounter the Native Americans led by Blackhawk. Lincoln who started his career as a congressman received correspondence from Dills [1849] when the Postmaster position was open in Quincy as he wanted the job though fellow mason Abraham Jonas gained the prestigious assignment... Quincy was also the place where Lincoln was nominated to run for the Republican ticket in 1860 and where Dills ran for State Senate in 1862 under the "Union Committee" [Republican Party]. Harrison Dills, who had already served as Illinois Grand Master [1857-8] lost his bid as did most Republicans at the time but continued to support Lincoln in his second term of 1864. Note: Two letters from Harrison Dills are located in the Lincoln Library. Harrison wrote his congressman in 1849 concerning the Post Master job that was becoming available. He informed Mr. Lincoln that there was resistance against Abraham Jonas to become the next postmaster although Dills said that he was a good man. He didn't know that when lawyer Jonas was working in the Legislature, that he had become a friend and ally. Although Lincoln appointed Jonas after Dills expressed interest in the job, Dills actively supported Lincoln after the local Republicans of Quincy nominated Lincoln for president nine years later and when he ran for president again in 1864. https://papersofabrahamlincoln.org/documents/D210353 and https://papersofabrahamlincoln.org/documents/D210429
Harrison Dills lived on small wooden building a log cabin and built a blacksmith shop when he settled in Quincy, Ill. in 1834. After he married Laura Parsons, he had a brick home built and later had it moved 300 yards enabling an extension to be added as they had children. In 1868, three years after Laura died, he commissioned a stately Swiss style home to be built on the corner of Kentucky and 16th Street, Quincy: https://www.instantstreetview.com/@39.927805,-91.390347,20.06h,1.6p,1z,Ai4CXAShzD_JMbA3qPYsOg
Harrison and Henry D Dills in Quincy, Illinois:
In 1834, after a brief stay in Danville, Il, Harrison Dills built himself a log cabin and blacksmith quarters in Quincy when he was 23. Besides building wagons for sale, he invented a diamond edged plough to withstand the hard, unploughed soil along the Mississippi River. Harrison quickly made himself known locally, attending church and a desired member of the newly formed mason lodge. In 1836, his big break came when the US federal government hired him to shoe 500 ponies for the "Black Hawk Indians" after Native Americans formed alliances to fight against a government intent on relocating tribes further west of the Mississippi River. A few years earlier in 1828, a young Abraham Lincoln was elected captain of the local militia to chase Black Hawks warriors although without success. By the 1830s, Black Hawk approached the government in Wash, DC, to protest the mistreatment of the natives. One of many concessions given as retribution, included use of a blacksmith to look after their horses. This was the first big break for Harrison who established himself as a skilled blacksmith, inventor, entrepreneur, and spokesman in western Illinois although America's Whose Who [1899], listed him as "known capitalist". He remained active in politics and public affairs throughout his time in Illinois and while lost his bid for State Senator in 1862, he attended the convention to re elect President Lincoln in 1864.
The year was 1836 when Harrison fulfilled his first task for the US Government and other government opportunities were yet to come. That year was important for Harrison as his younger brother Henry D Dills followed him to Quincy from Ohio and quickly got work as a plasterer and was credited for some of the fine masonry work on Governor Woods estate in the quickly growing city.
Dills moved from his native state of western Virginia to Ohio and on to Illinois in 1832, initially settling in Danville. In 1834, he moved to Quincy, Illinois, where he opened a blacksmith shop. In 1835, he married Laura Parsons. In 1839, he became a member of Engine Company No. 1 of the Quincy Fire Department. When the Illinois General Assembly incorporated Quincy as a city in 1840, Dills was among the first street commissioners. In 1850, he was working as a blacksmith and owned real estate valued at $10,000. In 1855, Dills laid out the village of La Prairie in the north-eastern portion of Adams County. In 1860, he was employed as a grocer and owned real estate valued at $50,000 and had a personal estate of $4,000. In May 1865, Dills became postmaster of Quincy. A devoted Mason, Dills was among those that organized the first grand lodge in Illinois, which met in Jacksonville in 1840. He was a charter member of the Bodley Lodge of Quincy, the oldest Masonic lodge in the state. He gradually advanced in rank, becoming grand master in 1857 and grand treasurer in 1863.” Quincy Herald, Mon, Aug 16 1900: Members of Old Family - Brother Dills pay a visit to their old home town. - After a visit of a few days in their old home town Messrs. George A and Henry [Howell] C Dills left for the west, last night, the former for Los Angeles and the latter for Kansas City. The Messrs. Dills were born in a log cabin in located in what is now the alley between Maine and Hampshire and fifth and sixth streets. Later they moved to the next block east to a brick residence that was afterwards move 300 feet north to make room for the building now occupied on the ground floor by JF Daughterty & Co., undertakers, and on the upper floors by the trades unions as Labour hall. The moving of the brick residence was the first undertaking of the kind in the city and attracted large crowds while it was being accomplished. The Messrs. Dills are the sole survivors of the family of eleven children born to Mr. and Mrs. Harrison Dills. Harrison Dills came to Quincy in 1834 [from Danville, Il] and for many years was one of the foremost citizens of the village. He was a land agent and wholesale grocer and in 1865 was appointed postmaster, an office he filled to the satisfaction of the patrons of the office. He was one of the first members of Masonic fraternity in Quincy and when he died had attained the highest rant in the order. His son, George, is a 32d degree Mason. George, still hale and hearty, is postmaster at the National Soldiers' Home in Los Angeles. He is a veteran of the Civil War, having enlisted early in the conflict as a member of the 10th Illinois infantry. He continued to make his home here until about 30 years ago when he went west and has in the interim made his home in California. In front of the Miller & Arthur drug store, Sunday afternoon, he held an informal levee and introduced by Ben Miller, met many friends who either remembered him or his family and were pleased to meet him and talk over old times. He has a remarkably clear memory on matters relating to the old time in Quincy and is full of reminiscence of the period immediately preceding the election of Lincoln, including the campaign between Lincoln and Douglas. Quincy, Ill http://livinghistoryofillinois.com/.../History%20of%20the... it was estimated that in 1809, there were less than 50,000 American Indians and about 9,000 whites in the territory that became Illinois. In 1813, mounted rangers attacked and destroyed an Indian village on what became the site for Quincy, Ill. The cruel attack was in retaliation for injuries frontier pioneers had suffered and the natives were driven northward into Iowa. This led to a war orchestrated by chieftain Black-hawk a few years later. Time had passed when Quincy was settled and the US government hired Quincy blacksmith Harrison Dills in 1835 to shoe "500 ponies for the Blackhawk Indians" as part of the retribution after the federal government struck a deal to end of a drawn out war. Another point of interest was that a young Abraham Lincoln was elected captain of a militia to chase down the Blackhawk warriors in the 1820s though unsuccessfully. Lincoln who started his career as a congressman received correspondence from Dills [1849] when the Postmaster position was open in Quincy as he wanted the job though fellow mason Abraham Jonas gained the prestigious assignment... Quincy was also the place where Lincoln was nominated to run for the Republican ticket in 1860 and where Dills ran for State Senate in 1862 under the "Union Committee" [Republican Party]. Harrison Dills, who had already served as Illinois Grand Master [1857-8] lost his bid as did most Republicans at the time but continued to support Lincoln in his second term of 1864.
Dills moved from his native state of western Virginia to Ohio and on to Illinois in 1832, initially settling in Danville. In 1833-4, he moved to Quincy, Illinois, where he opened a blacksmith shop. In 1835, he married Laura Parsons. In 1839, he became a member of Engine Company No. 1 of the Quincy Fire Department. When the Illinois General Assembly incorporated Quincy as a city in 1840, Dills was among the first street commissioners. In 1850, he was working as a blacksmith and owned real estate valued at $10,000. In 1855, Dills laid out the village of La Prairie in the north-eastern portion of Adams County. In 1860, he was employed as a grocer and owned real estate valued at $50,000 and had a personal estate of $4,000. In May 1865, Dills became postmaster of Quincy. A devoted Mason, Dills was among those that organized the first grand lodge in Illinois, which met in Jacksonville in 1840. He was a charter member of the Bodley Lodge of Quincy, the oldest Masonic lodge in the state. He gradually advanced in rank, becoming grand master in 1857 and grand treasurer in 1863.” Quincy Herald, Mon, Aug 16 1900: Members of Old Family - Brother Dills pay a visit to their old home town. - After a visit of a few days in their old home town Messrs. George A and Henry [Howell] C Dills left for the west, last night, the former for Los Angeles and the latter for Kansas City. The Messrs. Dills were born in a log cabin in located in what is now the alley between Maine and Hampshire and fifth and sixth streets. Later they moved to the next block east to a brick residence that was afterwards move 300 feet north to make room for the building now occupied on the ground floor by JF Daughterty & Co., undertakers, and on the upper floors by the trades unions as Labour hall. The moving of the brick residence was the first undertaking of the kind in the city and attracted large crowds while it was being accomplished. The Messrs. Dills are the sole survivors of the family of eleven children born to Mr. and Mrs. Harrison Dills. Harrison Dills came to Quincy in 1834 [from Danville, Il] and for many years was one of the foremost citizens of the village. He was a land agent and wholesale grocer and in 1865 was appointed postmaster, an office he filled to the satisfaction of the patrons of the office. He was one of the first members of Masonic fraternity in Quincy and when he died had attained the highest rant in the order. His son, George, is a 32d degree Mason. George, still hale and hearty, is postmaster at the National Soldiers' Home in Los Angeles. He is a veteran of the Civil War, having enlisted early in the conflict as a member of the 10th Illinois infantry. He continued to make his home here until about 30 years ago when he went west and has in the interim made his home in California. In front of the Miller & Arthur drug store, Sunday afternoon, he held an informal levee and introduced by Ben Miller, met many friends who either remembered him or his family and were pleased to meet him and talk over old times. He has a remarkably clear memory on matters relating to the old time in Quincy and is full of reminiscences of the period immediately preceding the election of Lincoln, including the campaign between Lincoln and Douglas.
“Give liberty to whom liberty is due, that is, to every child of man, to every partaker of human nature. Let none serve you but by his own act and deed, by his own voluntary action. Away with all whips, all chains, all compulsion. Be gentle toward all men; and see that you invariably do with every one as you would he should do unto you.” John Wesley
Quincy, Illinois became known for their benevolence to people needing assistance which included run away Afro-American slaves, the Potawatomi Indians https://www.hmdb.org/m.asp?m=150021, and Mormons. There was a mix of cultures in the new settlement which included Protestants, Catholics, and Jews.
In 1838, many members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints [Mormons] fled persecution in Missouri and found shelter in Quincy. https://ensignpeakfoundation.org/mormon-quincy-interpretive-center/ Despite being vastly outnumbered by Mormon refugees, residents provided food and lodging for the displaced people. Joseph Smith then led his followers 40 miles up from Quincy to Navarro... nine years later, there were legal problems within their leadership and the majority of citizens agreed that the Mormons were no longer welcome in Illinois. Harrison Dills said the decision to not allow them to return was because of not adhering to the laws of the land, and not based on their religion. Note: Harrison Dills was an Episcopal Methodist and took part in helping the Mormons when they came across the Mississippi River from Missouri, escaping persecution. However, members of the Bodley Lodge in Quincy found incongruities related to the charter of Nauvoo Mormons under Joseph Smith since he hadn’t come up through the ranks of the Free Masons. Whilst the local masons questioned the nearby Masonic Lodge proceedings, they ultimately accepted their charter. Harrison Dills was presiding over Bodley Lodge no.1 when they questioned the appointment of Joseph Smith and the Mormon Lodge [nearby Quincy]. Some have suggested that the Lodge wanted to embarrass Jonas for not following protocol as Smith had not come up through the ranks of Mason ideology. However, a few years later [in 1849] Dills described Jonas “a good man” in a letter to Abraham Lincoln when he wanted to be considered for the Postmaster in Adams County over Jonas, a friend to Lincoln. Jonas successfully took on the role of postmaster with Abraham Lincoln’s approval and Jonas’s wife carried on after his death. Harrison Dills was later assigned the position in 1865 though had become a successful businessman by then.
Whig, Mar 17, 1968; 1838: Adams, Wilcox, laid out the town of Payson and named it for Rev. Dr. Edward Payson of Portland, Maine, whom Deacon Scarborough greatly admired: Wilcox, Atlas, (drove ox team to California overland for gold hunting expedition in 1854; Deacon Woods went to Prince Nursery of Long Island to purchase seeds for his orchards, arrived with stock of goods and opened first store in Payson (his son David was first physician of Payson... Ursa Township: When the log court house burned down December 9, 1835, four prisoners were brought to home of William Thompson for safekeeping: Adams, (Henry D. Dills, husband of Elizabeth Thompson Dills, Collins, Wilcox.
Q Whig Sat, Sep 22, 1838: Military Notice. By order of Col. JB Johnston, all persons subject to Military Duty in Quincy precinct, running 2 miles north, 2 miles south, and 1-2 miles east of the township line are notified to attend a general muster at Payson, on the 17th day of September. H Dills, Captain Aug 25, 1838.
CASH! CASH! All persons indebted to me are respectfully requested to call and pay their notes and accounts by the 15th of this month or be left with an officer for collection. Jan 5, 1839. N.B. I still carry on the Black smithing Business at the old stand on the corner of Sixth and Hampshire street. HD
Antique Fire Pumper video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1T-IaVPICTI When reading about the first fire department in Quincy, Illinois, I was thinking about my nephew, Ben DeMond who was a a highly respected fire fighter before his untimely death. Because of his work supplying fire engines and materials, it was ironic that ancestor Harrison and Francis Dills decided to sell off properties in Illinois after a major fire destroyed a good part of the "Dills Block" in downtown Quincy in 1879. The the first fire engine used in Quincy and the first used in Illinois: "The town fathers determined in 1839 that the bucket brigades needed help. They purchased the town’s first hand-pump fire engine for $1,124.58 ($27,000 in today’s dollars). https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1T-IaVPICTI [1839] Photos and articles @
https://quincypublicil.advantage-preservation.com/viewer/?k=1839%20dills&i=f&d=01011840-12312021&m=between&ord=k1&fn=quincy_herald_whig_usa_illinois_quincy_19840304_english_42&df=1&dt=10"
https://quincypublicil.advantage-preservation.com/viewer/?k=1839%20dills&i=f&d=01011899-12312021&m=between&ord=k1&fn=quincy_herald_whig_usa_illinois_quincy_19850818_english_38&df=1&dt=10
It was a goose-neck, New York-style, sidestroke, hand-pulled and hand-pumped fire engine, manufactured by the James Smith Company. It could pump between 100 and 150 gallons of water per minute, depending on the number of strokes. The engine became known as “Old Quincy Number 1” and sometime later was renamed “Rough and Ready” or “Ready and Willing,” depending on the source. It was inscribed with the motto “Where Duty Calls You Will Find Us!” Old Quincy Number 1 served Quincy until 1869, when it was sold to Shelbina for $500.
Quincy Herald, Tues, Jan 25, 1921: THE OLD REPORTER LIGHTS HIS PIPE - First chapter of the creation of the Quincy Fire Department [Records furnished courtesy of Chief Marriotte] "Curb stone fault-finders can point out where the fire fighters are lacking in system while conflagrations rage, and anti-administration newspapers can criticise the department on scores of alleged inefficiency and absence of team work, but in spite of all, the fire department of a city is considered with pride by the populace and now as since the cistern and bucket and hand-engine era it has been the ambition of the red-blooded American boy to be a fire man some day, dashing away of receipt of the alarm and proving heroin the ensuing battle royal between raging flames and conquering water, Quincy is no exception. The populace is proud of the fire department: the boys are still ambitious of someday being members of the department, if not to ride in the chief's red automobile at least to steer the big truck or go whizzing through town hanging on to one of the red and gold chemicals or pumping cars. A story then, of the creation of the first fire company in the city and it's accessions must prove of interest, and in the names of the members older residents will be able to find those of some of their gallant forebears, of men who laid the foundation of what is concededly the best fire department of any city of Quincy's class in the Middle West.
In the absence of anything to the contrary in the records of the first fire company, it must be assumed that the town trustees had early in 1839, purchased a small fire engine and that it was more ornamental than useful from the fact that it had no organized company to man it when occasion called for its services. The record opens with a meeting of citizens at the court house, Wednesday evening, November 13, 1839, "in compliance with a public notice for the organization of a fire company in said town." William Tandy was chosen chairman and E.M. Davis secretary of the meeting. Without other preliminary, business was begun and Lorenzo Bull, Jr. made a motion that "an opportunity be given to all present that wish to join this company to sign the roll, and that a committee of three be appointed to procure other names for membership." The motion was adopted and Enoch Conyers, Lorenzo Bull, Jur, and E.M. Davis were named as the committee. The meeting was adjourned to be reassembled on the Friday evening following. Chairman Tandy was absent from the adjourned meeting and Major Flood was elected as presiding officer... A constitution and by-laws were presented and adopted and there was accepted the report of the committee on membership. I.O. Woodruff moved the election of officers to serve for six months and the motion having prevailed Robert P Coates was elected foreman, Fred G. Johnstone, assistant foreman; John H. Holton, secretary, and Thomas C. King, treasurer. At the December meeting, a month later, on motion of Major Flood, it was ordered "that the company meet of Friday evening once in two weeks, for the purpose of improving in the management of the engine," and on motion of Edward Wells a committee of three was appointed, "to confer with the town trustees and ascertain if there could not be some regularity in the ringing of bells," presumably so as not to cause the new company to think there was a call to service when it was only a call to worship.
At the same meeting Harrison Dills, James A. King, and John W. Holton were appointed a committee "to ascertain who are members of this company," and the following style of uniform was adopted: A hat with a round top, brim four inches wide and glazed with the letters Quincy Engine Company No. 1 painted on the front of the same, and that the hats be kept at the engine house. A committee was appointed to procure a sample hat. At the January meeting (1840), the committee on membership reported the following list of charter members: R. P. Coates, Steadman Nash, Amos Gree, F. G. Johnston, J. H. Holton, C.A. Nourse, I.B. Michael, Mast, I.O. Woodruff, Charles Albright, J. H. Kreinkop, Enoch Conyers, Nathaniel Summers, James N. Ralston, Lorenzo Bull, Jr., C.W. Mason, Edward Wells, Adam Schmitt, J.N. Luce, J.A. Cottle, Charles Vierheller, W.H. Tandy, F.W. Jansen, E.M. Davis, Samuel Holmes, Charles Warner, J.D. Morgan, Hiram Rogers, G.W. Chapman, Jacob Gruell, John Crockett, T.C. Benneson, J.O. Bernard, W.F. Karnes, Charles McDOnald, John Paine, A.E. Drain, W.G. Follod, J.D. Robertson, James McDade, W.N. Newland, W.N. Gage, G.L. Fairwell, L.M. Moore, Timothy Rogers, Benjamin Worrell, E. Ferry, Samuel Winters, Damion Hausser, Henry Burrell, Thomas Redmond, Louis Cosson, Anton Konantz, Jacob Funk, E. Bond, E. Comstock, Thomas Jasper, R.W. Goodwyn, David McCash, A.M. Swartwout, J.B. Young, Joel Thorn, W.B. Towers [?], William Coin, R.G. Simpson, C.B. Church, H.S. Cooley, George Fulkrod, John Romiser, R.H. Mitchell, H.F. Maive, C.H. Milnor, S.B. Stoddard, Henry Root, Nathaniel Jennings, George Bond, and John H. Pettit. Fire dept notes: Q Whig, June 6, 1840: Forth Meeting. Pursuant to adjournment the city council met at the Court House, May 9th, 1840. Present: His Honour the Mayor, and Ald Joens, Osborn and Ralston. The Standing committee on fire department made the following report which was adopted. viz: The said committee to whom was referenced Dills for making hose carriage, be leave to recommend that voucher No. 1 be granted to H. Dills for the sum of $35, and that voucher No. 2 be issued in favor of Timothy Rogers for the sum of $16, I.N. Roaston, c. com... November 14, 1840: "Committee on the fire department reported in relation to Harrison Dills Bill, that 19 cents per ft. in their opinion is sufficient for the same, and recommended that a voucher be issued to him for $48.07 in full payment which report was accepted and voucher orders as above...
Mar 17, 1847: On motion, Ordered, That the Foreman of Quincy Fire company, be authorized to procure such a quantity of suction hose, or other apparatus as may be in his judgement necessary, to supply the engine with water from the public or other cisterns. It was also Ordered That Aldi Conyers be a committee to procure the painting and ornamenting of the fire engine. It was further Ordered, that Aldi, Hutton and Summers be a committee to repair and enlarge the engine house.
Aug 18, 1860: The special committee, to who was referred the application of H. Dills & Co. for permission to construct a horse railroad... at the time plans for fire engine No. 5 was in the works, and Harrison Dills built the new carriage for the engine house which was used to conduct Union meetings to nominate Republican candidates.
Quincy Herald, March 28, 1875: OUT OF THE FORTH WARD... The meeting was held at the No. 5 engine house, Joshua S. Wood called the meeting to order, and nominated H. Dills for Chairman. Mr. Dills went through. As there was no chair, Mr. Dills climbed up on the No. 5 engine and roosted on the suction pipe... Note: Harrison Dills built the No. 5 engine at city's request.
When reading about the first fire department in Quincy, Illinois, I was thinking about my nephew, Ben DeMond who was a a highly respected fire fighter before his untimely death. Because of his work supplying fire engines and materials, it was ironic that ancestor Harrison and Francis Dills decided to sell off properties in Illinois after a major fire destroyed a good part of the "Dills Block" in downtown Quincy in 1879. The the first fire engine used in Quincy and the first
used in Illinois: "The town fathers determined in 1839 that the bucket brigades needed help. They purchased the town’s first hand-pump fire engine for $1,124.58 ($27,000 in today’s dollars). It was a goose-neck, New York-style, sidestroke, hand-pulled and hand-pumped fire engine, manufactured by the James Smith Company. It could pump between 100 and 150 gallons of water per minute, depending on the number of strokes. The engine became known as “Old Quincy Number 1” and sometime later was renamed “Rough and Ready” or “Ready and Willing,” depending on the source. It was inscribed with the motto “Where Duty Calls You Will Find Us!” Old Quincy Number 1 served Quincy until 1869, when it was sold to Shelbina for $500 and No. 5 engine was built by H Dills...
Q Whig, Sat Dec 7, 1839: Corporation proceedings... Ordered, that voucher no 124 for $17.40 be given Mr. Dills for building a bridge at the foot of Main Street...
Herald Nov 9, 1901 The first grand master of the grand lodge of ill was an Adams county man. Abraham Jonas, a member of Columbus lodge, enjoyed this distinction being elected to the office Apr 6, 1840 when the grand lodge was organized. 17 years later Harrison Dills a member of Bodley lodge was elected grand master. He was a charter member and one of the fraters largely instrumental in the founding of the head body.
Quincy Whig, Sat June 6, 1840: Pursuant to adjournment the city council met at the Court House, May 9th, 1840. Present: His Honour the Mayor, and Ald Jones, Sborn, and Ralston. The standing committee on fire department made the following report which was adopted. The said committee to who was referred bill for making hose carriage, beg leave to recommend that voucher No. 1 be granted to H. Dills for the sum of $35, and that voucher No.2 be issued in favour of Timothy Rogers for the sum of $16...
In 1840, Harrison Dills had already been in the blacksmith business for six years and sold a lot of wagons besides his own diamond edge plough. "TO THE FARMERS. I have on hand a number of ploughs for the spring season which I will sell low for cash, also waggons made and Ironed to order of the best materials and on good terms. Call and see for yourselves. Corner sixth and Hampshire St. H Dills ALSO- I will remind some of my patrons that they must pay up the old score, or they can't be trusted in future. Quincy, Feb 15 1840" Quincy Whig Jan 18th, 1840: Last Notice: All persons indebted to me since the 15th of January last [year], are respectfully requested to call and settle their bills or note before the first of Jan 1840, or they will be sued without respect to persons - if you will do this, you will oblige yours, H Dills Quincy, Dec 21, 1839.
Q Whig, Wed. June 19, 1844: Wm H Tandy and Harrison Dills were then proposed for Sheriff - upon balloting the result was Tandy 10 Dills 7. Som Mr. Tandy was nominated as the candidate for Sherriff... On motion of H Asbury, SM Bartless, and H Dills.
Q Whig, wed, Feb 7th 1844: BLACKSMITHING The subscriber having taken the shop formerly occupied by H Dills, corner of sixth and Hampshire Streets, is prepared to execute all kind of work in his line and upon terms to meet the times. Plough making particularly attend to and warranted to suit purchasers. Having engaged Messrs L Slack and S Hovey, I feel confident my work cannot be excelled. RS Hilliard.
1846: When the Mormons crossed into Illinois, The Dills family were part of those who were charitable when they were escaping an angry mob in Missouri. However, they were encouraged to found their own community several miles away as impact of a flood of immigrants would have disrupted the town and the local operations. After another mob action resulted in violence leading to the death of prophet Smith and his brother, Dills introduced legislation to keep the Mormons out of Illinois after they moved on. The group knew that other settlers were at odds with them especially after Joseph Smith was becoming political and rumours of bigamy had been circulating by 1842. According to historians, they had contemplating leaving the State before the mob violence. Though the violence that occurred was initiable, it was decided that in light of violation of local and federal law, the Mormons were not welcome to return after they moved on early in 1845.
Quincy Daily Whig – November 11, 1846: .. Dr J.B. Conyers, a committee of 7 were appointed, himself included, to prepare and report resolutions for the consideration of the meeting.. while they contained propositions to which no man would take exception, their general tenor and design was obviously to sympathise with the Mormons who had been recently expelled from Hancock County, and to condemn, with unqualified abuse all who had contributed to that result or approved it.. Then correctness of these views was abundantly shown by the speech with which Mr. Wheat followed the resolutions, in which he dwelt on the past difficulties in Hancock County, arraigned the whole body of the anti-Mormons, and denounced and condemned them for compelling the Mormons to remove from the State.. Anti-Mormon Grand Juries had indicted anti-Mormon thieves for plundering Mormon property in Nauvoo - and everything betokened the return of law and order to that distracted county. There was a brightening prospect ahead; and even the anti - Mormons of that county prior to the late movements in and from Springfield, had expressed a willingness that the Jack - Mormons should return, so soon as they were assured that they would not bring back the Mormons in their company. The undersigned do not think it necessary to defend here the conduct of the anti-Mormons. They will only say that the struggle was one of necessity - that the wrongs which had been sustained were too grievous to be borne, and too deep rooted to be reached by the ordinary process of the laws.. It produced a civil war here; and if excesses were committed by the victorious party - while we do not justify the wrong, we are bound to say, that moderation and forbearance were more conspicuous in their general conduct to the vanquished, than could have been reasonably expected. To put an end to this state of things, to smother the elements of strife, ere they should burst into actual conflict, Mr. Harrison Dills submitted a motion to adjourn, of which the chair took no notice. The motion was renewed soon after by Mr. Andrew Johnston, that he believed it was always in order and not debatable.. Monday, Nov 2nd, Mr Harrison Dills then addressed the meeting and offered the following additional resolutions: That we do most solemnly protest against any resolutions, holding out inducements for the people called Mormons, to return to this State or even this city. Resolved, That the people called Mormons, who have lately left this State, were not caused to remove on account of their religious belief, as asserted by some anonymous writes in public papers, but for the violation of the laws of this State, and for that only. The meeting was then severally addressed by A. Jonas, C.A. Warren and I.N. Morris, in favour of the resolutions which a separated vote was taken on each of the resolutions reported by the committee and those offered by Mr. Dills, most of which were adopted by acclamation and one or two with few dissenting voices. Mormons who have lately left this State, were not caused to remove on account of their religious belief, but for the violation of the laws of this State [agreed upon with a few dissenting voices]. https://quincypublicil.advantage-preservation.com/viewer/?k=dills%20eagle&i=f&d=01011838-12311865&m=between&ord=k1&fn=quincy_whig_usa_illinois_quincy_18461111_english_2&df=1&dt=10
Mormons Quincy Whig. Wed Nov 11, 1846; Mon, Nov 2nd. [Excerpt from Public Meeting] - Report and resolutions of the committee of ten - Voice of the People - Law & Order Triumphant! "Mr. Harrison Dills then addressed the meeting and offered the following additional resolutions: Resolved. That we do most solemnly protest against and Resolutions offered to our City Council in any way, holding out inducements for the people called Mormons to return to this State or even this city. Resolved. That the people called Mormons who have lately left this State, were not caused to remove on account of their religious belief, as asserted by some anonymous writers in the public papers, but for the violation of the laws of this State and for that only. The meeting was then severally addressed by A Jonas, CA Warren and IN Morris, in favour of the resolutions which a separate vote was taken on each of the resolutions reported by the committee and those offered by Mr Dills, most of which were adopted by acclamation: and one or two with but few dissenting voices. "
The following ad was published regularly from 1852 onward although H Dills was placing ads for land sales in 1849. By 1855, Harrison Dills amassed large tracks of land in western Illinois besides lands in Missouri:
Quincy Herald. Mon Oct 9th, 1854: "LANDS AND TOWN LOTS. Office corner of Sixth and Hampshire street, Quincy, Ill. - We have commenced the business of dealing in real estate in this city and country generally. We are prepared to buy and sell city lots and lands in the country. Land warrants located and the land purchased if desired. Particular attention paid to procuring the patent title for occupants of the Military Tract. Our experience and facilities for information are such that we think we can give satisfaction to any person having business of this description. Give us a call, H Dills & Co."
In 1854 Harrison was also President of the Board of Trustees for the English and German Seminary" built through public funds and the Episcopal - Methodist church. The curriculum offered a wide variety of subjects from languages to music and art.
In the mid 1850s, Harrison ran a title company and also purchased large portions of land in western Illinois besides Missouri and Kansas. He had back taxes to pay in Coatsville and La Prairie and began to sell off some of his investments. He also purchased property in Missouri and Kansas besides areas in Illinois.
Q Herald Jan 14, 1856: Quincy, Jan 2nd, 1856. At the office of H Dills and Co. the first meeting of the corporators of the Quincy wood and coal company was held. Present of the above named corporators: Holmes, Ashbury, Rogers, Wheeler, Marsh, Dills, Sullivan and Wood... Samuel Holmes Esq. was appointed Chairman... The foregoing indicates that the corporators of the Quincy wood and coal Company are desirous of making a start in a direction which it hoped may result in benefitting our city. In order that the committee to examine into coal deposits may enable them to pay for making a thorough examination of coal deposits on and near our railroad, it will be necessary for them to raise money and as the subject is one of general interest to all our citizens, the committee will wait upon our people to solicit this kind of aid, without which the will be unable to proceed in the work assigned them and in which they have no more individual or personal interest beyond that common to other citizens. In the late 1850s when the northern Whigs broke from the southern Whigs over the issue of slavery, the northerners reorganized and called themselves Republicans though the opposition referred to them as “black republicans” which was met to be insulting.
In an early gatherings of Republicans in Quincy [Adams County] the local news published the proceedings and here’s an excerpt:
“Mr. Dills climbed up on the No. 5. He said the meeting was ready for business and called upon Joahna [Abraham Jonah – friend of Lincoln] to state what the Republican population had come there for. The Republicans were told that they had rallied at the call of the Central Committee to nominate an aldermanic candidate, and elect ten delegates. My. Wood then nominated H. Klusmeyer for Secretary – Mr. Klusmeyer declined. Mr. Dills (from the perch on the engine) nominated W. Koenig. Mr. Koenig was elected. Mr. K very naturally, wanted some paper. AS search was made but the engine was out of stationary. The Secretary made a sortie on the neighbourhood in search of paper. In something less than an hour he returned with supplies and using the engine tongue for a desk, proceeded to take notes. Joshua Wood nominated F.W. Menke for Alderman…”
Quincy Whig and Republican, Sat morning Oct 25, 1862; Republican and Union Nominations, For State Treasurer WILLIAM BUTLER - For Superintendent of Public Instruction NEWTON BATEMAN - For Congress - State at large E.C. INGERSOLL - For Representative in Congress, 4th District, CHARLES B. LAWRENCE - For State Senator HARRISON DILLS - For members of the General Assembly JOSEPH TURNER, JAMES E. KIRKPATRICK - For Sheriff JOHN A WHITE - For Coroner ANDREW REDMAN
Note: On this page is a testimonial on the behalf of Harrison Dills by MM Bane, Payson, Oct 18, 1862; "His character and patriotism are alike above suspicion... reputation as a man of sense and a Christian gentleman. All good men, who in this hour of trial soar above politic, can conscientiously and proudly support such a man for the office of State Senator..."
By 1862, Harrison Dills continued to serve as treasurer for the Free Masons in Quincy, after having served as Illinois Grand Master [1857-58]. He ran unsuccessfully for State Senator on the newly formed Republican and Union Party. There were more democrats than republicans in the region although the Whig and Republican Weekly back him. "Our Nominee for State Senator: The Union Committees of Adams and Hancock counties have agreed on the name of Harrison Dills of this city, for State Senator. This nomination we can sustain most heartily. Mr Dills is a man of energy, capacity, and integrity and earnest and reliable Union man - which we learn is more than can be said of his opponent. Mr. Dills is widely known, is at home with the people, is an effective speaker, and will proceed at once to canvass the district. He will speak tonight at Liberty, with Judge Lawrence and at the there places where Judge L has made appointments as well in Hancock County. His Tory opponent will not by any means walk over the course. If all Union men are to to their interest Mr. Dills will be elected." Col MM Bane [Hancock County]: "If it would not be considered impertinent in me, I will suggest that I have heard the name of Harrison Dills mentioned in connection with the position you so generously tender me. I know nothing of Mr. Dills' political notions, nor should we care to know so long as we are sure that his devotion to the Union and the Constitution of our Fathers overtops all former party connections or predilections. His character and patriotism are alike above suspicion; anything however which I might say of Mr. Dills will not add to his reputation as a man of sense, and a Christian gentleman. All good men, who in this hour of trial soar above politics, can conscientiously and proudly support such a man for the office of State Senator. No man need fear that Harrison Dills will aid in sending a man to the United States Senate who will spend his time in senseless harangues on the lovely subject of "negro equality," or embarrass the government at every step of its progress by pleading for the constitutional right of rebels whose glistening bayonets can be seen on every hit top around the capitol...
At the time, Afro-Americans escaping slavery began moving north by any means possible to create a better life for themselves. While the "black republicans" [former Northern Whigs] railed against slavery as had Methodist leader, John Wesley, segregation was the rule of the day. There was not a forceful campaign to relocate the new residents although Abraham Lincoln offered to return blacks to Africa if desired. Black church leaders wanted to remain where they were besides willingness to fight for the rights laid out in the Constitution and Lincoln obliged.
"H Dills being loudly called for, came forward and addressed the meeting. He proposed a plan for disposing of the negroes, which was for Father Abraham to use them in crushing out this wicked rebellion, and then send them down to Mexico to serve a writ of ejectment upon Maximillian, and if they like the country, to keep it as their reward. Great credit is due Mr. Dills for his efforts in conducting the canvass of Adams County in behalf of the Union ticket during the presidential campaign.
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.
"Mormons Quincy Whig Wedn Nov 11, 1846: Mon, Nov 2nd. Exerpt from Public Meeting. Report and resolutions of the committee of ten - Voice of the People - Law & Order Triumphant!
"Mr. Harrison Dills then addressed the meeting and offered the following additional resolutions: Resolved. That we do most solemnly protest against and Resolutions offerd to our City Council in any way, holding out inducements for the people called Mormons to return to this State or even this city. Resolved. That the people called Mormons who have lately left this State, wer not caused to remove on account of their religious belief, as asserted by some anonymous writers in the public papers, but for the violation of the laws of this State and for that only.
The meeting was then severally addressed by A Jonas, CA Warren and IN Morris, in favor of the resolutions which a separate vot was taken on each of the resolutions reported by the committee and those offerd by Mr Dills, most of which wre adopted by acclamation: and one or two with but few dissenting voices. "
In 1840, Harrison Dills had already been in the blacksmith business for six years and sold a lot of wagons besides his own diamond edge plough. "TO THE FARMERS. I have on hnad a number of ploughs for the spring season which I will sell low for cash, also waggons made and Ironed to order of the best materials and on good terms. Call and see for yourselves. Corner sixth and Hampshire St. H DIlls ALSO- I will remind some of my patrons that they must pay up the old score, or they can't be trusted in future. Quincy, Feb 15 1840"
The following ad was published regularly from 1852 onward although H Dills was placing ads for land sales in 1849. By 1855, Harrison Dills amassed large tracks of land in western Illinois besides lands in Missouri:
Quincy Herald. Mon Oct 9th, 1854: "LANDS AND TOWN LOTS. Office corner of Sixth and Hampshire street, Quincy, Ill. - We have commenced the business of dealing in real estate in this city and country generally. We are prepared to buy and sell city lots and lands in the country. Land warrants located and the land purchassed if desired. Particular attention paid to procuring the patent title for occupants of the Military Tract. Our experience and facilities for information are such that we think we can give satisfaction to any person having business of this description. Give us a call, H Dills & Co."
In 1854 Harrison was also President of the Board of Trustees for the English and German Seminary" built through public funds and the Episcopal - Methodist church. Mormons
Quincy Whig. Wed Nov 11, 1846 Mon, Nov 2nd. Excerpt from Public Meeting. Report and resolutions of the committee of ten - Voice of the People - Law & Order Triumphant! "Mr. Harrison Dills then addressed the meeting and offered the following additional resolutions: Resolved. That we do most solemnly protest against and Resolutions offerd to our City Council in any way, holding out inducements for the people called Mormons to return to this State or even this city. Resolved. That the people called Mormons who have lately left this State, wer not caused to remove on account of their religious belief, as asserted by some anonymous writers in the public papers, but for the violation of the laws of this State and for that only.
The meeting was then severally addressed by A Jonas, CA Warren and IN Morris, in favor of the resolutions which a separate vot was taken on each of the resolutions reported by the committee and those offered by Mr Dills, most of which were adopted by acclamation: and one or two with but few dissenting voices. "
The following ad was published regularly from 1852 onward although H Dills was placing ads for land sales in 1849. By 1855, Harrison Dills amassed large tracks of land in western Illinois besides lands in Missouri:
Quincy Herald. Mon Oct 9th, 1854: "LANDS AND TOWN LOTS. Office corner of Sixth and Hampshire street, Quincy, Ill. We have commenced the business of dealing in real estate in this city and country generally. We are prepared to buy and sell city lots and lands in the country. Land warrants located and the land purchassed if desired. Particular attention paid to procuring the patent title for occupants of the Military Tract. Our experience and facilities for information are such that we think we can give satisfaction to any person having business of this description. Give us a call, H Dills & Co."
In 1854 Harrison was also President of the Board of Trustees for the English and German Seminary" built through public funds and the Episcopal - Methodist church. The circculum offered a wide variety of subjects from languages to music and art
October 24, 1863: Harrison Dills requests all interested to come in out of the Draft, as he has been authorized by the War Department to enlist men undr the late call of the President. Old soldiers will receive $102 Bounty and PRemium, and all others $302, which inducements are surely liberal enough to make even a Coupperhead patriotic. Daily Whig and Republican, Tues, Jan 7th, 1868 Dills & Brooker dealers in Books and Stationary, Newspapers, Periodicals, & etc. Post office News Depot, 165 Maine St.
Quincy Herald, Wed Jun 20, 1860 The Quincy Coal Company. Some 4 or 5 years since Messrs Dills, Edwards & Haxel procured a charter from the Legislature for the incorporation of the Quincy Coal Company, to which there has not been much attention paid until since the first of last April, when the incorporators commenced working their mine in earnest. Yesterday Mr H Dills showed us one of the finest specimens from the mine of this company, that we ever saw and he assures us that it is a fair sample of the coal mined by this company. The mine is situated half a mile east of Coatsburg, 100 feet from the railyard track and 132 feet below the surface of the earth.... Quincy Whig Sun June 24 1923: "Time was when there was feeling between the city of Quincy and the village of Coatsburg... because Coastburg was laid by Harrison Dills a Quincy man. Founded in 1855 as one of the numerous stations on the new railroad which originally was intended to run through Columbus, Mr Dills thought it would be a good thing to start a town here... In the State Fair program of 1868 is found this sketch of Coatsburg by John White. "The town of Coatsburg is situated in Township 1 north 7 west (Honey Creek) and derived its name from a former owner of the land of the town, Mr RP Coats. The town is 17 miles northeast of Quincy. It is surrounded by a fine farming country. The town includes 2 ddry goods stores, 1 grocery store, 1 boot and shoe store, 1 saloon, 1 saddle and harness shop, 1 lumber yard, 2 blacksmith shops, wagon shops, 1 hotel, the Coatsburg House, 1 physician, 1 telegraph office, post office, justice office... The population is 150. There are 2 firms dealing in produce and stock. Coatsburg is a good shipping point. There are 2 school houses, 1 English and 1 German. The town was laid out by H Dills & Co. of Quincy in the spring of 1855. Coatsburg is 2 and half miles east of Paloma and 6 miles west of Camp Point..."
Q Herald Jan 14, 1856: Quincy, Jan 2nd, 1856. At the office of H Dills and Co. the first meeting of the corporators of the Quincy wood and coal company was held. Present of the above named corporators: Holmes, Ashbury, Rogers, Wheeler, Marsh, Dills, Sullivan and Wood... Samuel Holmes Esq. was appointed Chairman... The foregoing indicates that the corporators of the Quincy wood and coal Company are desirous of making a start in a direction which it hoped may result in benefitting our city. In order that the committee to examine into coal deposits may enable them to pay for making a thorough examination of coal deposits on and near our railroad, it will be necessary for them to raise money and as the subject is one of general interest to all our citizens, the committee will wait upon our people to solicit this kind of aid, without which the will be unable to proceed in the work assigned them and in which they have no more individual or personal interest beyond that common to other citizens.
Quincy Herald Sep 1, 1859: New Grocery Store. No 161 Maine: New Grocery Store. 161 Naube street, use door east of Post Office, North side in H Dills new building. Just opened a large and well selected stock of Staple and Lancy Groceries to which we most respectfully invite the attention of consumers and dealers. We design selling at small profits! We shall make it a pint to satisfy those with whom we trade that they may deem it to their interest to deal with us. To retain grocers - We would say, please call and examine before purchasing as we flatter ourselves that we can give as good bargains as any other house. Dills & Stahl. Quincy Ill Aug 19, 1859
Quincy Herald, Thurs, Nov 3, 1859: Dissolution of partnership. The co partnership in the grocery business heretofore existing between the subscribers under the name Dills & Staht, has been this day dissolved by mutual consent. The business of the late firm will be closed by Harrison Dills who alone is authorized to use the name of the firm. Sep 21, 1859. The grocery business will be continued by H Dills at the same place and he hopes to receive his share of the orders of his friends and the public.
July 14, 1860:In 1860, Harrison Dills was a grocer and ran a title company among other business ventures. He was also active in politics. "Mr. Dills, the chairman of the county committee, made some remarks full of good humour and telling hits at the copperhead democracy. Mr. Dills has entered into this canvass with his whole soul, and will show the result of his labours in an increased Union vote in the county" Oct 22, 1864 "Union Men Attention! We want entire concert of action in this race for Freedom and National existence. I place at your control, for the use of the County Central Committee and the State and other organizations that are working to promote a common object, The salvation of our Government... Let us see there the faces of live Union men for anypurpose that will forward our cause. God never gave men a better cause to fight for. Let us all meet and let us in Quincy show the spirit that in evidence." Harrison Dills, Esq. Chairman Union Central Committee of Adams County, Oct. 1, 1864
July 14, 1860: In 1860, Harrison Dills was a grocer and ran a title company among other business ventures. He was also active in politics. "Mr. Dills, the chairman of the county committee, made some remarks full of good humor and telling hits at the copperhead democracy. Mr. Dills has entered into this canvass with his whole soul, and will show the result of his labors in an increased Union vote in the county" Oct 22, 1864 "Union Men Attention! We want entire concert of action in this race for Freedom and National existence. I place at your control, for the use of the County Central Committee and the State and other organizations that are working to promote a common object, The salvation of our Government... Let us see there the faces of live Union men for anypurpose that will forward our cause. God never gave men a better cause to fight for. Let us all meet and let us in Quincy show the spirit that in evidence." Harrison Dills, Esq. Chairman Union Central Committee of Adams County, Oct. 1, 1864
Quincy Whig Republican, Sep 21, 1861: For Rent. A dwelling house on Maine Street between 6th and 7th streets containing 10 or 12 rooms. Also, a dwelling house on 5th street between Broadway and Spring, containing 6 rooms. WD McCann at Dills Store, 161 Maine street.
Q Herald, Mon Nov 2, 1863: LAST CALL BEFORE DRAFT! See the President's Proclamation. United States Recruiting Service Office. 161 Maine Street, Quincy, Ill... I am authorized to enlist as follows: For men who have served 9 months and been honourably discharged, $402 Bounty and Premium. For all others, $302 Bounty and Premium. Also monthly pay, $13 per month. In addition to the above, each recruit is furnished provisions, clothing, and medical attendance, and is paid in cash for such parts of his allowance of clothing as he does not draw. If any recruit is honourable mustered out of the service before his time expires, he will receive the full Bounty, the as if he had served the full time. There will be paid to each recruit before leaving the general rendezvous, 75 Dollars, the remainder of the Bounty with other pay in instalments. All persons presenting themselves and accepted, will be sent to such regiment as they select free of cost to the recruits. HARRISON DILLS recruiting agent 4th district. Q Whig Sep 17, 1864
Q Whig Sep 17, 1864 Union County Convention.... On motion , delegates present were authorized to cast the entire vote of their respective delegations... Harrison Dills was then elected chairman of the Committee... On motion, the Convention proceeded to nominated candidates to the Legislature, when Harrison Dills in a few patriotic remarks nominated Nehemiah Bushnell of Quincy, as one of the candidates for the position...
Q Whig and Republican, Sat, Mar 18th 1865: Change of Officers - Among the new appointments published in Chicago papers, is that of Harrison Dills Esq., Post Master in this city. We understand that Mr. D has also received a letter from Gen. Harding notifying him of the fact.
Q Whig and Republican, Fri, March 31, 1865: DIED, On the 31st of March, of typhoid fever, Mrs Laura [Parsons] Dills, wife of Harrison Dills, Esq.. in the 49th year of her age. In the death of Mrs. Dills, Quincy losed one of it's oldest inhabitants, she having settled here with her father's family in 1929... her devotion to her little Ella, who proceeded her a few days to the better land, doubtless laid the foundation for the disease that to her proved fatal...
Quincy Whig Sat, Apr 8, 1865: In this city on the 31st of March, of typhoid fever, Mrs LAURA, wife of Harrison Dills, Esq.. in the 49th year of her age. In the death of Mrs. Dills, Quincy loses one of its oldest inhabitants, she having settled here with her father's family in 1820. Society loses one of its best loved members and brightest ornaments. Laura attended the Methodist Episcopal Church and was one of its truest, most devoted and consistent members for a period of near 30 years. But it is in the family circle especially that her loss is irreparable- here she was indeed the angel of the household. Prominently true in the relations of life, she was especially so in the relation of wife and mother. Indeed, her devotion to her little Ella, who preceded her a few days to the better land, doubtless laid the foundation for the disease that to her proved fatal. As a ministering angel at the beside of the sick, and in attention to the wants of the poor, as an earnest worker in every charitable and benevolent enterprise, she is justly entitled to that high eulogy pronounce by the Saviour upon one of her sex: "she hath done what she could"...
Q Whig Wed, April 12, 1865: The Union Meeting last night. On motion Harrison Dills was appointed chairman, and Col. Wm A Schmitt was appointed secretary. Mr. Dills then stated the object of the meeting to be the nomination of candidates for City officers to be voted for next Monday... For Collector, Michael Piggott was nominated by acclamation... Note: Piggott was a Union Republican and owned an ice cream shop., Piggott & Cannell Ice Cream Rooms. Green Tree Ice Cream Saloon was the competition June 24th "Piggott & Cannell are determined not to be outdone by any similar establishment in the city. Their spacious and neatly furnished hall has 18 tables, capable of accommodating from 50 to 70 persons at a time. Ready waiters are on hand and the best [ice cream] served up in style. Give them a call on Maine street, 1 door west of the Unitarian Church.
Q Whig Mon June 19, 1865: A New Establishment Piggott & Cannell, dealers in confectionery, fruits, ice cream, lemonade, soda water, cigars, & etc.. Refreshment Saloon for Ladies and Gentlemen open every day and evening until 11 PM (Sundays excepted)
Q Herald Whig, Sun Aug 11, 1996: Mail service cam to pioneer Quincy in 1825: The first mail to arrive in the little settlement of Quincy was from Carrollton, by the way of Alas, in the year 1825. Col. James Black of Vandalia was the first appointed postmaster. But a few days residence disgusted him with the primitive surrounding and he left, deputizing Judge Henry H Snow to be postmaster. Judge Snow kept the post office in John Woods' log cabin at the foot of Delaware Street. At that time the mail was kept in a pine chest... Newspaper article lists every early postmaster.
Quincy Whig, Sat, May 20th, 1865: Post Office Change - Harrison Dills Esq., the newly appointed Postmaster for Quincy, took formal possession of the office yesterday morning. He succeeds Mrs. Abraham Jonas, who has filled the unexpired term of her husband since his decease. Mr. Dills enters upon the discharge of duties of his new position with the earnest wish and confident hope of all that nothing reasonable will be left undone to satisfy and accommodate the public. He will personally superintend the business of the office, and se that everything is conducted properly. We hope soon to have a Post Office as well regulated as an in the country.
Post Office Improvements - Much needed improvements are in progress at the Post Office. The number or drawers and boxes is to be increased, and other desirable changes made in the internal arrangement. It is gratifying to see our new Post Master thus early setting to work to render the public such postal facilities as the importance of the business justly requires. Mr Dills informs us that he is going to put in 320 additional boxes and l74 drawers, and have the whole painted up in splendid style. Such an addition we think, will accommodate all who desire to pay the extra trifle for the increased convenience of having boxes and drawers. Since the assumption of the duties by our new Post Master, we have always been able to procure our mail upon the opening of the Post Office in the morning, which to us is a decided advantage and we have no doubt equally so to the community in general. The following is the Post Office force as at present organised. Postmaster, Harrison Dills: Deputy Postmaster, Wm. A Miller; Chief Clerk, George A Dills; Mailing Clerk, Michael Weltin' General Letter Delivery Clerk, Wm. Kinkle; Box and Drawers, Richard W. Nance. - Notes: Geo Dills served as postmaster in Santa Monica, Ca at the Soldier Home in 1908.
Quincy Whig Dec 2, 1865: Wooden Mail Bags - The perfection of excellence in mail bags seems to have been reached in the invention of Marshal Smith, ass. postmaster at St. Louis, patented in 1863 and 4. It is a wooden box strongly ironed, some two or three feet in length and about six inches wide and deep. The interior is divided off by sliding partitions, properly labelled for the different post offfices along a route, with a large division at one end for through mail. This, letters are carried without being jumbled up and tumbled about, as is unavoidably the case when put into leather bags. Several of these wooden mail bags are now in use on the routes leading to and from this city, and may be seen at the post office. Mr. Dills informs us that there is no doubt about their being brought into general use as soon as their merits are properly appreciated by the authorities.
Q Whig, Mon, Sep 4, 1865: Soldiers' celebration in Ursa - The soldiers' festival which had been announced to be held at Ursa last Friday "came off" with all the accessories which constitute a complete success. The day itself was propitious, the intense heat of the sun being moderated by a clouded sky, while all the arrangements were perfected in a manner which evinced not merely the interest of the people engaged in it, but exhibited a devotion of labour and a liberality of contributions which were creditable in the highest degree to the patriotic citizens and friends of the soldier who conceived and managed it... The services of the Quincy Brass Band had been engaged for the day, and were put in requisition in the progress to the stand as well as to enliven the proceedings upon it... At the close of the proceedings already noticed, an adjournment was had for dinner to the excellence and abundance of which too much praise cannot be awarded. After the dinner the people returned to the speaker's stand, where there was more speaking, introduced by Mr. Dills of this city, and more music and singing. Mr. Dills recounted the services of Adams county in the war, and made a brief speech, full of enthusiasm and good feeling. He was followed by Mr Adams, a private in the 78th, Capt. UH Keath and Lt. Col. Morton of this city, who pulled the "plug" from their mouths, and opened a scorching fire in fount on the enemies who had steadily maintained a fire in their rear while battling their more open and respectable enemies on the battle field...
On 9 Jan 1875, Quincy lost its courthouse and various records due to a "defective flue, as one of the chimneys was seen burning out nearly two hours before the smoke was seen on the roof. It had probably been burning for two or three hours before it was discovered." The Fire Department. The fire department, too much praise cannot be said on their behalf and they richly merited the many complements that were bestowed upon them. Headed by their efficient Chief and his assistants they fearlessly entered the building and placed the streams where it would be the most effective. The fire was certainly the best managed of any we have ever seen and the loss of a single moment in getting water where it was most needed might have resulted in an extensive conf ___, whereby thousands of dollars worth of property would undoubtedly have been destroyed. The great benefits derived from the Water Works was also clearly demonstrated in this instance and had it not been for the bountiful supply of water furnished by the ___ ___ ___ would never have been brought under control the way in which they were, or in the short space of time.
The Court House building was erected in 1867, and although very strongly built at the time, had become rather ancient looking in appearance and somewhat dilapidated. The books and papers belonging to the different offices have all been removed to the Dills’ building on Maine street, where they will remain for a time, at least. A special meeting of the Board of Supervisors has been called for Monday, the 18th inst., when some action will be taken in the matter, and the offices permanently located until a new Court House can be built or the old one repaired.
Quincy Herald, Wed, Sep 25, 1867: Corner Stone Ceremonies - Order of procession at the laying of the cornerstone of the Railroad Bridge, Sep 25th... The Sir Knights of Quincy and all visiting, will convene at the Court House, and 1 o'clock PM where the lines will be formed and marched to Masonic Hall, for the purpose of escorting the Grand Lodge to the foot of Maine Street, where boats will be in readiness to convey them to Pier no. 5, where the corner stone will be laid with Masonic ceremonies. After the laying of the corner stone addresses will be made... Harrison Dills, AW Blakesley, WE Oven, Jos. Robbins, Committee... on same page - George A Dills dealer in BOOKS AND STATIONERY, Newspapers, periodicals, etc Post Office News Depot, 165 Maine Street, First door west of Post Office, Quincy.
Q Herald, Feb 2, 1868: The Quincy Skating Park is open for the season. The sign board in Dills & Brooker's show window, in the Street Cars and other places will tell when the flag is up, and whenever the flag is up, the Park is open for skating.
Quincy Whig, Sat, Dec 12, 1868: Building Statistics - Growth of the City of Quincy during the Past Year. 300 BUILDING ERECTED AT A COST OF NEARLY A MILLION AND HALF DOLLARS: We lay before our readers this morning, a carefully prepared statement of the number, character, and cost of the new buildings erected in Quincy during the past year, obtained with much labour from the architects and builders. In one of two instanced neither architect of builder would furnish us any information whatever, and we consequently obliged to make our own estimate in such cases. The growth of our city the past year, as compared with that of two years ago, is very gratifying to everyone who has the interest of Quincy at heart. A glance at the business blocks erected upon Maine and Hampshire streets, is alone sufficient to prove the stability of this growth, and the determination of our capitalists to place Quincy in the foremost rank for the beauty of her architecture and durability of her buildings. PRIVATE RESIDENCES. Our report includes a list of all the dwelling houses erected during the past year, together with such as have been remodelled or added to, and so far as could be ascertained showing the cost of the same where it exceeds five hundred dollars. Improvements costing less are not include in the report, it being found impracticable to obtain a full statement of the "jobbing business". PUBLIC BUILDINGS AND STORES. The number of public buildings and business blocks erected in the city the past year has been greater, and the architectural skill displayed more varied and pleasing, than at any former period. We give a full list of these, with a short description of the principal ones. The new Catholic Church edifice, corner of Maine and Eight streets, though not yet completed, deserves special mention. We have been favoured with a view of the plan and elevations of this magnificent structure, and obtained the various dimensions etc., bindly furnished by the architect, Mr George Raby. Length from front on Maine Street to the corner of the church, 150 feet breadth, 67 feet; height of external walls, 45 feet; height of interior from floor to ceiling, nearly 60 feet; the sanctuary is raised above the floor about two feet, and is approached by wide steps extending the whole width of the church; it is enclosed by a stupendous Gothic arch fifty feet hight, supported on beautifully enriched Corinthian cap and bas and treble segmented columns, spring from which are two smaller Gothic moulded arches about thirty-five feet high, forming an appropriate recess for the side alters. Inside of the centre arch is the segmental and cobed sanctuary, the wall and ceiling of which will be appropriately frescoed with representations of the resurrection of Our Lord, etc. The high alter standing in the centre will be surmounted with a gilt cross perforated closely for jets of gas so that it will have the appearance of being literally one mass of glittering jewels twenty-five feet high. The appearance of the whole of this portion cannot fail to strike the beholder with admiration and awe. There are two fine circular archways from the sanctuary to the vestry and retiring room. Immediately on top of the steps opposite the hight and side altars is a beautiful filigree iron railing, moulded and capped, extending from one side of the church to the other. The pulpit will be on one side of the church, and is constructed to glide on a tramway to the centre at pleasure. The confessional is on the left, opposite the pulpit, and in proximity to the high altar. The interior of the church is one open and uninterrupted enclosure without a column to detract from the vastness of the space; it is enclosed with a treble segmental arched ceiling spanning the whole width of the church and resting on fourteen large and beautiful Corinthian capped pilasters against the walls, from the top of which again springs fourteen Gothic groined arches intersecting with the main ceiling and forming the recesses for fourteen Gothic headed windows. These arches will have a peculiar and beneficial effect upon the acoustics of the church. There are three broad aisles from each side of which the pews are approached; the church will contain about 1200 in the body and 400 in the gallery, which is at the north end of the church and where the organ and choir are situated. Underneath the rear portion of the church is a splendid lecture room about sixty feet square and twelve feet hight, approached by a treble flight of stone steps which has an imposing appearance. The furnace cellar is sixty feet long and twelve feet wide, and is arched, making it fire proof, and the flues are so arranged as to give heat to the church above in winter and a cooling draft in summer. The ventilation has been particularly attended to, having four large ventilators constructed in the ceiling, in the centre of each is a moon gas-light of 120 jets, throwing a flood of subdued light over every portion of the interior, thus obviating the necessity of using chandeliers or gas braces. The inside of the tower is eighteen feet square with a large Gothic-head vestibule doorway leading into the church, and two flights of stairs to the gallery. The roof will weigh 100 tons, and is self-supporting. The exterior of the church is Gothic architecture, constructed of brick, and Quincy and Chicago stone dressings...
Two story frame dwelling house, corner of Sixteenth and Kentucky streets, for Harrison Dills, Esq. This building has many of the characteristics of the Swiss style in its exterior finish. J.H. Jones, builder; cost $7,000. [full article lists various homes and buildings]. The area experienced a post Civil War boom in housing whilst some were moving west. At the time, Francis and Harrison were newly married with children from deceased wife, Laura Parsons-Dills. There were several family member in the household but the new build was spacious for a large family. Two son were born in the residence to Harrison and Francis, Harrison and Willie [who died as a child]. Overall, Harrison fathered 11 children although with exceptions of George, Howell, and Harrison F, his offspring died before age 40.
Quincy Whig, Sat, August 31, 1872: Harrison Dills said as he was a Dutchman, he had a right to talk until the people understood what he was saying; said he came to Illinois 39 years ago last May; not many people here then and they didn't have very good times' if one of these old rich farmers would give a log cabin to his son when he married do you suppose he'd take it and think it a fine house? He wouldn't do it; nary time; said he helped kill wolves over near La Prairie' alluded briefly to the Black Hawk war; then said, in milling those days people used to go from Macomb down to Whipple's and stay two weeks to get a wagon full of grain ground. When he first came to Illinois the State belonged to Sam Wiggins; when it was organized the State Government had to borrow $100,000 off him and pay 33 percent. Why, he knew men who paid $100 for the use of $100 one year to secure land; that's the kind of hardships they had to endure. In 1836, they passed a law making a State Bank here; had lots of money and paid old Wiggins off; the money of those days was sometimes worth having and other times he could not get a dinner with a pocket full of it' spoke of the great growth of the country and said it was owing to the glorious government and laws under which he lived; we have no poor in Illinois; you all have a right to farm worth $1500;................................................
"Oct 1872 N. Bushnell and 15 others requested that permission be given to Harrison Dills and associates to make and establish a coal yard and sheds upon the ground belonging to the city on the west side of Front, between Maine and Jersey to lay side tracks upon the same for the accommodation of coal yard." Bushnell was a local lawyer in Quincy and represented Harrison Dills as a legal council. "Oct 1872 N. Bushnell and 15 others requested that permission be given to Harrison Dills and associates to make and establish a coal yard and sheds upon the ground belonging to the city on the west side of Front, between Maine and Jersey to lay side tracks upon the same for the accommodation of coal yard."
Quincy Whig, Fri, June 6 1890: A HAPPY REUNION. With pleasure we are permitted the privileg of noting the celebration of the 78th birthday of Mr. Harrison Dills at his home 1 mile south of Redfield, in Bourbon county, Kansas, on Tuesday, May 13, 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. JF Lyons, of Newton, Kansas, also Mr. JM 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.
Q Herald, Wed Jan 8, 1868: ... The committee to whom was referred the petition of H Dills, Esq, in relation to Dills alley, reported that they found that Harrison Dills in the rection of the post office building had encroached one foot on the alley, and that as a matter of justice to Mr. Didder, who contemplates building on the east side of said alley, they recommend the adoption of the following which was unanimously agreed to: Ordered that all that part of Dills' alley, which wis bounded as follows, towit: being one foot east from the southwest, corner of lot five, in block six, in Wheelock's addition to the city of Quincy, running thence east on the north line of Maine street one foot thence north or northerly on a line parallel with the west line of said lot one hundred feet, thence west one foot, and south or south westerly on a line parallel with said west line of said lot one hundred fee to the place of beginning, by cactaed as an alley of said city, and that Henry Ridder be permitted to use and occupy the same, and to erect a building thereon.
Q Whig, Sat, June 19, 1869: LEAD MINING IN MISSOURI By the following from the Central Missouri Advertiser, Boon, Mo.. it will be seen that Illinoisans are engaged in developing the mineral wealth of that section of the State: La Mine, Cooper County, Mo June 7, 1869, Messrs Caldwell &Stahl: I sent you a sample of lead ore that Mr. Harrison Dills is getting out of a lode he has struck here. He brought several practical miners to test the mineral wealth of Cooper county. I believe that he has succeeded to his most sanguine expectations. Tome Melvinney struck ths lead, and hurrahed lustily for Cooper county. He says he will take stock in Cooper. He is getting chunks from the size I sent you to such as would weigh one hundred and sixty pounds, as rich as lead ore gets to be. It is not a pity that the citizens of Cooper had to wait for a gentleman from Illinois to test the riches of our county. Mr Dills says, if he had quarter for them, he would set forty men to work immediately... WL Scott. The specimens found are take from a farm recently purchased by Mr. Harrison Dills of this city... A gentleman from Galena, who has seen much of lead mining , and who saw a specimen of the ore, says it is very rich, and after inquiring the character of the ground, the direction of the lead, & etc, was inclined to the opinion that the ore existed in large quantities. The company, we understand, propose soon to erect a smelting furnace on their grounds, and me hope at no distant day, to record the fact that lead is manufactured in Cooper county.
In 1870, two years after the Harrison Dills home was built, Harrison [58] declared himself retired with 110,000 tied up in real-estate and 3,000 in personal estate holdings though conservative estimates since he owned a coal mine business and part of downtown Quincy besides undeveloped lands.
"Oct 1872 N. Bushnell and 15 others requested that permission be given to Harrison Dills and associates to make and establish a coal yard and sheds upon the ground belonging to the city on the west side of Front, between Maine and Jersey to lay side tracks upon the same for the accommodation of coal yard." Bushnell was a local lawyer in Quincy and represented Harrison Dills as a legal council. "Oct 1872 N. Bushnell and 15 others requested that permission be given to Harrison Dills and associates to make and establish a coal yard and sheds upon the ground belonging to the city on the west side of Front, between Maine and Jersey to lay side tracks upon the same for the accommodation of coal yard." Bushnell was a local lawyer in Quincy and represented Harrison Dills as a legal council.
Q Herald, Sat., July 13, 1872; Last night the attic of H. Dills' building west of the Post office, was lit up for a Radical gathering, the said gathering having been called to put in motion a Grant Club....
Q Herald, Sun, March 28, 1875: A Herald reporter went out into the 4th ward last evening and hunted up the Republican primary. The meeting was held at the No.5 engine house. Joshua S Wood called the meeting to order and nominated H Dills for Chairman. Mr. Dills went through. As there was no chair, Mr. Dills climbed up on the No 5 engine, and roosted on the suction pipe... Mr. Dills
According to Quincy Herald, Sat May 31, 1879, Harrison was owing $3,000 in back payments to Almeron Wheat who held a note for the Quincy property between 6th and 7th street and Maine and Hampshire.
Quincy Herald, Sunday, Sep 22, 1878: TRUSTEE SALE -Whereas, Harrison Dills and Frances E. Dills, his wife, did by their certain deed of trust dated the 23rd day of April, A.D. 1870, which is duly recorded in the Recorder's office of Adams county, state of Illinois, in Record Book of Mortgages, Volume 9, page 21, duly convey to the undersigned, Benjamin F Berrian, as trustee therein named, the certain parcel of land, situated in the county of Adams and state of Illinois, and more particularly bounded and described as follows, to wit: as block number two, in Anna V. Riess' addition to the city of Quincy, in the county of Adams and state of Illinois, commencing at the northwest corner of Seventeenth and Kentucky streets, thence north on the west line of Seventeenth street 108 feet; thence west 393 feet, more or less to the east line of Sixteenth street one hundred and six and a half teet, and hence east on the north line of Kentucky street, 193 feet to the place of beginning, be the same more or less, to secure the payment of the principal and interest of a certain promissory note of that date, executed by the said Harrison Dills for the sum of five thousand dollars, and payable to John Sharp, or his order, in five years after the date thereof, with interest at the rate of ten percent per annum, payable semi-annually' and whereas default has been made in the payment of said note, and of interest due thereon, and whereas, John Sharp, the legal owner and holder of said promissor note, has mad application to me, as such trustee, to sell said real estate and premises, in said deed of trust described, under and in pursuance of the terms of said deed of trust, and for the purposes therein set forth. Now therefore, notice is hereby given that on the 24th day of October, A.D. 1878, at the hour of two o'clock P.M. of said day, at the south front door of the court house, on Jefferson square in the city of Quincy, in said Adams county, I, as trustee aforesaid, will sell at public auction, to the highest bidder for cash in hand, all of the before described real estate and premises, with the appurtenances thereto belonging, and all the title and equity of redemption and homestead of the said Harrison Dills and Frances E Dills, his wife, their heirs and assigns therein. The amount claimed to be due upon said promissory note is the sum of five thousand dollars of principal, and ten per cent interest per annum there on from the 23 day of April, 1876. Dated September 19th, 1878.
In 1879, Henry was one of the citizens of La Prairie, Illinois to have a biography in the "Northeast Directory". "DILLS, HENRY D., farmer and stock raiser; was born in Parkersburg, Va., Jan.15,1816; came to this county [Adams] April 30, 1836. He has 175 acres of land, valued at $7,000; married Elizabeth Thompson. She was born in Athens county, Ohio, Dec. 29, 1823. They have 12 children, 10 living. They emigrated from Virginia to Ohio when Henry was 2 years old, lived there 10 years; thence to Adams county, and lived in Quincy until 1857; worked at the plastering business for 20 years; worked on Gov. Woods' house, also the Quincy House. There were but few houses in the city; has shot squirrels on the seminary grounds... Mrs. Dills was in Quincy in 1833, when it was not larger than La Prairie. The Courthouse was a log house; it was burnt down, and 4 prisoners were brought to her father's house for safe keeping. When they came here their whole effects would not amount to a hundred dollars. He [Henry] built a house on Kentucky and 8th street in 1842 which is still standing. He came here in limited circumstances, by industry and economy has made himself and family a good home.
Quincy Whig, Thurs, June 26 1890: Marion Dills of Maitland, Mo, is in the city. He was operated on for cataract by Dr Woods yesterday.
Quincy Daily Journal, Wed, Sep 16, 1908: FORMER QUINCY WOMAN IS DEAD:
Mrs. Harrison [Francis] Dills, widow of one of Quincy's early day - Mrs Harrison Dills, the widow of a pioneer Quincy citizen and one of her first postmasters, died in Redfield, Kansas, Sunday, aged 81. Mr Dills died in 1899... He was postmaster here when the post office was located on Fourth street near Maine, and later on Maine, between Sixth and Seventh. His home was at Sixteenth and Kentucky, which residence the late Senator Albert Wells bought from him. Mrs. Dills died of heart disease after a two weeks' illness. She was born in this county and is survived by one son, Harry Dills and two stepsons, H.C. of Kansas City, and G.A., of California [Santa Monica]...
1908 Fort Scott, Kan. newspaper: Mrs. FE [Francis Electa] Dills died at 6:15 o’clock last evening at her home in Redfield. She had been sick with heart disease for two weeks and being 81 years old, her age made it impossible to save her life. She is survived by Harry Dills and two step sons Howell Cobb Dills of Kansas City and George A Dills of California. Mrs. Dills was born in in Adams county, Illinois near Quincy. She was a sister of Mrs. Morgan who recently died at Baldwin and was buried at Mt. Zion Cemetery at Redfield. Another sister, Mrs. Foster, lives at Redfield. Mrs Dills remains will be laid to rest in Mt. Zion Cemetery tomorrow, Rev. Shuler of Redfield, conducting the ceremony. HC Dills of Kansas City will attend the funeral. He arrived today and has the funeral arrangement in charge. Mrs. Dills was a highly respected and much beloved old lady and a great number will do her honour on the occasion of her obsequies.” Fort Scott Republican 8 Sep 1908: Mrs Frances Electa [Gooding] Dills, one of the best known elderly ladies in Redfield passed away Sunday evening at 6:15 at her home in Redfield, after an illness of two weeks with heart disease. Mrs. Dills was 81 years of age and had resided in Bourbon county for many years. She became a Christian at the age of 13 years and was baptised by Peter Cartright. At 22 years of age she was married to Rev. Wilkins of the Illinois conference. He died in 1865 and two years later she was united in marriage to Harrison Dills at Quincy, Ill. Mr. Dills passed to the great beyond in 1899. She is survived by one son, Harry Dills, and two step sons, Howell Cobb Dills of Kansas City and George A Dills who resides in California. A sister, Mrs. Morgan, recently died at Baldwin and was buried at Mount Zion cemetery near Redfield. Another sister, Mrs. Forster of Newton was at her bedside at the time of her death. The funeral will be held today and the remains of Mrs. Dills will be laid to rest in Mount Zion cemetery. Notes: Francis was born in July 1828 in Adams, Illinois, to Nancy J McCorkle, age 22, and William Brown Gooding, age 24. Both she and Harrison were widowers when they married Harry F Dills and besides their children Harrison Francis Dills B: 1870 and William Dills B: 1871, there were children from Harrison and Laura Parsons Dills born in Quincy, Illinois [Ella died days apart from mother Laura although Fannie cared for her step children after she married Harrison in 1867].
The Quincy Herald Wed. July 11, 1866: The Whig and Col. Bane: The Whig [Republican newspaper] is out in reply to my article. It insists there is no occasion for the Colonel to speak out on the issue of the day - that the loss of his arm in service is enough to entitle him to the office of Assessor and it is for him that reason alone. Will the Whig tell us why it is that it did not advocate and does not now advocate the appointment of Capt. Piggott to the office of Post-master of this city. He was in the war and standing in the thickest of the fight had one of his legs shot off. It is true he is an Irishman, but surely the Whig is not hostile to him for that reason. A man who fought as nobly as the Captain did for his adopted country should not be cast off in consequence of his birthplace, for that was an event over which he had not control. The Captain is a gentleman of the most exemplary moral character, and everybody here knows hi is far better qualified for the place than our present postmaster, who was not in the war, except as contractor, in which capacity he was so unfortunate to lose money in consequence of the Government refusing to accept his rotten beans & etc. Besides Postmaster, Dills is rich and Captain Piggott is poor, yet Col. Harding thought proper to have the office given to the former when the latter wanted it. Come, come Mr. Whig, let us see you carry out your doctrine. If you are for Bane because he lost an art, be for Piggott, for he lost a leg. There is no comparison between his character and qualifications and Mr. Dills'. The one fought nobly for his county when the other was striving to fee him on rotten beans while he was doing it that he might make a great profit... Lost limbs seem to be a very good argument when there is political trouble ahead, but in the case of poor Piggott, it wound not answer. He is suffered to hobble about to do as much for Col. Harding as Mr. Dills. If Dills ever did anything for his country during the war, will not someone be good enough to point it out? Piggott did. "ONE THAT KNOWS" [Unnamed writer] Note: Mr. Piggott, who was also a Union Republican [former Whig] was appointed to the Postmaster position a few years after Harrison Dills completed one term in said position. The growing city was pleased by the improvements to the local postal service and most respected him for many accomplishments. There were politics involved in choosing a Post Master and when a Democratic governor was elected, a democrat would replace a Republican and so forth.
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 feeble 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 State belonged to Sam Wiggins when Illinois organized. They borrowed $180,000 from Wiggins who owned a ferry in St. Louis [MO] and he paid 33 cents for it. People paid [Wiggins] back $2 for every $1 they got... In 1836, the state organized a bank which made enough money to pay Sam Wiggins off. The Banks - one day a settler would have a pocket full of money and the next day he couldn't get a dinner with what he had."
After the fire of 1874 which claimed most of HD's downtown buildings, he didn't think much of the insurance companies that didn't compensate him properly per agreement. He took them to court over it as he felt they were corrupt.
Quincy Whig, Thurs, June 26 1890: Marion Dills of Maitland, Mo, is in the city. He was operated on for cataract by Dr Woods yesterday.
HARRISON DILLS, superintendent of the Arkansas Valley Fence Company for the manufacture of G Frey's Combination Fence, with or without Barbs; this business was started July 4, 1882, and has many difficulties to contend with, but has steadily been gaining ground. At present, November, 1882, they employ five hands, two machines capable of turning out 160 rods of fence per day, and with the present prospects will have to add another machine. the fence gives general satisfaction, being entirely stock and dog proof; is used largely for sheep corrals, thus perfectly securing sheep from the ravages of dogs and wolves. the fence is gotten up in different styles suitable for parks, yards, ornamental grounds, poultry yards, etc. 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. From 1846 to 1848, he was in the employ of the Government in the supply department, furnishing Quartermaster and Commissary stores for the troops during the Mexican war, and in 1861, when the war broke out, went into the Government employ again the same capacity, supplying Commissary and Quartermaster stores wherever they were required. Was at the first battle of Bull Run,. and Belmont, where Gen. Grant fought his first battle; and at Perryville, Ky. Was a delegate to the convention in Baltimore in 1864, that nominated Abraham Lincoln for the presidency the second time, and was Postmaster of Quincy, Ill., in 1866 and 1867, under William L. Dennison, Postmaster General; and in 1882 came West, locating and starting his present business in Newton, Harvey County. Mr. Dills is an active member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, to which he has belonged since 1837, and is also an ardent Mason with a membership dating back to 1835; he was a member of the convention that formed the first Grand Lodge of the State of Illinois in 1840, and the first elected junior warden of that body and was grand master of the Grand Lodge of Illinois in 1857 and 1858. He has been twice married, first in 1835, and has three children by this marriage -- George A., Howell and Verella K. His first wife dying in 1867, he married Mrs. Francis E. Gooding; they have one son -- Harrison, Jr. Harrison Dills [aka Dils] was born 13 Mar 1812 Parkersburg, Wood, West Virginia and was married twice in Quincy, Illinois and died 3 Nov 1899 in Warrensburg, Johnson Co, Missouri. His remains were brought north to Quincy [across the Mississippi River] for burial. There was a large Mason assembly to honour his memory.
One of his earliest civil duties after coming to Quincy, Illinois as a blacksmith/woodworker was to help form the first fire department in the frontier village. He was part of the first Free Masons that opened that year although the organization was closed in the US before reorganized in 1840. On Jan 20, 1838, HD and other leaders assembled tools including 11 ladders, 6 fire hooks, and a dozen buckets. A couple years later, they got a fire wagon which took some time to get. At the time, Harrison also led the charge to collect money to rebuild the local sawmill [Hubbard sawmill] after a fire. In those days, most construction were mostly timber thus a fire department was important to frontier towns of the old west.
Dills moved from his native state of western Virginia to Ohio and on to Illinois in 1832, initially settling in Danville. In 1833/34, he moved to Quincy, Illinois, where he opened a blacksmith shop. In 1835, he married Laura Parsons. In 1839, he became a member of Engine Company No. 1 of the Quincy Fire Department. When the Illinois General Assembly incorporated Quincy as a city in 1840, Dills was among the first street commissioners. In 1850, he was working as a blacksmith and owned real estate valued at $10,000. In 1855, Dills laid out the village of La Prairie in the north-eastern portion of Adams County. In 1860, he was employed as a grocer and owned real estate valued at $50,000 and had a personal estate of $4,000. In May 1865, Dills became postmaster of Quincy. A devoted Mason, Dills was among those that organized the first grand lodge in Illinois, which met in Jacksonville in 1840. He was a charter member of the Bodley Lodge of Quincy, the oldest Masonic lodge in the state. He gradually advanced in rank, becoming grand master in 1857 and grand treasurer in 1863."
Quincy Whig, Sat, Dec 4, 1841: "Married, - In this county on the 25th Nov by the Rev. R Haney, Mr. HENRY D DILLS to Miss ELIZABETH THOMPSON, all of Adams county. The reader may well suppose, from the fact that the names of the parties are given in capitals, that the printer received something extra on this occasion - which was the fact, and in the shape of a cake of large size, handsomely ornamented with flowers and sweet "fixins" and bearing upon it's surface, the long to be remembered word, "Whig" for which the parties have the best wishes of the printers. We should not be surprised if Mr. Dills' example was speedily followed by some of the "craft", for we have heard more talk about the girls among the youngsters in the office, since the cake has come to hand, than we have heard before, since we were a young man." Henry's brother Harrison was mentioned on the same page as he advertised his business regularly: "Harrison Dills' bill for fixing city plough was referred to the committee on accounts, and voucher ordered to be issued for the balance due him for iron work on posts and public square fence in June $15 00." Note: Harrison's blacksmith shop was situated on the corner of sixth and Hampshire St since 1834 where he made ploughs and waggons to order.
The 1850s and 1860s brought increased prosperity to Quincy, as steamboats and railroads linked Quincy to places west, often the destination of migrants. The founding of the Chicago, Burlington and Quincy Railroad in 1855 and construction of a rail bridge in Quincy was a major drive for creating a transportation hub in the region and furthered commerce. It is during this time that the population of the city grew enormously, from a little under 7,000 in 1850 to 24,000 by 1870, helping Quincy surpass Peoria in becoming the second-largest city in the state (at that time).
In 1860, Quincy founder and Lieutenant Governor John Wood inherited the governorship of Illinois. At the time, he was overseeing business interests and the construction of his mansion. The Illinois legislature allowed him to stay in Quincy during his tenure, effectively making Quincy a “second” capitol for the state. His absence from the official Governor’s office in Springfield provided Abraham Lincoln a space for planning his Presidential run.
The matter of slavery was a major religious and social issue in Quincy’s early years. The Illinois city’s location, separated only by the Mississippi River from the slave state of Missouri, which was a hotbed of political controversy on the issue, made Quincy itself a hotbed of political controversy on slavery. Dr Richard Eells, who was a staunch abolitionist, built his home in Quincy in 1835 and sheltered runaway slaves on their way to Chicago. His home became a major stop on the Underground Railroad. The divide over slavery climaxed in 1858 when Quincy hosted the sixth Senatorial debate by U.S. Senator Stephen Douglas and his challenger, Abraham Lincoln. With an estimated crowd of 12,000 in attendance, Quincy was the largest community at which Lincoln and Douglas debated.
Q Whig Wed, April 12, 1865: The Union Meeting last night. On motion Harrison Dills was appointed chairman, and Col. Wm A Schmitt was appointed secretary. Mr. Dills then stated the object of the meeting to be the nomination of candidates for City officers to be voted for next Monday... For Collector, Michael Piggott was nominated by acclamation... Note: Piggott was a Union Republican and owned an ice cream shop., Piggott & Cannell Ice Cream Rooms. Green Tree Ice Cream Saloon was the competition June 24th "Piggott & Cannell are determined not to be outdone by any similar establishment in the city. Their spacious and neatly furnished hall has 18 tables, capable of accommodating from 50 to 70 persons at a time. Ready waiters are on hand and the best [ice cream] served up in style. Give them a call on Maine street, 1 door west of the Unitarian Church.
Harrison Dills built a log cabin and blacksmith shop when he settled in Quincy, Ill. in 1834. After he married Laura Parsons, he had a brick home built and later had it moved 300 yards enabling an extension to be added as they had children. In 1868, three years after Laura died, he commissioned a stately Swiss style home to be built on the corner of Kentucky and 16th Street, Quincy: https://www.instantstreetview.com/@39.927805,-91.390347,20.06h,1.6p,1z,Ai4CXAShzD_JMbA3qPYsOg
In 1870, two years after the Harrison Dills home was built, Harrison [58] declared himself retired with 110,000 tied up in real-estate and 3,000 in personal estate holdings though conservative estimates since he owned a coal mine business and part of downtown Quincy besides undeveloped lands.
"Oct 1872 N. Bushnell and 15 others requested that permission be given to Harrison Dills and associates to make and establish a coal yard and sheds upon the ground belonging to the city on the west side of Front, between Maine and Jersey to lay side tracks upon the same for the accommodation of coal yard." Bushnell was a local lawyer in Quincy and represented Harrison Dills as a legal council. "Oct 1872 N. Bushnell and 15 others requested that permission be given to Harrison Dills and associates to make and establish a coal yard and sheds upon the ground belonging to the city on the west side of Front, between Maine and Jersey to lay side tracks upon the same for the accommodation of coal yard." Bushnell was a local lawyer in Quincy and represented Harrison Dills as a legal council.
Q Herald, Sun, March 28, 1875: A Herald reporter went out into the 4th ward last evening and hunted up the Republican primary. The meeting was held at the No.5 engine house. Joshua S Wood called the meeting to order and nominated H Dills for Chairman. Mr. Dills went through. As there was no chair, Mr. Dills climbed up on the No 5 engine, and roosted on the suction pipe... Mr. Dills
Q Herald Whig, Sun, Feb 24, 1974: On Jan 29, 1874 fire broke out in the two story frame buildings on the north side of Maine Street between 6th and 7th,west of Beuhrer's bakery. Harrison Dills who lived on the northeast corner of 16tha and Kentucky, came here in 1834 from Virginia, locating at 6th and Hampshire. In 1855 he was in charge of the Land Office on southwest corner of that intersection. He served a postmaster from March 11, 1865 to August 20, 1866, and was known as a capitalist and real estate dealer, and was quite wealth... Everyone blamed Chief Engineer John Ayers for not tearing down the frame buildings to save the brick buildings, although it was known that he had his hands full with a thousand problems including bursting hose, a disabled steamer, and dry cisterns... The three Harrison Dills buildings on Maine Street destroyed in the recent fire, were to be rebuilt....
According to Quincy Herald, Sat May 31, 1879, Harrison was owing $3,000 in back payments to Almeron Wheat who held a note for the Quincy property between 6th and 7th street and Maine and Hampshire fronting Maine Street. 27 June 1879. It appears that he and wife Francis were selling off properties in Quincy before moving west. They also sold their home on 16th and Kentucky to a friend, Senator Wells.
Harrison Dills, who served in various capacities for the local masons in Quincy [including treasurer and Grand Master] besides running a title office and various concerns, told how convicted thieves were treated in the old west along the Mississippi River. "Mr. Harrison Dills told of the summary punishment of a thief who was ordered to run the gauntlet, and right where the Virginia house used to stand. The double line of men was formed, each armed with a hickory stick, and after the peculator had made the trip through those lines, he was ready to "go west" or anywhere to be away from Quincy." [from History of Adams County published in 1879]
In 1879, Henry D Dills was one of the citizens of La Prairie, Illinois to have a biography in the "Northeast Directory". "DILLS, HENRY D., farmer and stock raiser; was born in Parkersburg, Va., Jan.15,1816; came to this county [Adams] April 30, 1836. He has 175 acres of land, valued at $7,000; married Elizabeth Thompson. She was born in Athens county, Ohio, Dec. 29, 1823. They have 12 children, 10 living [see below].
They emigrated from Virginia to Ohio when Henry ws 2 years old, lived there 10 years; thence to Adams county, and lived in Quincy until 1857; worked at the plastering business for 20 years; worked on Gov. Woods' house, also the Quincy House. There were but few houses in the city; has shot squirrels on the seminary grounds...
Mrs. Dills was in Quincy in 1833, when it was not larger than LaPrairie. The Courthouse was a log house; it was burnt down, and 4 prisoners were brought to her father's house for safe keeping. When they came here their whole effects would not amount to a hundred dollars.
He [Henry] built a house on Kentucky and 8th street in 1842 which is still standing. He came here in limited circumstances, by industry and economy has made himself and family a good home.
Quincy Whig, Thurs, June 26 1890: Marion Dills of Maitland, Mo, is in the city. He was operated on for cataract by Dr Woods yesterday.
. "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)
Helen gave her high school graduation speech in June 1894 in Quincy, Illinois before she moved with her father Major George Fogg and sister Lillian to Tacoma, Washington. Their mother Katherine V Dills passed away in 1886. Whilst her father was superintendent of the Illinois Sailor and Soldiers Home, the family moved on the premises in 1893. A resident of Quincy in 1868 after graduating from Harvard College. He became a successful attorney in Quincy and resumed his practice in Tacoma until his death in 1906. Helen who sang and acted in school among helping with charity events, went on to be a teacher in Tacoma. Helen married Oscar Torrance of Dayton Washington.
Q Daily Journal, Wed Oct 27, 1897: Two Unfortunates off to the Asylum. A jury in the county court yesterday evening found Charles Vorndam, coloured, and Florence Dills, daughter of Mrs. Minerva Dills, insane. Miss Dills who is 21 years old, was taken to the Insane asylum last evening and Vorndam will be taken today.. Vorndam was hit on the head with a stone two years ago. Insane negros, as records show, are not numerous. Note: Florence could no look after herself after a long illness and was removed from school. She was often constrained in a bed with wooden bars and lost body weight before her death.
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.
Weekly Herald Quincy, Illinois - November 10 1899: PASSING OF A PIONEER
Harrison Dills, Formerly of Quincy, Dies at Warrensburg. He was 87 years of age and came to Quincy before 1834 - Some of the incidents of his life... was Marshal in a memorable procession to Columbus.
Beers & Messick received a telegram this morning from Warrensburg, Mo. announcing the death of Harrison Dills. The remains will arrive here for internment tomorrow morning at 7 o'clock. Mr. Dills was 87 of age. He came here when there were only a few log huts and a clump of underbrush. In the History of Quincy, Old Times and Old Stories, he is mentioned a prominent factor in local affairs as far back as 1854 and describes the procession that was formed at the public square here to march to Columbus, where a county convention was being held. The delegates were lined up in the parade by Levi B Allen, Jacob Gruell, and Harrison Dills. First there came a troop of horses, two abreast. Then came a large yellow wagon pulled by four horses. In it was seated the band of the Quincy Grays, the vehicle being surmounted by the Harrison and Tyler flag. This was followed by a cannon from which fluttered the United States flag, bearing the pictured of a log cabin with a coon skin painted upon its side. Then came a canoe mounted on wheels, to represent the sobriquet of General Harrison, "Old Tippecanoe". About mid ship of the craft was a barrel of hard cider with the essential gourd attached. In the rear seat sat George Chapman, the cooper, with a paddle in his hands going through the motion of paddling his own canoe. After the canoe came a long train of carriages carrying flags and bringing up the rear were tow mail coaches. Of the one hundred and forty-one delegates appointed to this Columbus convention and who participated in that memorable parade only a very few are living, probably not to exceed three or four.
Harrison Dills was a prominent man on that occasion as on many others in the early days of Adams County. Mr. Dills married the second time about twenty-five years ago and with his wife and children left here eighteen year ago for Kansas, where he resided a short time and then located in Warrensburg, Mo. During his residence here he followed a variety of pursuits. He was a blacksmith by trade, but for a long time was engaged in the grocery and general merchandising business. He was postmaster for one term and held other office of public trust in the county. He was one of the oldest Masons in the city and retained his membership in Bodley lodge up to the time of his death. For several years he held the office of past grand master and past grand treasurer of the grand lodge of the state and was an important factor in all matters pertaining to Masonic work. He is survived by his widow and three sons, Howell, employed at the plant of the J. Knittel Show Case Co., this city; George, postmaster of the California Soldiers' Home; and Charles [Harrison F Dills], of the U.S. Army. Mrs. J. P. Beers, Misses Mary, Lucia B, and Laura P. Summers of this city, are nieces of the deceased, and James H. Summers, a nephew. [Harrison married Laura Parson in 1835. She died in 1865 and he remarried to Francis E Gooding in 1867. They had two children, Harrison Francis and William, who died as an infant.
Quincy Whig Sat, Nov 4, 1899 [excerpt]: Harrison Dills died yesterday morning at Warrensburg, Mo. Although it is 18 years since 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 and had been in bele health of some years past. He left here for Kansas, remaining there a few years and then settled in Warrensburg, Mo where he died..
Quincy Whig, Sun, Nov 5, 1899 PROMINENT IN MASONRY. Late Harrison Dills Closely Identified With Fraternity - The First Master of Bodley. Last of Charter Members of this Oldest Illinois Lodge Was A Past Grand Master. For years He was Grand Treasurer - assisted in Organizing the first grand lodge in Illinois at Jacksonville in 1840 - Funeral today. The funeral of the late Harrison Dills will take place this afternoon form the undertaking parlors of Beers & Massick, and the service will be of a strictly Masonic nature, with Bodley lodge No. 1 in charge.
The ceremonies will be conducted by the most worshipful Charles F. Hitchcock, grand master of the grand lodge of Illinois who will arrive this morning from Chicago for that purpose. The past life of the late Mr. Dills was closely interwoven with the history of Masonry in Illinois. He was one of the organizers of the first grand lodge in the State which met in Jacksonville in 1840. He was a past grand master of the Illinois lodge and for years was the grand treasurer. He was the last of the charter members of Bodley lodge of this city and its first grand master. When it is understood that Bodley is the oldest lodge in the state it will be seen that his Masonic record goes back a long ways. His funeral today will no doubt be largely attended by the Masons of Quincy as well some members of the grand lodge, who will be present. The beautiful and solemn rites of the order will be impressively observed as the remain are consigned to their last earthly resting place in Woodland. During Mr. Dills' residence here, he was one of the most highly esteemed citizens, and in public and private affair he was without a blemish. Although it has been many years since he left here, his is still well remembered by many. Notice of the funeral is given elsewhere in this issue.
Weekly Herald Quincy, Illinois - November 10 1899: PASSING OF A PIONEER
Harrison Dills, Formerly of Quincy, Dies at Warrensburg. He was 87 years of age and came to Quincy before 1834 - Some of the incidents of his life... was Marshal in a memorable procession to Columbus.
Beers & Messick received a telegram this morning from Warrensburg, Mo. announcing the death of Harrison Dills. The remains will arrive here for internment tomorrow morning at 7 o'clock. Mr. Dills was 87 of age. He came here when there were only a few log huts and a clump of underbrush. In the History of Quincy, Old Times and Old Stories, he is mentioned a prominent factor in local affairs as far back as 1854 and describes the procession that was formed at the public square here to march to Columbus, where a county convention was being held. The delegates were lined up in the parade by Levi B Allen, Jacob Gruell, and Harrison Dills. First there came a troop of horses, two abreast. Then came a large yellow wagon pulled by four horses. In it was seated the band of the Quincy Grays, the vehicle being surmounted by the Harrison and Tyler flag. This was followed by a cannon from which fluttered the United States flag, bearing the picture of a log cabin with a coon skin painted upon its side. Then came a canoe mounted on wheels, to represent the sobriquet of General Harrison, "Old Tippecanoe". About mid ship of the craft was a barrel of hard cider with the essential gourd attached. In the rear seat sat George Chapman, the cooper, with a paddle in his hands going through the motion of paddling his own canoe. After the canoe came a long train of carriages carrying flags and bringing up the rear were tow mail coaches. Of the one hundred and forty-one delegates appointed to this Columbus convention and who participated in that memorable parade only a very few are living, probably not to exceed three or four. Harrison Dills was a prominent man on that occasion as on many others in the early days of Adams County. Mr. Dills married the second time about twenty-five years ago and with his wife and children left here eighteen year ago for Kansas, where he resided a short time and then located in Warrensburg, Mo. During his residence here he followed a variety of pursuits. He was a blacksmith by trade, but for a long time was engaged in the grocery and general merchandising business. He was postmaster for one term and held other office of public trust in the county. He was one of the oldest Masons in the city and retained his membership in Bodley lodge up to the time of his death. For several years he held the office of past grand master and past grand treasurer of the grand lodge of the state and was an important factor in all matters pertaining to Masonic work. He is survived by his widow and three sons, Howell, employed at the plant of the J. Knittel Show Case Co., this city; George, postmaster of the California Soldiers' Home; and Charles [Harrison F Dills], of the U.S. Army. Mrs. J. P. Beers, Misses Mary, Lucia B, and Laura P. Summers of this city, are nieces of the deceased, and James H. Summers, a nephew.
Q Herald, Fri, Jan 30, 1903; Mrs. Mary A Morgan, a former resident of Quincy, died Thursday, Jan 29th, at her son's, Charles A Morgan of Wash. D.C. where she had been making her home for nine years. She will be brought to Quincy for interment. Mrs. Minerva Dills of Quincy is a daughter. Miss Laura Dills and Mrs. Bertha Brittain are grandchildren. Tow daughters live in St. Louis, Mrs. Mary Sickles and Mrs. Cornella Morgan. There are two sons, William and Henry Morgan of Vicksburg, Miss., and Charles A Morgan of Washington, D. C.
Quincy Herald, May 2, 1906. "Decatur, Ill, May 1 - SD Dills of this city has invented a refrigerator that refrigerates without ice or other cooling agents place in the box. He has patented his invention and is now making a few refrigerators in the Columbia block. He expects to interest capital and have them made on a large scale... Mr Dills claims that the temperature at the bottom of the galvanized shaft is 5 degrees cooler than that in a refrigerator cooled with ice in the regular way while the original cost of this refrigerator is about the same as the old style...
Quincy Daily Whig Wed Sep 16, 1908: WAS WIFE OF AN OLD POSTMASTER Mrs. Harrison Dills died last Sunday at Redfield, Kansas.
Adams County born- Quincy Relatives hear of the end of one of the Pioneers here. The widow of one of Quincy's earliest postmasters and one of the pioneers of this city, Mrs. Harrison [Gooding] Dills died at Redfield Sunday evening at the age of 81. Mrs. Dills was born in Adams county near Quincy and probably one of the earliest of those who first saw the light of day here. In the early days the Dills family was one of the best known not only in Quincy, but throughout this section of the country. Harrison Dills the husband who was postmaster of Quincy a half century ago, died in 1899 [Warrensburg, Mo]. Fort Scott Ks newspaper; "Mrs FE Dills died at 6:15 o'clock last evening at her home in Redfield. She had been sick with heart disease for 2 weeks and being 81, her age made it impossible to save her life. She is survived by one son, Harry Dills and 2 stepsons Howell C of Kansas City and George A of California.
Mrs Dills was a sister of Mrs. Morgan who recently died at Baldwin and was buried at Mt Xion Cem at Redfield. Another sister, Mrs Foster lives at Redfield. HC Dills of Kansas City will attend the funeral. He arrived today and has the funeral arrangements in charge. Mrs Dills was a highly respected and much beloved old lady and a great number will do her honour on the occasion of her obsequies.
Q Journal, Sat, Jul 13, 1901; Mrs. M.L. Dills and daughter Laura, had a short pleasant visit with Mt. Sterling relatives and friends. Miss Dills, after a treatment of six months at the hospital, has returned cured to her mother's home, 1129 North Ninth Street.
Q Herald Fri Jan 30, 1903: Mrs Mary A Morgan, former resident of Quincy, died Thursday jan 29th at her son, Charles A Morgan of Wash DC where she had been making her home for 9 years. She will be brought to Quincy for internment.
Q Journal, Tues, Sep 1, 1903; Laura E. Dills was among teachers listed in Western Ill. State Normal School, of Macomb. [Adams Well represented]
Q Daily Journal, Tues, Aug 9m 1904: Mrs. Minerva L Dills and daughter Miss Laura E.O. Dills have returned from St. Louis where they visited friends and the fair.
Q Whig Sat, Aug 14, 1909: George Dills postmaster at the Soldiers Home at Los Angeles, and son of a postmaster in Quincy a half century ago, is the guest of Quincy relatives. His father, Harrison Dills was postmaster in this city under the Buchanan administration.
Q Journal, Fri, Apr 12, 1912: A FIRE AT ST. AUGUSTINE. Friends in this city of Mrs. Minerva L Dills and her daughter, Miss Laura, who were formerly of this city by now of St. Augustine, Ill., have received news of a serious loss to them by reason of a fire on Easter morning, which totally destroyed the residence in which they lived Mrs. Dill noticed heavy smoke coming to the ground and called her daughter's attention to it. On examination they discovered that the entire roof was blazing. Neighbours hurried to their assistance, but too late to save but a small portion of their household goods. Nearly all of their clothing, including the content of two trunks and two suit cases, was destroyed. The loss will amount to at least $500, partly insured. The residence was owned by Thomas Tanney.
Q Herald, Thurs, Jan 28, 1915: Something about folks you know... Mrs. R.E. Dills of 217 Chestnut Street and her daughter, Ida, were the involuntary hostesses at a most delightful party yesterday afternoon. Members of the Women's Guild of Vermont Street Baptist church to the number of 27, surprised them and spent the afternoon. The Dills expect to go to California soon to make their home, and the party was in the nature of a farewell...
Q Journal, Wed, Apr 28, 1915; Laura Dills taught school in the country a few years. She is now in St Augustine, Ill.
Q Herald, Tues, Dec 18, 1917: The Masonic fraternity of Quincy used rented rooms until the temple was erected on 628-630 Maine and later remodelled by SS Kresge 10 Cent establishment. There are a collection of books made to Bodley Lodge and the donor was Harrison Dills at the age of 87 an honoured citizen of Warrensburg, Mo. The gift was in the form of neatly and substantial bound reprints of grand lodge proceedings the oldest of date 1857 and including 1858, '62, '75, and '77. Bodley is the eldest lodge in Illinois and pardonly proud of the "No. 1" on its charter. The first charter was Aug, 1835 until it closed over issues in the Mason's organization. Five years later in Oct, 1840, the reorganized Free Mason's charter was organized in Jacksonville, and a new charter was issued to Bodley lodge with serial number 1.
Q Journal, Thurs, Aug 15, 1918; Miss Dills Leaves - Miss Mildred Dills who has been visiting in Quincy as the guest of Miss Tillie Egan of 410 Elm street for the past few weeks will leave at midnight for Davenport, Ia. to visit her parents. Miss Dills has made many friends during her Quincy visit. There have been numberless little social courtesies extended to her and she has been the guest of honour at several affairs.
Quincy Herald Mon, Mar 29th, 1926: Elbert Dills formerly of Payson, died at 1:30 o'clock Monday morning at St. Mary's hospital. Mr. Dills after being ill for some time, was removed to the hospital Sunday. He was born in Ohio 79 years ago but had lived the greater part of his life in this vicinity. He is survived by two sisters, Miss Milly Dills of Yakima, Wash and Mrs Lon Kelly of Maitland Mo, 5 brothers, Rollie Dills of Maitland, and Fred, Harry, Hubert and Marion of Yakima.
Quincy Herald Whig, Wed, Nov 25, 1959: Masons Observe Lodge Centennial. West Point, Ill., Nov 25 - The centennial celebration of Dills lodge no. 259 Monday night was attended by near 100 Masons including the grand master of Ill. Paul R Stevens, who was speaker of the evening, and his secretary, Edward Chipman, both of Rushville... Everett Lawrence of Quincy, past grand master, introduced Stevens... A souvenir program containing a history of the lodge was compiled by Harold Weid, Secretary.
Year by year Adams county, Quincy Herald Whig, Sun, March 17, 1968: Complied by the sesquicentennial historical div of Quincy and Adams county, the newspaper offered titbits from preserved records. I am not sure if the "final note" from 1935 took place in Quincy or a neighbouring village, but I find it curious. "When the log court house burned down December 9, 1835, four prisoners were brought to home of William Thomson for safe-keeping: Adams, Henry D. Dills, husband of Elizabeth Thompson Dills, Collins, Wilcox." Every record I've seen elsewhere states that Henry D. Dills came to Adams county in 1836 but am not sure about this entry since the editor made note that Henry was husband of Elizabeth Thompson-Dills who were married a few years later. There is no indication if the fire was accidental or intentional but don't believe it fits with Dills' character, even at age 19. "
Back in the 1830's, Illinois settlers endured various hardships that most people today would not fathom. Without a social care system, having food and shelter depended on neighbours in one's community. There wasn't socialized healthcare or cures for pneumonia, fevers, and various aliments that took lives indiscriminately. You were considered fortunate if able to enjoy a long life if you lived back then. Harrison Dills was born in 1812 and lived to be 87 and a half. Here's a
couple of recollections from his time along the Mississippi River.
Quincy Whig, page 4, Sat. Aug 31, 1872; 'AMONG THE OLD FOLKS:
Experiences and Incidents of Olden Times. Our report of the Old Settlers' meeting yesterday concluded with the afternoon performances... WM D Dodd: ".. Forty years ago there was only one road to the river, a rounding one through the brush. There was not a shaved shingle or sawed plank there then." WM Yeargain: He spoke of the earlier settler who "broke the ice" and initiated wonderful change.. He then related an incident of snake hunt on north times and said several hundred of the critters were killed. "During this hunt a big cave was found and the carcass of a rattlesnake was in it whose "tusks" were an inch and half long and the beast must have measured 15 inches around the middle when alive. Forty years ago this place was a vast prairie and not a house or improved field anywhere, but now it is rich in farms, cities, and industrious people." Harrison Dills: said that as he was a Dutchman, he had a right to talk until the people understood what he was saying. He said that the came to Illinois 39 years ago last May. There were "not many people here then and they didn't have very good times. If one of these old rich farmers would give a log cabin to his son when he married, do you suppose he'd take it and think it a find house? He wouldn't do it." Nary time, he helped kill wolves over near La Prairie and alluded to the Black Hawk War. He then said, that in milling those days, people used to go from Macob down to Whipples and stay two weeks to get a wagon full of grain ground. When he first came to Illinois, "the State belonged to Sam Wiggins. When it was organized the State Government had to borrow $100,000 off him and pay 33 percent. He knew men who paid $100 for the use of $100 one year to secure land. That's the kind of hardships that they had to endure. In 1836, they passed a law making a State Bank here. They had lots of money and paid old Wiggins off." The money of those days was sometimes worth having and other times he could not get a dinner with a pocket full of it. [Harrison] spoke of the great growth of the country and said that it was owing to the glorious government and laws under which he lived. "We have no poor in Illinois. You all have a right to a farm worth $1500. As a mechanic you are entitled to so many dollars worth of tools. He gave an incident which occurred at Washington when Douglas used to whisper that he came from Illinois, but who after the gallant conduct of our soldiers in the Mexican war shouted out that he represented Illinois. The reason was that we were awfully in dept when Douglas first represented us and our money was only worth $17 for $100 bond and now they pay $106 for $100 bond.. Mr Dills then then spoke about this magnificent State and said that "the South bragged that cotton was king, but we showed them that iron was king and coal was queen. The young folks call us old fogies, but if they hadn't done what they did, these youngsters would not be enjoying the privileges which are now theirs. We used to have social good times those days, have meetings, dance all night, and go home with the girls in the morning. One time a fellow came to Quincy and got drunk. The boys put him in a barrel, nailed it up, and rolled it down the hill. It hit against a stable at the foot of the hill and the boys thought they'd killed him, but he had so much whisky in him and was so limber that it didn't hurt him. A fellow stole something down there and we didn't have laws much then. The boys made the fellow cut twenty good sticks and they took the sticks, got in a line and made him run the gauntlet, each fellow giving him a cut as he ran. If he got through alive, it was alright...
https://quincypublicil.advantage-preservation.com
http://www.idaillinois.org/digital/collection/qpl/id/4849/rec/1
Harrison Dills: https://harrisondills.wordpress.com/
https://djdills.blogspot.com/2013/
George Fogg: https://djdills.blogspot.com/2023/07/
