Calvin Dill is one of the well-known citizens of Perry Townshp, and a representative of one of the old and respected pioneer familes of Tippencanoe County {Indiana}. He is a native of Ohio, born in Ross County, February 23, 1829, the youngest in a family of seven children. His father, Robert Dill, was born near Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, February 27, 1785, a son of Thomas Dill. The Dill family are of Scotch and Irish origin, some of the members coming to America in an early day, and participated in thewar of the Revolution. When Robert Dill was a lad of thirteen years his parents removed to Kentucky, and about four years later went to Ross County, Ohio, Thomas Dill making his home in that State until his death. Robert Dill was married in Franklin County, Ohio, near Columbus, December 13, 1810 to Miss Martha G. Harrison, who was born in New Jersey, October 22 1787. Of their seven children, but three are now living: Thomas, the eldest, was born October 11, 1811, and is now a resident of Cass County, Indiana; William H. who now lives in Nebraska, was born February 13, 1815; and Calvin, the subject of this sketch. Rebecca, who was born March 27, 1817 and Charlotte, who was born November 30, 1824, died after reaching maturity; Robert was born November 9, 1819, and died October 18, 1826; and Eleanor was born March 22, 1822 and died Octoboer 22, 1826. Robert Dill came with his family to Tippeconaoe County in 1829, and entered a tract of Government land in Perry Townsip, out of which he made a homestead, living there until his death, which occurred May 8, 1855. His wife died January 18, 1840. He was a man of great industry and energy and a highly respected citizen. He was a soldier in the war of 1812. In politics he was an old line Whig. Both he and his wife were faithful and consistent members of the Presbyterian church. Calvin Dill, whoe name heads this sketch, was but a few months old when his parents settled in this county, and his home has always been in Perry Township. He now owns and occupies the old homestead, where he played in his childhood, and where he grew to manhood. Here he has lived for a period of fifty-eight years, and has witnessed the surrounding country change from a wilderness to its present prosperous condition. He is classed among the enterprising and progressive farmers of his township, and is respected by all who know him. He is the owner of 355 acres of choice land, 160 acres being the old homestead. In politics he affiliates with the Republician party. He is a member os the Masonic fraternity, belonging to Dayton Lodge, No. 103. Mrs. Dill was formerly Miss Elizabeth Ghere, and is a native of Pennsylvania, born in Dauphin County in the year 1832. She is a daughter of David Ghere, who settled in Clinton County, Indiana in 1836. Mr. and Mrs. Dill have had born to them nine children, two of whom died in infancy, the names of their children who yet survive are--Martha G., Laura, Edwin S., Emma F., Marietta, Robert H. and Wallace.
Biographical Record and Portrait Album of Tippecanoe County, Indiana, ppp. 498-499 Lewis Publishing Company, Chicago, 1888 |