Legislator Details
Vital Records Information:
Marital Information:
married Lizzie Parker, dau. William T. and Abby (Spaulding) Parker, 7/4/1871, in Pepperell [or Natick], MA; children: 3, G.Parker, Harry L. and Hazel L.
Number of Children: 3
Background
Education:
Biographical Sketch:
Of Irish ancestry. Son of Patrick and Joanna [or Anna} Dillon.Dillon began work in a woolen factory at the age of 12. At age 15, he was apprenticed as a carver in Wilton, NH. He moved to Greenville, NH and worked in the carving trades until he was 23. At age 21, he married the daughter of the Hon. W.T. Parker, who was president of the New Hampshire State Senate for 2 years. In 1873, the family moved to Washington, D.C. where Dillon worked for 1 year at carving and picture frame making. Then, for 6 more years, he carried on the business as an employer. In 1880, Dillon moved his family moved to Grand Rapids, MI where he continued to work in the carver's trade. Active in the labor movement, he was a member of the Knights of Labor and was President of the Carvers' Union. In 1887-1888, he was elected to the state legislature on the Republican and Labor ticket. He was admitted to the Michigan State Bar in 1893 but never practiced. He was chief registry clerk in the post office for 4 years.
Notable Facts: