Frank Dill
Though more than a decade of years has elapsed since Frank Dill was transferred from the life militant to the life triumphant, his personality is still fresh in the memory of his many friends who remain in Fayette county, where for so many years he was regarded as one of its leading citizens. Because of his many excellent personal qualities and the splendid and definite influence which his life shed over the entire locality in which he lived so long and which he labored so earnestly to upbuild in any way in his power, it is particular;u fitting that specific mention should be made of him in a work containing the biographies of the representative men ot his county. A man of high moral character, unimpeachable integrity, persistent industry and excellent business judgment, he stood "four-square to every wind that blew," and throughout the locality where he lived he occupied an enviable position among his fellow men. A glance at the beautiful surroundings of his home is sufficient to convince anvone that the pride of his life and the desire of his heart was for his family. His home life was beautiful and he planned daily to make those dependent upon him comfortable and happy, and it can be truly said of Frank Dill that he loved his wife and children, and to him home was the dearest place on earth.
The late Frank Dill was born December 13, 1857, about three miles south of Bainbridge, Ross county. Ohio, and died at his beautiful home in Jefferson township, Fayette county, Ohio, September 22, 1902. He was the son of William and Mary (Kelly) Dill, natives of Ross county, and the parents of eight children : Elisha, Maggie, Ella, Frank, Lewis, William, Robert and Edward. The father of William Dill was a native of Virginia and an early settler in Ross county, this state.
Frank Dill received a good common school education in the schools of his native county, and later attended Salem Academy at Chillicothe, this state, where he completed his education. He then took charge of the home farm and a few years later came to Fayette county, where he purchased a farm in Jefferson township and started in to farm for himself. He proved to be a very successful farmer and year by year added to his land holdings until at the time of his death, in 1902, he was the possessor of five hundred acres of fine farming land in this county. He placed extensive improvements upon his farm and because of his home being surrounded by beautiful maple trees, he christened his homestead "Maple Hill,'' and by this name it is known throughout the county. He was one of the most extensive farmers and stock raisers of the county and marketed his stock by the car load every year. About two weeks before his death he went to Kentucky to buy cattle for his farm and while away from home became ill and yet continued at work, hoping to wear off the effects of his illness, but was finally compelled to return home, when it was found that he was suffering from typhoid fever, and within ten days he was removed from the land of the living. He was a man of sterling business qualities and his business, next to his family, received untiring attention. He was honest in all of his dealings and in every transaction his word was never called into question at any time. While his material accumulations were considerable, yet his methods were always honorable and his integrity and uprightness were never questioned.
Mr. Dill was married December 19, 1888, to Letitia Hays, the daughter of Morgan and Eliza (Larrimer) Hays, and to this union were born four children : One who died at the age of ten months; Hays, who graduated in June, 1914, at the Ohio State University; Claire, who died at the age of thirteen, and Dorothy, who is now twelve years of age. Hays is a finely educated young man and immediately after his graduation took charge of the home farm, in which he is showing marked skill in managing.
Fraternally, Mr. Dill was a member of the Knights of Pythias. His life was indeed a busy one, his private affairs and his home making heavy demands upon his time, yet he never allowed it to interfere with his Christian obligations or the faithful performance of his duties. Always calm and straightforward, never demonstrative, his life was a steady effort for the welfare of his fellow citizens. He had the greatest sympathy for his fellow men and was always ready to aid and encourage those who were struggling to aid themselves. When he believed he was on the right path, nothing could swerve him from it. His home life was a sacred trust and his friendships were inviolable. He commanded the respect of all classes by his exemplary life and his memory will long be revered by his many friends and acquaintances.
From History of Fayette County Ohio - Her People, Industries and Institutions by Frank M. Allen (1914, R. F. Bowen & Company, Inc.)