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WILLIAM R. DILLARD - The pleasant home of William R. Dillard is conveniently located within five miles of Springfield upon section 8, Springfield township, so that all of the comforts and conveniences of the city are easily obtainable and at the same time the freedom of rural life may be enjoyed. Certainly a strong argument in favor of the desirability of residence in Sangamon county is shown in the fact that so many of her native sons have remained within her borders, caring not to seek homes elsewhere. Among this number is William R. Dillard, whose father was one of the first settlers of this part of the state. He was born June 14, 1841, on the farm where he is now living. His father, B. F. Dillard, entered land from the government. This land was entirely destitute of improvement, but with characteristic energy he began the development of the farm which is now owned and occupied by our subject. His first home here was a little log cabin and when he had completed it he began to clear his land, plow the fields and plant his crops, which in course of time brought forth good harvests. Upon the old homestead he reared his family and spent his remaining days, his wife surviving him for a few years.

William R. Dillard was one of two sons and two daughters, but our subject and his brother, R. W. Dillard, of Springfield, are the only survivors. In the common schools near his home W. R. Dillard pursued his education and remained with his father until the latter's death, having for some years prior to that time had charge of the old home place. He succeeded to the ownership of this farm and a glance at his home with its neat and thrifty surroundings indicates his careful supervision and progressive spirit. The fields are well tilled and in the care of his property he uses the latest improved machinery, while all modern equipments and accessories of a model farm of the twentieth century are found upon his place.

On the 15th of January, 1872, Mr. Dillard was united in marriage to Miss Eliza Randall, a native of this county and a daughter of Walter Randall. Two sons have blessed this union: Sylvester, who is now carrying on business for himself, and Luther, who is assisting in the operation of the home farm. Mr. Dillard has about sixty acres under the plow and the fields of grain, barns, a comfortable home and the pleasant surroundings are the result of his life of industry. His stables have been recently erected and are modern and commodious.

Politically Mr. Dillard is a stanch Republican who in 1864 cast his first vote for Abraham Lincoln, since which time he has never failed to support a presidential candidate of the party. He has never sought or desired office, preferring to give his time and attention to his business affairs, yet he keeps well informed on the issues of the day, as every true American citizen should do. Both he and his wife are faithful members of the Baptist church and are native citizens of Sangamon county, where they have many friends and are widely known. Mr. Dillard is regarded as a gentleman of marked honesty and enterprise, of sterling worth, and all who know him entertain for him a regard which is ever given to the man who lives an upright life.