Transcribed by Mary Ann Kaylor
Page 1179:
DILLER, ISAAC ROLAND , has spent his entire life in Springfield, which is his birth place with the exception of a few years when he was away at school. Mr. Diller was born July 14, 1854, a son or Roland Weaver and Esther Coates (Ridgeway) Diller. The father was born at Downingtown, Chester County, Pa., October 2, 1822, and his wife was born in Philadelphia, Pa., August 20, 1821. Roland W. Diller in early life, learned the trade of printer, settling in Springfield, in 1841, there securing employment on the Illinois State Register. He worked in the State Auditor's office and, having learned surveying in the East, took a contract for platting part of the State of Iowa. He served as Lieutenant in a company enlisted under Gov. Ford in the Morman War. In 1849, he formed a partnership with Charles S. Corneau, under the firm name of Corneau & Diller, purchasing the drug store of Wallace & Diller, and for over fifty years conducted the business on the east side of the Square. Mr. Diller was converted in religious faith in 1866, and shortly after united with the Presbyterian Church, being elected a Ruling Elder and serving faithfully in that capacity until his death, August 18, 1905. Mrs. Diller was of Quaker descent, but also united with the Presbyterian Church in 1866, and lived a consistent Christian life until her death, March 31, 1889.
The early education of Isaac R. Diller was acquired in the Springfield public schools and he was graduated from the High School in 1871. He attended the Chicago College of Pharmacy in 1873-74, and was graduated from the Philadelphia College of Pharmacy in the Centennial Class, in 1876. He entered his father's drug store, upon leaving school and followed that business until 1901, with the exception of two years devoted to Y. M. C. A. work. He has been connected with the local branch of the Association since he helped organize it in 1874, and has always been most actively interested in its good work. Since 1907, Mr. Diller has been engaged in the business of Real Estate, Mortgage Loans and Insurance.
Mr. Diller was married in Springfield, Ill., June 30, 1880, to Addie May Hughes, who was born in Springfield, February 19, 1856, daughter of William Thompson and Dorinda (Scott) Hughes. Mr. Hughes was a native of Kentucky, but was opposed to the institution of slavery and moved to Illinois at an early day. His wife, Dorinda Scott, was a native of Sangamon County, where her father was one of the early settlers bring one of the first ministers of the Christian Church, while supporting himself and his twelve children by farming. Mr. Diller and his wife have one son, William Hughes, born February 26, 1884, who, having been graduated from Yale University and Harvard Law School, is now practicing law in Springfield.
Mr. Diller united with the Presbyterian Church in 1866, after the great revival conducted by Rev. E. P. Hammond, and is now an Elder in the First Presbyterian Church and Clerk of the Session. Mr. Diller has always been much interested in all lines of religious work, and during the past few years has devoted much of his time to the work in the interests of the young men of Springfield. He was reared a Democrat, but in 1885, he became identified with the Prohibition Party and for several years past has served as County and City Secretary of that party. Mr. Diller has been active in furthering the best interests and moral welfare of his community, and has many warm friends and supporters in his work. His earnestness and singleness of purpose are universally recognized, and he is highly esteemed for this many excellent qualities of mind and heart.