My Genealogy Hound

Robert L. Dillon was born in Rutherford County, Tenn., in 1842, and is a son of Allen and Lucy (Lafton) Dillon, natives of Virginia and Rutherford County, Tenn., respectively. They were married in the last named county, and some years after went to Sumter County, Ala., where the father died when our subject was quite small. The family then lived with Mrs. Dillon’s father, in Tennessee, until Robert was ten years old, when they all removed to Jackson County, Ark., the grandfather dying soon after. Mrs. Dillon survived the death of her father but a short time, and then our subject came to Crawford County, Ark., with an aunt, with whom he made his home until the war. In 1862 he joined Company I (cavalry), commanded by Capt. J. F. Winfrey, which was afterward reorganized and made an infantry company in the nine months’ service. He remained until the close of the war, and participated in the battle of Prairie Grove and many minor engagements. He surrendered at Fort Washita, I. T., and then went to Texas. In 1867 he returned to Crawford County, and rented land until 1878, after which he married Phoebe, daughter of Hon. Harvey and Agnes Steward [see sketch of W. T. Steward]. To this union six children have been born, of whom four are living. Since his marriage Mr. Dillon has lived upon his present farm, which is situated two miles above Rudy Station, and contains 160 acres, all of which Mr. Dillon has become the owner of by patient industry and economy. Politically he is a Democrat, and his first presidential vote was cast for Seymour in 1868.