My Genealogy Hound

E. DILLON & CO., importers; Bloomington. Any man or set of men who engage in a business that builds up the reputation and aggregate value of livestock in any county are always considered as public benefactors; in the history of the business industries of McLean Co., E. Dillon & Co., importers of Norman-French horses, most certainly are of this class. Mr. E. Dillon, the senior member of the firm, is a native of Ohio; he was born in 1816, and, in 1823, he with his people came West, locating in Tazewell Co. In 1864, he came to McLean Co., where he has since resided. They are one among the oldest importing firms of Norman horses in the United States. Their business dates back to 1857, when they purchased the famous imported horse old Louis Napoleon, the first imported Norman horse ever brought to Illinois; since then, they have imported and handled about five hundred stallions and one thousand mares; they have on hand now about eighty head, forty of which are stallions, eight of these being imported stock, and many of the balance native full-bloods; their stock farm is located in Normal Township, though they also have a stable of fine stock on North East street, Bloomington; mail will reach them directed to either Normal or Bloomington. They sometimes turn out with a four-in-hand of fine dapple-gray stallions, each of which will weigh nearly two thousand pounds; it is a sight that causes any and all to stop and wonder at the beauty of the animals. Mr. Dillon is a citizen that for many years has been well known to fine stock-dealers and breeders; he is a man who has been honorable and upright in his business transactions, and has won a name and reputation of which any man may well be proud. The members of the firm are E. Dillon, the subject of this sketch, Levi Dillon, I. Dillon and A. Dillon, all of whom are thoroughly educated horsemen. The establishing and successful conducting of the business has been the result of their energy, industry and good financiering.