Dillinger, Samuel

SAMUEL DILLINGER.

In the early part of the present century Samuel Dillinger, of whose family a genealogical sketch appears elsewhere in this volume, began his life-work, with no capital save a strong body, a stout heart, and willing hands. To any one who gazes upon his broad acres and busy manufacturing establishments today his success is manifest. Indeed, no one embodying his characteristics could fail. Owing to the fact that it was necessary for him to devote his youthful days to manual labor, his early education was very limited. This deficiency he supplied by diligent study during the spare moments of after-years. His business education is of the very best, and was obtained from the business world by careful study of business men. While he has labored diligently to promote his individual interests, he has not been unmindful of his duties as a citizen. He has always taken a proper interest in politics, and has held the local offices usually intrusted to business men. The free-school system has ever found in him a true friend and liberal supporter. He has always taken an active interest in whatever contributed to increase the industries or develop the resources of the country. Benevolent and hospitable, the poor have always resorted to him confidently in their time of need.

His life has been one of usefulness, and commands the respect of those who know him. Although he has passed the allotted time of threescore and ten years, he is still vigorous in health, and enjoys the results of his years of toil, having committed the management of his large business interest to his sons. May 19, 1881, he and his wife, Sarah (Loucks) Dillinger, who has contributed so largely to her husband’s success by saving his earnings and making his home comfortable and happy, celebrated their golden wedding. Here were assembled their children and numerous grandchildren, together with the few who remain of the happy company which met more than half a century ago to bid them Godspeed through their wedded life. Both Mr. Dillinger and his wife possess many of the virtues of the sturdy race from which they sprang.