HON. HIRAM L. TILLOTSON

From the 1887 History of Vernon County, Missouri, p. 698:

Hon. H. L. Tillotson

(Nevada).

   Mr. Tillotson, or Judge Tillotson as he is more familiarly known, by no means an unimportant factor in the business and social interests of Nevada, and long identified with the city as its postmaster, was born in Terre Haute, Vigo county, Ind., September 24, 1829.  His parents were both natives of the Empire State; Elijah Tillotson, his father a silversmith by calling, on leaving New York took up his location in Indiana, where his son, the subject of this sketch, was reared.  Mrs. Tillotson’s native town was Batavia; her maiden name was Miss Sarah C. Hickox.  Hiram L. as he grew up learned the trade of saddler, but in subsequent years gave his attention to merchandising.  At the breaking out of the war he enlisted for service in the eight-fifth Indiana regiment, of which he was made adjutant, serving in this capacity between two and three years, when at the battle of Thompson’s Station he was taken prisoner.  For two months he was confined in Libby prison, but after being exchanged he again rejoined his regiment and performed guard duty on the Nashville Railroad during 1863.  In the spring of 1864 he joined the army at Chattanooga and served under Sherman in all the battles up to and including the Atlanta campaign.  His service while in the army was deserving of recognition, for his entire career was one of duty faithfully and conscientiously performed.  After leaving the battlefield Mr. Tillotson became located in this county, and for two years conducted a saddler establishment in Nevada.  In 1868 he was honored with the appointment to the position of postmaster at this place, a capacity in which he proved himself most efficient and loyal to those whose interests he made to subservice.  For 18 years, from his commission under President Johnson until replaced by a Democrat, Judge Tillotson discharged his official duties with a regularity and system that are often referred to.  Since the spring of 1886 he has been somewhat retired from active business life, being in a position to enjoy and appreciate the fruits of his industry wrought by so many years of more energetic labor.  In November, 1886, he was selected by the Republicans as their candidate to represent the county in the State Legislature, and he was elected by a handsome majority, the first Republican elected to the position since the organization of the county.  Those who know Judge Tillotson best speak of him most highly, men of all parties according to him a meed of praise highly complementary; withal he is one of the quietest and most unassuming of gentlemen.  In 1859 he was married to Miss Mildred J. Tichenor, of Indiana.  Judge T. belongs to both the Masonic and G. A. R. fraternities.

[Transcribed by Julia Brown ]

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