David Dillman – Preble Co., OH

Below is an article I had filed away that I thought you might like to add to your 'Dillman' family folder. I don't know if the Richmond, IN newspapers are available online, but if so, would be nice to be able to 'follow up' on this occurrence.

I was able to establish while I was there that the name of his second wife was Pauline [Snodgrass] Ormsby, but found differing data as to just who her first husband was. I found a record in your library where she had petitioned for a divorce from Edward Ormsby, [m. 12 June 1848] which petition was set aside, but in the notice of her death [as Pauline Dillman on 20 Aug 1897] her first husband is named as David H. Ormsby. I have a feeling that this 'may' have been her son rather than her husband, and is simply an error in transcription. Unfortunately, I did not have time to check further for a death of Edward Ormsby, but I did find her m. to David Dillman on 12 Jan 1865, so Edward must either have died before 1865, or they were eventually divorced after all.

The following is a more complete statement of what happened to David Dillman:

THE EVENING ITEM

RICHMOND, IND. WEEKLY

June 7, 1879

THE LAST RESORT

One of the saddest occurances which is often in the experience of a newspaper to chronical was the suicide, last Monday, of DAVID DILLMAN, a well-to-do farmer residing near Eaton, Ohio. He was 64 years of age, owned a large farm well stocked and improved, and was well provided for besides. He had a large family, all of whom were married and in good circumstances.

The cause of this sad act is traced to his second marriage. His first wife died many years ago, and about fourteen years ago he married a second time, his second wife having a son when he married her. They lived happily together until a short time since, when trouble arose, it is said from the time of the son's attaining his majority. Although the old man had cared for him as well, and treated him as his own son. he repaid him with the basest ingratitude, continually making trouble until a short time since he induced his mother to seperate from and sue the old man for a divorce, which was done, they fixing their claim for alimony at $8,000 or thereabouts. This so effected Mr. Dillman's mind that after making every attempt at reconciliation, he even offered to give them his farm if they would withdraw the suit. They refused, the son stating, it is said, that they "didn't want the farm. It was money they were after." Mr. Dillman then went home, made all his arrangements, even to buying his coffin and selecting the person (a life-long friend) whom he wished to preach his funeral sermon, and Monday morning, leaving a note telling his family where they would find him, went to the carriage house and shot himself through the heart with his rifle. He was found soon after by one of his children.

His funeral at the little chapel near his house was largely attended. The respects with which he was regarded by his acquaintances may be inferred from the fact everyone, man, woman, and child, at the chapel, wept over the remains. He was buried by the side of his first wife.

Now for my question - The last line states he was buried by the side of his first wife [I presume] there in Eaton. I 'think' her name was Hannah, but have not established for certain her maiden name. Do you have cemetery records that might show where David was buried? I have a hunch it was Mound Hill Cemetery, where many of the Dillman family were interred, but I did not have time to get out there that last day.

Thanks again, for your kindness to me while I visited you. Hope to get back sometime when the weather is a bit dryer. <g>

June Riccio

Alamo, CA

74547.340@@compuserve.com