As the first post with actual historical information, I would like to express that research is ongoing and some articles I post may predate this one. With that said, let’s get into the history of Dillard, Missouri.
Francis Wisdom built the first mill that the community started springing up around. The mill was built in the 1950s and consisted of buhr stones and a water wheel. Wisdom also had a sawmill that was powered by the water wheel. He and 2 of his sons constructed the business and provided a great service for folks in the area. Bread was one of the major foods for families with a little meat and/or cheese and milk to go along with it. Vegetables were used mostly for stews and soups since they could add just a little meat to them and feed large families for a couple of days. Wisdom’s Mill was known to be one of the best powered mills in the area according to the county newspaper. The community slowly grew around the area. The property seems to have changed hands a few times before being purchased by Joseph Dillard Cottrell and his brother James Preston Cottrell in 1881. Joseph Dillard Cottrell (known as Dill Cottrell) was the known miller. In 1886 when Dillard was established, the common way to name a town was to take the most prominent person or business in the community to name the town. With the miller being considered one of the most prominent and important pillar of the community, they decided to name the town Dillard after Dill Cottrell. The first Post Office was established that same year with mail being delivered once or twice a week. By this time, there were a couple of stores already doing business in the community. The county seat was Steelville, MO, a 15 mile ride by train or 23 miles by road. This is where the nearest bank and courthouse resided at that time. The people would mostly live off the land with large farms growing wheat, corn, oats, barley and potatoes. Timber and mining were the primary jobs available though some had relied on their mastered crafts to make their living such as blacksmithing and carpentry. The community grew throughout time to become quite a good sized booming town. More on that to come.
I hope you enjoyed this little peek into a history that will slowly bloom as their story is finally told to the world! Have beautiful and blessed day!!