Shaver, F. A., Arthur P. Rose, R. F. Steele, and A. E. Adams, compilers. "An Illustrated History of Central Oregon." ("Embracing Wasco, Sherman, Gilliam, Wheeler, Crook, Lake, & Klamath Counties") Spokane, WA: Western Historical Publishing Co., 1905. p. 618. THOMAS DILLON is to be classed as one of the leading men in Gilliam county, since he has shown his ability in managing the resources of the land in such a way as to win for himself a fine fortune, since, also, it is evident to all, he is one of the men of wisdom and integrity. And since, too, he has been a liberal donator to all good causes and has labored for the upbuilding of the county in every way. He is a man of vast experience in the west and has traveled over a large portion of the Pacific slope. He came when the country was new and knows by experience what it is to be a frontiersman in one of the wildest regions of the west. Thomas Dillon was born in Ireland and comes from a good Irish family, being a scion in which have been exemplified the noble characteristics of his race. He is possessed of the native generosity and kind heartedness of his people and with true loyalty has shown himself an American worthy of the Stars and Stripes. His parents were Peter and Margaret (Hays), Dillon, natives of Ireland and immigrants to the United States in the early forties. Our subject was imbued with the spirit of adventure and was with the family when they came to this county. Settlement was made in Kentucky, where he remained until 1856, when he took the western fever, which was only to be cured by an extended trip hither, which has now grown into a permanent residence. He landed in California and was soon in the midst of the humming mining camps. He followed that exciting life for some-time and then, upon the discovery of gold on the Fraser river, went thither. For some time he labored in those diggings and was successful in a measure. Finally tiring of the hardships of mining, Mr. Dillon determined to settle down in life and began the search for a suitable place. He finally lighted on the country embraced in Gilliam county now. This was in 1878, and he at once decided he had found the place he was searching for, and settled down. He went to work for wages and soon had sufficient money to purchase a band of sheep and some land. He had been occupied as a sheep herder and persisted in that trying occupation until he had gained the money mentioned, when he started in to raise stock for himself. He made a success of his first venture and soon had purchased more land. He continued that policy until he secured fourteen hundred and forty acres of valuable land, which is his home estate at this time. It is situated about eight miles northwest from Condon, and is a place of value. He has accumulated a good fortune and while doing it has, also, won the respect of the people, being a man of strict honesty and integrity, always kindly disposed to his fellow beings and ready to give a helping hand. The success he has gained stamps Mr. Dillon as one of the best financiers of this county and it is an achievement in which one may take a laudable pride. He is public minded and labors for the advancement of the community and the upbuilding of the country. ******************* Submitted to the Oregon Bios. Project in November 2010 by Diana Smith. Submitter has no additional information about the person(s) or family mentioned above.