HON. THEODORE DILL, serving for the third term as mayor of Roodhouse, engaged in the grocery business and in the development of the coal regions of this part of the state, is a man whose intense and well directed activity makes him one of the leading citizens of his adopted town, contributing through his business affairs not only to its material upbuilding but also giving tangible support to many progressive public measures whose effect on the general welfare has been far-reaching and beneficial.

Theodore Dill was born in Johnson county, Indiana, December 15, 1854, a son of R. M. and Matilda (Lang) Dill. The Dills are of Holland Dutch and Welsh descent. Peter Dill, the grandfather, was a native of Holland and coming to America became the founder of the family in the new world. He died at a very advanced age. He married a Miss Patton, a native of Wales. Their son, R. M. Dill, was born in Butler county, Ohio, August 24, 1833, and removing to Indiana settled at Morgantown, where for many years he engaged in milling. He devoted his attention to farming for several years and then retired from business life and during the past few years has enjoyed a well earned rest from further labor. He was the first one to operate a steam mill in southern Indiana. He has been very prominent and influential in public affairs in his community, especially in political circles as a supporter of the democracy. He has served as justice of the peace for more than thirty years and his decisions have ever been strictly fair and impartial, and he has ever been prompt and faithful in the discharge of his duties-a fact indicated by his long incumbency. He married Miss Matilda Lang, who was born in Indiana, in 1835, a daughter of William Lang. Mr. and Mrs. R. M. Dill became the parents of five sons and four daughters, all of whom are living with the exception of one who was killed in a railroad collision.

Reared in Morgantown, Indiana, Theodore Dill acquired his education in the public schools and afterward learned the miller's trade with his father. He came to Roodhouse as a journeyman miller, June 10, 1885, and on the 5th of August, of that same year, he purchased an interest in the grocery business of Heaton & King, succeeding the latter in forming the firm of Heaton & Dill. His relation was maintained for three years, when Mr. Dill became sole proprietor by buying his partner's interest, and he has since dealt in groceries and provision and queensware. He owns the large double store, a two-story building, on the west side of the square, also the large Dill Hotel building on the southwest corner of the square. In January, 1903, he purchased the Campbell coal pockets of block coal and organized the Dill Coal Company, which operates in the fall and winter in order to supply the local trade. Before coming to Illinois he was with the American Express Company, as special messenger in Indianapolis, for several months, and also at other places, thus serving until his removal to Roodhouse. Here he has prospered in his business undertaking. Energetic, prompt and notably reliable, he has carried forward his mercantile and industrial interests with growing success, and is to-day one of the substantial citizens of Roodhouse.

Mr. Dill was married, November 15, 1876, to Miss Harriet C. Foster, a native of Lake county, Indiana, and a daughter of Alfred D. Foster, of that state, whose wife, in her maidenhood was a Miss Hathaway. Mr. and Mrs. Dill have become the parents of three children: Cloyd C., who was born November 16, 1877, and conducts the Dill Hotel, one of the best two dollar per day houses in Illinois; Edna Ora, who was born October 8, 1881, and is the wife of Alfred H. Barnes; and Rae Foster, who was born October 9, 1884, and is with his father in the store.

Mrs. Dill is a member of the Missionary Baptist church. Mr. Dill belongs to the Knights of Pythias fraternity and to the Mutual Protective League, an insurance organization of Litchfield, Illinois. In politics he is a stalwart Democrat, and since April, 1889, he has served continuous, through re-election, as mayor of Roodhouse, now filling the position for the third term, a fact which is highly complimentary, being indicative of his ability and his fidelity to the interests of the city, to which he has given a public spirited, progressive and practical administration. His business interests and his public service have made him a valued citizen of Roodhouse.