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William Devillon TILLOTSON, farmer at Mount Vernon, was born in Lorain County, Ohio, on his father's farm in 1829, and is of English descent. Three brothers by the name of Tillotson were the first to immigrate to the United States. The grandfather of the subject of this sketch was a soldier in the Revolutionary War, and was the father of William TILLOTSON, who was born in Western New York, and was a soldier in the War of 1812. He married Harriet BECKWITH, of Ohio, where Mr. Tillotson had gone when a young man. After marriage he settled in Lorain County, Ohio, and here eight children were born; four of whom lived to maturity: William D., Liddie A., Charlotte and Harriet. Mr. Tillotson was a successful farmer, and came to Missouri in 1838, settling in Adams County, where he lived five years. He then moved to Wisconsin, and after remaining there for five years, he came in 1849 to Lawrence County, Mo., and purchased the farm now owned by his son, consisting of over 453 acres. He then crossed the plains to California, and after remaining two years returned to Lawrence County and settled on his farm. After this he took a trip to Louisiana, where he passed his last days. He was a great traveler and a man of considerable property. His son, William D., was reared on a farm until fifteen years of age. He then went to Wisconsin, and was engaged in hauling for five years. August 4, 1851, he married Miss Elizabeth COLE, and in 1852 he and wife moved to Lawrence County, Mo., settled on the farm that was then owned by his father, and in 1857 he purchased this farm. To his marriage were born six children: Robert, Charles, Lydia A., Frankie D., George and Hattie. Mrs. Tillotson died July 22, 1882, and Mr. Tillotson married Miss Emily F. STOTTS, daughter of James Albert and Amanda (SWIFT) STOTTS, from Kentucky, and old settlers of Lawrence County. They are the parents of one child, a bright little girl, Perna May. Mr. Tillotson is a Democrat in politics, and one whose word is as good as his bond. Mrs. Tillotson is a member of the Christian Church, and an excellent woman.
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