Peter Dillon AKA Peter Dillow and His Entry into Tennessee
Luke Dillon and Susannah Gerrett
The story is that Luke Dillon was a redheaded weaver of Kilkenny who won the heart and hand of Susanna Garrett. Susanna Garrett was the daughter of
a man of wealth and fame. Susanna's father disinherited her for eloping with someone whom he styled as a "snot-nosed" weaver. However,
he may have had another reason for his objection to his daughter Susanna marrying Luke because--Luke had a failing.
One story is that Luke and Susanna emigrated directly to PA from Ireland. Susanna learned to weave. They were able to support themselves with
this occupation in Bucks County, PA. Luke was a drinking man. One winter day in the winter of 1717, he rode off on horseback to the mill five miles
away from his home. After the milling was done; and Luke started home in the evening, he was facing a snowstorm. Luke had a bottle of liquor in his
pocket. He got down off his horse and sat down by a tree, and froze to death and was not found for six weeks.
Henry Dillon says in his book, "That the tradition came down through different families and is no doubt but true."
After Luke's death, Susannah married a man only known to him as having the surname of Bridges. The tradition does not tell of his first name
or the names of their children.2
Another story is that in about 1710, Luke eloped with Susannah Garrett who was born in Armagh and came from a wealthy family. Luke's family was
quite poor. They immigrated to America. They came to a Quaker Colony on Nantucket Island off the Massachusetts coast.
(From 1664 to 1692, Nantucket was part of New York, not Massachusetts)
Luke and Susannah remained in Nantucket until about 1714 when they moved to Bucks County, PA. Their first two children, Hanna born 1711 and died
as an infant; and Daniel in 1714 were born in Nantucket. While their other two children, William born in 1715 and Luke Jr born in 1717 were born
in Bucks County, PA.
A descendant of Luke’s, Alfred Dillon, tells the story that Luke was a drunk. In the winter of 1717, he spent the evening at the local tavern. He got
drunk and started his ride home in a driving snowstorm. On the way home, he fell from his horse and rolled into a ditch. His body was not discovered
until a thaw later in the winter. His last child Luke Jr was born after his death. Susannah remarried about a year later to a Peter Dillon.
No one knows how her first husband Luke Dillon and here second husband Peter Dillon was related. 3
Everyone agrees that Luke and Susannah had the following children:
Hanna.......born about 1711 or 1712 on Nantucket and died as an infant.
(From 1664 to 1692, Nantucket was part of New York, not Massachusetts)
Bucks County is one of the three original counties of Pennsylvania. The West Bank of the Delaware grew more and more into favor and notice,
and immigrants came to it.4
An early record of a William Dillow (Dellon) is found in an advertisement from Sowers Newspaper, dated February 13, 1761.
Land of the Pennsylvania Land Company is advertised for sale, and the names of the occupants are given as follows:
........... Makefield Township, Bucks County, 4,000 acres ...........
... James and William Dellon ... (and 13 other names).5
As for Luke Jr, who was born after Luke died, tradition has it that he got killed for a fine gun that he carried. Another tradition is that
Luke Jr, just got into a fight over a gun. However, Luke Jr never married.
In the middle 1700's waves of Quakers began leaving PA; and traveled south, to Frederick County, Maryland that later became part of VA.
Some individuals and families in the waves stayed and others moved on from Frederick County, VA to NC and other places as land opened up for
settlement.
As for the two sons of Luke and Susannah, Daniel
and William, tradition has that they joined the great tidal wave of Quaker migration which started in PA to the
Opeckon or Hopewell neighborhood in Frederick County, VA about 1740.
Both Daniel and Williamarried and settled in Frederick County, VA which later became part of Berkeley County, which later became part of
Jefferson County, VA that later became WV.
Frederick County, VA has a history of changing not only from Maryland to VA, but different counties in VA and finally coming to rest in WV. It is
important to remember that the same counties of today, are not the same counties as they were
in our ancestor's time.
William, son of Luke and Sussanah, married Mary Reese (Rees) in the early 1740's in Frederick County, VA.
William and Mary Reese had the following children:
Charity.............born about 1745: m. William Reese* (Rees) on 6 APR 1761 in Frederick County, VA.
Ann or Anna....born 1 MAY 1755: m. Richard Hawworth on 10 MAY 1765 in Frederick County, VA.
Susannah.........born 1755: m. George Haworth 1 NOV 1773 in Rowan County, NC.
Hanna..............born 15 MAY 1760: m. Edward Wright on 7 AUG 1780.
John...................................married Lydia Geist in 1774.
James..................................married Sara Monk’s in 1774.
Mary...................................married Jacob Pickering on 1 JUN 1778.
William was not caught up in the other waves of Quaker emigration and lived out his life in Frederick County, VA which later became part of
Berkeley County, which later became part of Jefferson County, VA that later became WV. He died on 10 NOV 1762.
This is verified both by tradition as well as the VA census records.
Most of William's family was caught up in the wave of Quaker emigration to New Garden Meeting in Rowan NC in the late 1760's and early 1770's.
Tradition has it that Mary married a second husband Joseph *Bridges, maybe in Guilford County, NC. *I have noted that this is the same name that
one tradition has it that Susanna, the widow of Luke, married.
Daniel married Lydia B Hodgkin. (Some give another name) about 1743, in Frederick County, VA. As one goes through genealogies, one must always
keep in mind that the family tradition (belief) did not keep in pace with the changing history of America.
Tradition informs us that there is a little creek in Frederick County. VA which yet bears the name of "Dillon Run." No doubt that it runs through
the lands once owned by the Dillon boys. It was here on the banks of the babbling little brook that one
of the early "Friends" churches was built which is today known as "Dillon's Run."2
It was here that the Dillon boys, William and Daniel, first met the Haworth, Reese (Rees)*, Wright, Stanfield, Hackett, Thornburg, Hodgeson, and Fisher
families who were in the Quaker migration from PA about 1740.
After a stay in Frederick County, VA a wake of emigration again started for Cone Creek
in Alamace County, NC and Bush River in SC.
It appears that Daniel Dillon was caught up in this wave of emigration. Some of them stopped at Cone Creek NC and later moved on to New Garden in Guilford County,
NC. The records of New garden, at which place Daniel held his membership contains a record of his family.
Children of Daniel and Lydia Hodgeson Dillon are:
Martha..........born 3 NOV 1745 in Hopewell, Frederick County, VA.
Nathan..........born 6 JUL 1748 in Hopewell, Frederick County, VA.
William..........born 9 May 1750 in Hopewell, Frederick County, VA.
Peter*............born 6 FEB 1752 in Hopewell, Frederick County, VA.
Jesse.............born 6 FEB 1753 in Hopewell, Frederick County, VA.
Daniel...........born 30 MAR 1757 in Hopewell, Frederick County, VA.
Hanna...........born 14 MAY 1759 in Hopewell, Frederick County, VA.
Patience........born 31 OCT 1762 in Hopewell, Frederick County, VA.
It is Daniel 's son Peter* born about 1752 in VA that, I believe through strong circumstantial evidence that Peter Dillow born in VA
about 1796 who was the "entry" Dillow into TN is linked to the Luke Dillon and Susannah Garrett line of Dillon's or Dillow's.
Although Peter's father,Daniel , appears to have moved with the wave of Quaker emigration from Frederick County, VA to NC, the Federal Census records
show that Peter Dillow stayed in Frederick County, VA with his Uncle William where they both lived out the remainder of their lives.
Even though, the Federal Census records definitely show that Peter Dillow remained in Frederick County, VA until he died in 1868,
over his at least 93 years, Frederick County, VA was changed several times.
In 1738 Frederick was formed from Orange & Augusta Counties
In 1772 Berkeley was formed from Frederick. Martinsburg
In 1801 Berkeley County, VA became Jefferson County, VA.
In 1863 the area of Frederick, Berkeley and Jefferson Counties in VA became WV.6
Many genealogy records including Quaker records appear, to me, to have the information concerning Peter Dillow Sr born about 1757 and Peter Dillow Jr
born about 1796 have been confused.
Some traditions have Peter moving to NC with his father Daniel, while others have Peter moving to Green County, TN; and marrying, having
children and dying there in Green County, TN.
However the "Friends" Church in Green County, TN have on their records that the Peter Dillion who came there in the early 1800's came with
his brother Garrett.* It is Peter Jr who had the brother named Garrett and not his father, Peter.
William Reese* was also with them. Charity, daughter of William, son of Daniel was also with them. Some of the family genealogies have Charity living out her live in Green County, TN, others have her as living out her life in
Washington County, TN.7
Either way, it establishes that Peter Dillion and his brother Garrett, along with their Uncle William's daughter
Charity were the "entry" Dillion's aka Dillows into TN in the early 1800's.
It is also very strong circumstantial evidence that Peter Dillow born in VA in 1796 who was the "entry" Dillow into TN is connected to the Luke and Sussanah Dillon genealogy line. and is
also AKA Peter Dillon, son of Peter, son of Daniel, son of Luke.
Peter Dillon, the son Daniel , was born 6 FEB 1752 in Hopewell, Frederick County, VA. Peter married Elizabeth Haworth on
11 AUG 1773. Elizabeth was a daughter of James Haworth and Sara Wood. Sarah was born on 24 MAR 1754.
The children of Peter and Elizabeth are:
Sarah or Sallie.....born 20 MAR 1774 in Hopewell, Frederick County, VA..
Garrett*...............born 6 MAR 1776 in Hopewell, Frederick County, VA..
James...................born 2 MAR 1778. in Hopewell, Frederick County, VA.
William.................born 15 MAY 1781 in Hopewell, Frederick County, VA.-died 16 AUG 1831.
Lydia....................born 29 OCT 1783 in Hopewell, Frederick County, VA..
Phebe...................born 23 MAR 1766 in Hopewell, Frederick County, VA.-died 17 DEC 1841.
Susanna...............born 13 AUG 1791 in Hopewell, Frederick County, VA..
Elizabeth..............born 25 FEB 1794 in Hopewell, Frederick County, VA..
Peter Jr*.............born 11 JUL 1796 in Hopewell, Frederick County, VA..
The history of Green County, TN has a "Friends" church records where Peter Dillion and his brother Garrett Dillion coming to the "Friends" church
in Green County, TN. Green County, TN considers Peter Dillion and his brother Garrett as being early pioneers of the County.
From their records: Among the pioneers of Green County, TN, William Reese*, Garrett* and Peter Dillion* , William and Abraham Smith, Solomon, David
and John B. Beales, Samuel and Mordecai Ellis, Abraham Marshall, Samuel Pearson, Samuel Stanfield and George Hayworth.7
The Federal Census Index for TN for 1820 has been examined very carefully and it does not show any Dillows or Dillons any apparent variations in the
spelling of the name.
There is Peter Dillow in the VA census in 1820 who has the occupation listed as "Cooper." This Peter Dillow is not in the 1830 VA census.
However, a Peter Dillow appears in the 1830 TN census with the occupation listed as "Cooper" who was born in VA.
Peter Dillow born in VA in 1796 and emiggrated to TN in early 1800's could neither read nor write. This fact is established both by the census records, as well as, his deeds contain his mark rather
than his signature.
Peter Dillow had a certain piece of land surveyed in Green County, TN in 1824. However, he did not purchase the land. His name is listed as
"Peter Dillon" on this land survey. However, he did not buy this land in Green county, TN that he had surveyed in 1824.
The following land survey is the first record of the surname Dillon or Dillow:
Entry No. 235, Entry Taker's Office of Green County, Tennessee, dated the 23d day of June 1824.
Surveyed for Peter Dillon
A certain TRACT OR PARCEL OF LAND containing one hundred and ten acres, lying in the County aforesaid, adjoining his own lands, J. Stehpens,
J Anderson, W. Harold, S. Stanfield & T. Gillispie entities. Beginning at a large white oak, corner to Stephens, thence South twenty four West,
Thirty-two poles to a stake, and small ashe, west sixteen poles to a stake in Stephens' line, South with the same, twenty-four West, seventy-eight
poles to a stake, near an apple tree, South sixty five East, eight poles to a stake, South twelve West one hundred and two poles to a red oak, North
sixty five West twenty poles to a stake in a field, South twelve West, seventy five poles to a white oak, near Anderson's fence, South forty two East
fourteen poles to a stake, Harrold's corner, South seventy six East thirty seven poles to a stake in Stanfield's line, North thirty five East, with
his line, eighty two poles to a white oak Stanfield's corner, North sixty East, thirty seven poles to a black oak, North nineteen West, eighty two
poles to a hickory, South fifty five East, two poles to a hickory corner, to Gillisphy, North twenty one East, forty seven poles to a chestnut oak,
North thirteen West, eight poles to a chestnut oak, North thirteen West, eight poles to a chestnut oak, North thirteen East, thirty eight poles to a
hickory North thirty East with Gillispie's line, one hundred and sixty four poles to a black oak, North seventy one West thirty four poles to a c
chestnut oak on the top of a knob, thence south thirty-three West, one hundred and twenty poles to the Beginning. Including nine acres
previously -?????-
Instead, of purchasing the land Peter Dillon AKA Peter Dillow had surveyed in Green County, TN, Peter Dillon AKA Peter Dillow purchased 130 acres from the state of TN located in Sullivan County on the South side of the Holston River, at a price of twelve and a
half cents per acre. (12 & 1/2 Cents). Source
Peter Dillow's decision to settle in Sullivan County and buy land near the Holston River could very well have been because of his
profession as a "Cooper" or barrel maker.
Kingsport was first known as "Boat Yard," and prior to the advent of railroads it was the shipping point for the greater part of the salt from
King's salt works in Virginia, besides a large amount of iron, castings and produce. The salt works were established
about 1800.
In 1833, 4,000 barrels of salt were shipped annually by flatboats. Kingsport or "Boat Yard" was the second oldest town in the
Sullivan County, at that time, was Kingsport; and for several years was also the largest and most important.
Therefore, Peter Dillow's decision to settle in Sullivan County, TN rather than Green County, TN could very well have been that besides being able
to buy land for farming for twelve and one half cents per acre in Sullivan County, TN,
there was most likely work at the "Boat Yard" there on the Holston River for a "cooper." The salt works alone was shipping out 4,000 barrels of salt
a year.
Johnnie E Dillow, great great grandson of Peter Dillow (born 1796 in VA, who emigrated to TN He spent many long hours looking at
census records on Microfiche at the library to verify that Peter Dillow was indeed the entry Dillow into TN in the early 1800's.