James C. Dill, an enterprising woollen manufacturer of Abbot, Piscataquis County, was born in Gray, Cumberland County, Maine, April 24, 1862, son of Captain James C. and Abigail (Douty) Dill. His father was a native of the British Provinces, and his mother was born in Gray. The paternal grandfather was James C. Dill, a bridge builder by occupation, who moved to the United States from the Provinces.
James C. Dill, second, father of the subject of this sketch, came to Maine when an infant, and resided in Yarmouth during his boyhood and youth. At an early age he began to follow the sea, and worked his way forward until he became a ship-master. Building a vessel at Yarmouth, he commanded her until his death, which occurred at the early age of thirty years. He had one son, his namesake, James C., whose name begins this sketch. Mrs. Dill married for her second husband Isaac Bagnall, and is now a resident of Houlton.
James C. Dill (third) attended the common schools of Gray, and supplemented his elementary studies with a business course at a commercial college in Portland. Learning the wool carder’s trade, he has since followed it, both as a journeyman and as a manufacturer, in various places, including Hanover, Me. He located in Abbott in 1895. He has a good water-power, with steam in reserve, and, having completely remodeled his plant, is now the owner of one of the best equipped woollen-mills in this section. He employs six hands, and makes a specialty of fine yarns.
On October 25, 1888, Mr. Dill married Jennie L. Barker, who was born in Newry, Maine, daughter of Ebenezer and Emma Barker. He has one son, James A., born in Hanover, September 28, 1889.
Politically, Mr. Dill is a Republican, and while residing in Hanover he served with ability as Tax Collector and Supervisor of Schools. He is a member of the Masonic Lodge of Guilford, and of the Patrons of Husbandry of Abbott. His business ability and progressive tendencies have enabled him to advance rapidly in prosperity, and the success he has acquired is the result of his own energy and perseverance.
Source: Biographical review: containing life sketches of leading citizens of Somerset, Piscataquis, Hancock, Washington, and Aroostook counties, Maine. Boston: Biographical Review Publishing Company, 1898.