Thomas McDill facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Thomas H. McDill
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Portrait from History of Northern Wisconsin (1881)
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| Member of the Wisconsin State Assembly from the Portage district |
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| In office January 6, 1879 – January 3, 1881 |
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| Preceded by | James Meehan |
| Succeeded by | James E. Rogers |
| In office January 2, 1871 – January 1, 1872 |
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| Preceded by | Frederick Huntley |
| Succeeded by | Oliver Lamoreux |
| In office January 7, 1867 – January 6, 1868 |
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| Preceded by | James O. Raymond |
| Succeeded by | Benjamin Burr |
| Personal details | |
| Born | July 18, 1815 Crawford County, Pennsylvania, U.S. |
| Died | January 14, 1889 (aged 73) Chicago, Illinois, U.S. |
| Resting place | Plover Cemetery, Plover, Wisconsin |
| Political party | Republican |
| Spouse |
Mary Ruth Harris
(m. 1849; died 1881) |
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| Military service | |
| Allegiance | United States |
| Branch/service | United States Volunteers Union Army |
| Rank | Captain, USV |
| Unit | Quartermaster Corps |
| Battles/wars | American Civil War |
Thomas Hazeltine McDill (born July 18, 1815 – died January 14, 1889) was an important American businessman and politician. He was a member of the Republican Party. He was also a pioneer in Portage County, Wisconsin, meaning he was one of the first people to settle and develop the area. Thomas McDill served four years in the Wisconsin State Assembly, which is like the state's law-making group, representing Portage County.
Contents
Thomas McDill's Life Story
Thomas McDill was born in Crawford County, Pennsylvania, in July 1815. He went to a regular school there. In 1840, he moved to the Wisconsin Territory. He worked as a lumberman, cutting down trees for wood, at a place called Mill Creek.
Building a Sawmill
In 1842, Thomas built the very first sawmill on the Eau Claire River. This was near where Wausau, Wisconsin is today. By 1844, many more lumbermen came to the area. Thomas decided to sell his sawmill.
Running a Hotel
He then opened a hotel in the nearby village of Plover. Plover was the main town, or county seat, of Portage County at that time. His hotel business helped him get involved in local government.
Public Service and Politics
In 1847, the governor, Henry Dodge, chose him to be the sheriff of Portage County. He was then elected to serve a full term as sheriff in 1848. He worked as sheriff until 1856. That year, he was elected to be the county treasurer, managing the county's money.
His younger brother, Dr. Alexander S. McDill, came to Plover in 1856. Together, they opened a general store. They also ran a sawmill and traded lumber.
Serving in the Civil War
During the American Civil War, Thomas McDill helped the Union Army. He was an assistant quartermaster, which means he helped supply the soldiers with food, equipment, and other things they needed. He held the rank of captain.
After the War
After the war ended, Thomas was elected to the Wisconsin State Assembly in 1867. He did not run for re-election right away. However, he returned to the Assembly in 1871.
He ran for the Wisconsin State Senate in 1876 but did not win. He served two more terms in the Assembly in 1879 and 1880. During these years, he also led the town board and the county board for eight years.
Moving to McDill Village
In 1870, Thomas and his brother sold their businesses in Plover. They moved to a village that was named McDill, after him. He continued to be involved in the lumber business until he passed away. Thomas McDill died in Chicago on January 14, 1889.
Thomas McDill's Family Life
Thomas McDill's father was James McDill. James was an Irish American immigrant. He fought in the Pennsylvania Militia during the War of 1812.
Thomas's younger brother, Alexander S. McDill, became a U.S. congressman. He also managed the State Hospital for the Insane. Thomas's nephew, George Davis McDill, was a soldier in the Iron Brigade and served three terms in the State Assembly.
Thomas McDill married Mary Ruth Harris on February 7, 1849. They had three children together. They also adopted a foster son. Their son, George Edward McDill, became a successful businessman and politician in Portage County. He also led the Republican Party of Wisconsin.
