From the 1881 History of Marshall County, Iowa

DILLON.

This village was laid out in June, 1875, by the Central Railroad Company. J. Williams made some additions to the town and E. Pemberton did the same. The post office was established in the Fall of 1875. A. Wendt was the first Postmaster. The town was named for Judge Dillon. The first store was built by Dr. John Risley. It is the building now occupied by R. A. Salisbury & Co. The first residence was built by B. H. Pemberton in July, 1875. There is a large elevator in operation, the property of W. E. Russell. It was built in 1875, and is operated by horse power. The cozy little school house was built in 1877. Divine services are also held in the school house. Corlieon &. Chinburg are proprietors of a large grocery store. The business interests are represented by one saloon, one drug store, two grocery and general stores, two blacksmith shops, one lumber yard and two coal yards. The place is situated about eight miles from Marshalltown, and is surrounded by a farming country.