James P. Dillard (Apr 7, 1824-Feb 25, 1899), husband of M. Letitia Lash (Mar 12, 1836-Jun 28, 1883, buried at Lash Family Cemetery, Sauratown Twp in Walnut Cove, Stokes Co, NC).

FOOTSTONE of grave of James P. Dillard (Apr 7, 1824-Feb 25, 1899).

Tombstone was turned over face down. James P. Dillard (Apr 7, 1824-Feb 25, 1899), husband of M. Letitia Lash (Mar 12, 1836-Jun 28, 1883, buried at Lash Family Cemetery, Sauratown Twp in Walnut Cove, Stokes Co, NC).

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James P. Dillard was appointed Mayor of the newly Incorporated Leaksvilley, NC February 16,1874

Charter Member and officers installed December 3, 1850 of the
Leaksville Masonic Lodge #136 A.F.A
James P Dillard, elected Treasurer
“Secrets of Leaksville Lodge #136 A.F.A.M.”
Book Was Written by Henry Clay Pace, Jr.

James P. Dillard was born here near Leaksville on or near the Bent that is on Dan River on April 7, 1824 but later moved up to where Smith Acres are today. Later, on the corner of Hamilton and Jay Streets, the house still stands today and a beautiful place it is. Presently, it is occupied by Mr. And Mrs. E. N. Stickles.
James Dillard was the first treasurer of the lodge and held this office for several years. He was a merchant with a partner named Bob Moir who also in the 1850 census was a farmer. His net worth was $5,000.00 in 1850 and $14,000.00 in 1860. His wife’s name was Letitia, but I cannot find her last name before marriage.
He was a member of our Lodge #136 A.F.A.M. Until 1880 when it surrendered its charter and was instrumental in regaining it in 1898. He passed away the following year. The people that knew the Colonel, as he was called, feel sure that every cent was properly accounted for. It has been found that in 1874, Leaksville was incorporated in the year of 1874 and Brother Dillard was its first Mayor and held that post for several years. He had no children so this line of Dillard’s stopped here. He was buried in the family cemetery on Smith Acres and the graves are very much unkept. His grave marker was approximately six inches under the ground with only the bottom corner exposed. Brother John T. Ellington, Jr., “Mutt” and I dug this marker out of the ground and cleaned it off to photograph it. Also, please note the misspelled word, Dillord. It should be Dillard. Also note the hands shaking at the top of the marker.
Brother Dillard was one of the very first to promote Leaksville Lodge #136 and to pledge an amount to the Oxford Orphanage when it was founded. Some of the old members have said that it necessitated quite a sacrifice on their part to pay the pledge.
Brother James P. Dillard passed away February 25, 1899 and is buried ½ miles west of Eden city limits.