Sons of Leitrim
Dillon
Peter
Sailor Profile: Peter Dillon
Landsman, United States Navy
Born in the shadow of the Workhouse in Carrick-on-Shannon, Peter Dillon’s story is one of successful emigration and dedicated service. While many Irishmen served in the trenches, Peter’s war was fought on the decks of Union warships patrolling the coast and the James River.
Early Life and Emigration
Born: May 1820 in Carrick-on-Shannon, County Leitrim.
Parents: His mother was a McDermott from County Roscommon (who lived to the remarkable age of 100).
Marriage: Peter married Mary Dowd on June 1, 1846, at St. Mary’s Church in Carrick-on-Shannon. Witnesses were Patrick McGreevy and Jane Dowd.
The Move to America: The couple emigrated almost immediately after their wedding, arriving in Massachusetts just as the Great Famine was ravaging their homeland. Their daughter Jane was born in Boston in 1847 They settled in Boston, where Peter worked as a grocer and hotelier.
Naval Service (1863–1864)
At the age of 43—significantly older than the average recruit—Peter enlisted in the U.S. Navy on June 16, 1863, with the rank of Landsman.
USS Ohio: His first assignment (June 16–21, 1863) was aboard this receiving ship in Boston.
USS Ethan Allen: He served on this bark from June 22 to July 10, 1863. It was during this time that he contracted "malarial poisoning" due to the swampy, tropical conditions of the coastal blockade.
USS Pequot: Peter served on this screw gunboat on the James River in Virginia from July 11, 1863, until his honorable discharge on January 15, 1864.
Life in Boston after the War
Returning to Boston, Peter resumed his life as a "trader" and dry goods salesman. Unlike many of his peers, both Peter and Mary were literate; their pension files contain several letters written in their own hand.
The Dillon Family Record (1847–1900)
The Dillons represent the archetypal "success story" of the Irish in Boston. Through the decades of U.S. Census records, we see Peter transition from a young immigrant to a naval veteran and established businessman, while his children move into professional "white-collar" roles.
The Children of Peter & Mary Dillon
Jane: Born 9 Sept 1847, Massachusetts.
Mary: Born circa 1852, Massachusetts.
Patrick H.: Born 29 Jan 1858, Massachusetts.
Elizabeth L.: Born 14 Mar 1860, Massachusetts.
Charles K.: Born 19 June 1865, Massachusetts.
Grace C.: Born 16 July 1868, Massachusetts.
Census & Residency Timeline
1860 U.S. Census: Boston Ward 3
Before the war, Peter was establishing himself in the city.
Occupation: Grocer / Hotelier.
Household: Peter, Mary, Jane (12), Mary (8), and Patrick (2).
Note: Living in the densely populated North End/West End area of Boston.
1865 Massachusetts State Census: Boston Ward 3
Taken just after the war ended and Peter’s discharge from the Navy.
Occupation: Trader.
Household: Peter and Mary are listed with five children, including newborn Charles.
Context: This census captures the family in the immediate aftermath of Peter's naval service on the USS Pequot.
1870 U.S. Census: Boston Ward 12
The family has moved to a new district as Peter’s business grows.
Occupation: Trader.
Household: Six children are now in the home, ranging from 22-year-old Jane to 1-year-old Grace.
Note: Also living with the family is Peter’s mother, Mrs. McDermott (born 1771), who reached the age of 100 before her death in 1871.
1880 U.S. Census: Boston Ward 12
This record shows the family reaching their peak stability.
Occupation: Dry Goods Salesman.
Household Roles: * Jane (32): Milliner (Hat maker).
Mary (27): Worker (Specific trade illegible).
Patrick (22): Bookkeeper.
Elizabeth (20): At home.
Charles (14) & Grace (11): At school.
Final Years: 17 Thornly Street, Dorchester
By 1900, Peter (80) and Mary (73) had moved to the leafier suburb of Dorchester. Despite his age and the "malarial poisoning" he suffered during the war, Peter remained the head of a vibrant household. His son Patrick was now a Private Secretary and his daughter Grace was a Schoolteacher, fulfilling the immigrant dream of social mobility.
Burial Detail: Mount Calvary Cemetery
Peter Dillon: Died March 13, 1902.
Mary Dillon: Died 1907.
Location: Mount Calvary Cemetery, Roslindale, Boston.
Final Years and Legacy
In 1889, aged 69, Peter applied for a disability pension. He described suffering from severe "chills and fever," a lingering result of the malaria he contracted while serving on the Ethan Allen. He was eventually granted $12 per month.
Death: Peter died on March 13, 1902, of pneumonia and "old age" at his home on Thornly Street, Dorchester.
Survivors: He was survived by his wife, Mary (who lived until 1907), and several of their seven children.
Estate: At his death, he left a modest sum of $180—a testament to a long life of hard work and survival.
Naval Service Timeline
Dates Vessel / Station Location
June 16, 1863 Enlisted Boston, MA
June 16–21, 1863 USS Ohio Boston Harbor
June 22–July 10, 1863 USS Ethan Allen Coastal Blockade
July 11–Jan 15, 1864 USS Pequot James River, VA
Jan 15, 1864 Honorable Discharge Boston, MA
The Family of Peter & Mary Dillon
Jane (b. 9 Sept.1847): A Milliner.
Mary (b. 1852): Worked in a factory/shop.
Patrick (b. 1858): A Bookkeeper and Private Secretary.
Elizabeth (b. 1860): Remained at home until her death in 1901.
Charles (b. 1865): Educated in Boston public schools.
Grace (b. 1868): A Schoolteacher.
