Dillon, Richard Charles, 1877-

Richard Charles Dillon, merchant and politician, was born on June 24, 1877 in St. Louis, Missouri. He lived in New Mexico during his youth, later moving to Kansas. He returned to New Mexico and began a retail career in 1898 working in Springer, Las Vegas, and Encino. Dillon was first elected to public office in 1924 as Republican state senator from Torrance County. He was elected Governor in 1926, and, upon re-election in 1928, became the first two term Governor in the history of the State of New Mexico. His administration was characterized by business-like management and the development of New Mexico's infrastructure, particularly through the construction and black-topping of roads. A Dillon election slogan summarizes the themes of his administration: "Education, Good Roads, and Advertizing the State's Resources." Dillon ran for a U.S. Senate seat in 1934, but was defeated; at this time, Dillon returned to his ranch and business operations at Encino. Dillon died on January 5, 1966, in Encino, N.M.

From the description of Papers, 1918-1944 (bulk 1926-1936). (University of New Mexico-Main Campus). WorldCat record id: 45989651

Richard C. Dillon served as Governor of New Mexico, 1927-1930.

From the description of Richard C. Dillon photograph collection [graphic]. [19---19--] (Santa Fe Public Library). WorldCat record id: 37995551

Richard Charles Dillon, merchant and politician, was born on June 24, 1877 in St. Louis, Missouri. He lived in New Mexico during his youth, later moving to Kansas. He returned to New Mexico and began a retail career in 1898 working in Springer, Las Vegas, and Encino. Dillon was first elected to public office in 1924 as Republican state senator from Torrance County. He was elected Governor in 1926, and, upon re-election in 1928, became the first two term governor in the history of the State of New Mexico. His administration was characterized by business-like management and the development of New Mexico's infrastructure, particularly through the construction and black-topping of roads. A Dillon election slogan summarizes the themes of his administration: "Education, Good Roads, and Advertizing the State's Resources." Dillon ran for a U.S. Senate seat in 1934, but was defeated; at this time, Dillon returned to his ranch and business operations at Encino. Dillon died on January 5, 1966, in Encino, N.M

From the guide to the Richard C. Dillon Photograph Collection, 1927-1940, (Center for Southwest Research, University of New Mexico.)

Richard C. Dillon was born in St. Louis, Missouri in 1877. He became a resident of New Mexico in 1889, and served as a Republican State Senator (1924) and as the Governor of the State of New Mexico (1927-1930).

From the description of Richard C. Dillon papers, 1927-1935. (Museum of New Mexico Library). WorldCat record id: 37288611

From the guide to the Richard C. Dillon Papers, 1927-1935, (Museum of New Mexico. Fray Angélico Chávez History Library.)

New Mexico Governor Richard C. Dillon and wife, Las Vegas, New Mexico. Part of the Richard Charles Dillon Pictorial Collection PICT 000-90 SC (Folder 1).

Richard Charles Dillon, merchant and politician, was born on June 24, 1877 in St. Louis, Missouri. At the age of twelve years, Dillon moved with his family to Springer, N.M. His first employment was as a worker with the Atlantic and Pacific Railroad (later called the Santa Fe Railroad). Other jobs during his youth included bootblack, ranch hand, and store clerk. In 1893, Dillon moved to Ottowa, Kansas and worked in railroad construction. Soon after, he moved to Holliday, Kansas, where he worked in a financially troubled store, helping to set it on a firmer footing. Dillon then returned to New Mexico where he worked again in railroad construction. His retail career began in earnest in 1898 when he worked briefly for the Floersheim Mercantile Company in Springer. In 1902, he moved to Las Vegas, N.M. where he was employed as manager of the wool, hide, and pelt department of Gross, Kelly & Company, merchants.

In 1907, Dillon moved to Encino, New Mexico to work for and manage the G.W. Bond and Brother Mercantile Company; he became its vice president in 1914. Dillon was also associated with the Frank Bond and Son, Company, successor to the G.W. Bond and Brother, Co. About this time, Dillon started R.C. Dillon and Company, a general wholesale and retail business in Encino. He also developed an interest in ranching and livestock trade and purchased a sheep ranch at Encino. Dillon maintained a business stake in both R.C. Dillon and Co. and the Frank Bond and Son Co., throughout his life.

Dillon was first elected to public office in 1924 as Republican state senator from Torrance County. He was elected Governor in 1926, and, upon re-election in 1928, became the first two term Governor in the history of the State of New Mexico. His administration was characterized by business-like management and the development of New Mexico's infrastructure, particularly through the construction and black-topping of roads. A Dillon election slogan summarizes the themes of his administration: "Education, Good Roads, and Advertizing the State's Resources." Dillon ran for a U.S. Senate seat in 1934, but was defeated; at this time, Dillon returned to his ranch and business operations at Encino. Dillon died on January 5, 1966, in Encino, N.M.

From the guide to the Richard Charles Dillon Papers, 1918-1944, (University of New Mexico. Center for Southwest Research.)