BIO: John N. Tillard, Blair County, PA Contributed April 2003 for use in the USGenWeb Archives by Judy Banja Copyright 2003. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm http://www.usgwarchives.net/pa/blair/ _________________________________________ Biographical Data for John N. Tillard A History of Blair County, Tarring S. Davis, Philadelphia, National Historical Society, 1931: JOHN W. TILLARD, chief of police of Altoona, has a long and creditable record to his credit as head of the city's constabulary. Born in Antis Township, Blair County, February 24, 1856, he is a son of William and Rachael (Dorsay) Tillard, the former a native of Reedsville, Mifflin County, Pa., and the latter of Huntingdon County, Pa. The father worked in the charcoal furnaces of Reedsville until 1855, when he came to Blair County, later in 1862, entering the employ of the Pennsylvania Railroad shops. He died in October, 1872, and his wife in 1877. In a log schoolhouse in Logan Township, near Greenwood, bearing the name of Hamilton School, John W. Tillard acquired his education. On June 1, 1870, he came to Altoona to go to work in the shops of the Pennsylvania Railroad but after three years began his long association with the Altoona Police Department. He was appointed chief of the force, April 1, 1893, but retired from office in 1896 to become the first chief and organizer of Altoona's first paid fire department, and the four years he spent in this work placed the Fire Department upon a new basis. He resumed his duties as police chief, which, except from 1908 to 1911, has constituted his career in the service of the city, and now occupies that position. He was first married February 8, 1882, to Rosella Dengler, of Schuylkill County, Pa., who died in April, 1921, leaving one son, Paul V. For his second wife, Mr. Tillard took Myrtle V. Fisher, of Altoona. He is one of the founders of the Fifth Avenue Methodist Episcopal Church and has served as secretary of its board of trustees for fifteen years. He is a member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks and is a Republican in politics. Altoona Mirror, February 23, 1981, News of Yesteryear: FIFTY YEARS AGO February 23, 1931. John N. Tillard who has been chief of the Altoona Police Department for almost 38 years, filed application for retirement Saturday under provisions passed by city council a year ago. Altoona, April 15, 1921: Mrs. ROSELLA TILLARD Mr. Rosella Tillard, nee Dengler, wife of Chief of Police John N. Tillard, died at 4:05 o'clock yesterday morning at the family home, 111 Second avenue, of a complication of diseases, following an illness of several years' duration. She had been bedfast for a number of months. Mrs. Tillard had been a resident of Altoona for thirty-nine years and was one of the charter members of the Fifth Avenue Methodist church. She assisted in organizing and founding the church and was prominent in the various activities until her last illness. She was a native of Schuylkill Haven, where she was born October 28, 1855, and was united in marriage to J. N. Tillard at Pottsville, Pa., Feb. 8, 1882. Following the marriage the couple came to Altoona, building the present home, in which they have lived ever since. Mrs. Tillard is the last member of the family and is survived by her husband and one son, Paul V. Tillard, district manager of the Fidelity Mutual Life Insurance company. The remains were removed to the mortuary of N. A. Stevens where they can be viewed at any time. The funeral will be public from the Stevens chapel tomorrow afternoon at 2:30 o'clock, in charge of Rev. S. S. Carnell, pastor of the Fifth Avenue Methodist church. Interment will be made in Oak Ridge cemetery. Altoona, August 13, 1933: JOHN N. TILLARD, RETIRED POLICE CHIEF, EXPIRES Former Head of City Department Dies Suddenly; First Named Chief in April, 1893 J. N. Tillard, 77, of 111 Second avenue, retired chief of the Altoona police department, died at his home at 10:05 o'clock last night. Chief Tillard had been in failing health for the past year but recently his condition showed improvement and no alarm was held as to his recovery. Early last night he suffered an attack and died about two hours later. The respected chief had a long and creditable record as head of the Altoona police department and other duties in public life which he filled. He was born in Antis township, Blair county, a son of William and Rachel (Dorsay) Tillard, February 24, 1856. He was educated in Logan township schools. On June 1, 1870 he came to Altoona and entered the services of the Pennsylvania Railroad company but after three years he began his long period of service with the Altoona police department. He was appointed chief of police, April 1, 1893, but retired from office in 1896 to become the first chief and organizer of Altoona's first paid fire department. The history of the four years Chief Tillard spent as head of the fire department is a constant record of advancement and improvement in the service. He resumed his duties as chief of police in 1900 and continued in this capacity until 1908. He was again appointed chief of police in 1911 and continued until his retirement in 1931. He was married February 8, 1882, to Rosella Dengler, Schuylkill county, who died in 1921. Several years later he married Myrtle V. Fisher, Altoona. He was one of the founders of the Fifth Avenue Methodist Episcopal church and served as secretary of the board of trustees for 15 years. He was also a member of the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks. Chief Tillard was author of several books on police work, most recent of which is "Memories of a Track Sore Copper." He was not only well known in this vicinity but received national prominence for his long and efficient police record. He served as an officer in the National Chiefs of Police association and at every national convention which he attended was requested to read papers or give addresses on subjects relating to police work. Altoona, Monday, August 14, 1933: TILLARD FUNERAL SERVICE TODAY Throngs of Former Associates Pay Respects At Bier Of Retired Chief Funeral service for retired Chief of Police John N. Tillard, who died Friday night, will be held this afternoon at 2 o'clock at the home, 111 Second avenue. The Rev. H. Willis Hartsock, pastor of the Fifth Avenue Methodist church, will be in charge of the service. Friends may view the body at any time prior to the funeral. Interment will be at Oak Ridge cemetery. Hundreds of the chief's associates and friends filed past the bier during the past two days for the last view of their beloved superior officer and esteemed friend. Chief Tillard retired from duty as chief of police of the Altoona police department in April, 1931, and remained in good health until April of the present year when his condition was thought to be serious at times. Recently, however, improvement was shown and he was able to be about his home. He retired at 7:30 o'clock Friday night and suffered an attack soon afterward which took his life about two hours later. As the result of his long service, almost three decades as chief of the Altoona police department, his connection with the state and national organization, both which he helped to organize for the profession, and his writings pertaining to police work, he was widely known and recognized as an authority. He is survived by his second wife, Myrtle V. (Fisher) Tillard of Altoona, one son, Paul V. Tillard, prominent local insurance agent, one grandchild, Miss Alicia Tillard, Altoona, and one sister, Mrs. John Shearer, Lock Haven. Altoona, December 7, 1977: MYRTLE V. TILLARD Of 1419 1st St., died at 3:25 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 6, 1977, in Altoona Hospital, after an extended illness. She was born March 2, 1886, in Altoona, a daughter of George and Annie (Eby) Fisher, and married John N. Tillard, who preceded her in death. Surviving is a sister, Mrs. Lillian Horner of Lakemont. Mrs. Tillard was the oldest living member of the First Church of Christ, Altoona. During World War II and afterward, she served as a volunteer at the military canteen. Friends will be received in Stevens Mortuary from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday.