William F. Dill was born around 1813 in Ohio, probably to William Dill. His father was probably a farmer who owned $6,000 of real estate by 1850. He married Evaline Bone on October 19, 1837, and they had at least three children: Mary, born around 1838; Adriana, born around 1844; and John, born around 1847. His wife died on August 15, 1848. He lived in Turtle Creek, Ohio, and he earned a living as a farmer. By 1850, he owned $500 of real estate. A decade later, he owned $12,760 of real estate and $2,000 of personal property, and by 1870, his wealth had grown to $29,000 of real estate and $3,000 of personal property. His daughter Mary lived with him until at least 1880 and served as his housekeeper. He also employed at least one white domestic servant. He died on June 7, 1896.