Pete Dillman

Simon Peter "Pete" Dillman was born July 1, 1854. He came to Vernal in 1877. He started the first sawmill in 1878, which he had untill he died, and helped whipsaw the lumber used in the fist school whee he was one of the first teachers. After the Meeker Massare in 1879 he and a companion took two months to obtain the release of three women held captive by hostile Indian tribes. Pete was appointed forest ranger for the Ashley National Forest. He was the first government Indian farm supervisor at Whiterocks. In 1884, he built the road from Fort Duchesne to Vernal. He owned the first drug store which opened in 1886 on South Vernal Avenue. During the early days, he was instrumental in capturing outlaws in this region. Solmon Trim and Pete opened the first funeral parlor in Ashley Valley. He was known for his numerous orchardss and gardens. At age 79 he had his left leg amputated at the knee. He died August 1, 1939 at age eighty-five.