Jackson D. Dillenback was born in Alburgh Vermont, in July 1841, the son of Jasper & Margaret Dillenback. The Dillenbacks moved first to Portland, Michigan and then on to Grand Rapids in 1847. Other children in the family were George, Francis, Mary, Susie, Henry, and Roseanna. Having spent his youth in Grand Rapids, Jack Dillenback enlisted into military service during the Civil War on Aug 12, 1862 at Byron, Mi., as a member of “H” Company, Michigan 4th Cavalry. He was mustered out July 1, 1865 at Nashville, Tennessee. Brothers George and Francis (Frank) also served in the Union army. Returning to Grand Rapids, Jack learned the printing trade. He worked on the Grand Rapids Eagle, and was its editor from 1868-1869. He is known for his publication of early city and county directories. In 1873 he married Henrietta Bemis, and about six year later moved to Denver Colorado, where he continued in the publishing field until his death in 1929. Jackson and Henrietta had three children, Henry, William, and May, Other local publications attributed to Dillenback include the Grand Rapids City Advertiser, and editor/publisher of the Evening News.