The death of Stephen Dillet, the first coloured man in the Assembly earned two obituaries. One in The Nassau Times, 13th October 1880 and the other in the Nassau Guardian and Bahamas Islands Advocate. Each would offer a different perspective on the life of Mr. Dillet.
THE NASSAU TIMES OCTOBER 13, 1880
OBITUARY
DIED – On the 7th instant, in the 83rd year of his age, STEPHEN DILLET, Esq. late Postmaster of the Bahamas.
The deceased was a native of St. Domingo, and arrived in Nassau in the year 1802. Represented the City District of the Town of Nassau in the House of Assembly from 1834 to 1839. Appointed a Justice of the Peace and Trustee of the Public Bank in 1836. Held the offices of Coroner from 1840 to 1860 and Inspector of the Police from 1849 to 1863. Appointed Post Master of the Bahamas, 4th March 1843 which office he held to June 1876 when compelled by ailing health to retire from the Public Service upon a well earned pension.
The Militia Services of the deceased extended over a period of nearly half a century. Appointed Aid de Camp to the Commander-in-Chief 1836 Promoted 1840 to Deputy Adjunct General with the rank Major. He was held in the highest esteem as a Free Mason and was the Sealer Trustee of the Masonic Building Fund.
As a representative man for a much longer period than is allotted to most men, and as one who combined the strictest integrity, honesty and devotion to the Public Service, his loss will be felt by large members of the community in whom his council and advice were always freely afforded.
