James Dillon, 1st Earl of Roscommon (died March 1641) fought for the crown in the Nine Years' War.
James was born in Ireland, the eldest son of Lucas Dillon (c. 1530 – 1593) and his first wife Jane Bathe.
[2] At the time of his birth, his father was a lawyer but would later become a judge and finish his career as Chief Baron of the Irish Exchequer.
James and Eleanor had 13 children, seven sons:[10] —and six daughters:[20] Dillon's father died in February 1593 in Dublin.
[30] In 1599, during the Nine Years' War (1593–1603), Dillon raised a troop of 25 horse loyal to Elizabeth I at his own expense, to help keep order in County Roscommon.
[36] This elevation was announced in a ceremony performed by the chief governor of Ireland, Lord Deputy Oliver St. John, in the Presence Chamber of Dublin Castle on 25 January.