Vermilion county Illinois, ELDER GEORGE W. DODSON ==================================================================== Copyright. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm This file was contributed for use in the USGenWeb Archives Joy Fisher ==================================================================== p. 255-256 ELDER GEORGE W. DODSON, a prominent and influential citizen of Blount Township, is the owner of a farm on section 16, which in regard to cultivation and neat, well-appointed buildings is indeed one of the best in this part of Vermilion County. The Elder is one of the leading members of the Regular Baptist Church, and for a number of years has preached almost constantly in this and Champaign County, and as a man of true piety is an acknowledged power for good wherever he may be. He is also closely connected with the management of local public affairs, and has been an incumbent of some of the most responsible civic offices. He has held the position of Supervisor of Blount Township three terms, has served as Road Commissioner the same length of time and has been School Director many years. He has not taken an active part in political affairs, but is a decided Democrat in his views. The subject of this biographical review was born in the vicinity of Hendricks, in Boone County, Ind., Aug. 1, 1839, being the eldest son and fifth child of the sis children, four daughters and two sons, born to Ruel and Mary (Dickerson) Dodson, natives, respectively, of Kentucky and Virginia. His parents married and settled in Boone County and lived there till February, 1848, when they came to Vermilion County and cast in their lot with the pioneers of Blount Township, settling about a mile northeast of Higginsville. They lived there only three or four years, however, when the father sold that farm and bought another that he considered more desirable, pleasantly located in the Fairchild settlement in Blount Township. There the mother died Aug. 8, 1860, and the father took for his second wife Lucinda Walls, who survives him. He died at Rickart's Corner in Blount Township, Feb. 28, 1 871, thus rounding out a life that was a credit to himself, his friends and his community. His son George, of whom we write, was between eight and nine years old when his parents brought him to their new home in Vermilion County, and he grew to man's estate in Blount Township, his parents training him in all useful labors and carefully instilling into his mind those high and holy principles that have been his guides in all his after life, he attended the common schools, and being an apt pupil gained a good practical education. He has always paid attention to the calling to which he was bred, and there is no more skillful or shrewd farmer in the neighborhood than he, as is shown by the appearance of his farm of 350 acres of well tilled land, with its comfortable dwelling, fine conveniently arranged barn and other substantial buildings, among the best in the township. Elder Dodson has been twice married. The first time in Blount Township, to Miss Sarah A. Walls, who was born in Hendricks County, Ind., July 29, 1842. She was a member of the Regular Baptist Church and a truly good and virtuous woman, whose death Aug. 8, 1867, was deplored far beyond the home circle. She bore her husband three children: Annie M., the wife of William O'Toole; John W., who married Eva K. Fairchild; George W., who married Lillie Parks. Our subject was married to his present wife March 12, 1868, and in her he has found a cheerful and ready helper, and an able manager in her department, she making their home cosy and comfortable for the family and attractive to others, who often share its generous hospitalities. Mrs. Dodson's maiden name was Dorcas T. Pilkington, and she was born in Hamilton County, Ind., Dec. 10, 1846. Her marriage with our subject has been blessed by the birth of eleven children, as follows: Sarah L., who died when about two years old; Carrie E.; Ruel F., who died when six months old; Ira W. W., Dora E., who died at the age of nine months; James F., Jesse R., Effie L., Bertha W., who died when one year old; Lillie M. and Bessie Orella. In all his useful and honorable career the Elder has been guided by the highest moral sentiments, and has ever shown himself to be a just, kind-hearted, pure-souled man, one in whom his fellow-men can safely place their trust, and whose sagacity and wisdom eminently fit him for the part of counsellor. He has been identified with the Regular Baptist Church for many years, has filled the office of Deacon, and was ordained Elder in the church Nov. 28, 1874, since which time he has preached regularly in this and Champaign County, as before mentioned, with great acceptance to his hearers. His ministry has been very successful and much good has resulted from it. He has brought joy to many hearts, has soothed and comforted many in grief, and many have turned from the error of their ways, persuaded to do thus by his simple, earnest words of warning, and by the example of a godly, upright life.