JAMES R. DICKEY, Biography
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Submitted for use by USGENWEB Branch County, Michigan November 2002 Janet 
Wilkinson Schwartz.

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A Twentieth Century History and Biographical Record of Branch County, Michigan, 
Rev. Henry P. Collin, ed.  New York: The Lewis Publishing Company, 1906.


JAMES R. DICKEY may without invidious distinction be classed as a foremost citizen of 
Coldwater, being influential in public affairs, in which his ability and devotion to the 
general good well qualify him for leadership.  As county treasurer and county clerk he 
has made a most creditable record, and at the present time he is representing the First 
ward of the city on the board of supervisors.

Mr. DICKEY was born in Niagra county, New York, February 14, 1847, his parents 
being JAMES and MAY [sic] T. (APPLEBY) DICKEY.  The father was a native of 
Washington county, New York, and was a blacksmith by occupation.  He came to Branch 
county, Michigan, in March, 1852, settling in Coldwater, where he worked for about six 
months, when he began farming in Quincy township, there carrying on general 
agricultural pursuits until his death, which occurred in the '70s.  His political views 
accorded with Republican principles, and although he was never an aspirant for office, he 
was always loyal to the party to which he gave his support.  His wife was a native of 
Allegheny [sic] county, New York, and died when about sixty years of age.  They were 
the parents of four children, of whom one died in childhood.

JAMES R. DICKEY, the third child and third son of the family, was about five years old 
when brought by his parents to Branch county.  He was educated in the district schools 
and in Coldwater, where he attended the high school and in the summer months he 
followed farming, looking after the interests of his father's place.  He early learned the 
value of industry and integrity as forceful factors in a business career, and these have ever 
characterized his life.  As a companion and helpmate for life's journey he chose Miss 
EMILY P. SMITH, to whom he was married July 3, 1873.  She was a daughter of 
DANIEL SMITH.  Mr. and Mrs. DICKEY began their domestic life upon the farm and 
he continued its cultivation until 1876, when called to public office by popular ballot.  He 
removed to Coldwater to enter upon the duties of county treasurer, to which position he 
had been elected on the Republican ticket, receiving the largest majority given any man 
in the county.  He was re-elected in 1878, and in 1881 he was chosen county clerk, which 
position he filled for twelve consecutive years, a longer period than any other incumbent 
in that office during the history of Branch county.  In 1892 he was defeated for 
nomination in one of the most hotly contested political fights ever known in the history of 
the county.  In 1893 he filled the position of city clerk and the following year he entered 
upon the work of making the annotations attached to the law books of the different states.  
His patent is now handled all over the country, and in the interest of the business Mr. 
DICKEY himself traveled through many states of the Union.  His work has received the 
commendation of many of the most prominent lawyers of the country and also of the 
senate of Wisconsin, who in session advocated the use of his patent.  In 1904 he was 
elected supervisor from the First ward and is now occupying that position. 

Mr. and Mrs. DICKEY have one daughter, DORA DUELLA.  Fraternally, he is 
connected with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Ancient Order of United 
Workmen.  His residence in the county covers more than a half century and he is 
prominent locally, having the warm friendship and high regard of the majority of the 
citizens of this part of the state.  Over the record of his official career ther falls no shadow 
of wrong or suspicion of evil, and he has rendered valuable service to the county in the 
faithful discharge of the duties that have devolved upon him.