Biographical Sketches of Dodson and Dotson Pioneer Families

 

Joseph Dodson 1771 - 1828

Joseph was born in Northampton county (Pennsylvania) in 1771, and in 1797 he moved into the settlement, from the adjoining Plymouth settlement. He had married Susanna Bennet, daughter of Joshua Bennet. His son Joseph B. Dodson, was born on the old place where he resided all his long life-and aged and respected citizen and the survivor of his family. Samuel Dodson and his brother-in-law Isaac Van Horn were pioneers and good citizens." Source  He removed to this (Luzerne) County (Pennsylvania) about 1797. He was married in Plymouth but located in Union Township. He owned about eight hundred acres of land and was extensively engaged in the manufacture of lumber. He was a hardy pioneer and did much for the advancement of agriculture in Luzerne County in his locality. He was found to be a man who would serve his Township well and faithfully, and therefore received many offices. He was a conscientious Christian, and a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. His property, which consisted largely of land, he kept until his death, which occurred in 1827, after which it was divided between his family of ten children, Joseph B. getting a title to one half of it. Joseph Dodson lived to be only fifty-six years of age; his wife died at the age of eighty-four. His father, Richard, was a descendant of English parents, and was an early pioneer in Salem, but was so annoyed by the Indians that he was compelled to go to Northampton to evade their savage attacks. When Richard died his son Joseph was a very small lad, who had to live with strangers and suffer the hardships incident to an orphan�s life. But he survived all hardships and privations, succeeded in accumulating a large tract of land, rearing an interesting family, and handing his name down through the pages of history to a long line of descendants, who shall call his name blessed.

From Thompson P Ege: "was truly a hardy pioneer. He purchased 800 acres of land and built homes for each of his 6 sons to have a farm. Built a school house on his land and allowed his home to be used as a place of worship. Was a member of Methodist Church . . . "

Joseph . . . removed from Bucks county to Luzerne about 1797, locating in Union township. He married his wife, Miss Susanna Bennett, in Plymouth. He owned 800 acres of land. He built a sawmill, which he operated for a number of years, and was a practical businessman and a hard working, energetic pioneer. He was a strict churchman, having for a number of years been a member of the M.E. Church. His benevolence was proverbial. He (Joseph) died in 1827, followed by his widow in her eighty-fourth year. They reared a family of ten children; two of whom are now living. Source

HUNLOCK TOWNSHIP   Is but fifteen years old, being organized January 8, 1877; taken from Union and Plymouth townships, at the time of its formation containing a population of 759, which in 1890 increased to 881. When first known there were friendly and peaceable Indians inhabiting in their way the foothills and had small patches in the narrow valley which they cultivated. The first settler was a man named Boggs, who located on the Abram Van Horn place, built his log cabin and cleared a small patch and lived there some years. Boggs joined the Revolutionary army and it is supposed he was away from home when his family was driven away or massacred by the Indians. All known is that the place reverted to the desert, that this family found it and the marks of their being once there were in the scattered ruins of their home. It is said that the friendly Indians who were neighbors of the Boggses shared their fate�driven off or massacred. Jonathan Hunlock, from whom the township gets its name, and Edward Blanchard settled prior to 1778 at the mouth of the creek. They were without families and returned to their old homes, about1790. Soon after Fredrick Croop settled near the river and opened the I. Davenport farm. About the same time came John Croop and the numerous family, of Sorbers and settled back of the mountain and up the cree, a mile or more from the mouth, where Hiram Croop�s mills were built. Philip Sorber, son of Jacob, made his improvement a mile still further up the creek. These two families�Sorber and Croops�were mill men and built the sawmills and sawed out much of the lumber, cutting the larger part of their timber in their vicinity. Other German families followed the Sorbers and Croops, coming across from the upper Delaware, as the Millers, Cases, Davenports, Cragles, Deits and Braders. These made good and thrifty citizens�noted for their industry and sobriety. In 1797 Joseph Dodson moved into the settlement, from the adjoining Plymouth settlement. He had married Susanna Benner, daughter of Joshua Bennet. His son Joseph B. Dodson, was born on the old place where he resided all his long life-and aged and respected citizen and the survivor of his family. Samuel Dodson and his brother-in-law Isaac Van Horn were pioneers and good citizens.

A smelting furnace was built in 1857 near the mouth of the creek by William Koons. That once promising industry passed away when the canal came, bringing iron from the iron points. Nothing now marks the place of the old forge. Fredrick Hartman built his flouring mill in 1843, on the creek about three miles up. Ransom Monroe owned and operated it many years. Leonard Ritchie built his saw and feedmill about four miles up the creek in 1850. George Gregory in 1857 bought Pritchard�s mill and rebuilt and enlarged it the next year, with his brother Benjamin Gregory. In 1869 Jacob Rice built his feed and chopping mill about one mile from the mouth of the creek. Ransom Pringle became the leading merchant and for many years carried on his store near the railroad station. Hiram Croop had his store near Croop�s mills, other traders being Darius Whitsell and Alexander Dodson.  Source

From: Historical and biographical annals of Columbia and Montour counties

Joseph B. Dodson, a native of Northampton, Pa., settled in Union township, Luzerne county, where he owned a tract of eight hundred acres. He cleared all this land of the timber, ran a sawmill, and engaged extensively in farming. The old log house in which he had his home is still standing there. He was a man of energy and force of character. In politics he was a Whig. His wife, Susanna (Bennet), was from the Wyoming valley, and their children were as follows: Dr. William B. died in Philadelphia at the great age of ninety-three years; Richard married Rhoda Goss; Dr. Elijah married Rachel Addleman; Jesse S. and Joseph B. are mentioned below; Esther married John Van Horn; Olivia married Elijah Santee; Elizabeth married a Mr. Watson; John married Susanna.

18 Sept 1818 Joseph's land referenced Susquehana Democrat: Orphan's Court Sale to be held October 3rd for the estate of John T. Miller, late of Union Twp., dec'd, containing two tracts of land. 1) bounded by south side of that branch of Hemlock's Creek (called the pond Creek), containing 300 acres and 2) bounded by Ann Bevin, David Lewis, Joseph Dodson  . . .

22 Aug 1828 Estate of Joseph Dodson, late of Union Township, requests payments and demands. Richard & Joseph Dodson, Administrators.

10 Oct 1832 Accounts of Administration filed: Richard Dodson and J. B. Dodson, administrators of Joseph Dodson, late of Union

 Children of Joseph Dodson and Susannah Bennett were:

Richard Dodson, born 22 Feb 1791 in Bucks County, PA; died 26 Jun 1863 in Huntington Mills, Luzerne, PA.

Son:  Obediah S Dodson: farmer, P.O. Hunlock Creek, was born in Union (now Hunlock) township, March 18, 1825. He is a son of Richard and Rhoda (Goss) Dodson, the former born in Bucks county, the latter in Huntington township, this county. Richard was a son of Joseph, who removed from Bucks county to Luzerne about 1797, locating in Union township. He married his wife, Miss Susanna Bennett, in Plymouth. He owned 800 acres of land. He built a sawmill, which he operated for a number of years, and was a practical businessman and a hard working, energetic pioneer. He was a strict churchman, having for a number of years been a member of the M.E. Church. His benevolence was proverbial. He died in 1827, followed by his widow in her eighty-fourth year. They reared a family of ten children; two of whom are now living. His son, Richard Dodson, began life in Union (now Hunlock) township, on a farm of 200 acres, situated about four and one half miles from Hunlock Creek on the turnpike. He was a man of good, sound judgement, a practical farmer, and a loyal citizen, on whom were conferred various township offices, which he filled with credit. Like his father, he was a Methodist of high standing, and a stanch Republican in politics. He died in September 1863. Richard and Rhoda Dodson reared a family of nine children, seven of whom are living. O. S. is the sixth of the family, and was reared and educated in his native town. He has always resided in the townships of Union and Hunlock, on his present farm�forty-three years. He has always followed a farmer's life, and like his father before him, is an adept at the business. In 1844, he married Miss Mary, daughter of George and Anna Cease. To them have been born five children, four of whom are living: Leander, Josiah, Rhoda A. and Addie. Leander is married to Miss A. davenport; Josiah is married to Miss Jennie Shupp; Addie is married to Frank Small and Rhoda married Thomas Major. Mr. Dodson was mustered into the United States service in 1864, as a private in Company E, Two Hundred and Third P.V.I., for the term of one year, participating in several of the leading battles of that year. He was honorably discharged and returned to enjoy his citizenship, he now receives a pension. Mr. Dodson, although much shattered by his army experience, is still young looking. He owns seventy-five acres of valuable land, upon which he carries on general farming. He has a relic of pioneer life yet in his possession, a weaver's loom, made by his grandfather in early life, before sawmills were in that country. It was made entirely of white oak and with an axe. Mr. Dodson and his wife are members of the Baptist Church, in which body he has been deacon for over forty-five years. Politically he is a Republican.

Joshua Dodson, born 12 Apr 1793 in Lucerne, PA; died 1836. He married Mary Covell 1826; died 1830.

Elizabeth Dodson, born Jun 07, 1795. She married Noah Watson Feb 03, 1820; born Dec 27, 1790; died Mar 02, 1863.

Elisha Bennett Dodson, born Jun 06, 1798 in Luzerne Co., PA; died 1860 in Philadelphia, Philadelphia Co., PA. He married Cornelia Cooper Gaskell 1833; born Oct 21, 1804 in Bristol, Bucks Co., PA; died Sep 09, 1865.

William Bennett Dodson, born Dec 18, 1801 in Hunlock Creek, Luzerne Co., PA; died May 11, 1894 in Hunlock Creek, Luzerne Co., PA or Philadelphia, PA.

Temperance Dodson, born 1802. She married Thomas Daniels 1824.

Esther A Dodson, born Aug 13, 1806 in Hunlock Creek, Luzerne Co., PA; died Nov 13, 1885 in St. Clair, Schuylkill Co., PA.

Olivia Dodson, born Jul 15, 1809; died Jan 01, 1842

Joseph Bennett Dodson, born 04 Jun 1804 in Union Twp, Luzerne county, PA; died 07 Nov 1894 in Sangertown, Hunlock Twp, Luzerne County, PA.

Joseph B Dodson, retired, P.O. Hunlock Creek, was born in Union (now Hunlock) township, June 4, 1805, where he was reared and received his education at the common schools. He is a son of Joseph and Susanna (Bennet) Dodson. The former was born in Northampton county, in 1771, the latter in Luzerne county. Joseph Dodson removed to this county about 1797. He was married in Plymouth but located in Union township. He owned about eight hundred acres of land and was extensively engaged in the manufacture of lumber. He was a hardy pioneer and did much for the advancement of agriculture in Luzerne county, in his locality. He was found to be a man who would serve his township well and faithfully, and therefore received many offices. He was a conscientious Christian, and a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. His property, which consisted largely of land, he kept until his death, which occurred in 1827, after which it was divided between his family of ten children, Joseph B. getting a title to one half of it. Joseph Dodson lived to be only fifty-six years of age; his wife died at the age of eighty-four. His father, Richard, was a descendant of English parents, and was an early pioneer in Salem, but was so annoyed by the Indians that he was compelled to go to Northampton to evade their savage attacks. When Richard died his son Joseph was a very small lad, who had to live with strangers and suffer the hardships incident to an orphan's life, but, he survived all hardships and privations, succeeded in accumulating a large tract of land, rearing an interesting family, and handing his name down through the pages of history to a long line of descendants, who shall call his name blessed.

Joseph B. Dodson, the son of Joseph and subject of this sketch always followed agricultural pursuits. He was always a resident of the county and township wherein he was born, and lived on the property on which his father settled until a few years ago, when he removed to Crooptown, in which place he has a neat little home, where he enjoys himself in his old age in reading God's Word and dwelling upon its sacred truths. Mr. Dodson has held several township offices and has a clean record to leave behind to his numerous posterity. He is patriotic and loyal. He sent three sons to the defense of his country's flag, in our "Civil unpleasantness." Mr. Joseph B. Dodson was twice married, first to Miss Martha; daughter of Joseph and Margaret Park, in 1834, by whom he had nine children, seven of whom are living. He remarried, for his second wife, Miss Rebecca, daughter of Frederick and Elizabeth Naugle, to whom were born five children, four of whom are living, making eleven living, out of fourteen births by both wives. He and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

Joseph B. Dodson, son of Joseph B. and Susanna (Bennet) Dodson, was born June 4, 1804, in Union township, Luzerne county, where he had a common school education. He followed agricultural pursuits on his father's property, which was divided, Joseph clearing part of a 160-acre portion. Moving to Hunlock township, Luzerne county, he passed the remainder of his life there, dying in 1893, and was buried at Sangertown, in that township. Originally a Whig in politics, he subsequently became a Republican, and took an active interest in the questions of the day and in local affairs, serving his township as tax collector. He belonged to the Methodist Episcopal Church. A large family was born to his union with Martha Parks, daughter of Joseph and Martha Parks, of Union township, viz.: William married Lucinda Sauber; Alexander married Rachel Davenport; Catherine married Patrick Morton; Chester married Amelia Owen; Charles married Julia Davenport and (second) Emma Roberts; Susanna married Hiram Croop and (second) Harry Grozier; Lafayette married a Miss Winters and Marietta Brown; Mary married Wilson Wolfe; Frederick married Mary; Jonathan married a Mears; Olivia married Joseph Mathers; Franklin died young.

Son:  William H. Dodson, farmer, Muhlenburgh, was born August 12, 1834. He was reared and educated in Union township, and is the eldest child of Joseph B. and Martha (Park) Dodson. William H. Dodson from his earliest days has followed agricultural pursuits. He lived on his father's property until he had reached his twenty-sixth year. May 12, 1859, he married Miss Lucinda, daughter of Anthony and Solmy Sorber, and to this union were born seven children, five of whom are living: Anthony F., James, Mary M., Martha J., and Phillip, all of whom are unmarried. In the following year, on March 6, 1860, he removed to his present place of residence, near Muhlenburgh, consisting of ninety-six acres of land, at that time wild and unreclaimed, but by hard labor and untiring energy, he has succeeded in bringing harmony out of chaos, and he now has a most fertile farm. He is a man of good judgement, pure morals, and strict integrity. When rebellion threatened our country's safety, Mr. Dodson left home and family to offer himself on his country's altar. He was mustered into the United States service as a member of Company B. One Hundred and Ninety-ninth P.V.I., for the term of one year, in which command he did good service. At the close of the war he was honorably discharged, and now enjoys a pension. On his return to citizenship he followed his old vocation of farming. He has been elected to various offices of trust and responsibility in his own township, having served as assessor, supervisor and constable. He and his wife and family are members in good standing in the M.E. Church, in which he is a trustee, Sunday-school superintendent and assistant class-leader.

Jesse Smith Dodson, born Dec 16, 1810 in Union Twp., Luzerne Co., PA; died Jan 02, 1876 in Fairmount, Luzerne Co., PA.

Jesse S. Dodson, born in 1803 in Union township, Luzerne county, obtained his education in the common schools there. He spent all his life farming, on his father's land in that township, where he held a high position among his neighbors. By his marriage to Lucinda Wynings he had a family of nine children: Cordelia, who married Alonzo Adleman; Dr. D. W., who married Annie Vincent; B. F., who married Eva; Anna; Sarah E., who married Clarence Brader (he is buried at Nanticoke); Boyd H.; J. B., who married Lola Hontz (he is buried at Harveyville); Emma, Mrs. Nichols; and A. L., who married Bertha Remaley.

Son:  Boyd H. Dodson was born Sept. 13, 1861, in the vicinity of Fairmount Springs, Luzerne Co., Pa., and was given common school advantages. He has been engaged in the lumber business and contracting throughout his business career, for many years as head of a prosperous concern at Berwick, where he resides. Mr. Dodson has been public-spirited in furthering the development of Berwick since he became a resident of the borough, and his assistance has been recognized and appreciated by his fellow townsmen, who place much importance upon the influence his encouragement has in local affairs. His social connections are with the Freemasons, Royal Arcanum and Knights of Malta at Berwick, and in religion he is associated with the Methodist Episcopal Church. On political questions he is a Republican.  Mr. Dodson married Sarah Hess, daughter of Joseph O. and Helen (Cole) Hess, of Sugarloaf township, Columbia county, and two children have been born to them: Martha E. and Phyllis Olga.