Springfield-Greene
County LibraryJ. C. DODSON has been a resident of Greene County, Mo., for forty-three years, coming to this State from Hawkins County, Tenn., where his birth occurred April 14, 1849, and as a public spirited citizen is held in high respect by all who know him. He is a son of Thomas R. and Minerva E. (Price) Dodson, both natives of Tennessee, where the Dodson family was well known, being among the pioneer families of that State. (See sketch.) Our subject was but five months old when his parents came to Greene County, Mo., and as a consequence all his recollections are of this State. He attended the early schools of his township, but only a few months, and is mainly self-educated. Until the breaking out of the Civil War he remained with his parents, and during that exciting period served as substitute for his father in the State militia. After the war he branched out for himself and after engaging in different occupations, was, in 1874, appointed deputy sheriff by A. J. Potter, the sheriff of Greene County, serving in that capacity for two years. After that he was appointed United States deputy collector, hold that position for a short time, and in 1878 engaged in agricultural pursuits, continuing the same up to 1881. From that year up to 1884 he worked at carpentering in Springfield, and was then appointed policeman of Springfield, holding that position one year. In 1886 he was elected sheriff of Greene County on the Republican ticket, and so efficiently and satisfactorily did he discharge the duties of that position, that he was re-elected in 1888, thus serving four years. In 1890 he engaged in the grocery business in Springfield, but later sold out, and accepted a position with the Parce Buggy & Implement Co. He has held other positions, and on the 1st of February, 1893, he engaged in the livery business with Mark Gault, the stables being located on West Walnut Street, Nos. 307, 309, and 311. He is a young man of more than ordinary business ability, and has shown himself to be worthy of all honor. Politically he is a strong Republican, is in every sense of the word public spirited, and is one who would be considered an acquisition to any locality in which he might locate. He has been prominent in most of the county conventions and takes a deep interest in all worthy movements. Socially he is a member of the K. of H. In the year 1878 he was married to Miss Maude E. Mack, a native of Greene County, Mo., and the daughter of W. L. and Arminta (Dew) Mack, natives of Tennessee. Mr. and Mrs. Mack came to Greene County before the war but did not take up their residence in Springfield until 1889. Mr. Mack is now probate clerk of Greene County. Mr. and Mrs. Dodson are the parents of six children, five now living: William T. L., Ethel A., who died when eighteen months old, Harry S., Maple A., Maude L., and Marcus E. Mr. Dodson and family attend the Methodist Episcopal Church. Our subject is well known throughout the county, and is respected by all parties.
[267-268]
A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | J | K | L | M | N | O | P | Q | R | S | T | V | W | Y
Pictorial and Genealogical Home | Keyword Search
Greene County History Home | Local History Home