William Dodson (abt. 1790 - bef. 1850)

Born about 1790 in Kentucky, United States [uncertain]

Husband of Elizabeth Smith — married 15 Apr 1824 in Switzerland County, Indiana, United States

Descendants

Died before 1 Jun 1850 before about age 60 in Switzerland County, Indiana, United States

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Biography

William was born around 1790 in Kentucky. His parents are not presently known.

William and his first wife were among the early settlers of what later became Indiana and likely married around 1812 in Jefferson County in Indiana Territory. They later lived in Switzerland County, which was formed from the eastern portion of Jefferson County in 1814. In Dec 1816, Indiana was admitted as the 19th state of the United States.

William and his first wife had at least 4 children:

• Elizabeth (c1813-1840)
• James (c1814-?)
• Rachel (c1815->1880)
• Peter (c1820-1849)

After his first wife died in the early 1820s, William married Elizabeth (Betsy) Moredock (née Smith) in Apr 1824. She was the widow of Daniel Moredock, and she brought a young son, Ephraim Moredock (c1821-86), to the marriage.

William and Betsy had at least 9 children:

• Isaac J (1824-84)
• Alvin (1827-80)
• Lucinda (1828-1901)
• Unknown son (<1830-?)
• Sarah Ann (1830-1914)
• William S (1832-1917)
• Daniel Boone (1834-1925)
• Erzilla Jane (1837-1915)
• Elizabeth (1840-99)

William likely died in the 1840s in Switzerland County.

Research Notes

Date of birth

In the 1820 US federal census, William's age is indicated to be 26-44 (or born between 1776 and 1795).^[1]. In the 1830 census, he is indicated to be 30-39 years old (born between 1790 and 1800)^[2], while in the 1840 census, he is indicated to be 50-59 years old (born between 1780 and 1790).^[3] Therefore, it seems he was born around 1790.

Place of birth

As William's parents are unknown, it is not certain where he was born. US census records for his children indicate his place of birth as either: Kentucky (12 times) (Rachel - 1880. Isaac - 1880. Alvin - 1880. Sarah - 1880, 1900. William - 1880, 1910. Daniel - 1880, 1910, 1920). Erzilla - 1880, 1900), Virginia (3 times) (Sarah - 1910. William - 1900. Erzilla - 1910) or Tennessee (once) (Daniel - 1900). Therefore, he was likely born in Kentucky or, possibly, Virginia.

Parents

William's parents are not presently confirmed. It is possible that his sister was Rebecca Dodson, who was the mother of Roena Hutchison, the wife of his son Peter.

According to Lilian Hays Oliver, William’s parents were Joshua Dodson and Susannah Hays (the granddaughter of Daniel Boone), who were married in 1801 in St Charles District in what would later be Missouri.^[4] However, as noted above, William was too old to be their son and, in any case, does not appear to have been born in Missouri. Their son appears to have been William A Dodson (1807-87), who was one of the original settlers of Lane County, Oregon.

Sources

1. ↑ 1820 US Federal Census, Jefferson Twp, Switzerland County IN
2. ↑ 1830 US Federal Census, Randolph Twp, Dearborn County IN
3. ↑ 1840 US Federal Census, Dearborn County IN
4. ↑ Lilian Hays Oliver, Some Boone Descendants and Kindred of the St. Charles District (Chedwato Service, 1964), p. 292.

• William Dodson (FamilySearch) (contains links to other sources).

Old Notes

!1850 _Census Switzerland Co. Posey Twsp Edit|Delete Note !1850 _Census Switzerland Co. Posey Twsp.whole family-Isiac J. 25yrs, Alvin 23 yrs.William L.18 yrs. Daniel B .15 yrs. Erzilla J. 11yrs. Elizabeth B. 9yrs. an uncle Josiah 57 yrs.Josiah 16 yrs.Seth A. 23yrs. Aurther 21yrs. George 14yrs. Mary 12yrs. Daniel Boone Dodson 84yrs. 1860- Marr. Records_Switzerland Co. Ind. Pension Record_ (Civil War) _Of Daniel Boone Dodson.!Some info from Dorthy Motley 8708 235th st.Ct E. Graham,Washington 98338On the internet-in the Personal Ancestral File -There are more children 1- Lucinda and 2-Sarah, with Elizabeth Smith -from Missouri Project pafg75Less