Samuel McCreary Dickerson, youngest and last survivor of the 12 children of Joseph and Mary Jones Dickerson, was born Apr 13, 1849, and died Sep 23, 1925, probably within 15 feet of the spot where he first saw the light.

When about 10 years of age, he united with the Dickerson Church under the ministry of Rev D.P. Mitchell, a noted antislavery man.

In Oct 1862, he enlisted and served 10 months in the 43rd Ohio Volunteer Infantry, chiefly in Tennessee, but he made a steamboat trip to Vicksburg as a guard on a steamboat carrying munitions to those engaged in the siege. In the fall of 1864, he enlisted in the 180 O.V.I. and served until they were mustered out after the war. (the 180 O.V.I. served in the Carolina campaign as part of the army of Ohio – Maj Gen John N. Schofield - 23rd Army Corps, Maj Gen Jacob D. Cox – 1st Division; Brig Gen Thomas H. Ruger - 1st Brigrade; Col Isaac H Stiles – 180th O.V.I., Col Willard Parker. The army of Ohio occupied the center of General Sherman's troops in the march from Savannah Georgia, through the Carolinas north to the time of Gen Johnston's final surrender of the Confederate forces.)

On March 8, 1870, he married Mary Ellen Holmes, who with their 3 children, Lucy, Oliver, and Gertrude, 10 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren survive him. He was for many years an officeholder in Dickerson Church and for more than 50 years a teacher in the Sunday School. He was a member of the J.S. McCready Post Grand Army of the Republic. He had a wide circle of friends whom he greatly enjoyed. The funeral was held at the Dickerson Church, Friday afternoon, conducted by his pastor Rev E.R. Reed, assisted by Drs Gilmore and Lippincott. The services were largely attended and his remains were laid to rest in the church yard burial grounds.
Contributor: Reg (48324227)