William Hudson Dickerson was born Feb 27, 1848, and passed into rest at St. Clairsville Sep 10, 1923. He was the son of Joshua and Nancy Ann Dickerson. He received his education at Franklin College, New Athens: McNeely Normal at Hopedale and Scio College. He was converted in a meeting held at the Dickerson Church near Cadiz in 1868 and united with that church July 4 of the same year. He's been eight years teaching county schools and as principal and superintendent of high schools.

Dr. Dickerson was twice married. His first wife was Miss Lizzie Hollingshead, daughter of the late Rev. Dr. J.H. Hollingshead, Nov 24, 1881. To this union were born: Howard Dickerson of Williamson; W. Walter of New York City, William Kramer, deceased; Clara of Silver City, New Mexico, and Mary, wife of the Rev. Clifford Bingham of Springfield. He is also survived by 5 sisters: Mrs. Hinkle of Ness City, Kansas; Mrs. R.B. Green of Cadiz; Miss Jessie V. Dickerson of Cleveland; Mrs. Ray Horstman of Bridgeville, PA, and Mrs Sarah Kettlewell of Glencoe. His first wife died Jan 26, 1896, and he was married again May 1899 to Miss Nannie Lee Smith of New Philadelphia, who survives.

William Dickerson was of a Methodist family. His great-grandfather Thomas Dickerson settled near what is now Cadiz, Ohio, in 1801, and organized the Dickerson Chapel in 1802. He also organized churches in Cadiz, Hines (now Asbury chapter) and other churches nearby. His grandfather Joseph Dickerson made the motion in a quarterly conference when Matthew Simpson, (afterwards Bishop), was licensed to preach. And Joseph Dickerson, by the way, got his motion passed notwithstanding objections by other members, that Simpson did not possess qualities necessary for a successful preacher.

For nearly 3 years he was a great sufferer, but he was patient and kindly, and it was evident to all that the gospel he preached to others sustained him in his afflictions while he looked forward to release of this early tabernacle. He believed with Dr. William V. Kelly, who said, "I look forward to an hour of liberation which will repeal the flash and cancel the cloud. I believe Earth's roof is Heaven's floor and someday I shall break jail by way of the skylight." This was William Dickerson's faith throughout his sickness. The burial will be in the Dickerson Cemetery near Cadiz.
Contributor: Reg (48324227)