James White Dickerson, son of Joseph, was born July 6, 1841, and died May 30, 1869. He was raised by religious parents and early taken into the house of God. His father's house was a pleasant home for the weary itinerant so that he early became well acquainted with many of our ministers.

When the late war broke out, he rallied with others of his natural brothers to the scene of the conflict. He spent 3 years in the army, being the color bearer of the 98th Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry. He distinguished himself as a brave soldier and was highly esteemed by the members of his company. At the battle of Perrysville, Kentucky, October 8, 1862, he promised the Lord that if he would spare him, his future life would be spent in his service. He went with General Sherman all through his wonderful campaign, had several hair-breath escapes from death, but was permitted to return home in safety. (The 98th 0.V.I. was part of the army of the Cumberland, 2nd Division, Brigadier General Jefferson C. Davis during the Atlanta campaign and The Army of Georgia 14th Court during the Carolina campaign.)

He and his wife united with the M. E. Church last December. He joined from principle, and attended upon the means of grace till the month of May, when he was stricken down by typhoid fever. I went to see him and found him not quite entirely satisfied with the evidence of his acceptance with God. He requested me to sing "Come to Jesus Just Now." While he prayed earnestly, and God was certainly very near to bless, he told me that he believed everything in the Bible and that God would not cast him off.

Some days before he died he obtained pardon, bright and clear. He said that all creation looked new and that he loved everybody. Many visited him during his sickness. The unconverted he warned and entreated, in a most touching manner, to seek Jesus. Fearing some were tinctured with Universalism, he said it might do to live by, but not to die by. As he neared the spirit land he asked his father to sing some of the old-fashioned Methodist hymns he used to hear him sing when he was a boy. His father sang as well as he could under the circumstances, and he shouted for joy. Several times he said he was near and beckoning him away to the heavenly land.

His death was not only peaceful but triumphant. Just before his term of probation expired the Lord received him into full membership in the church triumphant. He was patriotic, industrious, liberal in support of the church, and a kind husband and father. He leaves a wife, one daughter, and many friends to mourn. Maybe they meet him in heaven. - Joseph Gledhill

Ohio, County Death Records
Name: James W. Dickerson
Event Type: Death
Event Date: 30 May 1869
Cause of Death: Fever
Event Place: Athens Township, Harrison, Ohio, United States
Residence Place: Athens Township, Ohio
Gender: Male
Age: 27
Marital Status: Married
Race (Original): White
Occupation: Farmer
Birth Year (Estimated): 1842
Birthplace: Athens Township, Ohio
Reference ID: v 1 p 14 , GS Film Number: 894646 , Digital Folder Number: 004260541 , Image Number: 57
Citing this Record

"Ohio, County Death Records, 1840-2001,"