text:
and his Descendants
James M. Dotson
Barr Wilson
Published by James M. Dotson, 306 Bonanza Way,
Danville, California 94526
The Authors, Barr Wilson and James M. Dotson
How this Book Came to be Written and Published
In 1985, I became interested in genealogy and started tracing my Dotson ancestral
line. This research led back to my native Ritchie County, West Virginia and the
adjoining counties of Doddridge, Tyler and Wood. It also led to a correspondence with
Barr Wilson who had lived all of his life at Toll Gate, Ritchie County, and who had
published a book on his Wilson ancestors and associated familes; one of these associated
families was "Dotson". Subsequently, in corroberation with Bertha Dotson Sellers,
he wrote a separate Dotson family history Richard Dotson (1752-1847) which is the
precursor of this book. His typed manuscript, completed in 1983, was distributed to the
local libraries in the Ritchie-Doddridge County area, and generously loaned for
copying to interested descendants of Richard Dotson such as myself. This family
history was the first to recognize Richard Dotson as the sole progenitor of all the
Dotsons living in the Ritchie-Doddridge area in the early 19th century. Much of the
information in this family history came from his own personal knowledge of Dotson
descendants still living in the Ritchie-Doddridge area, plus contributions from individual
families; additional information was derived from local county public records—
marriages, deeds, court records— plus census data up through 1850. Most of the
information (and some misinformation) about Richard Dotson's ancestors came from a
Mrs. Hazel Seevers Beck, a descendant of Richard Dotson, who had sent it to Bertha
Dotson Sellers.
In 1988, I agreed with Barr to research, and publish as co-author, a major revision
to this family history. My principal contributions were to include (a) additional family
information uncovered during my search of land records for the book Dotson Land
Grants (1804-1865) published by me in 1988, (b) later census information, that is, post
1850; and (c) the results of research at many genealogical libraries, looking for Richard
Dotson's parents and ancestors.
The result is this book containing 346 pages of text divided into eighteen chapters,
the last fourteen of which are devoted to each of Richard Dotson's known children.
The book also includes five appendices, and an 'every name' index to the chaptered
text; this index contains some 7000 name entries, with about 25% being Dotson.
In addition to his 1983 Richard Dotson (1752-1847) providing the nucleus of this
publication, Barr has continued to contribute his more recently acquired information;
he has also reviewed the draft of each chapter going into this revised edition.
While the resulting book represents a major increase in the published information
about Richard Dotson and his descendants, it is by no means the final word. It should
be considered a progress report representing the current status of knowleldge about
Richard Dotson, his descendants, and his ancestors. Hopefully it will provide the
background and motivation for some of his descendants to continue research in these
areas, particularly that of his ancestors. Our goal of finding Richard's parents was not
achieved; however, some promising leads are contained in the first chapter.
Many sources of information were used in the preparation of this book and
gratefully acknowledged. Library sources included the family history libraries of the
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in Oakland, California, and Salt Lake City,
Utah; Sutro Library in San Francisco, Californa; the West Virginia Archives and
History Library, Cultural Center, Charleston; the Virginia State Library and Archives,
Richmond, Virginia; the DAR (Daughters of the American Revolution) Library in
Washington, DC. Public record type information was obtained at the County Clerk
offices of Doddridge County at West Union, and Ritchie County at Harrisville, West
Virginia; Frederick County at Winchester, and Shenandoah County at Woodstock,
Virginia; Federal Population Census information was copied at the National Archives,
San Bruno, California.
Several Dotson descendants have contributed valuable information on their own
family lines, and have reviewed drafts of their respectives sections in the book; these
sections, to which they have contributed, are identified in the text; Helen L. Simmons,
Margaret Buoncristiana, Viola Wadsworth, Emolene and Armour Lynch, Art Dotson,
Ruth Allen Stanley, and Linda Worden.
Publication of this book would not have been possible without the help and
support of my wife Irma McGinnis Dotson, who got me interested in genealogy in the
first place. Her contributions to the research for, and editing of this book, are gratefully
How This Book was Prepared for Publication
"Desk-top publishing " is a recent term applied to a technique for the preparation
of "camera-ready" material on a computer using the proper word-processing and page
lay-out software. This book is an example, in which the author prepared the text, and
type-set the master pages on a Macintosh computer. Printing of the "camera-ready"
text and photographs using an off-set method, and binding, were done by a commercial
James M. Dotson
August 30, 1992
Preface v
Contents vii
Introduction xi
Chapter I Early Pioneer Dotsons 1
Chapter II Revolutionary War Service 9
Chapter III Post Revolutionary War Period 17
Chapter IV Later Years in Western Virginia (1800 - 1847) 19
Chapter V William Dotson, Sr. 27
V-1 Emanuel Dotson 29
V-2 John Dotson 51
V-3 Nancy Dotson 59
V-4 Mary Ann Dotson 59
V-5 Elizabeth Dotson 60
V-6 Henry Dotson 64
V-7 Charlotte Dotson 65
V-8 Margaret Dotson 67
V-9 William Buskirk Dotson 71
V-10 Solomon "Sol" Dotson 83
V-11 Eliza Margaret Dotson 86
V-12 Cynthia Dotson 89
V-13 Squire Dotson 90
V-14 Mary Jane Dotson 91
Chapter VI Nancy Dotson 97
Chapter VII Emanuel Dotson, Sr. 99
VII-1 Girl Dotson (1) 104
VII-2 Girl Dotson (2) 104
VII-3 William L. Dotson 104
VII-4 Frances Dotson 106
VII-5 Benjamin Dotson 107
VII-6 Mary Dotson 126
VII-7 Girl Dotson (probably Elizabeth) 128
VII-8 John S. Dotson 128
VII-9 Robert Dotson 133
VII-10 Thomas Dotson, Jr. 155
VII-11 Joseph Dotson 156
Chapter VIII Richard Dotson, Jr. 161
VIII-1 Melissa Dotson 162
VIII-2 William White Dotson 165
VIII-3 Anna Dotson 174
VIII-4 Luthur Dotson 175
VIII-5 John Calvin Dotson 180
VIII-6 Deliah Dotson 186
VIII-7 Drucilla Dotson 186
VIII-8 Malvina Dotson 186
VIII-9 Francis Marion Dotson 186
Chapter IX Elisha Dotson 191
IX-1 Richard W. Dotson 194
IX-2 Jackson Dotson 196
IX-3 Mary Dotson 196
IX-4 Zachariah Dotson 197
IX-5 Hiram Dotson 197
IX-6 Mahala Dotson 204
IX-7 Albert Dotson 205
IX-8 Clarinda Dotson 206
IX-9 Elisha Dotson 206
IX-10 Irvin Dotson 207
IX-11 Daniel Dotson 207
IX-12 Warner W. Dotson 208
IX-13 Robert Dotson 208
Chapter X Joseph Dotson 211
X-I Emily Jane Dotson 213
X-2 Michael Carey Dotson 219
X-3 Owen M. Dotson 220
X-4 Evaline Dotson 221
X-5 Mary Elizabeth Dotson 221
X-6 Samuel Scott Dotson 222
X-7 Margaret Dotson 223
X-8 Lucinda Dotson 223
X-9 Joseph Dotson 224
Chapter XI James Dotson 225
XI-1 Malinda Dotson 227
XI-2 Deborah Dotson 228
XI-3 Mathias Dotson 228
XI-4 Temperence Dotson 237
XI-5 Asbury Dotson 237
XI-6 Phebe Dotson 238
XI-7 James Dotson, Jr. 238
XI-8 Benjamin Dotson 241
Chapter XII Zachariah Dotson 243
XII-1 Uriah Dotson 248
XII-2 Male Dotson 250
XII-3 Charles Dotson 250
XII-4 Alfred Dotson 251
XII-5 William Dotson 254
XII-6 Mary Ann Dotson 258
XII-7 Louisa Dotson 259
XII-8 James Garrison Dotson 260
XII-9 Emsy Dotson 261
Chapter XIII Margaret Dotson 263
Chapter XIV Thomas Dotson 265
XIV-1 Martha Dotson 272
XIV-2 Malvina Dotson 272
XIV-3 Perry Dotson 273
XIV-4 Lemmon Dotson 278
XIV-5 Ellis Dotson 281
XIV-6 Mary E. Dotson 288
XIV-7 Marshall Dotson 288
XIV-8 Elza Dotson 289
XIV-9 Clarissa Dotson 289
XIV-10 Cyrus Dotson 293
XIV-11 Aaron Jason Dotson 304
XIV-12 Lawson Dotson 322
Chapter XV Ruth Dotson 325
XV-1 Lorenzo Dow Cain 326
XV-2 Zachariah Cain 328
XV-3 "Polly" Cain 329
XV-4 Amelia Cain 329
XV-5 Silas Cain 330
XV-6 James Cain 330
XV-7 Stacy Cain 331
Chapter XVI Michael Dotson 333
XVI-1 Sylvanus Dotson 334
XVI-2 Emily Jane Dotson 334
XVI-3 Arieus Dotson 335
XVI-4 Francis Jerleen Dotson 339
Chapter XVII Naomi Dotson 341
XVII-1 Henry Williams 342
XVII-2 Marion Williams 342
XVII-3 Angeline Williams 342
XVII-4 Eleazar Williams 342
XVII-5 Sophia Williams 343
XVII-6 Jasper Williams 343
XVII-7 Richard Williams 343
XVII-8 Maria Williams 343
XVII-9 Elizabeth V. Williams 343
XVII-10 Florence O. Williams 343
Chapter XVIII Lydia Dotson 345
XVIII-1 George Childers 345
XVIII-2 Jerome Childers 345
XVIII-3 Manerva Childers 345
XVIII-4 Amos Childers 346
XVIII-5 Elisha Childers 346
XVIII-6 Ella Childers 346
Appendix 347
A Myths, Legends Concerning Richard Dotson's Ancestors 349
B Documentation for Chapter 1 (Early Pioneer Dotsons) 355
C Henry Franks 361
D Unplaced Dotsons 369
E Census Information 373
Index 377
Introductory Narrative of Richard Dotson's Life, 1752-1847
Richard Dotson was born in Frederick County, Virginia, 1752. As a young man he
moved to the southwestern part of Pennsylvania, then under Virginia's control, where
he lived as a frontiersman until the end of the Revolutionary War. While there, he
served in the 1774 Lord Dunmore campaign against the Indians, down the Ohio River
and on to Fort Charlotte at present day Chillicothe, Ohio; while on this campaign he
was undoubtedly introduced to the western section of Virginia where he later settled.
He served during the Revolutionary War as a soldier defending the forts in the southwestern
Pennsylvania area. Some of his older children, whose mother was Mary, were
slaughtered by the Indians; their son William survived. By the conclusion of the war,
Virginia had given up to Pennsylvania, her claim to the disputed territory southwest of
Pittsburgh to conform with an extended Mason-Dixon line. At this time Richard
removed back to Frederick County. The next several years were spent in Shenandoah,
Loudoun, and Hampshire Counties, Virginia; he may have resided for a short time in
the state of Maryland. His first wife Mary had died and he remarried a Mildred (Millie)
Miller. Richard and his oldest son William were each enumerated as "head-of-household"
during the years 1798-1799 in Hampshire County, Virginia.
Shortly after 1800, Richard brought his family to the Greenwood Area of present
day Doddridge County, WV, where he built his cabin on a six hundred tract of land
granted to him as assignee of a Isaac Pryon. His two older sons William and Emanuel
were each given part of this tract where they established households of their own. As
shown in the1810 Federal Population Census, all three Dotsons (Richard, William and
Emanuel) were enumerated separately as "head-of-household", in what was then Wood
County. Shortly after 1810, Richard's second wife Millie died. He then married Naomi
Villers Gregg, a widow of George Gregg who had built a mill at the JUG on Middle
Island Creek near Middlebourne.
About 1820, Richard moved to Tyler County, where he acquired land by deed and
grant in the Hugle Run area; this location was only a few miles northeast "across the
ridge" into what was then Tyler County (now Doddridge). Richard's wife Naomi died
ca. 1826-27. His son William remained in the Greenwood area; Emanuel moved to an
area of Arnold Creek then in Harrison County.
By 1830 Richard, who was getting up in years by then and again a widower, had
moved in with one or another of his younger sons (Joseph in Tyler or Elisha in Wood
County), with whom he was shown residing in the 1830 census. The 1840 census
showed him by name, as a Revolutionary War pensioner residing with his son James in
Tyler County. The younger sons with whom Richard was associated in his land
dealings after 1820 included Zachariah, Elisha, James, Joseph, Thomas, and Richard,
Richard died in 1847 and is buried in a marked grave in the Arnold Creek Cemetery
in Doddridge County.
Chapter I
Early Pioneer Dotsons
It is not known who the parents of Richard Dotson were or from where they came.
Many stories and myths have been proposed, have appeared in print, quoted and
requoted, and have therefore been given unwarranted credence by some. It is the author's
conclusion that none have been adequately substantiated and that one account is actually
fraudulent.1 In order to avoid further confusion to the reader, and perpetuation of
misleading information, these myths will not be repeated here, but relegated to the
appendix (App. A). For those wishing to review them further, the following additional
2, 3
references are given.
The earliest documented record of Richard Dotson's birth appears in his application
filed in 1833 for a Revolutionary War Pension; a transcript of this, and associated
documents, is included in a subsequent chapter. It is from this record that we must develop
clues as to his parentage. This information includes the following: that (1) he was born in
Frederick Co. Va. (the part now Shenandoah Co.) on October 23, 1752 and continued to
reside there until he was about 20 years of age; (2) he then removed to (present day) Greene
County, State of Pennsylvania, that in the year 1774 he served a tour of duty under Lord
Dunmore against the western Indians; he returned to his place of residence in the State of
Pennsylvania where he continued to live until after the close of the Revolutionary war; (3)
after the close of the Revolution he returned to Shenandoah County, Virginia; after
remaining there a few years (the precise number he cannot recollect) (4) he removed to
Landon (Loudoun) County, Virginia and continued there about two years, from Landon
(Loudoun) he removed to Hampshire Co., Va., where he lived about six years from thence
he removed to Wood Co., Va.
From this, it is apparent that a record of his parentage, if such exists, should be found
in Frederick or Shenandoah Co. Va. (Shenandoah was formed from the southern portion
of Frederick in 1772, first named Dunmore, then name changed to Shenandoah in 1778);
however, a search of the marriage records and wills in the Virginia State Library revealed
nothing about Richard. Nor was any other information found that led to the positive
identification of his parents. Richard's name, as well as the names of several other Dotson
or Dodsons were found in tax and land records of these two counties during the 1750-1800
time period, some of whom were undoubtedly related to Richard. A summary and
discussion of this information is included here in the hope that, with further research, it may
help lead to the identification or Richard's parentage.
The earliest record of Richard was found in the personal property tax records of
Shenandoah County for 1784, 1785 and 1786; other Dotson or Dodsons appearing with
him during these years were Thomas, Thomas Jr., Samuel, William and Peter. A copy of
these personal property tax lists for Dotson or Dodsons in Shenandoah County for the
years 1782-1793 are shown in tabular form later in the chapter.
The following is a list of the Dotsons or Dodsons living in Shenandoah County who,
by virtue of age or other circumstance, could have been Richard's father: (references are
(1) John Dodson
(2) Peter Dodson
(3) Charles Dodson
(4) Samuel Dodson
(5) William Dodson
(6) David Dodson
(7) Thomas Dotson, Sr.
The pertinent available information concerning each of them, with discussion, is
summarized below:
(1) John Dodson
1754: 11 Nov. John Dodson of Augusta Co. granted 260 A. in said county; where
he lives on Mill Creek; adj. Mary Allen, Joseph Donhem (Donovon) (Note: this land in
present day Shenandoah Co. formerly Frederick and Augusta Counties.)4
1756: 30 Sept. John Dodson of Augusta Co. granted 400 A. in said County including
where he lives west side of Stoney Creek. (Surveyor Mr. Robt Rutherford)5 ( For the
location of Stoney Creek see map at end of chapter.)
1782-83: on Personal Property tax lists Shenandoah Co.
1784: Will book B, p.107, rec. Aug 1784; property left to wife Elizabeth, son Peter,
son Charles, daughter Elizabeth, and daughter Ann; did not name Richard as heir.
In his book The Dodson (Dotson) Family of North Farnham Parish, Richmond
County, Virginia; A History and Genealogy of Their Descendants6, Rev. Lucas states that
John was born (of Charles Dodson, Sr.) around the early 1700's in Richmond County
Virginia; married Elizabeth Goad about 1724 and died Shenandoah VA in 1784. Lucas
lists John's children as; Martha Ann (m. Callendar) b. 7 Nov 1725; Charles b. 28 Aug 1726,
Moses b. 12 Jan 1729; John, Jr. b. 12 Aug 1731 died young; Peter b. 22 May 1735;
Elizabeth (m. Kyle) b.d.? baptized Augusta Co. Va. 1741.
As noted above he left his property to wife Elizabeth, son Peter, son Charles, daughter
Elizabeth, and daughter Ann; but did not name Richard as his heir. But John had at least
one other son (Moses) whom he left out of his will for reasons unknown (maybe deceased).
Therefore one cannot absolutely eliminate John as a possible father of Richard on the basis
of omission in his will.
Pertinent information of John's sons Peter and Charles is summarized below. While
by virtue of their ages, John and his sons Peter and Charles all could possibly have been
Richard's father, none appears likely to have been, since Richard was not included in any
of their wills.
(2) Peter Dodson
1735: 22 May, born, son of John and Elizabeth Dodson7
1783-1793: on personal property tax lists Shenandoah Co.
1800: will proved; did not name Richard as heir
Lucas lists Peter Dodson's children, named in his will, as8: William b. late 1760's or
early 1770's; Easter (Ester) b. ca 1770's m. Kyle; Joseph b. ca 1780's; Jacob b. d. ?; Ruth
b. d. ?, m. Rodeheffer; Dorcas b.d. ?; and Martha b.d. ?, m. Ludwick.
Lucas comments that Peter, born in 1735, had minor children in 1800; may be an
indication that he was married twice and could have had older children by an earlier
marriage who were not named in his will; or that he simply married late in life. Any reader
interested in this family (John, or his sons Peter and Charles) is referred to Rev. Lucas'
excellent book for much additional information contained therein.
(3) Charles Dodson
b. 28 Aug 1726, d.1797 in Greene Co., TN; son of John Dodson (above)9, Richmond
Co. VA.; at age eleven, ordered by church wardens bound out with brother Moses, reasons
unknown; was married to a Mary ———; living on Staunton River* in 1751-52 when his
son John was born (John Dodson, Rev. War pension claim S 2518); in 1779, Charles was
left 5 pds in his father John's will and debarred from holding or possessing any of his
father's land forever.
Charles Dodson's children were: Elizabeth m. Ryan; John b. ca 1751/52 Staunton
River in VA (Rev. Pension Appl. S2518); Jemima; Edmund b. ca 1750/60 (second son);
Martha m. Roberts; Moses b. ca. 1764 d. ca. 1842; Sarah m. Kyle; Charles; Rebecca m.
Mooney; and Catherine m. Hice (Hise). Note a James Hice was mentioned as being
adjacent to a tract conveyed from an Elizabeth Dotson widow of James Dotson, dec'd. in
a Washington (Greene) Co. Tenn. deed in 1848.10 Most of the children of Charles Dodson
used the surname spelling "Dotson".
Another mention of the name Staunton River is made in Lucas's chapter under his
John Dodson #36 (Lambeth-7, Chas-1)(Vol. 1, p. 28) where in 1782 a John Dotson signed
a petition of inhabitants of Bedford Co., VA residing on the south side of Staunton River,
seeking a new County Franklin to be created from the southern part of Bedford and the
northern part of Henry counties.
*Two rivers by this name have been located in the state of Virginia:
(a) Portions of the Roanoke River are known as the Staunton River. This major river
in the southwestern part of Virginia rises in the vicinity of the city of Roanoke, flows
southeastward bordering the Virginia counties of Pittsylvania, Bedford, Franklin, Campbell,
Charlotte and Halifax, through Mecklenburg County and on into the state of North
Carolina; it empties into Albemarle Sound near Elizabeth City, NC. This river is dammed
in several places.
(b) A small river in Madison County is also called Staunton River. Rising on the
eastern slope of the Blue Ridge Mountain, it empties into the Rapidan River near Graves
Mill and the Rapidan into the Rappahannock near Frederiksburg. This Staunton River is
shown on the US Geological Survey topographical map, Madison VA quadrangle, at
coordinates of 38o26' N.-78o22'30"W.; it is about 50 miles southeast of Shenandoah
County, separated by Page County.
(4) Samuel Dodson (Dotson)
1782-86: on personal property tax lists of Shenandoah Co. - one white male over
21, plus livestock (see table below)
In Wayland's A History of Shenandoah Co. 2nd ed. 1980 p. 220, a Samuel Dodson
is shown for the the year 1785 "list of Edwin Young , east side of Massanutten (Mtn.),
Luray, 3 whites, 1 black." (This area on the south fork of the Shenandoah river is in present-
day Page County; Page was formed in 1831 from parts of Shenandoah and Rockingham
counties). This Samuel Dodson is obviously not the same Samuel Dotson enumerated in
the same year on the personal property tax lists of Shenandoah County as shown below.
No other positive information is available for identification of either of these Samuels.
A Samuel Dodson appeared in the deed books of Spotsylvania Co. relative to the
estate of James Brock and wife Mary Beverley, 23 Dec 1762 noted by Lucas from Frank
D. Fuller Notes11; however no connection was made to the Samuel appearing on the
Shenandoah personal property tax lists 1782-86 above.
In the discussion of a Samuel Dodson (son of Fortunatus), Rev. Lucas states that the
whereabouts of that Samuel after the period 1753 are not known; but could that Samuel (son
of Fortunatus) have been the Samuel Dodson appearing on the personal property tax lists
of Shenandoah Co. for the years 1782-1786? Samuel (son of Fortunatus) was the nephew
of John and Elizabeth Goad Dodson, discussed above, who were residing in Shenandoah
County at that time (John died in 1784)12
(5) William Dotson
1748: a tax delinquent in Augusta Co.13
1754: chain carrier, survey on fork of Shanandoah (sic) R. Frederick Co.14
1755: French and Indian War service- Frederick Co., 24 years of age.15
1781: March court - Shenandoah Co.16
1783: August court - Shenandoah Co.17
1782-1783: personal property tax list - Shenandoah Co.
It is evident that this William Dotson b. 1731, is much too old to be the son of Peter
Dodson. A search was made of the Lucas book index (Vol. II) for a William Dotson fitting
the description of the William b. 1731; the result was unsuccessful in finding any likely
matches. However the following are possible, should he have moved from Shenandoah
County subsequent to 1784: p.1306, William Dodson, May 1791 will, Granville Co. NC,
wife Frances sons William and Charles, daughter Holley; p. 1429 William Dotson
Pittsylvania Co tax list 1787 and Wm. Dodson 1784-1786, 1789-1799
(6) David Dodson (Dotson)
1794: on Shenandoah county personal property tax list (1 white tithe)18
1798: his daughter Mary married Thos. Case19 (Cave)20
No additional information. While possible, unlikely to be Richard's father.
Rev. Lucas 21 identifies a David Dodson, son of George and Margaret Dagord Dodson,
born probably after 1740; on 16 Aug 1794 this David and wife Elizabeth, sold 220 acres
in Pittsylvania Co. Lucas speculates that then they may have gone for a while to Tennessee,
later Kentucky. But might they have gone instead to Shenandoah Co. and appeared on the
personal property tax list there in 1794? However, on 16 April 1798 a David Dodson sold
a tract of land in Pittsylvania Co. VA to a Raleigh Dodson, Jr. 22 and a David Dodson and
David Dodson, Jr. both appear on the Pittsylvania county personal property tax lists as late
as 179923-(See Thos. Dotson, Sr. below, another son of George and Margaret Dagord
(7) Thomas Dotson, Sr.
1750: Aug. 28; added to list of tithables, Augusta Co. VA24
1783-1790: personal property tax list- Shenandoah Co. listed each year with Thomas
Dotson, Jr.
1791-1792: personal property tax list- Shenandoah Co.-only one Thomas Dotson
listed; in 1792 levy-free (indicating advancing age)
Rev. Lucas25 shows a Thomas Dodson #70, b. 25 May 1735, Richmond Co., VA
(North Farnham Parish Register) son of George and Margaret Dagord Dodson. Neither
their place of residence after leaving Richmond Co., VA, nor date of death have been
proven. This Thomas has not been further identified; it is therefore possible that he may
be the Thos. Sr. shown above. There were many confusing Thomas Dodsons; Corbari
shows a Thomas Dodson (relationship and geographical location unknown) as having
departed this life Nov. 21, 174026
(7a) Thomas Dotson, Jr.
While not of an age suitable to be Richard's father, he may be a relative (cousin or
brother); he is presumably the son of Thomas, Sr. above.
1748: birthyear from pension appl.1818 age 70
1783-1790: on personal property tax list with Thos. Sr.
1788: Thomas Jr. married to Catherine Gunner27
1790: Thos. Jr and Catherine his wife, two deeds, Powells Fort Passage Creek,
Shenandoah Co.(see map at end of chapter)
1795: deed in Shenandoah Co.
1804: daughter Esther m. Andrew Barnside28
1807: daughter Polly m. to H. Knicely29
1810: census Shenandoah Co. (males; 1 <10, 2 10-16, 1 16-26, 1 >45; females;
1 10-16, 1 16-26, 1 > 45)
1820: census Woodstock Shenandoah Co. (males; 1 >45; females:1 <10, 2 2645)
1820: Rev. War pensioner, Appl. No. S39459 granted pension on application
executed 25 May 1818, age 70, while living in Shenandoah Co. VA, died 10 Apr 1835.30
Two other Dodsons who served in the Rev. War from Shenandoah Co. and who might
be a relative of Richard Dotson (most likely, by virtue of age, a cousin or brother) are31:
(1) John Dodson Claim S2518, b. 1751-52 in Va. near Staunton R.; afterwards father
(Charles) moved into County of Shenandoah; entered service 1 July 1775; filed pension
application 29 Nov 1820 Hawkins Co. Tenn.
(2)William Dodson S30994, b. Mar 29 1758 Shenandoah Co. Va, and while residing
there enlisted 1776; allowed pension on application executed while resident of Nelson Co.
In conclusion to the discussion of this chapter on pioneer Dotsons, it is apparent that
no real evidence has been found that links Richard to any of the preceding six possible
Dotson or Dodsons; hopefully, however, some of the information presented here may be
useful in further research toward this end.
Notes: Chapter 1
1 The Rev. Silas Emmett Lucas, Jr. and Mrs Sherman Williams, The Dodson (Dotson)
Family of North Farnham Parish, Richmond County, Virginia: A History and Genealogy of
Their Descendants, Vol. II ( P. O. Box 738 Easley, South Carolina 29641-0738: Southern
Historical Press, Inc., 1989), p. 1176-1177.
2 Bertha Dotson Sellers, The Dotson Family. Section 1, The Ancestry of Richard Dotson
according to genealogical records. (Unpublished 1974 [Source Hazel Seevers, Kansas City,
Kansas] typewritten copy placed with Ritchie Co. Historical Society, Harrisville, WV), p. 1.
3 Barr Wilson, Richard Dotson 1752-1847 (Unpublished 1983; typewritten copies placed
with Ritchie County Historical Society, Ritchie County Library and Doddridge County Library),
p. 1-3.4Gertrude E. Gray, compiler, Virginia Northern Neck Land Grants, (Baltimore Maryland
;Genealogical Publishing Co. 1988)
5 Gray, Ibid.
6 The Rev. Silas Emmett Lucas, Jr. and Mrs Sherman Williams, The Dodson (Dotson)
Family of North Farnham Parish, Richmond County, Virginia: A History and Genealogy of
Their Descendants, Vol. I (P. O. Box 738 Easley, South Carolina 29641-0738: Southern
Historical Press, Inc. 1989), p. 6-8.
7 Shirley Kirkland Guio Corbari, The Guio-Dodson Family (Los Gatos CA: Printed by
Vasona Copy Center 1985; copy in Virginia State Library, Richmond VA), p. 43.
8 The Rev. Silas Emmett Lucas, Jr. and Mrs Sherman Williams, The Dodson (Dotson)
Family of North Farnham Parish, Richmond County, Virginia: A History and Genealogy of
Their Descendants, Vol. I (P. O. Box 738 Easley, South Carolina 29641-0738: Southern
Historical Press, Inc. 1989), p. 25-26.
9Ibid., p. 23.
10 The Rev. Silas Emmett Lucas, Jr. and Mrs Sherman Williams, The Dodson (Dotson)
Family of North Farnham Parish, Richmond County, Virginia: A History and Genealogy of
Their Descendants, Vol. II ( P. O. Box 738 Easley, South Carolina 29641-0738: Southern
Historical Press, Inc., 1989), p. 1344.
11Ibid., p. 1449.
12 The Rev. Silas Emmett Lucas, Jr. and Mrs Sherman Williams, The Dodson (Dotson)
Family of North Farnham Parish, Richmond County, Virginia: A History and Genealogy of
Their Descendants, Vol. I (P. O. Box 738 Easley, South Carolina 29641-0738: Southern
Historical Press, Inc. 1989), p. 33.
13 Lyman Chalkley, Chronicles of the Scotch-Irish Settlement in Virginia extracted
from...Court Records of Augusta County, 1745-1800, Vol. 2, 1912 (1980), p. 414.
14 Joyner, Northern Neck Warrants and Surveys 1747-1780 Vol. II (1985)
15 Bockstruck p. 15, 53.
16 Shenandoah Co. Order Book 1781-84, p. 14.
17 Shenandoah Co. Order Book 1781-84, p. 219.
18 The Rev. Silas Emmett Lucas, Jr. and Mrs Sherman Williams, The Dodson (Dotson)
Family of North Farnham Parish, Richmond County, Virginia: A History and Genealogy of
Their Descendants, Vol. II ( P. O. Box 738 Easley, South Carolina 29641-0738: Southern
Historical Press, Inc., 1989), p. 1448.
19 Vogt, John and T. William Kethley, Jr. (Comps.) Shenandoah County Marriage Bonds,
1772-1850 (Athens., GA, Iberian Publishing Co. 1984), p. 386.
20 The Rev. Silas Emmett Lucas, Jr. and Mrs Sherman Williams, The Dodson (Dotson)
Family of North Farnham Parish, Richmond County, Virginia: A History and Genealogy of
Their Descendants, Vol. II ( P. O. Box 738 Easley, South Carolina 29641-0738: Southern
Historical Press, Inc., 1989 [citing First Book of Marriages, Shenandoah County, VA, as given
by John Wayland's History of Shenandoah County, Virginia, 1927]), p. 1447-1448.
21 The Rev. Silas Emmett Lucas, Jr. and Mrs Sherman Williams, The Dodson (Dotson)
Family of North Farnham Parish, Richmond County, Virginia: A History and Genealogy of
Their Descendants, Vol. I (P. O. Box 738 Easley, South Carolina 29641-0738: Southern
Historical Press, Inc. 1989), p. 17, 51.
22 Ibid., p. 117.
23 The Rev. Silas Emmett Lucas, Jr. and Mrs Sherman Williams, The Dodson (Dotson)
Family of North Farnham Parish, Richmond County, Virginia: A History and Genealogy of
Their Descendants, Vol. II ( P. O. Box 738 Easley, South Carolina 29641-0738: Southern
Historical Press, Inc., 1989), p. 1429-1432.
24 Lyman Chalkley, Chronicles of the Scotch-Irish Settlement in Virginia extracted
from...Court Records of Augusta County, 1745-1800, Vol. 1, 1912 (1980), p. 41.
25 The Rev. Silas Emmett Lucas, Jr. and Mrs. Sherman Williams, The Dodson (Dotson)
Family of North Farnham Parish, Richmond County, Virginia: A History and Genealogy of
Their Descendants, Vol. I (P. O. Box 738 Easley, South Carolina 29641-0738: Southern
Historical Press, Inc. 1989), p. 17.
26 Corbari, p. 43.
27 Vogt, Shenandoah Co. Marriages, p. 102.
28 Vogt, Shenandoah Co. Marriages, p. 386.
29 Vogt, Shenandoah Co. Marriages, p. 386.
30 Pension Appl. Claim S39459 (National Archives, read by author at San Bruno, Ca. 14
Dec. 1990).
31 John Dodson Claim S2518; William Dodson Claim S30994 (National Archives, read by
author at San Bruno, Ca. 14 Dec. 1990).
Chapter II
Revolutionary War Service
In present day Western Pennsylvania
ost of what we know about Richard Dotson, especially his military service in present
day western Pennsylvania, and post-Revolutionary life until about 1800, is gleaned
from his application for a pension which he filed in 1833. At the time he made application,
he was living with his son James in the Deep Valley area of then Tyler County VA. A
transcript of his application, other pension documents, and an account of life on the frontier
are presented below:
Richard Dotson's application for a pension. No. S. 5364...Va. No. 16219.
"State of Virginia
Tyler County to wit:
On this 10th day of June 1833, personally appeared in open Court before Robert
Gorrell; William Bond; John D. Wells; & James G. West, Justices of the Peace,
constituting the County Court of Tyler County, now sitting. Richard Dotson, a resident of
said County and State of Virginia, aged 81 years, who being first duly sworn according to
law, doth on his oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefits of the
act of Congress passed June 7th 1832, that he was born in Shenandoah County (now
Frederick) (See editorial note below) State of Virginia and continued to reside there until
he was about 20 years of age, he then removed to Greene County State of Pennsylvania,
that in the year 1774 he served a tour of duty under Lord Dunmore against the western
Indians, that he marched to Fort Charlotte near the place where Chillicothe now stands, in
the State of Ohio, from whence he returned to his place of residence in the State of
Pennsylvania where he continued to live until after the close of the Revolutionary war, that
in the spring of the year 1777 he entered the service of the United States as a volunteer
Indian Spy under Captain John Minor and served six months of that year, that in the years
1778 & 79 he also served the United States six months each year as an Indian Spy under
Captain John Minor entering the service in the spring and leaving it in the fall, making in
all he served as an Indian Spy the term of eighteen months or more that services consisted
in watching movements of the Indians examining their trails and giving information of
their approach to the settlements that he principally served in Greene and adjoining
Counties, that his headquarters were at Jenkinses Fort in said County of Greene and Jarard
Fort about three miles from the former, that the said Captain John Minor was the
commandant of these stations, that in the summer of 1777 or 8 he and four of his
companions had a skirmish with about the same number of Indians, that one of his party
(to wit) John Nichols was killed and one of the Indians was also killed by Richard Hall. This
skirmish took place near Jarard Fort on Big Whiteley and that he has no recollection of
having received a discharge. He further says that after the close of the Revolution he
returned to Shenandoah County, Virginia after remaining there a few years (the precise
number he cannot recollect) he removed to Landon (Loudoun) County, Virginia and
continued there about two years, from Landon (Loudoun) he removed to Hampshire Co.,
Va., where he lived about six years from thence he removed to Wood Co., Va., since which
time he has continued to reside alternately in Wood and Tyler Counties until the present
time that he now lives in said County of Tyler. He further says he has a record of his age
and that he was born on the 23rd day of October 1752.
He hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or annuity except the
present and declares that his name is not on the pension roll of the agency of any state.
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid.
We, John Ripley, a clergyman, residing in the County of Tyler, State of Virginia and
William Wells, residing in the same, hereby certify that he was well acquainted with
Richard Dotson who has subscribed and sworn to the foregoing declaration that we believe
him to be eighty one years of age, that he is reputed and believed in the neighborhood where
he resides to have been a soldier of the Revolution and that we concur in that opinion. Sworn
to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid.
John Ripley
Wm. Wells.
And the Court do hereby declare their opinion, after the investigation of the matter and
after putting the interrogations prescribed by the war department, that the above named
applicant was a Revolutionary soldier and served as he states and the Court further certifies
that it appears to them that John Ripley, who has signed the preceding certificate is a
clergyman residing in the County of Tyler and that William Wells who has also signed the
same, is a resident of the County of Tyler, and is a creditable person, and that their statement
is entitled to credit.
I, David Hickman, Clerk of the County Court of Tyler County, in the State of Virginia,
do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in
the matter of the application of Richard Dotson for a pension.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office this 10th day of
June 1833.
Clerk of the County Court of Tyler County."
(Note...Frederick County was formed in 1738. Dunmore County was formed from
Frederick in 1772. In 1778 the name of Dunmore County was changed to Shenandoah
County, Virginia; at the time of his birth 23 Oct 1752, he would have been born in Frederick
County, VA.)
Testimony of ANN REDDICK in support of Richard Dotson's Pension Application
on 7 May 1833: "..age 95 on the 23rd day of last Sept...made oath that she lived during the
years 1777, 1778 and 9 in Greene County State of Pa. during all which time she was well
acquainted with Richard Dotson and knows that he served the United States as an Indian
Spy in the years 1777, 1778 and 9 and that she believes he served six months in each of said
years and that deporant and said Dotson were frequently inmates of Jenkins's Fort at the
same time and further this deporant saith not."
From the State of West Virginia Department of Archives and History, Charleston, W.
Va. Mrs. Roy Bird Cook, Director:
"Archives No. S.5364 Service, Virginia Virginia No. 16219.
Name of Person..... Richard Dotson.
Date and place of birth...Shenandoah Co., Va., Oct 23, 1752.
Service record...Indian Spy. 18 months under Captain John Minor.
Company or Regiment.....Virginia Militia.
Name of officers...Not given.
Battle or campaigns...Guarding and protecting frontiers Green County Pennsylvania
and Virginia.
Date of enlistment...1774, 1777, 1778, 1779.
Residence before Revolution...Tyler Co., Va. (This in error...residence Greene Co.,
Pa., and Frederick Co., Va.)
Date of application for a pension...June 10, 1833.
Residence at the time...Tyler Co., Va.
Date of death...not on A.B. .(Note...He died 1847).
Names of comrades of the soldiers who may have made affidavit in support of the
soldier and his widow's claim. Their place of residence, age, or other data. Act of June 7,
1832...Rev. Ripley, William Wells and Ann Reddick signed.
Certificate issued July 18, 1833...Virginia Service, Private 18 months at $60.00 per
His tour of service as Indian Spy were 6 months each. In one skirmish one Indian
and one soldier to-wit, John Nichols, were killed. The Indian was killed by John Hall
near Jarrard Fort.
Born in Shenandoah (Now Frederick) County, Virginia and resided there 20 years.
Resided Greene Co., Pa., 1774. After close of war resided in Shenandoah, Loudoun,
Hampshire, Wood and Tyler Co's."
Taken from West Virginians in the Revolution1
"DOTSON, RICHARD VA. No. 16219 No. S. 5364
Born, Shenandoah (now Frederick) County, Virginia, Oct 23, 1752, and lived there
twenty years. Resided Greene County, Pa., 1774, and after the Revolution lived in
Shenandoah, Loudoun, Hampshire, Wood and Tyler Co's. In the latter of which he filed
his pension application in 1833. It was issued to him, July 18, 1833."
I, L. C. White, Clerk of the County Court in and for the County of Wood and State of
W.Va., having a seal, do hereby certify the above and foregoing to be the full and true and
complete photostatic copy of an original paper as presented in this office.
IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF I have hereunto set my hand and seal of this office in
the City of Parkersburg, Wood County, and State of West Virginia
this 14th day of March 1957.
L. C. White
Clerk Wood County Court,
Ruby Swearingen, Deputy.
BE IT KNOWN That before me, Samuel Archibald, a Justice of the Peace in and for
the County aforesaid, personally appeared Richard Dotson and made oath in due form of
law, that he is the identical person named in the original pension certificate in his
possession, of which (I certify) that the following is a true copy. War Department
Revolutionary Claim. I certify that, in conformity with the law of the United States of the
7th of June 1832, Richard Dotson of the State of Virginia who was an Indian Spy in the War
of the Revolution is enlisted to receive Sixty Dollars per annum, during his natural life,
commencing on the 4th day of March 1831 and payable semi-annually on the 7th day of
March and the 4th day of September, in every year. Given at the war office of the United
States, this 18th day of July, one thousand eight hundred and thirty three.
Appointment of attorney for receiving pension payments:
"Know all men by these presents, That I, Richard Dotson of Doddridge County, State
of Virginia, Pensioner of the United States, do hereby constitute and appoint Charles W.
Russell, my true and lawful attorney, for me, and in my name, to receive from the agent
of the United States for paying pensions in Wheeling, State of Virginia, my pension from
the 4th day of September 1846 to the 4th day of March 1847.
Witness my hand and seal this 5th day of March, 1847.
Sealed and delivered RICHARD mark DOTSON
in the presence of Samuel Archibald
Witness, James Dotson
State of Virginia, Doddridge County, SS.
Be it known, That before the subscriber, a Justice of the Peace and for the County
aforesaid, personally appeared Richard Dotson, the above named, and acknowledged the
foregoing power of attorney to be his act and deed. In testimony whereof I have hereunto
set my hand, this 5th day of March 1847
State of West Virginia...Ohio County...SS
Be it known, that on the second day of April, 1847, before the subscriber, a Justice of
the Peace in and for the County aforesaid, personally appeared Charles W. Russell, the
attorney in the foregoing power of attorney and made oath that the same was not given him
by reason of any sale, transfer or mortgage of the pension or arrears of pension therein
authorized to be received by him.
Sworn to and subscribed the C.W. Russell
day and year last above
written, before me John Roff J.P.
Last pension payment made 1847:
General Services Admn.
Nat'l. Archives & Rec. Service Washington, D.C.
Revolutionary War. (RG 217).
Military Pension Payment Files (Portion of the pension payment file of Richard
Wheeling, April 17, 1847.
Received of Acron Aul, Agent, for paying pensioners, Thirty Dollars -Cents, being for
six months-days pension, due to Richard Dotson from the 4th day of September 1846
to the 4th day of March 1847 for which I have signed duplicate receipts.
Charles W. Russell, Att'y for Richard Dotson.
Wheeling Va., 2nd quarter 1847 Box 9 Chalk 20.
John Robb
Acting Secretary of War.
Examined and countersigned...J.L. Edwards...Commissioner of Pensions. That he
now resides in Doddridge County, Va. and has resided there for the space of two years past,
and that previous thereto he resided in Tyler County, State of Virginia.
Sworn and subscribed this 5th day of March 1847 before me, Samuel Archibald J.P.
James Dotson
INDIANS ATTACK THE SMITH HOME ("It was a bad year").
The following article was taken from "AWHILE AGO TIMES" published by Glenn
Lough, Fairmont, W.Va. This was an Historical Newspaper of the upper Monongahela
Valley. No date but it was during the 1970's.
What follows was said to have been dictated to Joseph H. Powell by James Morgan,
a son of Col. Zackwell Morgan on James' birthday in 1850. James was then eighty years
old. Powell said he wrote the story as James told it, using James' own words.
"Seventeen and seventy-nine was the year my father moved his family from the house
where I was born to Decker's Creek. I was nine then, being born in 1770. I went along with
the years. Father sold his home- stead land where Rivesville now is, in four parcels. I forgot
who the buyers were. I remember John and William Merrill got pieces. I think Bob Sgarer
(Shearer) got some. Father owned about 2500 acres there, joining Henry Batten at
Longwell Spring Run.
Everybody asks me where Longwell Spring Run was. This name for that little dreen
seems to be lost. It was the first dreen that emptied into the river below Pharoahs Run. At
first father had all the land around there. Then he sold Mr. Duthett (Deuther) a parcel and
Duthett didn't pay and he sold the same piece to Casper Bunner. He let Uncle Dave
(Morgan) have a thousand acres for moving here from Pennsylvania and Uncle Dave took
up a lot besides, in his own right after he moved in. Father let Matty Hoult (Matthew Hoult)
have about four hundred acres. The Merrils got their first land here from father and Uncle
Dave. There was some blood tie with the Merrills that began in Delaware.
I've heard Uncle Dave say that William Merrill married a Morgan, cousin of ours.
She's the woman that settled the hash for those Indians in Nelson County (Kentucky). I
was to visit them once. They always called her "Miff" and to save my life, I can't recall
her given name. I've asked other Morgans, but nearly all the old Morgans are gone, and
the coming on Morgans don't remember nothing. The year we moved in late
February or early March, onto the Lemaster land at Decker's Creek (Morgantown)
was a bad year. Uncle Dave fought the Indians that year, April thirteenth, I think it was.
It was about a month later, those dirty beggers tried to get Steve and Sally (David Morgan's
Father and the Cochrans and the Evanses and others built our blockhouse on the first
rise below Decker's Creek, and that was our new home. Every body called it "Morgan's
Fort," but it was just a big log house with peep holes in the walls to see and shoot from.
Just before we moved to Decker's Creek, John Bozarth and family went down to Cheat
river to visit Mrs. Bozarth's sister's family, named Smith. The Bozarth's first owned the
land where Fairmont is. They sold out to Tom Barnes and moved to the head of the West
Fork River, but John's family still lived on their Fairmont land in the year I'm telling about,
1779. The bad year for all of us around. George, John's boy, and I were good friends. Mrs.
Bozarth was there at Smith's when the Indians raided on Cheat. I heard Uncle Dave say,
there was about thirty of them, broken into little bunches. Jacob Prickett had a brother
settled in that country, and his boy, Elias, was at the Smith's that day. He was about twenty
years old, I think.
The children were playing outside right after dinner, and yelled that the Indians were
coming. Elias Prickett ran outside and was shot in the hip. He fell back into the door. The
Indians ran inside. Dick
(Richard) Dotson was in there, and he jumpted the Indian and threw him down on the
floor, yelling for something to kill him with. Mrs. Bozarth picked up an ax and chopped
open the Indian's head. Another Indian ran in yelling and shot Dick Dotson. It's been in
the papers and in books, that Dotson was killed, but he wasn't. Its been in the papers and
books that the Bozarths lived on Dunkard Creek, but they didn't. Just like Uncle Dave's
fight with the Indians here, a pack of lies has been told and printed about the trouble there
on Cheat.
Mrs. Bozarth hit the Indian that shot Dotson, in the head and knocked him down and
chopped his belly open and his entrails went dragging after him as he crawled out of the
cabin. One of the Indians that was helping his friends murder the children in the yard, ran
to help the hurt one and Mrs. Bozarth axed him, splitting his head open to the chin.
Elias Prickett became conscious and got a gun and ran to the door and shot at the
Indians, who were then running for the woods. If he did any damage, it wasn't known. I
have read stories that say that the people stayed shut up in the house with the dead Indians
and Dick Dotson for several days, but this isn't true. The house was relieved within an hour.
I've heard Uncle Dave and Jacob Prickett say, and John Ice was with those that relieved
it, and helped bury the dead children of the Smiths, Dotsons and Bozarths, six in all."
The given name of Mrs. Bozarth, who killed the Indians, was Experience. She was a
Bozarth before marriage.
From the foregoing documentation and accounts, it may be concluded that Richard (1)
was born in then Frederick County Virginia on Oct 23, 1752, and that he stayed there until
he was about twenty (1772); (2) he then removed to the vicinity of present day Greene
County Pennsylvania and continued to reside there until after the end of the Revolutionary
War (1782); (3) while residing in present day Pennsylvania, he served in the army of Lord
Dunmore in the year 1774 in the war against the western Indians and in which he
participated in the march to Fort Charlotte, present day Chillicothe, Ohio; (4) in the years
1777, 1778 and 1779 he served the Revolutionary Cause as an Indian Spy for six summer
months each year, under the command of Captain John Minor, commandant of Fort
Jenkins and Fort Garard; these forts were located on the river Big Whiteley, an eastward
flowing tributary of the Monongahela River. (See map below)
Records of his children born during this time period include the following:
(1) William Dotson (Sr.) - Chapter V
William Dotson (Sr.) death record in Doddridge County.2
Wm. Sr. parents given as Richard and Mary Dotson; information by Richard's grandson
William C. (B) Where born; Hampshire Co age; 88 yr. 7 mo. Date of death Jan (or June)
(2) Nancy Dotson - Chapter VI.
From the foregoing information, it is concluded that the following is probably correct;
a. Richard's marriage to Mary______, prior to 1775; based on William Dotson's death
record, indicating William's birthyear to be 1776
b. William Dotson (Sr.) born 1775 or 1776 in Greene County, Pa. or Hampshire
County Virginia.
c. Other children probably born but killed by Indians; number, names and birth-years
d. Nancy Dotson born ____.
Contradictory information in the above is William (Sr.'s) birthplace of Hampshire
County in 1776 according to his death record of 1865; also census of 1860 gives his
birthplace as Virginia; but he should have been born in Greene county, western Pennsylvania
according to Richard's pension application of 1833 and the census of 1850 listing
William's birthplace as Pennsylvania. See Chapter V.
Notes: Chapter 2
1 Ross B. Johnston, ed. West Virginians in the American Revolution (Excerpted from West
Virginia History Vol. I, Oct 1939-Vol. IX, Oct 1947; Baltimore, MD: Genealogical Publishing
Co., Inc. 1977)
2 Index and Register of Deaths-Doddridge County WV (index p. 170 LDS film 838 196)
Bk. 3 p. 8 (LDS film 838 195)
Chapter III
Post Revolutionary War Period
(to 1800)
ost of the information about Richard Dotson's life during this period (ca. 1783-1800)
comes from his Rev. War Pension application which he filed in 1833 and was
transcribed previously:
"........(3) after the close of the Revolution he returned to Shenandoah County,
Virginia. After remaining there a few years (the precise number he cannot recollect) (4) he
removed to Landon (Loudoun) County, Virginia and continued there about two years, from
Landon (Loudoun) he removed to Hampshire Co., Va., where he lived about six years from
thence he removed to Wood Co., Va."
The Revolutionary War closed with the surrender of Lord Cornwallis at Yorktown in
1781; assuming that he moved back to Shenandoah County (the part which was formerly
Frederick prior to 1772) in 1783 or 1784, then remained there for four to six years, his move
to Loudon would have been between 1787 and 1790; then after two years in Loudoun, his
move to Hampshire would have been in 1789 to 1792; after six years in Hampshire his
move to Wood County would have been in 1795 to 1798. But as shown below, he was taxed
in Hampshire through at least 1799.
Corroborating information found on Richard Dotson during this time period has been
scanty and sometimes contradictory, as indicated below:
On the positive side, the personal property tax records of Shenandoah County for
1784, 1785 and 1786 shows Richard Dotson for those three years.
To date, the tax records and/or enumeration of Loudoun County have not been
thoroughly researched for Richard Dotson.
He was enumerated in the Hampshire County Personal Property Tax Lists (17821799)
1 in the years 1795, 1797, 1798, and 1799.
1795: tax collected Jul 21:
Dotson, Richard..N/A.....1, NA, 0, 1, N/A
1797: tax collected May 24
Dodson, Richard..N/A....1, NA, 0, 1, N/A
1798: tax collected Jun 2
Dodson, Richard alleg.. N/A....2, NA, 0, 2, N/A
Dodson, William..N/A....1, NA, 0, 1, N/A
1799: tax collected May 17
Dodson, Richard..N/A....1, NA, 0, 2, N/A
Dodson, William..N/A....1, NA, 0, 1, N/A
Key: Line arranged in order; Surname, Given Name..WM>21....T1,T2, S, H, C.
Abbrev. : WM>21 = Names of white men over 21 other than the taxpayer.
NA or N/A = not available. S= slave. H= Horses. C= Cattle.
T1 and T2 are white tithes. T1 =white men above age 16 (1782, 17881799);
T2= N/A (for 1782, 1788-1799)
"alleg." for year 1798 is cryptic descriptor concerning location or personal characteristic
added by tax man (meaning not interpreted).
The first record of Richard Dotson's land holdings in Wood County was in 1801 when
he purchased 250 acres from Joseph Spencer at Toll Gate; then in 1803 Richard and his wife
Amelia sold it to John Marsh.
Records of his children born during this post - Revolutionary time period include the
(1) Emanuel Dotson (Sr.)
....... marriage to Mary Reddick, marriage bond record, signed by Richard Dodson,
1804, ...."he is of age ...." that is, over twenty or twenty-one years (Chapter VII).This
would make Emanuel Dotson (Sr.) birthyear ca. 1784.
(2) Richard Dotson, Jr. b. 1792-1794 (Photo Chap. XII, 'Richard Dotson, Uncle Dick,
was born in 1794; Uncle Zack's half-brother') 1850 Census age 56 b. Va., 1860 Census
age 68 b. Va., 1870 Census age 76 b. Va. Richard, Jr. married Margaret White 2 Sept 1810
Harrison Co. by Hamilton Goss; was probably not living at home at time of 1810 census
on Nov. 23.
(3) James Dotson, b. 1792-1797 1850 Census age 53 b. Va., 1860 Census age 64 b.
Va. Index and Register of Deaths-Doddridge County WV3 "James Dotson's father given
as Richard, mother not listed; Date of death 12 Apr 1869; Age 76yr 8mo 5da; where born;
Pennsylvania, information by M. Dotson, son"
The mother of the three children listed above was probably Mary; those below,
Amelia (Millie) Miller.
(4) Elisha Dotson, b. 1795 1850 Census age 55 b. Va
(5) Joseph Dotson, b. ca. 1796
(6) Zachariah Dotson b. 1797-1800 (Photo Chap. XII '..Uncle Zack, as he was called
was born in 1797, as near as we know,....') 1850 Census age 52 b. Md. 1860 Census age
61 b. Va., headstone in Greenwood Cemetery d. July 23, 1863 age 63 yrs. (Chap. XII)
Notes: Chapter 3
1 Hampshire County, [West] Virginia Personal Property Tax Lists, 1782-1799 (P. O. Box
403369 Miami Beach, FL 33140-1369: T. L. C. Genealogy 1990)
2 James M Dotson , Dotson Land Grants (1804-1865) in Present Day Counties of RitchieDoddridge-
Tyler West Virginia (1988), p. 5.3 Index and Register of Deaths-Doddridge County WV (index p.170 LDS film 838 196)
Bk. 3 p. 16 line 8.
Chapter IV
Later Years in Western Virginia
(1800 - 1847)
ources of information about Richard Dotson during this latter period of his life include
his pension application filed in 1833; census records (1810, 1820, 1830, and 1840);
his and his children's land records in the counties of Wood, Tyler, Doddridge and Ritchie;
other court-house records; county and family histories. When compared to the two earlier
periods of his life (Chapters II and III), documentation of this latter period is much more
abundant but of course not as complete as one would like it to be.
The portion of his pension application applicable to this period is:
"..........he removed to Wood Co., Va., since which time he has continued to reside
alternately in Wood and Tyler Counties until the present time that he now lives in said
County of Tyler". (1833) (Other pension record information is transcribed in Chapter II.)
A thumb-nail outline of his life during this period may be helpful before presenting
further documentation:
ca. 1800 Moved from Hampshire Co. Va., or state of Maryland, to the Greenwood area
of present day Doddridge County, WV; bringing with him his second wife Amelia 'Millie'
Miller and several children.
ca. 1810-1811 His wife Millie died. (census of 1810, one female age over 45; census
of 1820, one female age 26-45) (note age change for female between 1810 and 1820)
ca. 1812 He married his third wife Naomi Villers Gregg (widow of George Gregg)
ca. 1820 He moved to Tyler county.
1825-1830 His wife Naomi died; he moved in with one of his sons, Joseph in Tyler,
or Elisha in Wood County, perhaps alternately..
1833 Filed for his Revolutionary War pension.
1840 Living with his son James in the Arnold Creek, Deep Valley section of Tyler
1847 Died, buried in a marked grave in the Arnold Creek Cemetery, present day
Doddridge Co. WV
Hardesty, writing in1883, in his history of Doddridge County, Central District1 states:
"The first settler was Richard Dotson, who entered 600 acres of land, and in 1802 built
his cabin near where Thomas Scott now resides. His earliest neighbors were James Scott,
Nathan Davis, the Arnods (Arnold), Lottridges, Haltermans, Ruddecks and Fergusons.
The first white child born in the district was Ruth Dotson, a daughter of Richard and Millie
Dotson.....First religious discourse...1808 at house of Richard Dotson..."
The culmination of an extensive land search for this 600 acre parcel by the author,
concluded that its location was on Dotson Run in Doddridge County; that the location of
Thomas Scott's residence ('near where Richard Dotson built his cabin on this 600 acre
parcel in 1802') was on land given to him by his brother-in-law John Dotson ca. 1850, and
presently (1987) is land known as Parcel No. 17-007 (Johanna Rhinesmith) and Parcel 17
009.1 (Callie Dotson) on old US 50 in the town of Greenwood. The 600 acre parcel was
acquired in two 300 acre units, through successive assignments from William Lowther to
an Isaac Pryon to Richard. The original Land Office Treasury Warrant No. 2721 Dated
October 17, 1787, was to Lowther. The two 300 acre parcels were surveyed at the same
time March 24, 1803; the grants were issued 22 Aug 1804, one to Pryon, the other to
Richard directly. The results of this land research were published by the author (James M.
Dotson) in Oct 1988 as Dotson Land Grants (1804-1865) in Present Day Counties of
Ritchie-Doddridge-Tyler West Virginia.2 Reference should be made to this publication for
details of this search, as well as other land and genealogical information which will be cited
in this book.
The first land acquired by Richard Dotson in then Wood County was by deed for 250
acres on Hughes River from a Joseph Spencer et al. to Richard Dodson on 7 Sept 1801;
purchase price was $250. (Wood County, Deed Book 1, p. 134). Less than two years later
he sold this parcel to James Marsh for $500; (Wood Co. Deed Bk. 1, p. 271 James Marsh
from Richard and Amelia Dodson of Wood County, deed dated 6 June 1803). The grantor's
names on this deed confirm the identity of Richard's wife as Amelia (Millie). It is
improbable that he resided on this parcel, but instead built his cabin on the 600 acre parcel
on first coming to this area. Hardesty says 1802; this seems about right, based on a survey
of the 600 acres in March 1803, and considering the turmoil and time delays encountered
in processing land claims at that time on the western frontier. His purchase of the 250 acre
parcel from Joseph Spencer in 1801 indicates that he may have arrived in 1801 or perhaps
a year earlier.
No subsequent land records involving Richard Dotson were found until 27 March
1810, when he deeded (for one dollar) seventy-seven acres each to his two sons William
and Emanuel; these parcels were for adjacent portions of his 600 acre tract. These deeds
were recorded two years later in 1812 (April term Wood Co. Court) Deed Book 4, p. 370
Emanuel Dotson from Richard Dotson, both of Wood Co.; and Deed Book 4, p. 353,
William Dotson from Richard Dotson. (Note Richard Dotson alone signed these deeds on
27 March 1810). (Note: the Richard, Emanuel and William Dotson here are later referred
to as 'Sr.' in subsequent chapters to distinguish them from later off-spring with the same
given name.)
The census of 18103 shows only three Dotsons in Wood Co., Virginia as heads of
households; Richard, Emanuel and William.
Richard's householdin 1910 consisted of: Free White Males; 3 under 10 years, 1 1016
years, 1 16-26 years, 1 45 and over; Free White Females; 2 under 10 years, 1 45 and over.
This would mean a family consisting of Richard (b. prior to 1765); Amelia (b. prior
to 1765): five boys and two girls. Of the boys, one was born between 1784 and 1794; one
b. between 1794 and 1800; three b. between 1800 and 1810; and the two girls b. between
1800 and 1810.
The likely names of the children are:
(1) Richard Dotson, Jr. b. 1792-1794 (Photo Chap. XII; 'Richard Dotson, Uncle Dick,
was born in 1794; Uncle Zack's half-brother') 1850 Census age 56 b. Va., 1860 Census
age 68 b. Va. 1870 Census age 76 b. Va. (Richard, Jr. married Margaret White 2 Sept 1810
Harrison Co. by Hamilton Goss: probably not living at home at time of 1810 census on Nov
(2) James Dotson, b. 1792-1797 1850 Census age 53 b. Va., 1860 Census age 64 b.
Va .Index and Register of Deaths- Doddridge County WV4; James Dotson's father given
as Richard, mother not listed. Date of death 12 April 1869; Age 76yr 8mo 5da; where born;
Pennsylvania, information by M. Dotson, son.
(3) Elisha Dotson, b. 1795; 1850 Census age 55 b. Va
(4) Joseph Dotson, b. ca.1796
(5) Zachariah Dotson b.1797-1799 (Photo Chap. XII; '..Uncle Zack, as he was called
was born in 1797, as near as we know,....' 1850 Census age 52 b. Md. 1860 Census age 61
b. Va.
(6) Margaret (Peg) Dotson b. 1801; 1850 Census Harrison Co. Margaret Britton age
49 b. Maryland
(7) Thomas Dotson b. 1802 (Headstone in Buck Run Cemetery 'Died 28 Dec 1847 in
the 45th year of his life.')
(8) Ruth Dotson b. ca. 1803 (Hardesty 'first white child born in Central District,
Doddridge Co.' after Richard settled there in 1802)
Sometime after the census of 1810 was taken, Amelia died and Richard married
Naomi Villers Gregg, widow of George Gregg.
George Gregg m. Naomi Villers, ca. 1800. Information suggests that the Naomi
Villers, named above, was Eleanor Villers (single), a daughter of John Villers. Her
daughter, Mary Villers, b. 1894-1800, mentioned in the will of George Gregg, is an
illegitimate daughter. John Villers resided in the vicinity of the "JUG" in Tyler County.
Additional information is contained in The Gregg Family5, especially the added
information beginning on page 65.
George Gregg died in March 1810. This line from his will, the land I live on during
her natural life. This means that Naomi Villers Gregg was willed a lifetime interest in the
home and land in the vicinity of the JUG. The sale of his estate did not pay his debts, but
she may have retained her lifetime interest in the land. Her father, John Villers, lived
neighbor. Naomi Gregg may have continued to live on George Gregg land or on her
father's land.
Sometime ca 1812, Naomi Villers Gregg became the third wife of Richard Dotson.
They may have lived for a time in the vicinity of the JUG, or resided on his property in
Wood County. The latter is most probable based on (1) his census enumeration in Wood
County in 1820, and (2) the deed of 1819 cited below for 100 acres in Greenwood described
as "a part of 300 acre tract now occupied by Richard Dotson".
After giving his sons William and Emanuel each 77 acres of his 600 acre tract in 1810,
Richard Dotson sold the remainder of this land through the following three deeds:
(1) The easternmost 300 acre part of his 600 acre tract ( the part extending eastward
from Greenwood to Duckworth) was conveyed to William White in a deed dated 23 Feb
1819 from Richard and Neami Dotson; recorded 1819 in Wood Co. Deed Book 6, p. 10;
deed signed by Neami; signed by Richard by his mark.
(2) In a deed dated 29 June 1819, recorded 1826 in Wood Co. Deed Book 6, p. 628,
55 acres to John Garner, from Richard, Sr. and Neomi Dotson of Wood County;
acknowledged by magistrate same day (29 June 1819), both Richard and Neomi; signed
by mark by Richard only. This parcel described as "a part of 300 acre tract now occupied
by Richard Dotson"; this 55 acre parcel was the westernmost part of the 600 acre tract, that
is, closest to Toll Gate; Richard did not however live on this 55 acre portion.
(3) In a deed dated 29 Dec 1827, from Richard Dotson of Wood County, the remainder
of the 600 acre tract was conveyed to John Keeney; recorded in 1827 Wood Co. Deed Book
7, p. 103; it was described as "...lying in Wood Co. on the state road being the same on
which Richard Dotson heretofore resided and supposed to contain 100 acres being rest and
residue of a tract of 300 acres patented. ....." Deed was signed by mark by Richard only.
This 100 acre portion of his 600 acre tract overlays present day Greenwood and is the
location on which he built his cabin in 1802.
Another land acquisition by Richard Dotson in this area was by grant for a one-half
share of a 200 acre tract in then Wood County eastward of, and partially adjoining, his 600
acre tract in the Duckworth area. It straddled the county line between Wood and Tyler
counties which followed the ridge forming the watershed between drainage to the North
Fork of Hughes River on the west and Arnold Creek on the east.
1817 Wood Co. Land Grant Vol. 1 p. 201 Comm. of Va. to Hedgman Triplett for one
moiety (one half), and Richard Dotson assignee of said Triplett for the other moiety, 200
a. Wood Co. Exchange Treas. Warrant No. 2208 issued 3 Nov 1814; survey 28 Oct 1816;
grant issued 1 Aug 1817.
Richard sold all of this tract, conveyed by two deeds:
(1) Western half in Wood Co.: 1831 Wood Co. Deed Book 8 p. 96 John Griggs from
Richard Dotson of Wood Co. , 100 a. for $10 on run drain of N. F. Hughes River; deed dated
19 April 1830 and signed by Richard (only) by his mark.
This 100 acre tract was later conveyed in 1834 by Griggs (Gregg) to Richard Sr,'s
grand-son John Dotson and wife Mahala, then to Richard, Sr.'s son Elisha Dotson in 1845
and who was living on it at that time.
(2) Eastern half in Tyler Co.; in a deed dated 19 Nov 1838, Richard Dotson (of Tyler
Co.) conveyed the eastern 100 acres to his son Zachariah Dotson (of Tyler Co.), 1838 Tyler
Co. Deed Book 7 p. 149, deed signed by Richard (only) by his mark.
About 1820, concurrent with the disposal of his land in Wood County, Richard became
interested in acquiring land "across the ridge" in Tyler County. However, before presenting
the Tyler county land information let us look at the 1820 census. We find Richard
enumerated in Wood County, Va. (Reel No. 138 page 184) along with his sons Elisha and
Richard Dotson, head of household: Free white males; 1 age 45 and over, 2 age 1016;
free white females; 1 age 26-45, 2 age 16-26, 1 age 10-16, and 2 under 10.
This family consisted of Richard b. before 1875; 2 boys b. 1804-1810; Naomi b. 17751794,
two girls b. 1794-1804, one girl b. 1804-1810 and 2 girls b. 1810-1820.
All of his sons shown previously in the 1810 census (including Thomas b. 1802) had
evidently left home by 1820.
Neither of the boys b. 1804-1810 fit exactly the ages of the two sons of Richard
attributed to him from other sources.
Michael b. 1812-1815 (in the Greenwood Cemetery, b. 1812...died 30 Nov 1851) and
(the 1850 Census of Doddridge Co. Dotson, Michael age 35 years) (in the 1840 census of
Harrison Co. Michael Dotson, head of household, 1 male 20-30 yr. 1 male under 5; 1 female
20-30 yrs., 1 female under 5). Michael later settled on Leeson Run, near Greenwood.
The other son possibly is Lewis Dotson, b. ca 1819 (Marriage in Tyler Co. 30 May
1844...Lewis Dotson and Margaret Bobbins by Jacob Yeater). Note: Relationship of Lewis
to Richard is questionable; Lewis does not show in Census Index for Virginia (or West
Virginia) for years 1850, 1860 or 1870; he is therefore relegated to Appendix E "Unplaced
Or one son in the 10-16 age group may have been Thomas b. 1802.
The probable names of the girls b. 1794-1804 are:
(1) Margaret (Peg) Dotson b. 1801; 1850 Census Harrison Co. Margaret Britton age
49 b. Maryland
(2) Ruth Dotson b. 1803. From Hardesty above, 'first white child born in Central
District, Doddridge Co., a daughter of Richard nd Millie Dotson.'
No known daughter fits the age group 10-16, with corresponding birth years 18041810.
Of the two girls in the age group under 10 years (b. 1810-1820), one undoubtedly was
Naomi b. 1816; the other was probably Lydia, although her birthyear from the 1850 census,
age 28, would have been 1822. Another possibility is Ann, but there is insufficient evidence
to show that she was a daughter of Richard and Naomi. (See Appendix E, Unplaced
Naomi Dotson, b. Jan 16, 1816 [1850 census of Doddridge Co. Naomi Williams age
33 wife of John Williams age 32; Ritchie Death record (Vol.3, p.36) Naomi Williams,
female, died 18 March 1882; parents Richard Dotson and Naoma Dotson.
Lydia Dotson, b. 1822 (from age 28 in 1850 census) would not have been born prior
to the 1820 census assuming her age of 28 in the 1850 census is correct; however, realizing
the uncertainty of ages given in the census of that time, this child was probably Lydia.
The three known children of Richard Dotson and Naomi Villers Gregg were:
(1) Michael Dotson, b. 1812
(2) Naomi Dotson, b. 1816
(3) Lydia Dotson, b. 1822
A land acquisition by Richard in Wood County was on the North Fork Hughes River
in 1821 (now Ritchie Co.). 1821 Wood Co. Land Grant Vol. 1 p. 250 Comm. of Va. to
Richard Dotson 100 a. 'head of drain of Long Run' Treas. Warrant No 6356 issued 3 Sept
1818; survey 7 April 1820; grant issued 15 June 1821
Disposition of this 100 a. tract of land bordering George Richards Sr.'s tract (west of
Pennsboro) was by deed of conveyance to Edmund Taylor (of Ritchie Co.) from Richard
Dotson, Senior (of Tyler Co.) for $10; deed dated 19 Nov 1843 (Ritchie Co. Deed Book
1 p. 379) acknowledged personally by his mark Richard Dotson Sen. Nov 1843 before
Justices of the Peace of Tyler Co. to be his act and deed and desired us to certify the same
to the Clerk of the County Court of Ritchie; presented in Ritchie Co. Clerks office 6 Jan
1846 and admitted to record.
Note; this deed in Nov 1843 was the last recorded land transaction by Richard Dotson,
Sr. who died in 1847.
Land Acquisitions in Tyler County:
In a deed dated 12 April 1819, Richard Dodson (of Tyler Co.) acquired 300 a. on Long
Run of Arnold Creek branch of Middle Island (1819 Tyler Co. Deed Book 1 page 297)
Then on 17 April 1819, he resold 70 acres of this tract to his son James Dodson (of
Tyler Co.) from Richard Dodson (of Wood Co.) (1819 Tyler Co. Deed Book 1 p. 298, )
The remaining 230 acres was conveyed in a deed dated 21 Feb 1825 by Richard Dotson
and Naomi Dotson (of Tyler Co.) to William Hugill (1825 Tyler Co. Deed Book 2 p. 106).
The location of this tract is on Hugle Run, an eastward flowing branch of Long Run, of
Arnold Creek, of Middle Island Creek, of the Ohio River. The genealogical significance
of this deed is that this was the last deed signed by Naomi; this establishes her death date
at between 1825 and 1830. [1830 census shows a male (70-80 years , of Richard's age)
living with both his son Joseph in Tyler and also his son Elisha in Wood]
It is presumed that Richard and Naoma built a cabin and lived on this property,
adjacent to his son James, until Richard and Naomi sold it in 1825. However, his wife
Naomi, a widow of George Gregg (miller), had been willed a life-time interest in property
at the JUG near Middlebourne; they may have resided there all or part of the period from
ca. 1820 until after her death 1825-1830.
In 1821, Richard Dotson was granted 50 a. on Long Run [1821 Tyler Co. Land Grant
Vol. 1 p. 72 Comm. of Va. to Richard Dotson 50 a. 'on Long Run of Arnold Creek a branch
of Middle Island Creek Treas. Warrant No. 6103 issued 6 Dec 1817; survey 5 May 1820
grant issued June 1821]
Richard sold these 50 acres to Robert Patrick in a deed dated 5 Sept 1822 [1822 Tyler
Co. Deed book 1 p. 410 Robert Patrick from Richard Dotson (of Tyler Co.)] Note: This 50
acre parcel was adjacent to his 300 acre tract which he purchased from William Wells in
April 1819.
Abstracts of Court Records in Tyler County Referencing Richard Dotson:
The Tyler County Minute and Order Books from 1815-1840 contained the following
March Court 1823; Commonwealth Plf. against David Hickman Def., upon an
indictment of assault and battery. Jury; Lesse Frazure, James Birkland, Ralph Gorrell, Eli
Wells, David Hanes, Hohn Smith, Israel White, Uriah Morgan, John Steed and Richard
October Court 1823; Ordered that Daniel Wells, William Wells, Richard Dotson, and
David Hickman or any three of them after having been first sworn do appraise the personal
property of Geo.. Gregg decd. and report to Court.
December 1823 Court; Richard Dotson Plf. vs. John Steed and Thos. Inghram Defs.
upon a motion upon a forthcoming bond; case continued through January and February to
March Court 1824.; motion quashed and defendants to recover Court costs.
June Court (16th June) 1824; grand jury members.........Richard Dotson
June Court 1824; Settlement of County Claims; Richard Dotson for team impressed
on highway $2.50.
March 1825 Court; A deed from Richard Dotson to William Hugill for 230 acres of
land on the Long Run of Arnold Creek was presented in court and ordered to be recorded
together with the certificate annexed.
No additional entries naming Richard Dotson were found.
1830 Census
In Tyler County, a Richard Dodson was enumerated as head of family; however as the
oldest free white male was in the 40-50 year old age group this was not Richard, Sr. but his
son Richard, Jr. On an adjacent line (page 169 Western Division allotted to Joshua Rupell)
a Joseph Dodson was listed;
Free white males; 1 70-80, 1 30-40, 1 5-10, 1 under 5; free white females; 1 30-40, 1
5-10, 1 under 5. It must be assumed that the 70-80 year of male was Richard, Sr.
In Wood County, a male in the 70-80 year group also appeared in his son Elisha
Dotson's family; Free white males; 1 70-80, 1 30-40, 1 15-20, 2 5-10, 1 under 5; free white
females; 1 30-40, 1 10-15, 1 5-10. It is likely that this elderly man was Richard, Sr.,
mistakenly counted in both house-holds.
1840 Census
In the 1840 census for Tyler County, James Dotson Head of Family: Free white males;
1 80-90 with the notation "Richard Dotson 88 Rev. War pensioner", 1 40-50, 1 15-20, 1
5-10, 2 under 5; free white females; 1 40-50, 1 10-15, 2 5-10, 1 under 5.
As transcribed earlier in this chapter, Richard's last land transaction was a deed of
conveyance in Nov 1843 for 100 acres in Ritchie County to Edmund Taylor (of Ritchie
Co.) from Richard Dotson, Senior (of Tyler Co.) for $10; this deed was dated 19 Nov 1843
and acknowledged personally by his mark Richard Dotson Sen., Nov 1843 before Justices
of the Peace of Tyler Co.
No further records of Richard Dotson were found until 1847, when he appointed
Charles W. Russell his attorney for receiving his pension payment for the six months prior
to 4 March 1847. (Transcription in preceding chapter) This was Richard's last pension
payment. He died that year, and was buried in the Arnold Creek Cemetery in Doddridge
County. His grave was placed beside that of his son Joseph (Chapter 10), who preceded
him in death.
A great-greatgranddaughter,
Gladys Pearl Cyphers
Wilson, secured Richard
Dotson's Revolutionary
War monument
and had it placed
at his grave in the
Arnold Creek Cemetery
in 1982. Mrs.
Wilson's address
(1982); Route No. 2
Box 14, Fairmont, W.
Va. 26554.
Richard Dotson's Revolutionary War Monument
Arnold Creek Cemetery, Doddridge County, West Virginia
Notes: Chapter 4
1 H. H.Hardesty, Hardesty's Historical and Geographical Encyclopedia, Maps and
Histories of Ritchie and Doddridge Co's., W.Va., 1883; reprinted as Hardesty's West Virginia
Counties; Doddridge Marion Upshur Wetzel Vol. 2 , and Gilmer Ritchie Lincoln Wayne Vol. 7.
(Richwood, W.Va. Jim Comstock, 1973), Vol. 2, p. 13.2 James M. Dotson, Dotson Land Grants (1804-1865) in Present Day Counties of RitchieDoddridge-
Tyler West Virginia (Danville, CA: James M. Dotson 1988)
3 Census of 1810 Wood Co. Virginia, (signed by Jonas Beeson Nov 23, 1810, total Wood
Co. 3036, Reel #71, p. 19)
4 Index and Register of Deaths-Doddridge WV; index p. 170 (LDS film 838196) Bk. 3 p.16
5 Barr Wilson, The Gregg Family (Unpublished 1980; typewritten copies placed in
Ritchie Co. Library, Harrisville, W. Va. and Doddridge Co. Library, West Union, W. Va.)
Chapter V
William Dotson, Sr.
illiam Dotson, Sr. was born in 1775 or 1776, either in Greene County, Pennsyl
vania, or Hampshire County, Virginia. The 1775 birthyear is supported by both the
1850 and 1860 census in which his age was listed as 75 and 85 respectively; his place of
birth was given as Pennsylvania in the 1850 census, Virginia in the 1860 census. From his
age of 88 years 7 months at death on 8 Jan 1865, as given in the Doddridge County Death
Register his birthmonth and birthyear would be June, 1776. This Register (Vol. 3, Page
8) listed his birthplace as Hampshire Co. Va. , parents Richard and Mary Dotson;
information was given by his son William C. (B) Dotson.
One can only speculate as to which of the listed birth-places, Hampshire County,
Virginia or Greene Co. Pennsylvania, is correct on the basis of conflicting data. In his
pension application, his father Richard stated that he removed from Shenandoah County,
Va. to Greene County Pa. in 1774 and served that same year in the Dunmore War; he also
served in the Revolutionary War defending forts in Greene County, during the years 1777,
1778 and 1779. At that time, this area was under the jurisdiction and control of Virginia.
It should also be noted that Hampshire County, during those years, was much larger than
today, encompassing present day Mineral County, WV and much of western Maryland;
Hampshire lay on the route between Shenandoah and Greene Counties, and William may
have been born enroute. Based on the account of the massacre of the Dotson and Smith
children on the Cheat River in 1779, as related in a preceding chapter, it appears that
William was the only survivor of Richard's children born prior to that time. In conclusion,
it seems more likely that William was born in the area of present-day Greene County
William Dotson, Sr. married Mary Franks. Mary A. (Molly or Polly) Franks, was born
in 1781 according to both the 1850 and 1860 census of Doddridge County (in 1850, age
69, birthplace PA; in 1860, age 79, birthplace VA) (1785 or 1786 are alternate birthyears
according to Frank's Genealogy). Mary Franks was a daughter of Henry Franks, a
contemporary of Richard Dotson during the Revolutionary War when both the Richard
Dotson and Henry Frank families lived on the Big Whiteley River in present day Greene
County PA. An account of Henry Frank's service is given in Appendix C.
They were married in 1796 or 1797, most probably in Hampshire County, Va.
According to Henry Frank's pension application (Appendix C) he and his family were
living in Hampshire Co. at this time. William first appeared by name on the personal
property tax rolls of Hampshire County in 1798, and again the following year 1799.
William and family removed with his father Richard Sr. to Greenwood (now Doddridge
County, W.Va.) and were living there in 1804.
From Hardesty's history of Doddridge County, originally published in 1883:1
William Buskirk Dotson..."William and Mary (Franks) Dotson, his parents, now
many years deceased, settled in this vicinity in 1804."
They settled just west of Greenwood on land that was later owned by their grandson
William Dotson, the Ellifritts, and other descendants. They were farmers. For a more
complete account of William Dotson, Sr.'s land ownership, the reader is referred to the coauthor's
book Dotson Land Grants (1804-1865). 2
William Dotson is listed in the 1810 census of Wood Co., Va. along with his father
Richard and brother Emanuel, each separate heads of family; no other Dotsons in Wood.
(Census taker was Jonas Beeson Nov 23, 1810; total Wood County population, 3036
WILLIAM DOTSON... Free White Males, 3 under 10; 1 10-16; 1 26-45; Free
White Females, 3 under 10; 1 26-45; from this there were seven children in household, with
the oldest boy born 1796-1800.
William Dotson is listed again in the 1820 census of Wood Co., Va. along with his
father Richard and brother Elisha, each separate head of family; no other Dotsons in Wood
Co., but brother Emanuel (Sr.) (Dodson) was enumerated in the adjacent county of Tyler.
WILLIAM DOTSON...Free White Males, 2 under 10; 1 10-16; 1 16-18; 3 16-26;
1 26-45; Free White Females, 3 under 10; 2 10-16; 1 16-26; 1 16-45. (3 are listed as being
in agriculture). Assuming all were their own children, 12 or 13 were still at home in 1820.
1830 Census of Wood Co. (page 381):
DOTSON, WILLIAM... Free White Males: 1 under 5; 2 10-15; 1 50-60; Free
White Females: 1 under 5; 2 5-10; 1 10-15; 2 15-20; 1 40-50. Assuming all were their own
children, nine were still at home.
1840 census of Wood Co.:
DOTSON, WILLIAM...males, 2 15-20; 2 20-30; 1 60-70; females, 1 10-15; 2
15-20; 2 20-30; 1 50-60. Assuming all were their own children, nine were still at home.
From the 1850 census of Dodd. Co. (page 7, Dwelling and Family Number 98):
DOTSON, WILLIAM, SR. (farmer - value of real estate $2000) born in
Pennsylvania, age 75 years, cannot read or write.
DOTSON, MARY A. born in Pennsylvania age 69 years, cannot read or write.
Listed in the same household was their son-in-law William Ellifritt age 20 farmer with
real estate $500, b. Md.; and their youngest daughter Mary Jane Ellifritt age 22, b. Va. (Ch.
William Dotson and Mary Ann were last enumerated in the census of 1860, Va.
Doddridge Co. page 114, Dwelling No. 782 and Family No. 783; their entry was on the line
below that of their son-in-law and daughter W. C. Ellifritt age 30, and Mary J. (Dotson)
Ellifritt age 32: WM. DOTSON age 85 (occupation-does nothing), b. Va., cannot read
or write;
MARY ANN DOTSON age 79, b. VA., cannot read or write.
According to the Doddridge Death Register Vol. 3, page 8, William Dotson, Sr., died
Jan 8 (June 8 per index), 1865, at the age of 88 years, 7 months; cause of death, old age;
parents, Richard and Mary; consort, Mary Dotson; source of information, William C. (B)
Dotson son.
Mary Ann's death was not found in the Doddridge Death Register.
Place of burial is not known for either, but is most likely the Greenwood Cemetery.
They were parents of fourteen known children:
1.- Emanuel Dotson, b. 1798 Chapter V-1
2.- John Dotson, b. 1800 V-2
3.- Nancy Dotson. no birth date V-3
4.- Mary Ann Dotson. No birth date V-4
5.- Elizabeth Dotson, b. 1807 V-5
6.- Henry Dotson, b. 1810 V-6
7.- Charlotte Dotson, b. 1811 V-7
8.- Margaret Dotson, b. 1813-1814 V-8
9.- William Buskirk Dotson, b. 1815 V-9
10.- Solomon "Sol" Dotson, b. 1817 V-10
11.- Eliza Margaret Dotson, b. 1820 V-11
12.- Cynthia Dotson, b. 1822 V-12
13.- Squire Dotson, b. 1825 V-13
14.- Mary Jane Dotson, b. 1828 V-14
The foregoing list of fourteen children is compatible with the age groups of the 1810,
1820, 1830 and 1840 census, with the following exceptions:
1810: there should be another male in the age group under 10
1820: there should be one additional male in the age groups, 16-18 and 16-26 (note;
if male's age is 16-18, same person could fit both age groups)
Note: children other than their own could have been living in their household, or
conversely, one or more of their children could have been living with another family at the
time the census was taken.
From Miss Lowther's History of Ritchie County3:
"EMANUEL DOTSON...was b. at Greenwood, on March 1, 1798; and in his early
manhood was m. to Miss Hannah Sears (Sayers) (1804-1862) and on Cabin Run where
Thomas Dotson now lives, they established their home near the year 1820. Here they
remained until they crossed to the other side and at Toll Gate they rest. Mr. Dotson died
Feb 12, 1881 at the age of 82 years."
Miss Lowther is in (partial) error...Emanuel Dotson was not born at Greenwood, as his
parents did not come to Greenwood until 1800 or later. He most probably was b. in
Hampshire Co., Va. as his father William was enumerated as a head of household
separately from William's father Richard, in both the 1798 and 1799 personal property tax
lists for Hampshire County. See reference in chapter 4.
In the Toll Gate Cemetery:
EMANUEL DOTSON...died 12 Feb 1881...age 81 years..11 months..11 days.
HANNAH, WIFE OF M. (MANUEL) DOTSON. died 2 Dec 1862..59 years..7 mo...20 d.
In the Ritchie County Death Register p.11:
Dotson, Hannah died Oct 20, 1862, spinal aff. 59 yrs. 1 mo. 27 d. married Emanuel
Dotson, no place of birth or parents given; p. 36: Dotson, Emanuel died Feb 12, 1880; old
age; 83 yrs; farmer; parents, where born, and consort unknown; rept. by H. S. Dotson, a
friend. (Hiram S. Dotson, son)
Thus from his head-stone date of death, and age at death, he would have been born
March 1, 1798 as Miss Lowther stated; from his date of death per the Death Register (one
year earlier), he would have been born in 1797. In either case he would have been born
while his father William Sr. was residing in Hampshire County Virginia.
Hannah Sayre was the daughter of Benjamin and Nancy Sayre, who lived on Middle
Island Creek, Tyler County. Hannah's sister Susan married John Dotson, Emanuel's
brother. This information is gleaned from a deed dated 10 June 1829, Vol. 2, p. 461 and
recorded 1829; it conveyed 130 acres of land on Middle Island Creek, on which Benjamin
Sayre resided prior to his death, to Hiram T. Sayre from the other heirs. .....between
Snowden Kinney and Mary his wife, Solomon Sayre and Lydia his wife, Squire Sayre and
Lydia his wife, Manual Dotson and Hannah his wife, and John Dotson and Susannah his
wife which said Mary, Solomon, Squire, Hannah and Susannah are severally children and
heirs at law of Benjamin Sayre late of Tyler County now deceased, and Nancy Sayre widow
and relict of the said Benjamin Sayre decd. ......
From the 1830 census of VA; Wood County #381:
Manuel Dotson, free white males; 2 under 5, 1 5-10, 1 20-30; free white females
1 under 5, 1 20-30.
From the 1840 census of VA; Wood County #150:
Manuel Dotson, free white males; 3 10-15, 1 40-50; free white females 1 15-20,
1 30-40.
From the 1850 census of VA; Ritchie County (553-553):
Dotson, Emanuel 50 farmer born in Virginia .
Hannah 46 born in Virginia
From the 1860 census of VA; Ritchie County (Dwelling 643-Household 608):
Manuel Dodson farmer, age 62, b. Va.
Hannah age 57, b. Va.
(Note; this entry was one line below that of his son Hiram S. Dodson, Dwelling 642,
Household 607) (all Dotsons in Ritchie County were enumerated as "Dodson" in 1860)
Emanuel Dotson was not included in the 1870 census of West Virginia
From the 1880 census of Ritchie County;
In the household of Hiram, age 56, and Malvina Dotson, age 45; Amanuel, widower,
white male, age 82, father (of Hiram), farmer, b. WV, father b. VA, mother b. VA
The first deed for Emanuel and Hannah was the one for 100 acres in 1832 which he
purchased from his uncle Emanuel, Sr.; this tract was located at Duckworth on the divide
between the waters of Arnold Creek (Wilhelm Creek) and Hughes River (Dotson Run).
(Wood County Deed Book 8 p. 248 Manuel Dotson 2nd of Wood Co. from Manuel Dotson
Senior and Mary his wife of Harrison Co. for $100). Emanuel and Hannah sold this tract
in 1843 to his uncle Zachariah Dotson for one dollar (Ritchie Co. Deed Book 1 p. 64, 21
Oct 1843)
A second deed for Emanuel and Hannah was recorded in Ritchie County, Deed Book
1, p. 266, date of writing 1840, for 200 acres on Cabin Run, a branch of the North Fork of
Hughes River; grantor was Middleton Williams.
A third deed for Emanuel and Hannah was recorded in the year 1843 for a 200 acre
tract on Gum Run and Lick Run, drains of Cabin Run; from a survey of John Bunnell; Wood
County Deeds Book 12, p.534 from William Dixson for $200, date of deed 3 March 1841.
Upon the death of his uncle Thomas Dotson in December 1847, Emanuel became the
administrator of the Thomas Dotson estate. (Ritchie County Court, Jan 4,1848 term....Manuel
Dotson, Hiram his security- letter of administration goods and chattels of Thos. Dotson
decd. with consent of his widow....Ritchie Co., Will Book, No. 1, Pages 56, 57, and 58...3
Feb 1848; Thomas Dotson. Manuel Dotson, Adm. ) See Chapter 14- Thomas Dotson, for
a copy of the appraisement bill and sale.
Emanuel and Hannah were the parents of four children:
1.-Hiram S. Dotson, b. 1823
2.- Lovisa Dotson, b. 1825
3.- Granville Dotson, b. 1827
4.- John W. Dotson, b. 1829
1.-Hiram S. Dotson.
From Miss Lowther: "Hiram S. Dotson was the only son that remained here, was born
on Cabin Run in 1823 and spent his entire life within the bounds of his native County, where
his ashes lie. He m(1) Miss Susan J. Markwell, who d. while he was serving as a Union
soldier in 1863, leaving 11 children. Both are buried at Toll Gate."
Ritchie County Ministers return:
"2 Nov 1843...Hiram Dotson & Susan Markwell by Eli Riddle."
In the Toll Gate Baptist Church Cemetery:
SUSAN J. WIFE OF H. S. DOTSON...d. 12 July 1863; age 30y.-10m.-9d.
On Oct 26, 1863 he was honorably discharged from the army service as his orphaned
children demanded his presence at home.
From Hardesty's history of Ritchie County, 18834:
"HIRAM S. DOTSON...was born and raised on the farm he now owns and carries on
in Clay District, Ritchie County, and to which he has added three hundred acres cleared and
improved by himself. His birth was on the 21st of Sept 1823, Emanuel D. and Hannah
Dotson his parents. He has been twice married and the father of fifteen children. Susan his
first wife was the mother of: Mansfield H., born Aug 14, 1844; lives in Baltimore, Md.;
Spencer B., Dec 7. 1846, and Perry E., June 15, 1848, live in Ritchie County; Amos A., Nov
9, 1850, lives in Wirt County; William F., May 7, 1852 and Alpheus R., May 22, 1854, live
in Ritchie Co.; Mary E., Oct 4, 1856 and Alice Jane Nov 19, 1858, live in Dodd. Co., this
state; Granville, March 6, 1860 and Sarah J., Nov 9, 1862, live in Ritchie Co.; Susan Jane,
July 3, 1864, lives in Dodd. Co. The mother of these children died July 12, 1864 in the faith
of the Christian, having been, with her husband, in the membership of the Methodist
Episcopal Church since 1856.
In Ritchie County in 1865, Hiram S. Dotson was joined in wedlock with Melvina,
daughter of Thomas and Anna Pool. She was born in Harrison County, June 13, 1835, and
the children with her union with Mr. Dotson are: John W., born August 23, 1866; Daniel
V., March 30, 1867; Thomas, Jan 3, 1869; Anna B., Feb 4, 1871. Mr. Dotson served two
years in the Federal army, enlisting in Aug 1862, in the 14th (sic 4th Cav.) West Virginia
Infantry, and received discharge for disability. Mansfield D., Spencer and Perry, the three
older sons, were all Federal soldiers. The postoffice address of Hiram S. Dotson is Toll
Gate, Ritchie County, West Virginia."
From the 1850 Census of VA; Ritchie County (554-554):
Dotson, Hiram 26 born Virginia farmer
Susan 23 born Virginia
Mansfield H. 6 born Virginia
Spencer 5 born Virginia
Perry 3 born Virginia
Amos 7/12 born Virginia
From the 1860 Census of VA; Ritchie County (642-607):
Dodson, Hiram 36 Va farmer
Susan J 33 Va
Mansfield 15 Va
Spencer B 14 Va
Perry C 12 Va
Amos A 10 Va
William F 9 Va
Afeous R 6 Va
Mary E 4 Va
Alice J 2 Va
Charles G 4/12 Va
Susan Rollins 14 Va
From the 1870 Census of WV; Ritchie County (451-424):
Dotson, Hiram S. 46 Va Farmer
Melona (Melvina) 34 Va Hskpr
Amos A 20 Va
Alpheus R 19 Va
Mary E 14 Va
Alice G 12 Va
Charles G 10 Va
Sarah J 8 Va
John W 4 WV
Daniel 3 WV
Thomas 1 WV
From the 1880 census of VA; Ritchie County:
Dotson, Hiram 56 Farmer WV WVWV
Amanuel (widower) 82 Father Farmer WV VA VA
Malvina 45 Wife Keeping Hs WV WVWV
Granville 20 Son Farm Labr WV WVWV
Susan 17 Dau At Home WV WVWV
John W. 14 Son At Home WV WVWV
Daniel 13 Son At Home WV WVWV
Thomas 11 Son At Home WV WVWV
Anna B 8 Dau WV WVWV
From the 1890 "Special Schedule.-Surviving Soldiers, Sailors, and Marines, and
Widows" for the Civil War, in West Virginia, Hiram S. and his son John S. (Spencer
P.'Buke') Dotson were enumerated as follows:
Hiram S. Dotson John Spencer Dotson
Line No. 10 40
County, Locale Ritchie, Clay Doddridge, Central
House, Family No. 301,306 195,196
Rank Private Private
Company, Regiment G, 14th W Va Inf B, 4th W. Va. Vol. Cav.
Date of Enlistment 2 Aug 1862 — — —
Date of Discharge 15 Nov 1863 — — —
Length of Service 1 yr, 3 mo, 13 da. — — —
Post Office Address Toll Gate, W Va Toll Gate, Rit. Co., W.Va.
Disability Incurred Throat disease —————
Remarks —————— This man same as Spencer B Dotson
After the Civil War, the new state of West Virginia awarded medals to all of its Union
Soldiers; those not claimed by the veteran, have subsequently been, or attempted to have
been, awarded to family descendants. As of Oct 8, 1987, the medals of Hiram S. and his
brother John W. Dotson had not been claimed in Charleston.
Hiram and Susan were the parents of 11 children:
a.-Mansfield H. Dotson, b. 14 Aug 1844.
b.-John Spencer "Buke" Dotson, b. 7 Dec 1846.
c.-Perry E. Dotson, b. 15 June 1848.
d.-Amos A. Dotson, b. 9 Jan 1850.
e.-William Flavus Dotson, b. 7 May 1852.
f.-Alpheus R. (Alfred) Dotson, b. 22 May 1854.
g.-Mary Ellen Dotson, b. 4 Oct 1856.
h.-Alice Jane Dotson, b. 19. Nov 1858.
i.-Charles Granville Dotson, b. 16 March 1860.
j.-Sarah J. Dotson, b. 9 Nov 1862.
k.-Susan Jane Dotson, b. 3 July 1864.
a.-Mansfield H. Dotson, b. 14 Aug 1844.
This m. in Ritchie Co.:
"20 June1864...M.H. Dotson, 2O...single...b. Rit. Co...res. Rit. Co...parents, Hiram
S. & Susan J.; & M. A. Wigner, 17... single...b. Rit. Co...res. Rit. Co...parents, Jacob W.
& Elizabeth... by Van Lenden Sanford."
Mansfield Dotson was a soldier in the civil war at the same time as his father and two
brothers (John Spencer aka Spencer B. 'Buke' Dotson, and Perry E. Dotson). Living in
Baltimore, Md. in 1883. (Ref. Hardesty, above)
Mansfield was not listed in the West Virginia index for the 1890 special census for
Civil War Veterans and widows, thus indicating that he was residing out of state. He must
have moved shortly after 1880, since he was enumerated in Pleasants Co. WV in the 1880
census as shown below.
From the 1880 census of WV; Pleasants Co.:
Dotson Mansfield WM 35 Works sawmill VA VA VA
Matilda A WF 33 Wife Kps hse VA VA VA
Victoria A WF 14 Dau WV VA VA
Susan E WF 13 Dau WV VA VA
Harry D WM 9 Son WV VA VA
b.-John Spencer "Buke" Dotson, b. 7 Dec 1846.
He was a Union soldier in the Civil War along with his father and two brothers. (See
item above for his enumeration in the 1890 census for Civil War Veterans and Widows in
WV) Shortly after the war he m. Emma Jane Divers, 18 Oct 1868.
This marriage in Ritchie County:
"18 Oct 1868...Spencer P. Dotson, 22...single...b. Rit. Co... res. Rit. Co...parents,
Hiram & Susan; and Emma Jane Divers, 22 b. Barbour Co...res. Dodd. Co...parents,
Andrew J. & Nancy by J. Z. Williams." Living in Ritchie Co. in 1883 (Hardesty).
From the 1870 census of WV; Ritchie County (453-426):
Spencer Dotson 24 Va Farmer
Emsy 24 Va
S E (f) 9/12Va
Ellen Dwess 10 Va
From the 1880 census of WV; Ritchie County, 150 (Clay Dist.) 021:
Dotson, Spencer WM 34 Farm Laborer WV WV WV
Emza J WF 34 Wife Keeping House WV WV WV
Samantha WF 10 Dau At home WV WV WV
Edwin L WM 9 Son WV WV WV
Rosa A WF 6 Dau WV WV WV
William W WM 4 Son WV WV WV
Marietta WF 1 Dau WV WV WV
Samantha died 1 Aug 1884. Ritchie Deaths p. 45; "Dotson Samantha E. d. Clay Dist.
Typhoid fever 15 yrs. parents S B and E J Dotson b. Ritchie Co. Rept by parents."
Emma Jane died before 1895.
From the 1900 census of WV; 38 126 17 22 Wirt Reedy Dist.:
Dotson Spencer D W Dec 1845 54 WV
Elizabeth W Aug 1844 55 WV
Charles E S Aug 1881 18 WV
Dolly M D Nov 1883 16 WV
Harmor F S May 1887 13 WV
Eva R D Nov 1891 8 WV
Cross Mary SD Dec 1891 8 WV (step daug.)
This Death in Doddridge County, Register book 5, p. 44:
John Spencer Dotson, Male, April 7, 1941; parents, Hiram Sears Dotson and Susie
Makewell (Markwell)
Parents of nine children:
1.- Samantha Dotson, b. ca. 1870; d. 1 Aug 1884.
2.- (Edwin) Lee Dotson, b. 21 May 1871; d. 19 May 1962.
3.- Rosie Dotson, b. 21 Dec 1873; d. 15 Sept 1932; m. Mr. Givens.
4.- (William) Walter Dotson, b. 13 March 1877; d. 1914.
5- (Marietta) Etta Dotson, b. 5 April 1879; d. 14 March 1971; m. Mr. Fleming.
6.- Charles Dotson, b. 14 Aug 1881; d. Oct 1947.
7.- Dollie Dotson, b. 24 Nov 1884 (1883); d. 17 Jan 1951; m. Alpha
Hamrick, 9 May 1903. Five children:
(1) Bernice Hamrick, b. 1904.
(2) Wenzel Spencer Hamrick, b. 1907.
(3) Naomi Beatrice Hamrick, b. 1910.
(4) Cleo Michelle Hamrick, b. 1913.
(5) Cecil Elmwood Hamrick, b. 1915...died 1971.
8.- Harmer Dotson, b. 3 May 1886 (1887)
9.- Eva Dotson, b. 7 Nov 1890 (1891); d. 27 Feb 1967; m.____ Dotson.
b.- John Spencer B. Dotson m. (2) Elizabeth Cross
This marriage in Ritchie Co.
"9 Nov 1895.. Spencer H. Dotson...widow... age 49...b. Ritchie...m. Elizabeth Cross
widow... b VA. resident Ritchie."
See foregoing census of 1900: Elizabeth wife, step-daughter Mary Cross.
c.-Perry E. Dotson, b. 15 June 1848.
He was a Union soldier in the civil war with his father Hiram S. and two brothers
(John Spencer aka Spencer B 'Buke' Dotson, and Mansfield Dotson).
Perry E. Dotson m (1) Cynthia Jane Ellefritts; this marriage in Doddridge County;
"6 Sept 1866...Perry E. Dotson...Age 20...m. Syntha Jane Ellefritts...age 20"
From the 1850 Census of VA; Doddridge County (Family No. 94):
Ellefritt, Samuel 54 MW Farmer VA
Mary 47 FW VA
Amanda 22 FW VA
James F 20 MW VA
Mary E 14 FW VA
Isaac R 13 MW VA
Enseh F 10 MW VA
Helen E 8 FW VA
Cynthia J 3 FW VA
Rubush (?) 3 MW VA
In the 1870 census of WV; Doddridge County, in the family of Mary Ellefritt, age 69,
b. Maryland:
Dotson, Perry 22 Male White Farmer b.VA
Cynthia J. 23 F W b.VA
Saml. W 2 M W b. WV
Annie M (Myrtle)7/12F W (b. Oct) b. WV
This death in Doddridge County Register, Book 3, p. 23:
"Jane Dotson, Female, Dec 8, 1874, Parents Samuel and Mary Ellifritt, In the
Greenwood Cemetery: "Scynthia Jane wife of Perry E. Dotson d - -"
Two children:
1.- Samuel W. Dotson, b. ca. 1868. In father Perry's household in 1870, age 2, and
in 1880, age 12. No further information.
2.- Myrtle Ann Dotson, b. Oct 1869; d. 1948. She m. Benjamin F. Hill.
This marriage in Ritchie Co.: "20 Oct 1889...B. F. Hill...age 26...b. Tyler...resident
Ritchie...m. Mirta A. Dotson...age 20...b. Ritchie." Benjamin Hill was a school teacher,
sheriff of Ritchie County and a merchant.
Six children:
(1) Orvil Price Hill, b. 28 Aug 1890; d. 14 April 1958. He was awarded the
distinctive service award in appreciation for 43 years of service to public school education
in Ritchie County, W.Va., being county superintendent for 26 years. He then became state
auditor in the tax commissioner's office. He m. Ethel Cross, 23 Nov 1923. She b. 1896.
One child; Carolyn L. Hill, b. & d. 1928
(2) Olive Louise Hill, b. 1891; d. 1918.
(3) Everett Hill, killed in accident, age 3.
(4) Franklin Hill, d. at age 3 years.
Both Everett and Franklin Hill are buried in the Egypt Cemetery, Cairo, W.Va.
(5) Lycurgus Perry Hill, 1905-1956. President of Shenandoah College,
Dayton. Ohio. m. to Margaret Glenn. They had; L. P. Hill Jr.; Glenna Jean Hill; and
PatriciaAnn Hill.
(6) Benjamin Franklin Hill Jr., b. 17 Sept 1901, Rit. Co.; m. in 1928 in
Harrison Co., W.Va., Mary Clark, b. 22 Aug 1902. (See, Salathiel Dotson, son of William
White Dotson, Chapter VIII-2). Mr. Hill was deputy Clerk of Wood Co., W.Va. He was
helpful to supply his line and Richard Dotson Jr.'s line which was his mother's line. They
had; Benjamin F. Hill III, b. Wood Co., 16 Oct 1930; m. June 1954, June Mankin, Chicago,
Ill. B.A. in business from Northwestern Univ. with Fred James broker, Chicago. One child;
David James Hill, b. 8 May 1957.
c.-Perry E. Dotson, m (2) Helen E. Ellefritt.
This m. in Dodd. Co.: "Sept.6 1875...Perry E. Dotson, 30...b. Rit. Co...res. Dodd.
Co...Parents, Hiram & Susan; and Hellen E. Ellefritt, 32... b. Dodd. Co...res. Dodd.
Co...parents, Samuel & Mary by Eli Martin." Cynthia and Helen were sisters. Perry
outlived both his wives.
From the 1880 census of WV; Doddridge Co. 122 (Central Dist.) 024:
Dotson, Perry A. WM 33 Farmer VA VA VA
Helen WF 37 Wife Keeping house VA MD MD
Samuel WM 12 Son farm laborer WV VA VA
Amy M (Annie) WF 10 Dauat home WV VA VA
Hiram S WM 7 Sonat home WV VA VA
Lulia WF 3 Dauat home WV VA VA
Kinney, S S (w) WM 73 Boarder PA PA PA
From the 1900 census soundex of WV; Ritchie Grant Dist 30 88 19 27:
Dotson Perry E W June 1847 53 WV
Hellen E W Mar 1843 57 WV
Zelona L D Dec 1876 23 WV
James P* S Oct 1890 19 WV
Ward Charles E Bo May 1888 12 WV
*This marriage in Ritchie County: "2 Oct 1901...James P. Dotson...age 20...b.
Ritchie...m. Lina Davis...age 21...b. Ritchie."
From the 1910 census soundex of WV; Ritchie 036 0069 0175:
Dotson Perry E H W 63 WV WV
Hellen S W 67 WV
For further information on the Ellifritts family please see Descendants of John Wilson,
the Ellefritts family section by Hobart Ellefritts,5 and The Duckworth Family . 6
From Ritchie County Deaths (1919-1970) p.100;
Dotson, Perry E, died Cairo, 27 May 1925, age 77 yr, 11 mo, 12 da; widower,
farmer, b. WV, parents Hiram S Dotson, Susan Marshall (sic Markwell) heart trouble
d.-Amos A. Dotson, b. 9 Jan 1850.
Shown in the family of his parents in the 1870 census, Ritchie County.
This marriage in Rit. Co.: "16 Nov 1876...Amos A. Dotson, 27...b. Rit. Co...res. Rit.
Co... Parents, Hiram & Susan; & Evaline Harper, 22...widow...b. Wirt Co...res. Rit. Co..by
R. A. Hill."
Living in Wirt Co. in 1883.
From the 1880 census of WV; Wirt County, 156 001:
Dodson, Amos A WM 30 Farmer VA VA VA
Eveline WF 36 wife Keeping House VA VA VA
Ora N WF 2 dau WV VA VA
Orville H* WM 3/12son (Mar 1880) WV VA VA
Peck, George (m) WM 72 Fil VA VA VA
Peck, Drusella (m) WF 71 Mil VA VA VA
Peck, Ann L (s) WF 44 Sil VA VA VA
From the 1900 census of WV; 38? 127 10 16 Wirt Spring Creek Dist:
Dotson, Amos A W Nov 1849 50 WV
Orval* Son Mar 1880 20 WV
William D S June 1883 16 WV
Nettie D Oct 1878 21 WV
Minnie D Oct 1881 18 WV
Orma D Sept 1886 13 WV
From the 1910 census soudex of WV; Wirt 048 0113 0145:
Dotson Amos A H W 60 WVA WVA
William A GS 08 WVA
From the 1910 census soundex of WV; Wirt 048 0113 0215:
*Dotson Orvil H W 30 WV WV
Della D W 25 WV
Carl M S 03 WV
This marriage in Ritchie Co.: "9 Oct 1903...Orville H. Dotson...age 23...b. Wirt...resident
Ritchie...m. Della D. Enochs...age 19...b. Wirt...resident Ritchie."
e.-William Flavus Dotson, b. 7 May 1852.
This marriage in Rit. Co.: "4 March 1877...Wm. F. Dotson, 25...single...b. Rit. Co...
res. Rit. Co...parents, Hiram & Susan; & Jennie Warner, 17... single...b. & ...res.. Rit. Co...
by Enoch Harper."
Living in Ritchie Co. in 1883.
From the 1880 census of WV; Ritchie Co., 150 (Clay) 021:
Dotson, WF WM 29 Farm laborer WV WV WV
Jennie WF 20 Wife Keeping house WV WV WV
Katurah WF 2 Dau WV WV WV
Floyd WM 8/12 Son (Sept 1879) WV WV WV
Lloyd WM 8/12 Son (Sept 1879) WV WV WV
From 1900 census soundex of WV; Ritchie Clay Dist 30 84 11 15:
Dotson Flabies W W May 1851 49 WV
Jennie W Sept 1859 40 WV
Ketmie D Apr 1878 22 WV
Lloyd S Sept 1879 20 WV
Amos S Apr 1887 13 WV
Silas S Dec 1888 11 WV
Freddie S Jan 1891 9 WV
Lola D D Nov 1895 4 WV
From the 1910 census soundex of WV; Ritchie 036 0068 0190:
Dotson William F H W 58 WV WV
Jennie W 50 WV
Amos S 23 WV
Cyrus S 21 WV
William S 19 WV
Lola (Lora) D 14 WV
From Ritchie Deaths (1919-1970), p 104:
"Dotson, William Flavius, died Pennsboro, 26 Apr 1936, age 84 y 11 m 18 d, married,
farmer, b. WV Parents Hiram Dotson, Susan Markle (sic Markwell)"
Parents of eight children:
1.- Ketura Dotson, b. ca. 1878, m. Homer Moats.
This marriage in Ritchie County: "4 April 1901...Homer S. Moats...age 29...b.
Ritchie...m. Keturah Dotson...age 22...b. Ritchie."
Five children:
(1) Harold
(2) Russell
(3) Lawrence
(4) Orville
(5) Edwin
2.- Floyd, b. Sept 1879
3.- Lloyd, b. Sept 1879
This marriage in Ritchie Co.: "12 July 1906...Lloyd Dotson...age 26...b. Ritchie...m.
E. Gay Jett...age 21...b. Ritchie."
1910 census soundex of WV; Doddridge West Union 007 0034 0174
Datson Lloyd H W 30 WV WV
Gay W 26 WV
Ardie S 02 WV
4.- Cyrus, b. ca 1889, m. Gracie Ellen Wilson. For this family, see
Descendents of John Wilson, page 141.7
This obituary in the Ritchie Gazette, March 28, 1991: "Woodrow Wilson Dotson, 75,
of Pine View Continuous Care Center, Harrisville, WV, died Monday, March 25, 1991, in
St. Joseph's Hospital, Parkersburg, WV.
He was born in Ritchie County, WV, a son of the late Cyrus Bukey and Gracie Ellen
Wilson Dotson. He was a member of the St. Andrews United Methodist Church and
attended the Mount Pisgah Church in Ritchie County.
Surviving are three sisters, Hattie Combs of Illinois, Hettie Bennett of Elizabeth, WV,
and Pauline Pluzdrak of Vienna, WV.
Preceding him in death was a brother, Paul Dotson...."
5. William, b. ca. 1881
6. Lora, b. ca. 1896, m. a Lamm. Three children:
(1) Kathleen, b. ca. 1918. This obituary from the Ritchie Gazette July 18,
1991: "Kathleen L. Vincent, 73, of Pennsboro, WV, died Tuesday, July 9, 1991, in
Camden-Clark Memorial Hospital, Parkersburg, WV.
She was born in Beason Community near Pennsboro, Ritchie County, WV, a daughter
of the late Lakin C and Lola Dotson Lamm. ...
Surviving are her husband, Wayne Vincent of Pennsboro; a daughter, Mrs. Steve
(Doris) Locke of Rt. 2, Waverly, WV; two brothers, Jack E. Lamm of Nutter Fort, WV, and
Gerald E. Lamm of West Milford, WV; and three granddaughter, Kimberly, Stephanie and
Stacie Locke, all of Waverly. ...Burial was in the Masonic Cemetery, Ellenboro, WV."
(2) Gerald
(3) Jack
7.- Fred Dotson, m. Hildred Lamm. Three children:
(1) William Dotson.
(2) Eugene Dotson.
(3) Carolyn Dotson.
8.- Daisy Dotson, m. Herbert Cottrill. No children.
f.-Alpheus R. (Alfred) Dotson, b. 27 May 1853.
This birth in Ritchie Co.; "Alf Dotson May 27, 1853; N. F. Hughes R.; parents Hiram
and Susan Dotson."
This m. in Rit. Co.: "24 March 1875...Alford A. Dotson, 21...single...b. Rit. Co... res.
Rit. Co...parents, Hiram & Susan J.; & Jane Wells, 23... b. Rit. Co...res. Rit. Co...Parents,
Levi & Elizabeth by Philip A. Woods."
From the 1880 census of WV; Ritchie County 150 (Clay) 022:
Dotson, A R WM 27 Wks Sawmill WV WV WV
Jennie WF 27 Wife Keeping house WV WV WV
Clarence WM 4 Son
From the 1900 census soundex of WV: 32 132 11 8 Taylor Co. Court House Dist
Dotson, Alfred R W
May 1854 46 WV
Jane W Nov 1852 47 WV
Clarence F S Aug 1875 24 WV
Lilly M D Aug 1881 18 WV
Charles G B March 1860 40 WV
From the 1910 census soundex of WV; Taylor Grafton 035 0131 0213:
Dotson Charles B 49 WV WV
enumerated with Dotson Alfred H W
From the above censuses, Alfred and Jan were parents of two children:
1.-Clarence F b. Aug 1875
2.-Lilly M b. Aug 1881
g.- Mary Ellen Dotson, b. 27 May 1855.
This b. in Ritchie Co.; "Mary Ellen Dotson, May 27, 1855; parents Hiram and Susan
This marriage in Rit. Co.: "18 Sept 1873...William L. Stinespring 23 single Dodd.
Co...Parents, John W. & Mary Ann; & Mary E. Dotson, 18...single...b. Rit. Co...res. Rit.
Co...parents, Hiram & Susan J. by Eli M. Gaston."
In the 1880 census of WV; Doddridge Co. 123 015):
Stinespring, William L. WM 29 Farmer WV VA VA
Mary E. WF 25 Wife Housekeeper VA VA VA
Dora M. WF 5 Dau WV VA VA
Lona M. WF 1 Dau WV VA VA
Leggett, John E. WM 24 Cousin works on farmVA VA VA
Living in Doddridge County in 1883.
1900 WV census soundex; Doddridge 5 26 5 13 Southwest Dist.:
Stinespring, Wm L W Oct 1849 50 WV
Mary E W Oct 1855 44 WV
Lona May D June 1878 21 WV
Grace L D Mar 1882 18 WV
C Fred S Apr 1884 16 WV
Hedrick C S May 1886 13 WV
Ross, Ted W Bo Oct 1864 35 WV
1910 WV census soundex; Doddridge 007 0033 0131:
Stinespring William L H W 60 WV WV
Mary E W 53 WV
Hedria C S 23 WV
Victor GS 20 WV
Parents of six known children (maybe seven):
1.- Dora Maude Stinespring, b. ca. 1875. m. Roy Ingram. See Page 405
Descendants of John Wilson.
Four children:
(1) Edna Ingram, m. ____ LaRock.
(2) Raymond Ingram.
(3) Frankie Ingram, m. Guy Broadwater (son of Charles Broadwater, son of
Jefferson Broadwater, see Broadwater Family.
(4) Robert Ingram.
2.- Lena May Stinespring, b. June 1878. m. ____ Black
3.- Grace Lewe Stinespring, b. May 1882. m. Frank Nutter (son of Andrew
Four children:
(1) Edith Nutter, m. Asa Dotson. She d. 198-. For this family, see Chapter
VII-7 Robert Dotson (Mary Elizabeth Dotson & Marshall Dotson).
(2) Forest Nutter, m.—— —— and had a son, Kay Nutter of Baltimore, Md.
Forrest is dead (1983). Kay has two children.
(3) Pauline Nutter, Never married. dead.
(4) Beatrice Nutter, m.——Wilson. Lives in Florida.
4.- Fred Stinespring. b. April 1884. Never married.
5.- Hedrick Stinespring, b. May 1886. m. Carrie Nutter. Two children:
(1) Chestine Stinespring, m. and lives in Arizona (?).
(2) Hayward Stinespring, m. Mildred Cumberledge. He is dead.
6.- Victor Goff Stinespring, b. ca. 1890. m. Susie Maxwell. One son:
(1) Charter Stinespring.
7.- Lillie Pearl Stinespring. Never married. (Not in any census)
h.-Alice Jane Dotson, b. 19. Nov 1858.
This m. in Rit. Co.: "15 March 1877...Wm. P. Ash, 26...single...b. Dodd. Co...res.
Dodd. Co...Parents, Stephen & Sarah J.; & Alice J. Dotson, 19... single...b. Rit. Co...res.
Rit. Co...parents, Hiram & Susan by E. J. 'Doc' Taylor."
In the 1880 census of WV; Ritchie Co. 150 O22:
Ash, W. P. WM 29 Farm laborer WV WV DE
Alice J WF 22 Wife Keeping house WV WV WV
Floy WF 1 Dau WV WV WV
WV census soundex 1900; Doddridge Grant Dist 5 21 21 63:
Ash William C W Mar 1851 49 WV
Alice J. W Nov 1857 42 WV
Fany D Sept 1886 13 WV
Stanley S Aug 1889 10 WV
Ervin S Mar 1894 6 WV
WV census soundex 1910; Ritchie 036 0070 0026:
Ash William P M W 59 WV WV
Alice J W 52 WV
Stanly M S 20 WV
Ernent P S 16 WV
Opel F D 09 WV
Living in Doddridge County
in 1883.
Five known children:
1.- Montona Esta (Floy) Ash, b. ca. 1879, m. Oliver (Roscoe) Hayes. Ten
(1) Florence Virginia Hayes
(2) Denzil (Robert) Hayes. b. 13 Feb 1908 at Shirley, WV d. 13 July 1964;
m. (1) Genevieve Ruth Elder b. 27 May 1922 Ellenboro WV. d. 30 May 1973 at Clarksburg,
WV*. Had a store in Salem, W.Va.
(3) Thelma Hayes, m. Don Cogar. Both dead 1983.
(4) Albert Hayes. Dead. Death march Phillipines.
(5) James Hayes. Killed in service, France.
(6) Eugene Hayes. Killed in service, France.
(7) Mary Hayes.
(8) Freda Hayes.
*Information from application for membership to DAR, Barbara Hayes Stout, West
Union WV, dau. of Denzil Robert Hayes; patriot Richard Dotson.
2.-Fany, b. Sept 1886
3.-Stanley, b. Aug 1889
4.-Ervin, b. Mar 1894
5.-Opel F, b. ca. 1901
i.-Charles Granville Dotson, b. 16(3) March 1860. Living in Ritchie County in 1883.
Enumerated in the 1880 census, Ritchie County, age 20, in the household of his father
Hiram Dotson (see above); in the household of brother Alfred in Taylor Co. in 1900, b.
March 1860, age 40 and again in 1910, age 49.
j.-Sarah J. Dotson, b. 9 Nov 1862.
This marriage in Rit. Co.: "1876...John W. Kiger, 23...single...b. Ohio...res... Rit.
Co...Parents, George W. & Sarah; & Sarah G. Dotson, 15... single...b. Va...res. Rit.
Co...Parents, H. S. & Susan by R. A. Witt." Living in Ritchie County in 1883.
From the 1880 census of WV; Ritchie Co. 150 (Clay) O22:
Kiger, John WM 26 Laborer OH PA OH
Sarah WF 18 Wife Keeping house WV WV WV
Charles H WM 1 Son WV OH WV
Infant WM 1/12Son (May 1880) WV OH WV
Six children:
1.- Charles H, b. 1879
2.- Male, b. May 1880
3.- Fred Kiger, b. 24 Oct 1885; d. Sept 1964. He m. Dolia Dotson.
No children. For this family, see Chap. XIV- 8 Thomas Dotson and Eliza Dotson
4.- Mae Kiger, m. Arthur Markle. Two children:
(1) Pearl Markle, m. Howard Wanstreet. No children.
(2) Virginia Markle, m. Wilbur "Buck" Grose. They had Glenn Mae Grose
who m. Denzil Taylor. Both drowned in the Silver Bridge tragedy at Point Pleasant
December 1967. For this family, see The Descendants of John Wilson. 8
5.- Edward Kiger, m. Susan Maxwell. One child:
(1) Lewis Edward Kiger, m. Vertner.
6.- Charley Kiger. He worked for oil and gas Co. Lived at Pennsboro. Several
k.-Susan Jane Dotson, b. 3 July 1864. Living in Doddridge County in 1883.
In the 1870 census Doddridge Co., Susan J. was not enumerated in the household of
her father Hiram S. (but there was a Sarah J., age 8): in 1880, a Susan J., 17, daughter of
Hiram Dotson.
This marriage in Ritchie County: "25 Dec 1904...G. P. Fetty... widow...age 45...b.
Monongalia... resident Tyler...m. Jane Dotson...age 40...b Ritchie."
1.- Hiram Dotson, m (2) Melvina Pool.
This marriage in Ritchie County: "23 Aug 1864...Hiram S. Dotson, 40...widow...b.
Wood Co...res. Rit. Co...Parents, Emanuel & Hannah; & Melvina Pool, 29...single...b.
Harrison Co...res. Rit. Co...parents, Thomas & Anna by Eli Riddle."
In the Toll Gate Cemetery:
HIRAM S. DOTSON, born 21 Sept 1823(8), died 25 Sept 1899
MELVINA POOL DOTSON, born 13 June 1835, died 12 March 1913
In the Ritchie Death records (p. 85);
"Dotson H. S. Sept 25, 1899 d Ritchie Co. pleurisy 76 parents Emanuel and Hannah
Dotson, farmer, no place given for birth consort Melvina Dotson. Rept by F. J. Dotson, son"
Miss Lowther states: "Susan Markwell died while her husband was serving as a
Union soldier. He was later discharged because of his half orphaned children. Shortly after
his discharge he m. Melvina Pool." Some reported dates are in conflict and do not support
this statement: eg. his date of discharge from the special 1890 census was 15 Nov 1863;
birth-date of Susan's last daughter Susan Jane was 3 July 1864; Susan's death from her
head-stone "SUSAN J. WIFE OF H. S. DOTSON...d. 12 July 1863; age 30y.-10m.-9d."
: Hardesty gives her death date as July 12, 1864 and Hiram's remarriage to Melvina Poole
as 1865. However the marriage record shown above says "23 Aug 1864".
Parents of four children:
l.- John W. Dotson, b. 23 Aug 1866. He m. Hattie 0.___ .
Enumerated in the household of his father Hiram S. Dotson in the Ritchie County
Census of 1870: John W., 4, b. WV. and in 1880; John W., 14, b. WV
This marriage in Ritchie County: 4 July 1888..John W. Dotson...age 22...b. Ritchie...
m. Florence Clevenger... Age 21...b. Doddridge..Resident Ritchie.
From the 1900 census soundex of WV; Ritchie Clay Dist 30 84 9 45:
Dotson John W W June 1870 30 WV
Dellie W June 1873 27 WV
Ennis M S Oct 1894 5 WV
Leslie F S Aug 1896 3 WV
From the 1910 census soundex of WV; Doddridge 007 0026 0026:
Dotson John W H W 45 WV WV
Hattie W 36 WV
Enos S 15 WV
Leslie S 13 WV
His wife's names are confusing, Florence, Dellie and Hattie; Barr Wilson recalls John
W. as having only one wife; apparent discrepancy is unresolved.
He was caretaker of Crystal Lake.
In the Toll Gate Cemetery:
From the Index and Register of Deaths- Doddridge County, p. 170: "Dotson, John
Wesley, M, died Dec 8, 1931, parents, Hiram Dotson and Muina (sic Malvina) Poole"
Two known, possibly three, children:
1.- Enos Dotson, b. Oct 1894
2.- Leslie Dotson b. Aug 1896
3.- Girl Dotson who was m., lived for a time in the John Dotson house; later moved
to Baltimore.
m.- Daniel V. Dotson, b. 30 March 1867 (Hardesty9).
Enumerated in the household of his father Hiram S. Dotson in the census of Ritchie
County: 1870 age 3, and in 1880, age 13.
Daniel was not found in the Ritchie or Doddridge indexes to marriages or deaths, nor
1900 or 1910 census; apparently died young or moved out of area after 1880.
n.- Thomas Dotson, b. 3 Jan 1869; d. 5 April 1958.
He m. June Taylor (dau. of Edmund Taylor Jr, and Ermany Jane Baker). They resided
on Cabin Run, later at Toll Gate.
In the Toll Gate Cemetery:
THOMAS J. DOTSON, born 3 Jan 1869...died 5 April 1958
MRS. JUNE DOTSON, born 1 June 1889...died 3 Nov 1921. age 32yr. 5mo. 2da.
Enumerated in the household of his father Hiram S. Dotson, Ritchie Co. Census of
1870, age 1, and 1880, age 11.
From the Ritchie Co. Marriages: "(1908) Thomas Jefferson Dotson...Age 39...b.
Ritchie..m. June Taylor...age 19...b. Ritchie."
In the Ritchie County Death Register, p. 110;
"Dotson Thomas Jefferson, male, white, widower, died Toll Gate, Apr 3 1958, age 89
- -, farmer, Rit. Co. WV, Parents Hiram Dotson, Melvina Poole."
From the 1900 census soundex of WV: Ritchie Clay Dist 30 84 16 46:
Dotson Thomas W Jan 1870 30 WV
Mallie Mother July 1839 60 WV
Florence Ni Aug 1899 10 ? WV
From the 1910 census soundex of WV; Ritchie 036 0068 0168:
Dotson Thos J H W 41 WV WV
Janie (June) W 20 WV
Cecil D S Nr WV
Melvina M 74 WV
Taylor Ralph BL 15 WV
Seven children:
1.-Cecil Dotson, m. Virginia Taylor, dau. of Oath Taylor. Oath Taylor, son of
Silas Taylor; Silas son of Eli; Eli, son of Daniel, who had Revolutionary service. See The
Daniel Taylor Family .10
One child:
(1) Ronald Dotson, m. a German girl. They have; Charlotte Dotson; Rene
Dotson; and Kenneth Dotson.
2.- Carl Dotson, m. Juanita Fredrick. No children.
3.- Marie Dotson, m. Homer Dotson. (For Homer, see Chapter VII-9 Robert
Dotson, and The Gregg Family.11)
Three children:
(1) Linda Lou Dotson, m. Glen Jones. They have; Tammy LeDawn Jones;
Rebecca Yvonne Jones; and Terry Jones.
(2) Bonnie Lee Dotson, m. Kenneth Grose. They have; Stephenie Kay Grose;
Kevin Gale Grose; and Kenda Lee Grose.
(3) Roger Dean Dotson, m. Helen Richards. They have; Katrina Dotson.
4.- Mabel Dotson, m. John Chandler. One child:
(1) Evelyn Chandler, m. David Beeghley. They have; Randy Beeghley; and
Ricky Beeghley.
5.- Mildred Dotson, m. Clifford Dotson. Clifford Dotson is a brother of Homer
Dotson, above. No children.
6.- Clarence Dotson. Never married. Buried Toll Gate Cemetery.
"Clarence E Dotson WV PFC 745 Railway Opr. BN WWII Nov 2 1921 Nov 10 1948"
7.- Anna Belle Dotson, b. 4 Feb 1871. She m. Marion "Buke" Nutter.
See History of Doddridge County,1979.12
Nine children:
(1) O1dest child died young.
(2) Darius Nutter, m. ____ Grey. One son. Died March 1983
(3) Willa Nutter, m.(1)
____ Murphy. Two children:
(3a) Sam Murphy.
(3b) Girl. She is m. and lives in Clarksburg.
(3) Willa Nutter, m. (2) Barrick. Had cigar factory in Pennsboro. No children
(3) Willa Nutter, m. (3) ____ Hornbeck.
(4) Dora Nutter. Never married.
(5) Earl Nutter (twin), m. ____ ____. One adopted child.
(6) Paul Nutter (twin), m. ____ ____. One son killed in auto accident. Maybe
other children.
(7) Wonda Nutter, m. Herb Mayfield. No children.
(8) Leatha Nutter, m. Charles Zinn. One child:
(8a) Rose Ann Zinn, m. ____ Riggs.
(9) Ford Nutter. Died 1982. He was m. No known children.
2.- Lovisa Dotson, 1825-1875; m. James Taylor. This m. in Tyler Co.:
"30 July 1840...James Taylor and Louisa Dotson by George Monroe."
From Miss Lowther's History of Ritchie County 13:
"JAMES TAYLOR whose natal day was 7 Oct 1818, was a man of more than ordinary
ability. He was one of the early sheriffs of the County and served as a member of the State
Legislature. He resided on Lynn Camp, at Harrisville and finally went to Cornwallis, where
death overtook him. But he rests in the Taylor burying ground on the old homestead. He
was first m. to Miss Lovisa Dotson, ........"
From the 1850 census of VA; Ritchie County:
Taylor James 32 (farmer) born in Virginia
Lovica 25
Victoria 7
Henrietta 5
Edward 3
Rachel 5 months.
From the 1860 census of VA; Ritchie County (379-361):
Taylor James 42 sheriff VA
Louisa 35 VA
Henrietta 16 househand VA
Edmund 14 VA
Rachel 10 VA
Lovina 8 VA
Lewis P 4 VA
James 1 VA
From the 1870 census of WV; Ritchie County (238-233):
Taylor James 51 merchant VA
Louisa 45 housekeeper VA
Louisa 18 VA
James 11 VA
Stonewall 3 VA
From the 1880 census of WV; Ritchie County 153 (Grant) 032:
Taylor James WM 61 Farmer VA VA VA
Emma WF 31 Wife Keeping house OH OH VA
Stonewall WM 13 Son At home WV VA OH
William G WM 2 Son (by wife No. 2) WV VA OH
McClane, LucindaWF 21 Serv. Housekeeper OH OH OH
In the Taylor Cemetery:
LOVISA wife of Hon.
JAS. TAYLOR Born June
15, 1825 Died Feb 25, 1875
JAMES TAYL0R Born
Oct 7, 1818 Died Sept 23,
Lovisa Dotson Taylor
headstone in Taylor
Cemetery, near Lynn
Camp Ritchie County
Photo by Ruth Taylor Allen
Parents of eight children:
a.-Victoria Mariah Taylor, m. Horatio Nelson Wilson. For this family see, page 181,
Descendants of John Wilson.14 Also see, Horatio Nelson Wilson and Victoria Mariah
Taylor, 15 by Linn Wilson.
b.-Hannah (Henrietta in 1850 and 1860 census) Taylor, m. Peter Broadwater, a son of
Jefferson Broadwater and Mary Recknor; marriage record in Ritchie Co. ...30 Nov
1865...Peter Broadwater ..age 21...b. Allegheny Co., Md...Resident Ritchie..son of Jefferson
and Mary....m. Hannah Taylor...Age 21...b. Ritchie..Dau. of James and Lovica (Lovisa
Dotson); (Note: another Peter Broadwater b. 20 March 1820, a brother of Jefferson
Broadwater, m. Love Taylor...Ritchie Marriage records...9 Oct 1845..Peter Broadwater m.
Lovina Taylor...This is not the Peter that m. Hannah Taylor. This is his uncle) see, pages
10, 27, and 28 Broadwater History15 Two known children:
1.- The late Wheeler Broadwater of Pennsboro. This is the son of Peter that
m. Hannah Taylor. This Peter Broadwater was a son of Thomas Jefferson Broadwater and
Mary Recknor.
2.- Sarah Dolly Broadwater, m. Wayne Wilson. For this family, see page 188,
Descendants of John Wilson. 16
c.-Edward (Edmund) (E J 'Doc") Taylor. b. 1846 or 1847. Shown in the household of
his father in the 1850 and 1860 census of Ritchie County.
From the 1870 census of WV; Ritchie (469-439):
Taylor E J 24 Farmer VA
C C 22 Hskpr VA
Milton 1 WV
From the 1880 census of WV; Ritchie Co. 150 (Clay) 018:
Taylor E J WM 34 Farmer WV WV WV
Cena C WF 33 Wife Keeping house WV MD MD
Milton WM 11 Son At home WV WV WV
Visey WF 7 Dau WV WV WV
Alice WF 4 Dau WV WV WV
Tasker WM 3 Son WV WV WV
From the 1900 census soundex of WV; Ritchie Clay District 30 84 9 60:
Taylor Edman J W Dec 1845 54 WV
Laura W Aug 1863 36 WV
Grover C S Mar 1885 15 WV
Carrie C D Aug 1887 12 WV
Opal D Dec 1890 9 WV
Phelps S Mar 1897 3 WV
From the 1910cCensus soundex of WV; Ritchie 036 0068 0177:
Edman J H W 64 WV WV
Laura W 46 WV
Opal D19 WV
Phelps S 13 WV
E. J. "Doc" Taylor, m(1) Aseneth Catherine Broadwater (dau. of
Jefferson Broadwater). See, "Broadwater Family." Four known children:
1.- Milton (Gowin) Taylor (b. 1868, d. Aug 1926) lived at Pullman. was a
teamster, always having several teams in the oil and gas fields.
The following information on the Milton Taylor family, and photograph taken in the
Taylor cemetery, were furnished to the author by Ruth Taylor Allen, grand-daughter of
Milton Taylor and Etta Alice Wilson, 29 May 1991.
Milton was married twice. Married (1) Mary V. Miller of Doddridge Co.; married
1890. She died in child-birth before 1896. Milton and Mary V. Miller had three sons:
(1) Shirley
(2) Lawrence, died 1907 of diphtheria.
(3) Clarence
Milton married (2) Etta Alice Wilson (b. 11 Nov 1877, d. 22 Feb 1981 at 103 years),
dau. of Alfred A. Wilson and Mary Catherine Snodgrass Wilson. Milton and Etta had eight
(4) William Bryant b. 1896 d. 1907 diphtheria
(5) Thelma C. b. 1899 d. 1907 diphtheria
(6) Frank b. 21 March 1902 d. 23 Jan 1976 (6) m.(1) 10 July 1920, Ninnie
Elizabeth McCarty (b. 19 Feb 1900, d. 13 Dec 1967); parents of four children;
(6a) Robert Lee b. 13 Aug 1921 Pullman, Ritchie County, WV
(6b) Ruth Marie b. 26 May 1923 Pullman, Ritchie County, WV
(6c) Eleanor Ann b. 5 May 1925 Pullman, Ritchie County, WV
(6d) Charles Frank b. 12 Dec 1928 Akron, Ohio
(6) Frank Taylor m. (2) Beatrice Peteau (French, b. in Canada). One child;
(6e) John Milton Taylor b. 2 Aug 1949 (legally changed his name to John
Taylor Allen).
(7) Bess b. 26 March 1906 living 1991 m. Albert Long; four children;
(7a) James
(7b) Robert
(7c) Rosalie
(7d) Caroline
(8) Mary Nell b. 23 May 1912 living 1991; m. Bennie Ells; no children
(9) Milton O. b. 6 Dec 1909 living 1991 m. Wilma Clevenger; one child
(9a) Ronald
(10) Pauline b. 27 Nov 1916 living 1991 m. Alva Kirk; four children;
(10a) Joy
(10b) Sherri
(10c) Linda
(10d) Jeff
(11) Lorena (Teenie) b. 31 Mar 1920 d.18 April 1990 m. Lawrence Nestor;
two children; (11a) Melanie
(11b) David
2.- Visey Taylor, b. ca. 1773, m. Snodgrass. He was a mail carrier.
3.- Carrie Catherine (Alice) Taylor, b. ca. 1776 m. Charley Wilson. For this
family, see page 134, Descendants of John Wilson.
4.- "Tat" Tasker Taylor. b. ca. 1777, very large man. lived on Lynn Camp. He m.
a Cross. Three known children:
(1) "Tom" Taylor. Died at Williamstown.
(2) Raymond Taylor, m. Cornell. He is dead (1982).
(3) Taylor, m. Herman Pool. Lives at West Union, W.Va.
c.- E. J. "Doc" Taylor, m (2) Layune (Laura) Shuttlesworth.
Four children:
5.- Grover C Taylor. b. Mar 1885
6.- Carrie C Taylor, b. Aug 1887.
7.- Opal Taylor, b. Dec 1890.
8.- Phelps Taylor, b. March 1897, father of Phelps Taylor Jr., present postmaster
at Pennsboro, W.Va. (1983).
d.- Rachel Taylor, b. 1850; m. Ocran Corbin of Pennsboro. For their children see
Minnie Kendall Lowther's Ritchie County in History and Romance p. 430-431.
e.- Lovina Taylor, b. 1852; m. Patrick Monohan of Cairo18.
f.- Phelps (Lewis P) Taylor. b. 1846 Died in childhood (between 1860 and 1870)
g.- James Taylor, b. 1859 m. Susannah Belle Wilson. dau. of Barton Hudkins ('Bail")
Wilson and Sarah Jane McGregor. For this family, see page 187, "Descendants of John
h.- Stonewall Taylor, b. 1867, of Parkersburg.
James Taylor married (2) Emma Windham:
This marriage in Ritchie County: "22 Aug 1876...James Taylor... widow...age 50...b.
Harrison...resident Ritchie...m. Emma Windham... age 27...b. Ohio...he, son of Edmund
and Rachel...she, dau. of John and Rebecca."One known child: William G. b. ca. 1878
3.- Granville Dotson, b. 1827. This m. in Rit. Co.:
"26 Nov 1846...Granville Dotson & Sarah Cross by Eli Riddle".
From the 1850 Census of VA; Ritchie Co. (571-171):
Dotson Granville 23 Farmer VA
Sarah 19 VA
Emaretta 3 VA
These births in Ritchie County (also in Mormon IGI):
"Josephine Dotson Nov 15, 1854 parents Granville Dotson"
"John Dotson Nov 23(1) 1856 parents Granville Dotson"
" They went west where they sleep and where their descendants live." Lowther, p. 143
From the 1860 census of Missouri, Adair Co. p 124 Clay Twp. Wilmothville PO Dwl.
1002 Fam. 813:
Dotson Granville 33 M Farmer $1070 VA
Sarah 28 F VA cannot read or write
Emmeretta 12 F VA attending school
Evelline 9 F VA
Martha E 7 F VA attending school
Lafsis? 5 M VA
John 3 M VA
Emanuel 1/12M Mo
Glena Calhoun 19 F VA
Note; in 1860 neighbors of Granville Dotson in Adair County were Eli B. and
Margaret Tucker (Chap. VII-1), Nelson Tucker (Eli's son) (Chap. VII-1) and J F and Mary
A Kelley (Chap.V-4). None of these families were found in the 1870 census of Adair
County Missouri; but other Dotson relatives from West Virginia were living there, e.g.
Lloyd Dotson, Thomas Poole and Jasper Wilson (Chap. V-2)
From the Nebraska soundex 1900 vol 6 ED 40 sh 3 line 97 Cedar Co, Precinct 14:
Dotson, Emanuel W Apr 1866 34 Missouri
Harman, Ida Sister Feb 1875 25 Nebraska
Note; this Emanuel Dotson may or may not be the son of Granville Dotson and Sarah
Cross b. 1860, per the 1860 census above; the state of birth "Missouri" fits but the age is
off by six years (however not uncommon in census records).
From Minnie Kendall Lowther: "John Cross, brother of Nimrod, born 1808, made a
pioneer settlement on the Hooker Wilson Farm on Beeson (Ritchie Co.),.....he made his
will on July 15, 1886, ...he mentions the following children:......Sarah, wife of Granville
According to information provided by Jean Wilson (1986) Sarah Cross' mother was
Katherine Jemima Prunty, who married John Cross on 2 Dec 1829; she died before 1865
and is buried in the Wilson Cemetery at Beeson Ritchie County.
Six or seven known children of Granville and Sarah Cross Dotson:
a.- Emeretta b. ca. 1847 No other information.
b.- Eveline b. ca. 1851
c.- Martha E b. ca. 1853
d.-Josephine b. Nov 15, 1854. (Listed in Mormon IGI, bap. 14 June 1978, Provo, UT)
(may be same as Martha E)
e.- Lafsis? (male)b. ca. 1855
f.- John b. 23 (1) Nov, 1856 (Listed in Mormon IGI, bap. 13 June 1978, Provo, UT)
g.- Emanuel b. 1860 (see note above)
4.- John W. Dotson, b. 1829; m. Amy Poole.
From the 1850 census of VA; Rit. Co.:
Dotson, John W 21. . Farmer b. Virginia
Amy 18
Enoch C. 6 months.
From the 1860 census of VA; Rit. Co. (641-606) (one family prior to Hiram S. Dodson,
Dodson, John W. 30 Farmer b. VA
Amy B 29 VA
Enos B 11 VA
Arygha (m) 9 VA
Adorthy E 6 VA
Arzannath 4 VA
Simon 2 VA
These births in Ritchie Co.:
1853 12 Nov, Austin, parents John W. Dotson (Mormon IGI bap. 13 June 1978 Provo
1855 May 4th, Adortha Dotson parents John W. and Martha Dotson.
1856....Martha Dotson, parent J W Dotson
1859 6 Dec Simon Launtz; parents John Wesley Dotson/Amy Bull Poole. Toll Gate,
Ritchie Co. ((Mormon IGI bap 27 Mar 1981 Idaho Falls)
1861 Ira, parents John W. and Amy, (Mormon IGI bap. 13 June 1978 Provo UT)
From the Ritchie Co. Death Register, p. 1: "Dotson Austin ...Nov 30 1853...Cabin run..
Croup...18 days...father Jno W. ...Pendleton Co."
John W. Dotson served in the Civil War attached to the 6th WV Infantry Volunteers.
When mustered out 1863 John W. Dotson, private.19
(NOTE; a John W. Dotson (Co. E 6th Inf.) was one (with John S. 'Spencer' Dotson)
whose W Va. Civil War Medal had not been claimed as of May 1992 in Charleston.)
They went to Minnesota many years ago, but they now live in California (1911)."
Lowther, p. 14320
They evidently moved from the Ritchie-Doddridge area between 1861 and 1870; not
enumerated in 1870 or 1880 census of Ritchie or Doddridge.
From the 1900 California Census (Vol 42 E.D. 93 Sh 7 Line 41); Residence Santa Cruz
Soquel Twp.:
Dotson, John W White b. Mar 1829 age 71 bp West Virginia
Amy B Wife b. Sept 1831 age 68 bp WV
From the California 1910 Soundex Santa Cruz 113 0123 0298:
Dotson John W H W 81 WVA Calif
Amy B W 78 Virginia
From the 1920 census soundex of California; Santa Cruz 124 226 2 88:
Santa Cruz; Caledonia
Dotson John W W 90 WV
Duatcher Dorthey E D 65 WV
also from the 1920 census soundex of California;
Santa Cruz Co 124 226 2 34; Santa Cruz; 49 South Branuforte:
Dotson, E P W 69 VA
Emma W 66 Indiana
It is believed that this E P Dotson is the Enoch or Enos Dotson, son of John W. and
Amy Poole Dotson b. ca. 1850.
No other Dotsons with bp West Virginia were found in the California census index for
1870, 1880 or 1900.
For children of John W and Amy B Dotson, see 1860 census and birth records above
(not entirely reconciled).
From Miss Lowther's history of Ritchie County, p.14321:
"JOHN DOTSON (brother of Emanuel 2nd), m. Miss Susan Sears, (SAYERS) sister
of Hannah Sears Dotson (wife of Emanuel), for his first wife; and his second was Miss
Mahala Myers. He, too, settled across the Doddridge County line, but removed to the
Harrisville vicinity in the ante-bellum days, and there he rests. His children; Oliver, Lloyd,
Mrs. Minerva Stinespring; Mrs. Cindona (Daniel) Malone; Clinton; Leeman; (John)
Noble; and Rufus Dotson."
From her revised history of Ritchie County22 (note changes from first edition in
"JOHN DOTSON, brother of Emmanuel, born 1800, was first married to Miss Susan
Sears, sister of his brother's wife and they settled on the Doddridge County side, where
Mrs. Dotson died, after some years. He then married Miss Mahala Myers, and removed to
the Harrisville vicinity in the antebellum days, where he rests. His children: Oliver, Lloyd,
Mrs. Minerva Stinespring, Cindona, Mrs. Daniel Malone; Clinton, Lehman, Mary S.,
Noble, and Rufus Dotson.
Susanna Sayre was the daughter of Benjamin and Nancy Sayre, who lived on Middle
Island Creek, Tyler County (prior to formation of Doddridge County). See verification of
this under foregoing section "Emanuel Dotson" who married Hannah Sayre, Susanna's
In his two volume book on the genealogy of the Dodson-Dotson family, the Rev. Silas
Emmett Lucas, Jr. includes a section on Richard Dotson and his descendents compiled
from information sent to him; one version was contributed by Edythe McKinstry Gaston
of Denver, CO in 1969; she applied for membership in the DAR on May 13, 1963 using
Richard Dotson Sr. (1752-1847) as her patriot ancestor. (Application No. 495587); she
descended from Richard, Sr. via William, Sr., John, and John Noble, to her mother Agnes
Isabell who married her father LeRoy Edwin McKinstry in 1914. Her major contribution,
was of course, on the family of her great-grand-father John Dotson, and the reader is invited
to read her write-up in the cited reference23. In this chapter, references to this source are
made to supplement other independently derived information.
From the 1830 census of Wood County:
Dotson, John...males; 1 under 5; 1 30 to 40. females; 2 20-30 .
This means that he m. (1) between 1825 and 1830.
Could the second female, 20-30, be his sister, Mary Ann who married James F. Kelly?
(See below)
From the 1840 census of Harrison County:
Dotson, John...males; 1 5-10, 1 10-15, 2 20-30, 1 40-50: females; 1 under 5, 1 30
40. Obviously not all of the males were John and Susan's children.
Names appearing on deeds in Tyler County:
"1839...John Dotson and Susannah Dotson."
On Dec 30, 1842, the heirs of Benjamin Sayre were granted 100 acres of land in
Harrison Co. on a branch of Arnold Creek adjoining a corner of Gratz's survey... heirs
named were Hannah and Susanna Dotson, Solomon Sayre, Squire Sayre, Hiram Sayre,
and Mary Kenney. This indicates that Susanna was still living at the end of 1842.
John Dotson was a prominent land broker in Tyler, Doddridge and Ritchie Counties;
for on the above land grant, and much other information concerning John Dotson's land
holding and dealings, the reader is referred to the book Dotson Land Grants (1804-1865)
in the Present Day Counties of Ritchie, Doddridge, Tyler West Virginia by James M.
Dotson 1988.24
From the 1850 census of VA; Doddridge County (Fam. No. 198):
Dotson, John 50 (farmer) born in Virginia
Mahala (second wife) 40
Lloyd 15
Minerva 13
Sindonia 10
(The following children by wife No. 2:)
Dotson, Clinton 6 VA
Leaman 4
Mary S. 2
Dougherty, Mary A. 18 VA
From the 1860 census of VA; Doddridge County (760-761):
Dotson Jno 60 M Farmer VA (Real est. $1000, pers. prop. $300)
Mahala 50 F
Sudona 16 F
Lemon 14 M
Mary 12 F
Clinton 16 M
John N 9 M
Rufus 6 M
From the 1870 census of WV; Ritchie County (330-330):
Dotson John 70 Ret farmer b.VA
Mahala 60 Hskpr VA
Miller Henry 30 Farmer Nassau
Mary S 21 Hskpr VA
H Grant 2 WV
Nora V 1 WV
From the 1880 census ofWV; Ritchie Co 149 (Union) 034, in the household of Henry
Miller Henry P WM 42 Farmer GR GR GR (Germany)
Mary WF 32 wifeKeeping house VA VA VA
Herman G WM 12 son Farmer WV GR VA
Laura V WF 10 Dau At Home WV GR VA
Anna L WF 8 Dau WV GR VA
Jessie Ellen WF 2 Dau WV GR VA
Infant WF 2/12 Dau WV GR VA
Dotson Mahaly WF 70 (mother-in-law) VA VA VA
In the Ritchie Co. Deaths p. 36: Feb 15, 1880 John Dotson pl. of death Ritchie; no age
given; cause of death, parents, where born, occupation consort, all listed as unknown;
reported by H. P. Miller, a friend (his son-in-law)
In the Harrisville I.O.O.F. Cemetery:
JOHN DOTSON, Feb 5, 18OO...Feb 25, 1880; aged 80 years; 20 days.
HOWARD LEE DOTSON, d. May 28, 1906, aged 13 years.
The four children of John Dotson and Susan Sayers:
1.- 01iver Dotson, b. 1830. (Oliver a child of John and Susan Dotson according to Lowther)
This marriage in Doddridge County (Bk.1-p.15): "30 May 1850...O1iver Dotson and
Sarah Fleming by William Sexsmith." Sarah Fleming, b. ca 1835.
From 1850 census of Doddridge County, family of John Fleming; "Oliver Dotson, 20
and Sarah Dotson 15."
From the Index and Register of Births- Doddridge County, p. 237 (Bk 1-p.11):
"Dec 17, 1858; Dotson, Hiram M; Parents, Olive(r) and Sarah Dotson"
After the birth of their son Hiram M. Dotson in 1858, no subsequent record has been
found of Oliver and Sarah. From a contribution by Edythe McKinstry Gaston of Denver,
CO in 1969 to the Silas Lucas' Dotson history25, p. 1178, the following additional
information was obtained;
The children of John (Squire) Dotson were given as:
a. Capt. Oliver Dotson- b. 25 July 1830; d. 1900; m. Sarah Fleming. Their children
were: 1. Columbia Cachelin - b. 1 July 1853; d. 6 April 1929; m. a Wolfe.
2. Sarah Dotson - b. 25 July 1875; m. a Cooper.
3. Virginia Dotson
4. Ely Dotson
5. Oliver Dotson
6. Clinton Dotson
7. Edward Dotson
8. John Dotson
9. Hiram Dotson
10. Lawrence Dotson
No further information
2.- Lloyd Dotson, b. 1835. In the household of his father John, 1850 census, age 15.
Lowther from her revised history of Ritchie County26:
VOLUNTEERS,..........Discharged:-1862- Lloyd Dotson,1st lieutenant;...."
From Lucas, p. 1178, account of Edythe McKinstry Gaston of Denver, CO in
1969: Lloyd Dotson was b. 16 July 1833; served briefly in the Civil War as First Lieutenant
in Co. E. of the 6th Regt., W. Va. Inf. Volunteers. This company was composed of men
from Ritchie and Preston Counties, located at Pennsboro, and was organized with Larkin
Pierpoint as Captain, commissioned Oct 3 1861. Lloyd Dotson resigned on 15 Jan 1862 and
George M Ireland replaced him. His children were:
a. Sheridan (called Shedd) Dotson- his children: (a) Ora Dotson, (b) Jerry Dotson, (c)
Genevieve Dotson (d) son and (e) daughter.
b. Cora Dotson- m. a Barker.
In my notes; "Lloyd Dotson's wife, Sarah Ann Dotson."
From the Missouri 1870 census Adair Co. Township 64, Range 13 Wilmothville PO
10 10:
Dodson Loyd 37 MW Farmer $2000 1000 VA
Sarah 33 FW Keeping house VA
Craig A* 14 MW Assisting in farm VA
Sindona 12 FW at home att. sch. MO
Florence 9 FW at home att sch. MO
Clinton L 6 MW at home MO
Mary 4 FW MO
Sheridan 2 MW at home MO
Lillie C 5/12 FW b. Jany. MO
From the 1880 census soundex of Missouri: Adair Co Clay Twp 1 144 28 21:
Dodson, Loyd WM 46 VA
Sarah W 44 VA
Clinton S 16 MO
Mary D14 MO
Phillip S 12 MO
Cora D10 MO
John S6 MO
From the 1880 census soundex of Missouri; Adair Co Clay Twp 1 144 28:
*Dodson Craig WM24 VA
Sarah W 23 MO
Clara D3 MO
3.- Minerva Dotson, b. 3 Jan 1836.
In the household of her father John Dotson in the 1850 census, age 13.
This marriage record in Doddridge County:
"25 January 1855...Manervy (Minerva) Dotson, 17...single...b. Wood Co...res. Dodd.
Co...parents, John Dotson & Susan; and William Stinespring, 24...single...born Harrison
Co...res. Dodd. Co... Parents, ohn and Mary."
In the 1860 census of Doddridge Co. WV; 558 West Union PO, 080 5342, 659 650:
Wm T (or L) Stinespring 30 M b VA
Meneva 22 F VA
Anaus? 3 F VA
Sendona 1 F VA
From the 1900 census soundex of Nebraska; 14 58 4 13 Douglas Co. Omaha No. 40th
St 5118:
Steinspring Minerva W Jan 1836 64 VA
Oliver S May 1869 31 VA
John S Jan 1875 25 NE
Dra D Dec 1878 21 NE
From this information William and Minerva Stinespring moved from West Virginia
to Nebraska sometime after the birth of their son Oliver May 1869 and that of John, Jan
4.- Cindona Dotson, b. 1840, 1842, or 1844.
In the household of her father John Dotson, 1850 census "Sindonia 10", and in the
1860 census "Sudona 16 F"
This m. in Ritchie County: "17 January 1866...Samuel S. Malone, 21...b. Rit. Co...res.
Rit. Co...Parents, James and Susannah; and Sindonah (Cindona) Dotson, 24... single...b.
Harrison Co...res. Rit. Co...parents, John & Susan by Isaac Holland."
In the 1880 census of WV; Ritchie Co. 150 (Clay) 003:
Malone, Samuel WM 36 Miller WV OH OH
Sidonah WF 34 Wife Keeping House WV WV PA
Susan WF 13 Dau At home WV WV WV
Clara WF 2 Dau WV WV WV
Dotson, Clinton (s) WM 36 Boarder (bil)Wagonmaker WVWVPA
Note: Clinton Dotson, half-brother of Cindona living in household
John Dotson, m (2) Mahala Myers. This marriage in Ritchie County:
"11 June 1843...John Dotson & Mahala Myers by L. T. Henderson."
Parents of five children.
5.- Clinton Dotson, b. 1844.
In the household of his father John Dotson in the 1850 census (age 6) and the 1860
census (age 16).
In Miss Minnie Kendall Lowther's Ritchie County in History and Romance 1990, p.
when mustered out, 1863:.....Privates.....Clinton Dotson, John W. Dotson, Lehman
Clinton not in index to 1870 census of WV. In 1880 census of Ritchie County (CO03),
residing in household of Samuel Malone; Dotson, Clinton (s) W M 36 boarder, wagonmaker,
WV WV PA. Note above, Cindona Dotson Malone (Mrs. Samuel) was Clinton's half-
From Ritchie Marriages: "15 May 1884...Clinton Dotson...age 40...b.
Doddridge...resident Ritchie... m. Mary J. Fry...age 27...b. Greene Co. PA...res. Ritchie."
Clinton and Mary apparently didn't bother to report their children's births, as two were
recorded later in the Ritchie Delayed Births; both records contain a lot of family
In 1942, Clinton Earl Dotson applied for a birth certificate: b. 4 Sept 1894, at
Harrisville; father Clinton Dewitt Dotson P.O. West Union, b. p. West Union, farmer white
age 50 at time child was born; mother Mary Jane Fry P.O. Waynesburg, Pa. bp.
Waynesburg, Pa., housewife white age 39 at time child was born; five children born to
mother before and including this child, none died before this child born; certified by Claude
R. Dotson, brother, 4-6-42.
In 1954, Wilbur Floyd Dotson applied; b. April 13th, 1890 at Harrisville; father
Clinton Dotson P.O. Harrisville, farmer white age 46 at time child was born; mother Mary
Jane Fry P.O. Harrisville, b.p. near Waynesburg Pa. housewife, white age 36 at time child
was born; three children born to this mother up to and including this child, none dead before
child was born; certified by Mrs. May Darnold*, sister, 4-1-54.
Then on May 6, 1956, Clinton Earl Dotson again applied on his own certification: b.
Sept 4, 1894 at Harrisville, Ritchie Co.; father Clinton Dotson PO. Harrisville, b.p.
Virginia; mother Mary Jane Fry, PO. Harrisville, b.p. Penna.
In the 1890 West Virginia Veterans Census Index (Index Publishing 1986):
"Dotson Clinton, Ritchie, Union Dist. SD 1 ED 153 (census not examined)"
In the 1900 census soundex of WV; 30 85 1 1 Ritchie Clay Dist.
Dotson Clinton W May 1844 56 WV
Mary J Wife Nov 1856 43 Pa
Claude R Son Jan 1885 15 WV
Emma M* Dau May 1888 12 WV
Wilber F Son Apr 1890 10 WV
Howard L Son Dec 1892 7 WV
Clinton E Son Sept 1894 5 WV
Fry, Aaron Fl(father in law) Sept 1824 75 Pa
Jane Ml(mother in law) May 1818 82 Pa
and in the 1910 census soundex: Ritchie 036 0066 0001:
Dotson Clinton H W 65 WV WV
Mary J W 55 Penn
Claude R S 24 WV
Emma M* D 22 WV
Wilber F S 20 WV
Clinton E S 15 WV
*This marriage in Ritchie Co.: "21 June 1911....Okey J. Darnold...age 26...b.
Doddridge...resident Ritchie...m. May Dotson...age 23...b. Ritchie."
Clinton and Mary J. Fry Dotson were parents of the five children listed in the 1900
census above.
Ritchie Co. Deaths (1919-1970) p.100; "Dotson Clinton, Pennsboro RFD1, male,
widowed, married, d. Oct 15 1923, age 79 yr 5mo 14da., farmer, b. Va, father John Dotson,
b. Va.: mother Susan Sears (Sayers), b. Va: cause of death, angina pectoris, reported by
Odie Jones"
6.- Leaman Dotson, b. 1846; d. 1909.
In the household of his father John Dotson in the 1850 census (age 4) and in the 1860
census (Lemon age 14).
From Lowther's revised history of Ritchie Co. 28" RECORD OF COMPANY E,
SIXTH WEST VIRGINIA INFANTRY VOLUNTEERS, when mustered out,
1863:.....Privates.....Clinton Dotson, John W. Dotson, Lehman Dotson,......
From the 1880 census of WV; Pleasants Co:
Dotson Leeman WM 34 Wagon Mkr. VA VA PA
Ella WF 33 W Housekeeper VA
Lenora WF 6 D WV VA VA
Vernetie WF 4 D WV VA VA
Emma WF 2 D WV VA VA
Ella WF 8/12 D Sept 1879 WV VA VA
From the 1900 census soundex of Ohio: 44 34 3 14 Delaware Genoa Twp:
Dotson Leeman W Nov 1845 54 VA
Ella W June 1846 53 VA
Palmer Lenora D W? Dec 1873 26 VA
Emery M S Dec 1877 22 VA
Oliver T S Sep 1879 20 VA
Oahlo L D Oct 1883 16 VA
No other information.
7.- Mary S. Dotson, b. 26 April 1848; d. 27 Aug 1941.
In the household of her father John Dotson in the 1850 census (age 2), the 1860 census
(age 12), and the 1870 census under her married name Mary S. Miller (age 21); in 1880,
age 32, wife of Henry Miller. (see preceding 1880 census for Miller children)
This marriage in Ritchie Co.:
"11 Oct 1866...Henry Miller, 25...single...b. Kasaee, Germany... res. Rit. Co...Parents,
John T. H. and Milles; m. Mary Dotson, 19... single...b. Rit. Co...Parents. John and
Information from Lucas29 was that a son-in-law (of John and Mahala Dotson) Henry
P. Miller, tried to work the farm (near Harrisville) for a few more years, but found that it
was unprofitable and so gave it up; he then moved his family and his aging mother-in-law
to Nebraska in 1882.
8.- John A. (Noble) Dotson, b. 1851
In the household of his father John Dotson in the 1860 census (age 9), and in 1870 in
the household of George W. Thomas (John N. Dotson, laborer, born VA, age 19 years)
This marriage in Ritchie Co. "1874 OR 1875...John A. Dotson, 23...SINGLE...b.
Dodd. Co...res. Tyler Co...Parents, John & Mahala; and Annie L. Garner, 16... single...b.
Rit. Co...res. Rit. Co...Parents I. C. & Sarah A. by John Rexroad."
From the census soundex of Nebraska 1900; 25 145 9 14 Lincoln Co Sutherland Pct
Dodson John M. W May 1851 49 West Va.
Anna L W Jan 1859 41 WV
Leslie W S July 1882 17 NE
Clara D D Oct 1885 15 NE
Bessie I D Feb 1888 12 NE
Mamie I D Feb 1890 10 NE
Agnes I D Feb 1892 8 NE
Mahala D Mar 1894 6 NE
Leo J S Sept 1898 1 NE
Garner, Ellis B.L July 1861 38 WV
Note: for further information on John Noble Dotson, see DAR Application of his
grand-daughter Edythe McKinstry Gaston, No. 495587, May 13, 1963: also her contribution
to Lucas30 which said that they moved west in the latter part of 1880, settling in Blair,
NE; then later in the northwest corner of Nebraska in Sheridan Co.; names fifteen children;
also grand-children.
9.- Rufus Dotson, b. 1854 or 1855.
In the household of his father John Dotson in the 1860 Ritchie census (age 6); in the
1870 Ritchie Census in the family of Charles S. Martin, 31, saddler; Rufus Dotson 16 b.
VA, appr. saddler
This marriage in Tyler Co.: "20 Dec 1874...Rufus Dotson, 20...b. Dodd. Co...and Mary
E. Welch, 17...born Barbour Co. by Davis Meredith."
She is probably a descendant of Isaih Welch and Rachel Ingram. I cannot find her name
in West Virginia Welch Family by Mrs. Robert Butcher of Glenville, W.Va.31
In the Doddridge Co. WV census of 1880; 124 007;
Dotson Rufus WM 25 Saddle & harness mkr WV VA PA
Mollie WF 22 Wife Keeping house WV VA VA
Gracie L WF 4 Dau WV WV WV
John G WM 2 Son WV WV WV
not named WM 4/12 Son (Jan 1880) WV WV WV
not named WM 4/12 Son (Jan 1880) WV WV WV
Nancy Dotson was evidently one of the older children, probably born before 1806,
which fits the age groups given in the 1810 and 1820 census for her father William Sr. The
only evidence we have that Nancy was a daughter of William Dotson Sr. and Mary Franks
is that of Minnie Kendall Lowther. From Miss Lowther's History of Ritchie County32, p.
142: "Nancy (Mrs. Griggs)." (Note...Griggs is probably Gregg). Also see The Gregg
Family,33 page 11; 1 and 2 are John and George Gregg, both probably born between 1800
and 1806.
Nancy Dotson likely married either John or George Gregg. We have no information
of either John or George Gregg.
Mary Ann Dotson, b. ca. 1824 or 1828 m. James F. Kelley.
This marriage in Tyler County, Book l, p. 52; "Kelly, James F. and Ann Dotson 2
December 1840 by Samuel Archbold"
From the 1850 census of VA; Doddridge County: Fam. No. 199:
James F. Kelley 29 M W Farmer Pennsylvania
Mary A(nn) 22 F W VA
Lowman 8 M W VA
Jacintha 6 F W VA
Alston 3 M W VA
Louisa J. 6/12 F W VA
From the 1860 census of Missouri; Adair County, p. 124 Clay Twp. Wilmothville PO
(north-central part of Missouri) 1001 812:
J F Kelley 39 M Farmer $4000 $4000 PA
Mary A 36 F VA
Leman 19 M att sch VA
Centhia 16 F cannot read or write VA
Adsalon? (Alston)14 M att sch VA
Louisa 10 F att sch VA
Charles 4 M VA
Floyd 3 M VA
Arnold? 1 M VA
In 1850 William Dotson (Sr.) deeded James F Kelley a one-eighth interest in a 200 acre
tract of land on Dotson Run in Doddridge County;
"Dotson, William to James F Kelley, One-eight interest 200 acres(Vol 2, p. 267, 28
May 1850, rec. 26 Sept 1853), in consideration of one dollar and in consideration of natural
affection the said William Dotson doth grant unto the said James F Kelley the one eight part
of an undivided tract or parcel of land of two hundred acres more or less situated on Dotson
Run Doddridge County it being the same land now occupied by the said William
This death in Ritchie County: "Dec 25, 1868; James A Kelley age 49yr 6mo 20da, bp
VA Parents Clayton and June Kelly, rept Mary Ann Kelly, wife"
Parents of children listed in above census of 1850 and 1860.
Elizabeth Dotson, b. 27 May 1807. (b. 1814 per headstone in Ruley Cemetery, d. Aug
1874 age 60 yrs) She m. Lloyd Ruley, 6 Oct 1831 in Belmont Co., Ohio.
From Hardesty's history of Doddridge County, 188334:
"LLOYD RULEY...is a native of Ohio, born in Harrison Co., Oct 5, 1811. He was a
son of John and Margaret (Selby) Ruley, now deceased, his father, a native of Conn. In
Belmont Co., Ohio, Oct 6, 1831, Lloyd Ruley and Elizabeth Dotson were joined in
wedlock, and their children were nine: Margaret J., b. July 20, 1832 and d. in 1864; Flavius
Joseph, July 29, 1834; Sophronia, 1836; Mary Jane, 1838; d. when about 3 years old;
Daniel C., 1840; Cynthia 1842; Thama 1844; Granville 1846 and Octavia d. in infancy.
Elizabeth, wife of Mr. Ruley was b. in what is now Dodd. Co., a dau. of William and Mary
Franks Dotson, early settlers of this vicinity, and now deceased. Her birth was the 27 of
May 1807, and she d. at Salina City, Kansas, July 7, 1877. Lloyd Ruley made his home in
Dodd. Co., in 1841, and for many years was one of the most energetic and successful
business men of the County. He is now retired from active life, leaving to his sons, Flavius
J. and Daniel C. the control of his business interests. They have three sawmills now in active
operation, with about thirty miles of tramway, have a store of general merchandise on their
property at Sunnyside, own and control about 1808 acres of land, and employ an average
of the year around not less than 40 men. In the spring of 1883 they had on hand one million
feet of lumber, sawed and piled, in which were poplar logs 4 to 5 feet in diameter. Varied
and extensive as are their business interests, they are men fully qualified for their successful
management. Flavius J. was a soldier in the 1861 war, in the 7th Virginia Infantry, serving
3 years, for much of the time as a dispatch bearer for Col. Core. Lloyd R. Ruley is a family
of remarkable longevity. His father lived to the age of 102 and his maternal grandmothcr,
Sarah (Benson) Selby, d. at the age of 105 years. The family p. o. address is West Union,
Doddridge Co., W.Va."
This family built the famous Ruley House, that stood where the four lane Route 50 and
Central Station Road now intersect. This house was three stories with a basement and was
built of walnut lumber. Supposed to have been a Station on the Underground Railroad,
before and during the Civil War. A man from Clarksburg bought this house from a Mr.
Maxwell. He tore it down, took the lumber to Clarksburg, and built four houses from the
lumber. This house was a tavern. The Jaco tavern had such a bad reputation that travelers
were afraid to stay there, so that is the reason the Ruley house was built.
From the 1850 census of VA; Doddridge County (indexed and annotated by Mary
Davis Atkinson, 1989) Family No. 10:
Ruley, Lloyd 38 MW Carpenter bp.Ohio
Elizabeth (Dotson) 41 FW VA
Margaret A 17 FW VA
Flavius J.(osephus) 15 MW VA
Sophronia P. 14 FW VA
Daniel C. 12 MW VA
Cynthia 9 FW VA
Fanny R.(Thama) 8 FW VA
Granville 5 MW VA
(Mary Jane,dec'd)
(Octavia, d. infancy)
Annotation by Mary Davis Atkinson to her 1850 Census of Doddridge Co.:
"Family found in 1860 census. Lloyd Ruley married 6 Oct 1831, in Belmont County,
Ohio, Elizabeth Dotson, daughter of William and Mary (Franks) Dotson (formerly of
Doddridge/Ritchie area, near Tollgate.) Elizabeth Dotson was born 22 May 1807 in what
is (now) Doddridge County (d. 7 July 1877, at Salina City, Kansas.). At the time of her birth
her parents were living in (then) Wood Co., WV, in the part which became Ritchie County,
WV in 1843, and Doddridge County, in 1845.) Ref. H. H. Hardesty Sketches: Lloyd Ruley,
Flavius J. and Daniel C. Ruley, Dodd. Co. Hist."
From the 1860 census of VA; Doddridge Co. (House 761, Family 762):
Ruly Lloyd 48 M Farmer Real est. $3000 Per.$950 b.Ohio
Eliz. 50 F OH
Josephus 27 M OH
D (Daniel) 21 M OH
Margaret 28 F OH
Fuma (Thama) 18 F OH
Granville 16 M VA
Note: Adjacent Family No. 761 was Jno and Mahala Dotson (Jno brother of
Elizabeth); no. 763 was T D Scott and Jacintha (Jacintha was sister of Elizabeth)
From the 1870 census of WV; Doddridge, Central Twp., West Union PO 144-144:
Ruley Lloyd 59 MW Farmer RE $4000 Pers.$700 b.p. Ohio
Elizabeth 61 FW keeping house VA
F. Josephus 34 MW farmer $3000 $2245 Ohio
Daniel 29 MW farmer $3000 $2245 Ohio
In the 1880 census, Lloyd Ruly, 68, carpenter, living in the household of his son Daniel
(see under Daniel Ruly).
In the Ruley Cemetery, Ruley Church Arnold Creek (above Central Station)
Lloyd Ruley d. Dec 27, 1884 age 74 yrs
Elizabeth L. Ruley d. Aug—, 1874 age 60 yrs.
The discrepancy should be noted between the death date for Elizabeth of Aug 1874
on the head-stone, and that given by Hardesty of July 7, 1877 in Salina Kansas.
Lloyd Ruley and Elizabeth Dotson were the parents of 9 children:
1.- Margaret J. Ruley, b. 20 July 1832; d. 1868. In the household of her father Lloyd Ruley
in the 1850 census of Doddridge County, "Margaret A 17 FW": in the 1860 census,
"Margaret 28 F".
In the Duckworth Cemetery: "Margaret daughter of L & E Ruley d. Jan 5 1868 in her
35th yr"
2.- Flavius Josephus Ruley, b. 29 July 1834. He was a soldier in the 7th regiment in the Civil
War. He was a dispatch bearer for Col. Core. For Col. (General) Core, see, pages 509 and
687, Clay District Ritchie Co.35
From Hardesty's history of Doddridge County 188336:
"Flavius Josephus Ruley...saw-mill operator, merchant and farmer, born in Belmont
Co., Ohio, July 29, 1834, is a son of Lloyd and Elizabeth (Dotson) Ruley. In Huntington,
Cabell Co., W.Va., March 6, 1876, were recorded the marriage vows of Flavius J. Ruley
and Nora V. Bond, and two sons make glad their home: L1oyd E., b. Oct 30, 1877, and
William Joseph, b. Sept 7, 1882. George and Sarah A. (Smith) Bond were the parents of
Nora V., wife of Mr. Ruley, and she was b. in Tyler Co., Feb 5, 1850. The war record,
business interests and p. o. address of Flavus J. Ruley are given in the following sketch of
his parents lives."
Nora V. Bond's mother, Sarah A. Smith, was a dau. of William Smith and Susannah
Gorrell. After the death of William Smith, she m. Thomas Bond for her second husband.
Thomas Bond had a boy and a girl. Susannah Gorrell Smith had a boy and a girl. His
son m. her girl and her son m. his girl.
For more information of Nora V. Bond, see page 17, The Ripley Family.37
In the household of his father in the 1850 census of Doddridge County:
"Flavius J.(osephus) 15"; in the 1860 census,"Josephus 27 M".
From the 1880 census of WV; Doddridge Co. 122 021:
Ruly, Joseph F WM 44 Farmer OH OH VA
Lenora V WF 30 Wife Keeping house VA VA PA
Lloyd E WM 2 Son at home WV OH VA
Wells, Emory WM 7 S/son at home KS VA VA
Bond, Wm F WM 25 Bil wks at sawmill VA VA PA
Richard, Joseph WM 24 Boarder wks at sawmill VA VA VA
Tunning, Ella WF 17 Servant Servant VA VA VA
In the Ruley Cemetery, Ruley Church Arnold Creek (above Central Station):
"Lloyd E son of F J & L V Ruly died Jan 2 1886 8yr 2 mo 2 da"
Note: The presence of a step-son Emory Wells, age 7, born in Kansas, indicates a
previous marriage for Lenora V; no additional information.
3.- Sophronia Ruley, b. 1836.
In the household of her father Lloyd Ruley in the 1850 census of Doddridge County:
"Sophronia P. 14": no additional information.
4.- Mary Jane Ruley, b. 1838; d. about 3 years of age.
5.- Daniel C. Ruley, b. 1840; d. 1898
From Hardesty's of Dodd, Co. 188338:
"DANIEL C. RULEY...is a son of Lloyd and Elizabeth (Dotson) Ruley, whose record
is given in a sketch following this, as is the varied business interests of which Daniel C. has
charge. At his residence at Sunnyside, Central District, Dodd. Co., W.Va. in 1870, Daniel
C. Ruley was joined in the bands of wedlock with Annie E. Johnson. She was b. in Newton
(now) West Virginia, in 1845, a dau. of Addison and Mary Elizabeth (Russ) Johnson. Her
father is no longer living her mother now a resident of Central District. Mr. and Mrs. Daniel
C. Ruley are the parents of: Camilla, Lizzie V., Henry, Daniel A., and a little dau. not yet
named. The three saw mills of which mention is made below are situated on Arnold
Creek, one on Sheep Run, and the third on Hughes River in Ritchie Co. The store is at
Arnold Creek Cross Roads, in Central District, and Daniel C. Ruley should be addressed
at West Union, Dodd. Co., W.Va"
In the household of his father Lloyd Ruley in the 1850 census of Doddridge County:
"Daniel C. 12"; in the 1860 census "D (Daniel)21 M; in the 1870 census "Daniel 29
MW farmer R.E. $3000 Pers.$2245 Ohio"
From the 1880 census of WV; Doddridge Co. 122 021:
Ruly, Daniel WM 35(?) Farmer OH OH VA
Anny E WF 33 Wife Keeping houseVA VA VA
Cassanella WF 8 Dau at home WV OH VA
Elisabeth WF 5 Dau at home WV OH VA
Henry J WM 2 Dau? at home WV OH VA
Avery WM 9/12Son (Aug 1879) WV OH VA
Lloyd (w) WM 68 Father Carpenter OH CT VA
In the Ruley Cemetery, Ruley Church Arnold Creek (above Central Station)
Anna E. his wife Daniel C
Jan 26, 1845 May 22, 1840
March 6, 1898"
6.- Cynthia Ruley, b. 1842.
In the household of her father Lloyd Ruley in the 1850 census of Doddridge County:
"Cynthia 9"; no additional information.
7.- Thama Ruley, b. 1844.
In the household of her father Lloyd Ruley in the 1850 census of Doddridge County:
"Fanny R.(Thama) 8"; in the 1860 census, "Fuma (Thama) 18 F"; no additional information.
8.- Granville Ruley, b. 1846.
In the household of his father Lloyd Ruley in the 1850 census of Doddridge County:
"Granville 5"; in the 1860 census "Granville 16 M"
From the 1880 census of WV; Doddridge Co. 122 023:
Ruly, Grant C WM 35 Farmer VA OH VA
Victoria WF 34 Wife Keeping house OH OH OH
Charles A WM 12 Son Farm laborer KS VA OH
Ida Bell WF 11 Dau at home KS VA OH
Jennie WF 7 Dau at home KS VA OH
Minnie WF 4 Dau at home WV VA OH
It should be noted that the birthplace of three of their children is the state of Kansas,
thus indicating a Kansas residence from at least 1868 until their return to West Virginia
9.- 0ctavia Ruley, died in infancy.
Henry F. Dotson, b. 1810. This marriage in Harrison County: "17 Nov 1833...Henry
Dotson and Rachel Tucker by Cornelius Huff."
Rachel Tucker was a dau. of Eli Tucker and his first wife, Elizabeth Jaco.
Names appearing on deeds in Tyler County:
"1853...Henry F. Dotson and Rachel L. Dotson."
In the 1840 census of Harrison County (82):
Dotson, Henry one male 5-10, one male 30-40; two females under 5, one female
From the 1850 census of VA' Doddridge County:
Dotson, Henry F. age 40 years born in Virginia
Rachel 36
Fredrick M. 16
Mariah 14
Normanda 12
Mary E 8
Sanford 6
Emeline 3
Sophronia 1
Martin VanBuren* 11
*Note: Martin VanBuren Dotson found in 1860 census of Missouri in
household of Nelson Tucker (Chap. V-8 Margaret Dotson )
In her annotation to the 1850 Census of Doddridge Co. (West) Virginia (1989)
Mary Davis Atkinson states; "Henry F. Dotson married Rachel Tucker, daughter of Eli B.
and (1) Elizabeth (Jaco) Tucker, 17 Nov 1833, in Harrison County, by Rev. Cornelius
Ritchie Co. Court, June Term 1843;
"Present Thomas Dotson late of said County for fornication with Elizabeth
Dotson, a single woman, evidence, Henry F. Dotson." See Chap. XIV Thomas Dotson.
Ritchie Co. Court Feb 1845 Term:
"On motion of Henry F Dotson, ordered that Wm M. Somerville, John Dotson,
Richard Bond and Thos. Dotson or any three of them mark and review road leading through
his land"
Ritchie Co. Court April 1845 (p. 149):
Willis Nutter vs. Henry F Dotson..in case ..transferred to County Court of
Doddridge. (Note: On formation of Doddridge County in 1845, Ritchie land in Greenwood
vicinity, westward to present county boundary at Toll Gate, transferred to new county of
Henry Dotson bought an item at Thomas Dotson's estate sale in 1848.
Henry F. Dotson was the grantee of three land grants in the Ritchie-Doddridge area:
(1) David Dixon and Henry F. Dotson 90 acres; Vol. 1, p. 84; 30 Oct 1847 Treas.
Warrant 15,333 in conformity with a survey made on the 15 day of Oct 1845 ; Ninety acres
lying and being in the County of Ritchie on the south side of the North fork of Hughes River
and bounded......"
(2) Henry F. Dodson 97 acres, Vol. 1, p. 526; 30 Oct 1847; Treas. Warrant 15464 in
conformity with a survey made on the 12th day of Dec 1845; "....lying and being in the
county of Doddridge, on Long Run, a branch of Arnold Creek, and bounded.........."
(3) Henry F. Dotson 152 acres; Vol. 2, p. 134; 1 Jan 1852; Treas. Warrant 16560 and
17,456 in conformity with a survey made on the 2nd day of February 1849; One Hundred
and fifty two acres, lying in Doddridge County, on the north side of Lick Run a branch of
Long Run of Arnold Creek and bounded....."
For a further description of the foregoing land grants see Dotson Land Grants (18051865)
by James M. Dotson 1988.
Then in late 1852 and first of 1853, Henry and Rachel Dotson sold their four tracts of
land in Doddridge Co.: Vol. 2 p. 135 Dec 10, 1852: p. 184 Apr 11, 1853; p. 185 April 12,
1853; and p. 195 May 17, 1853.
No further information was found about Henry Dotson after 1853.
He was not in the 1860 or 1870 census of WV, nor in the 1880 census of Ritchie or
Doddridge Co., nor in the WV soundex for 1900 or 1910. Did he move west, perhaps to
Missouri with Eli B Tucker (his father-in-law) and Margaret Dotson his sister? However,
he was not found with them in the 1860 census of Missouri.
Charlotte Dotson, b. 1811; m. John Wilson, Jr. Henry Franks and Richard Dotson are
the grandfathers of Charlotte Dotson. Both have service in the Revolutionary Wars. John
Wilson, Sr., the father of John Wilson, Jr. had service in the Revolutionary War. William
Wilson, the grandfather of John Wilson, Jr. had patriotic service in the Revolutionary War.
For the family of John Wilson and Charlotte Dotson, see page 49 and pages 293 to 339
inclusive, Descendants of John Wilson.
John M. and Charlotte Wilson were enumerated in the 1850, 1860, and 1870 census'
of Ritchie County.
The following abstract of the referenced pages of Descendants of John Wilson identify
the children of John Wilson and Charlotte Dotson:
1.- EdithMartin Wilson (1832-1905); m. Calvin Hanes
2.- Elizabeth Jane Wilson b. 1835. m. Jehu Shinn 6 March 1856 Ritchie Co.
3.- Angeline Wilson (1839-1923) m. James Graham Wilson 23 May 1858 Ritchie Co.
4.- Jasper Newton Wilson (1840-1920) In Aug 1867 he m. (1) Mary Deliah Poole, dau. of
Thomas Poole and Anna Kettle; she had a sister (Amy) that m. Squire Dotson (Chap. V13)
and another sister (Melvina) that m. Hiram S. Dotson (Chap. V-1). Jasper Newton
Wilson m. (2) Deliah March Bailey.
From the Missouri 1870 Census Adair Co. Township 64, Range 13 Wilmothville PO
Dwl 21 Fam. 21
Wilson Jasper 29 M W Farmer — $250 VA
Mary D 22 F W Keeping house VA
Rosetta 1 F W MO
Mary Pool Dotson's parents, Thomas 66, and Anna Pool 64, were also enumerated
in the 1870 Missouri census of Adair County. (Chap. V-13), along with a Horatio Wilson,
29, blacksmith b. VA, and wife Massalona 25, b. VA. The relationship of this Horatio
Wilson to Jasper Wilson, if any, has not be established.
Jasper Wilson d. 10 May 1920 in Wilmothville, Adair Co. Missouri
5.- Archibald Blackburn Wilson (1842-1882) served in Civil War Co. E, 6th W.Va. Inf. m.
Virginia Belle Richards. 28 Dec 1865.
6.- Almira Wilson (1844-1918) m. David B. Hogue in 1865 Ritchie Co.
7.- Mary Ann Wilson (1847-1911) m. Henry Nutter on 9 Aug 1868 Ritchie Co.
8.- Frances "Fan" Wilson (1849-) m. (1) John P. Yerke. m. (2)_______.
9.- Henrietta Wilson (1850-) m. Lewis Bond 8 Dec 1881 Ritchie Co.
The will of John Wilson left the property to Henrietta but she was to take care of John
Wilson and Charlotte Dotson as long as they lived.
John Wilson d. 1 April 1880 and is buried in the Greenwood Cemetery. When
Henrietta Wilson and Lewis Bond were m. they went to Indiana. She took her mother,
Charlotte Dotson, with her. Charlotte d. ca 1895 in Indiana, where she was buried.
10.- John Dotson Wilson (1856-1940) m. his first cousin Edith Martin Shinn in 1877.
11.- Charlotte M. (Siss) Wilson (1857-1948) m. Jedediah Benedum 25 March 1880
Ritchie Co.
12.- Wm. (Billy) Wilson- drowned as a child; birth year not known but not the youngest
child of John and Charlotte Dotson Wilson.
Margaret Dotson, b. 1813-1814.
In Miss Lowther's History of Ritchie County 40p. 142, in naming the children of
William Dotson and Mary Franks states, "MARGARET (MRS. ELI TUCKER)."
There is some confusion about the names "Elizabeth" and "Margaret" as daughters of
William Sr. and Mary Franks Dotson. We know that:
(1) Elizabeth Dotson, b. 27 May 1807. (b. 1814 per headstone in Ruley Cemetery,
d. Aug 1874 age 60 yrs), m. Lloyd Ruley, 6 Oct 1831 in Belmont Co., Ohio.;
(2) Eliza Margaret Dotson, the dau. of William Dotson and Mary Franks, m.
Butler Bond (Chapter V-11) and
(3) Margaret (Peg) Dotson, dau. of Richard Dotson, Sr. and Amelia "Millie"
Miller, m. Phillip Britton (Chapter XIII).
While there should ordinarily not be two "Elizabeths" or two "Margarets" in the same
family, it is concluded that William Sr. and Mary Franks did name two of their daughters,
one "Elizabeth" and another "Margaret", then name a third "Eliza Margaret".
To better understand the Margaret Dotson genealogy, we had better give the Eli B.
Tucker information.
From Miss. Lowther's History of Ritchie County, p. 141:
"TUCKER, ELI B...was b. in what is now Taylor County in 1797, and shortly after his
m. to MISS ELIZABETH JACO (Note...wife No 1), in his early manhood, he came to the
South Fork of Hughes river and founded his home on the Michaels Farm. (Note...near
community building, near cross roads, near Oxford); and from there he removed to what
is now the Broadwater farm." (Note...I [Barr Wilson]do not know whether she means the
late Charles Broadwater farm near Oxford or the Jefferson Broadwater farm about two
miles below Toll Gate on the NFHR). If it were the Jefferson Broadwater farm he would
have sold this farm to Jefferson Broadwater in 1842 or 1843 and moved to (present day)
Doddridge County.
Continue from History of Ritchie County, "In 1856, he, with his family, went to
Mason Co., Missouri, (there is no Mason Co. in Missouri) where he fell asleep in 1876. He
three times took the marriage vow, Ruth Scott (Chapter VI), being the second wife, and
Margaret Dotson, sister of Emanuel, his third. The children of the first union (Elizabeth
Jaco) were: Harrison J.; Mary, who d. in youth (note...This may be in error. There is a Mary
Tucker shown in the 1850 census of the family of Solomon Dotson, Chapter V-10); Rachel,
Mrs. Henry F. Dotson (Chapter V-6): Orlinda (Mrs. Solomon Dotson Chapter V-10);
Phebe (Mrs. John Sears) (SAYERS); and Nelson (Note Nelson shown, age 28, in the 1850
census of Ritchie Co., WV in the family of Solomon Dotson, Ch. V-10; and in 1860 in
the census of Missouri Adair Co. p 124 Clay Twp. Wilmothville PO ; 998 809 Nelson
Tucker, age 39, adjacent to his father Eli B. Sr. and Margaret, 1860 Missouri Adair Co.
p. 124 Clay Twp. Wilmothville PO 998 809).
Those of the second (Ruth Scott, dau. of Nancy Dotson Scott Chapter VI) were; Eli
B. who is now spending his old age just across the Dodd. Co. line, near Toll Gate; James
R. of Toll Gate; Booth, Harrison, Thomas and Michael, who went west and where they rest.
Those of the third marriage (Margaret Dotson) were; Jackson, Preston, Elizabeth, Ruhama,
who d. single; Adaline (Mrs. Thomas Nicholson; Louise (Mrs. Henry Luck)."
In the Census of 1830 for Wood Co. VA (p. 402) (census was alphabetized):
Tucker Eli Males; 1 5-10, 1 15-20, 1 40-50; Females 1 5-10, 2 10-15, 1 15-20, 1
In the Census of Wood Co. in 1840 (not alphabetized, on the line below William
Ely B Tucker Males; 1 5-10, 2 10-15, 2 20-30,1 50-60. Females: 1 15-20, 1 2030,
1 50-60
If one exists, no marriage record for the union of Eli B. Tucker and Margaret Dotson
has been found in Ritchie, Doddridge, or Tyler Counties.
Their relationship started while he was still married to his second wife Ruth Scott, as
evidenced by the following account of his arraignment in the fledgling county of Ritchie
(formed February 1843); this action was initiated by his son-in-law Henry F. Dotson who
married Rachel, Eli's daughter by his first wife Elizabeth Jaco; also Henry's sister
Margaret was named as the contributor. Margaret Dotson's father William Dotson Sr. was
shown in the 1840 census (above) as residing next door in Greenwood to the Eli B. Tucker
From the Ritchie County Court Minute Book:
June Term 1843 June 7, 1843 p. 14 (p 18):
"Virginia Ritchie County to wit: The Jurors for the Commonwealth of Virginia
and for the body of the County of Ritchie aforesaid upon their oaths present Eli B. Tucker
of the County aforesaid for fornication with Margarette Dotson a single woman late of the
said County and within the said County on the 1st day of June 1843.
This presentment is founded upon the evidence of Henry F. Dotson of said County
sworn in open Court at the request of the Grand Jury to give evidence to the said Grand Jury.
A true bill; Lewis Bond foreman:
On motion of the Attorney for the Commonwealth and for reasons appearing to the
Court it is ordered that Eli B. Tucker be summoned to appear here at the next Court to shew
Cause if any he can why an information should not be filed against him upon a presentment
of the grandjury this day made against him.
The Commonwealth of Virginia.
Ritchie County to wit: The grandjurors for the Commonwealth of Virginia and for the
body of the County of Ritchie aforesaid upon their oaths present Eli B. Tucker late of the
said County a married man for adultery with Margarette Dotson late of said County and
within the said County on the 1st day of June 1843.
This presentment is founded on the evidence of Henry F. Dotson of said County
sworen in open Court at the request of the grand jury to give evidence to the said grandjury.
Lewis Bond foreman.
On motion of the Attorney for the Commonwealth and for Reasons appearing to the
Court ordered that Eli B. Tucker be summoned to appear here at the next Court to shew
Cause why an information should not be filed against him upon a Presentment of the grand
jury this day made against him."
Action on this case was continued from one term to the next until over two years later
in the August 1845 term of court, the following:
"Aug 6, 1845; Henry F. Dotson who was duly summoned to appear hereon the first
day of this term as a witness on behalf of the Commonwealth against Eli B Tucker was this
day solemnly called but came not; where upon on motion of the attorney for the
commonwealth is ordered that the said Henry F Dotson be summoned to appear hereon the
first day of the next quarterly term of this court, to shew cause, if any he can why he should
not be fined for his said contempt."
Then in the November 1845 term:
"Commonwealth vs Eli B Tucker, Upon an information for Fornication:
This day Came the attorney for the Commonwealth as the defendant by his attorney;
and attorney for the commonwealth moves the court to continue this cause until the next
term; which motion was overruled, and thereon the attorney for the commonwealth saith
that he will not further prosecute said information; thereupon it is considered by the court
that said defendant be discharged from said information and go thereof without day. Same
vs Eli B Tucker upon an information for adultery. Same order"
Thus, some two and one-half years later, the failure of Henry F Dotson to appear and
help prosecute his father-in-law, resulted in dropping charges against him. Perhaps a
change of heart on Henry's part led to this decision.
From the 1850 census of VA; Doddridge County, Family No. 310:
Tucker, Eli B. (farmer) age 63 years. born in Virginia
Dotson, Margaret 37 "
Jackson 7 "
Preston 6 "
Josiah (Joseph) 4 "
Rucy (Ruhama) 3 "
Elizabeth 2 "
Henry (John) 4/12 "
In her annotation to the 1850 Census of Doddridge Co. (West) Virginia (1989) Mary
Davis Atkinson states; "Eli B. Tucker married (1) Elizabeth Jaco, 20 Mar 1810, in Harrison
County, WV, Rev. Benjamin Webb: married (2) Ruth Scott; married (3) Margaret Dotson,
sister of Emanuel Dotson and daughter of Richard Dotson, Sr., who was one of the first
settlers here near what is now the Ritchie-Doddridge County line (then Wood County), ca
1802/03. It seems likely that Eli B Tucker was in the area, also, at an early date. (The
minister who married Eli and Elizabeth Jaco, Benjamin Webb (Settler at Webbs Mills,
Smithville, Ritchie Co.), was also listed in the 1810 Wood County Census.)" However,
correctly, Margaret was the sister of Emanuel II (or Jr.), both children of William Sr.
And in the 1850 census of Doddridge County, Family No. 281, residing in the
household of Henry F Dotson 40, and wife Rachel 36 was "Martin VanBuren Dotson 11,
born in VA."
From the census of 1860, Missouri Adair Co. p. 124 Clay Twp. Wilmothville PO; 999
Eli B Tucker 72 M Farm Laborer $800 $360 VA
Margaret 46 F VA
Jackson 12 M VA
John T 10 M VA
Louisa J 7 F VA
and in an adjacent dwelling,
1860 Missouri Adair Co. p 124 Clay Twp. Wilmothville PO 998 809;
Nelson Tucker 39 M Farmer $1600 1520 VA
Adaline 28 F Ohio
Clarence 8 M Att sch. within year Ind
Walter A 6 M Att sch. Ind
Mary E 2 F Ind
Alice 1 F Mo
VanBuren Dotson 20 M Farm laborer VA
Joseph Tucker 14 M Att sch VA
Mary Tucker 2?/12 F VA
In Ritchie Co. Births 1853-1870 (LDS Film 32508 Pt 205) there is recorded in 1853:
"L. J. Dotson, May 11, N. F. H. R., Margaret Dotson" This is the Louisa J Tucker shown
above age 7, in the 1860 census of Adair Co. Missouri, and whom Miss Lowther said
married Henry Luck.
From the census of Iowa 1870; Mucatine County 336 Wapsinanoc Town Citalipa PO
313 313
G?ifford John 35 MW Laborer pers$160 Ohio
Margaret 30 FW Keeping house Ohio
Daniel A 10 MW Iowa
Segel 8 MW Iowa
Tucker Jackson 28 MW Farmer Virginia
Goodwin ??? 18 MW Laborer Tenn
From the census of Iowa 1870; p 286 Mucatine Co. Seventy Six Township Atalissa
PO 2 July 1870
Tucker Margout 60 FW Inmate of poor house Virginia Insane
From the 1880 Census of Iowa, Des Moines Co. Burlington Twp. Burlington
Washington St No. 857 Vol 10 ED 114 sh 25 line 30; 857 226 246:
Dotson Martin V W M 40 married boarding house VA VA VA
Eliza W F 36 wife married housekeeper Ill Ky Ky
Thomas W M 18 son unmar barber Mo VA Ky
Tucker John W M 24 brother unmar laborer unemp. VA VA VA
It is the above notation of "brother" to John Tucker, son of Margaret Tucker Dotson,
that ties Martin VanBuren Dotson to Margaret Dotson Tucker as his mother.
The children of the union of EliB Tucker and Margaret Dotson are not certain. Our
best deduction is for the following eight children:
1.- MartinVanBuren Dotson, b. ca. 1839 or 1840
2.- Jackson Dotson (or Tucker), b. ca 1843
3.- Preston Dotson (or Tucker), b. ca. 1844
4.- Josiah (Joseph) Dotson (or Tucker), b. ca. 1846
5.- Rucy (Ruhama) Dotson (or Tucker), b. ca. 1847
6.- Elizabeth Dotson (or Tucker), b. ca. 1848
7.- Henry (John) Dotson (or Tucker), b. 1850-1851
8.- Louisa J Dotson (or Tucker), b. May 11, 1853 in Ritchie County.
0.- Lafayette Dotson, b. 1836.
Before her involvement with Eli B. Tucker, it appears that Margaret had another child,
Lafayette Dotson, b. 1836.
This marriage in Doddridge Co.: "12 Aug 1858...Lafayett Dotson, 22...single...b.
Wood Co...res. Dodd. Co...Parents,Margaret Dotson; & Margaret J. Menerve, 21...single...
...res. Dodd. Co...Parents, Asariah Menerve."
From Index and Register of Births- Doddridge Co. p. 237, Bk 1 p 14:
"Aug 10 1859; Dotson Ida C, Female, parents Maria Dotson, Layfaette Dotson"
From the 1880 census of Iowa: Muscatine Co. West Liberty PO Sixth St.
Vol 25 ED 237 Sh 14 Line 49 Dwl 160 Fam 171:
Dotson Lafayette WM 44 married teamster disabled WV — VA
M. J. WF 42 wife March carpet weaver WV WV WV
Franz Ida M WF 20 dau March at home WV WV WV
Dotson Fred M. WM 18 son single laborer at sch.MO WV WV
Sarah WF 17 dau. single at school Iowa WV WV
Lucy M WF 15 dau. single at sch. Iowa WV WV
Gilbert L WM 13 son at home Iowa WV WV
Frank WM 9 son at home Iowa WV WV
Jennie WF 5 dau at home Iowa WV WV
Geo. R. WM 3 son at home Iowa WV WV
Franz W A G WM 11 boarder at school Iowa Pruss Ills
The ages of the children and their corresponding birthplaces suggest that the family
moved from West Virginia to Missouri about 1860-61, then on to Iowa before 1863.
It should be recalled that the above time frame parallels that of the move to Adair
County Missouri, later Muscatine County, Iowa, of the Margaret Dotson- Eli Tucker
William Buskirk Dotson, b. 17 Sept 1815; d. 7 May 1906.
From Miss. Lowther's history of Ritchie County 191141, p. 143:
"WILLIAM DOTSON was m. to Miss Louisa Ann Ankrom and settled across the
Doddridge County line where he lived and died."
This is the Dougherty House, on the south side of old US 50, about halfway between
Toll Gate and Greenwood.
From Hardesty's history of Doddridge Co. (Vol. 2 p. 13): "The first grist mill was put
in operation in 1845 by William Buskirk Dotson."
He m. Louisa Ann Ankrom, April 16, 1840 in Washington Co., Ohio.
From the 1850 census of VA; Doddridge County.
Dotson, William B. (farmer) age 34 years born in Virginia
Louisa A. 29
Hayden 9
Emanuel 7
Isreal F. 5
Teressa L. 3
William N. 1
From the 1860 census of VA; Doddridge County (barely legible):
Dotson, William B. age 43 years farmer born VA
L. A. (female) 41 born VA
Emanuel 19
Isaac (Israel) 15
Senecca (female) 13
William K. 11
Owen 9
Rosetta 7
Gabrella (female) 5
Caroline 3
From the 1870 census of WV; Doddridge County:
Dotson, William B. age 55 years farmer born VA
Louisa A. 49 born OH
Victor E. 26 born VA
Wm. L. 21
Owen 19
Mary R. 17
Cabrella 15
Caroline 13
From the 1880 census of WV; Doddridge County 122 011:
Dotson, Wm. B. age 64 years farmer VA VA VA
Louisa A. 60 OH VA VA
Carry dau. 23 WV VA OH
Sarah L. adopted dau. 7 WV VA VA
From the 1900 census soundex of WV; Doddridge County:
Dotson, William B. Sept 1813 age 86 b.p. WV
Louisa wife March 1819 81 Rhode Island
Dougherty, Teresa Dau. May 1847 53 WV
Joseph H S-L Sept 1842 57 Pa.
Bessie G-D Oct 1880 19 Kansas
Nellie G-D Jan 1883 17 Kansas
Joseph G-S Oct 1886 14 Kansas
From Hardesty's history of Doddridge County, 188342:
"WILLIAM BUSKIRK DOTSON...is the oldest settler, native born, to Central
District, his birth having occurred close to Greenwood on the farm adjoining the one he
now lives on Sept 27, 1815. William and Mary (Franks) Dotson his parents, now many
years deceased, settled in this vicinity in 1804. In Washington County, Ohio, April 16,
1840, William B. Dotson and Louisa Ann Ankrom were joined in wedlock and the children
of this union were nine and one taken to raise; Hayden F., b March 16, 1841 and d. Feb 28,
1858; Victor E., April 9, 1843; Isreal N., March 16, 1845: Teressa E., May 27, 1847;
William L., 3 March 1849; Owen F., Jan 9, 1852 and d. Dec 1, 1871; Rosie L., Jan 9, 1853;
Gambrilla, March 17, 1855; Carrie Odell, April 5, 1857; Sarah Louise March 6, 1873.
Victor E. and Isreal N. were Federal soldiers of the 1861 war, both enlisting in Sept 1862
in Co. A, 4th Cavalry and receiving discharge in 1863. Isreal is now living in the west, as
is Teressa E., whose home is in Summer Co., Kan. The wife of Mr. Dotson was b. in
Washington Co., Ohio, March 3, 1820, a dau. of Margaret E. (Franks) Ankrum. William
B. Dotson has been a farmer all his life, and for many years, before incapacitated by age
and its infirmities, he was a local preacher of the Methodist Protestant Church. His p. o. is
Greenwood, Dodd. Co., W.Va."
In the Greenwood (Doddridge Co.) Cemetery:
Wm B Sept 27 1814 died July 5 1906 91 yr 9 mo 8 days
Louisa Ann Dotson May 3 1820 died July 9 1900(?)
They were the parents of ten children:
1.- Hayden F. Dotson, b. 16 March 1841, d. Feb 1858. In the Greenwood cemetery:
"Haden F son of Wm B and L A Dotson d Feb 24 1858 age 16 yr 11 mo 22 days"
2.- Victor Emanuel Dotson, b. 9 April 1843.
He served in Company A, 4th Cavalry in the Civil War. This marriage in Doddridge Co.:
"1 April 1875...Victor E. Dotson, 28...single...b. Wood Co...res. Dodd. Co...Parents, Wm.
B. & Louisa A.; & Lucy E. Cheuvront, 20... single...b. Dodd. Co...res. Dodd. Co...Parents,
Joseph & Barbary by Sylvester Lowther."
From 'Doddridge Cemeteries', Archives Library, Charleston, WV; "Victor E. Dotson
June 1885 age 42 y. Civil War-Union soldier, Old Odd Fellows Cemetery, West Union."
From the 1880 census of WV; Doddridge County 121 004;
Dotson, V E WM 35 Grocer VA VA VA
L M WF 24 Wife Housekeeper VA VA VA
Joseph WM 4 Son WV VA VA
B O (Barbara) WF 2 Dau WV VA VA
Owens, Rhoda WF 15 Servant VA VA VA
From the 1910 census soundex of WV: Doddridge West Union 007 0034 0049:
Datson Lucy M H W55 WV WV
Joseph B S 34 WV
Barbara A D 31 WV
Katherine A D 28 WV
John R S 25 WV
Family not found in 1900 census Soundex of WV
Four known children, shown above in census of 1910.
3.- Israel N. Dotson, b. 16 March 1845. Served in Company D, 4th Cavalry in the Civil
War. He moved to Sumner Co. Kansas between 1871 and 1875, along with his sister
Teresa; then returned to Doddridge Co. between 1881 and 1885. He was living in the west
in 1883 (Hardesty). He was in Greenwood ca 1903 (see below, photo at Dougherty House
reunion). Israel was married to Louisa Jane Lynch of Gilmer Co. before 1865.
From the Index and Register of Births- Doddridge County W. Va.:
Dotson, Orlando A. male b. April 16, 1865; parents Jane & Israel Dotson
Dotson, Lary Bell female b. June 8, 1869: parents Jane & Israel Dotson
Dotson, Lama female b. Sept 8, 1870; parents Louisa & Israel Dotson
Dotson, Louisa female b. Feb 24 1885; parents L. H. (mother) and I. N. Dotson
From a delayed birth record for Benjamin Harrison Dotson filed July 3, 1943 in
Doddridge Co.
"b. May 1, 1888 at Greenwood, male, number in order of birth, 10; father Israel Nathan
Dotson, p. o. Greenwood, b. p. Dodd, occ. farmer, age at time child was born 43; mother
Jane Lynch, p. o. Greenwood, b.p. Gilmer, occ. housewife, age at time child was born 44,
number of children born to mother up to and including this child, 10; any of these children
die before this child was born, no information given; certificate signed by F. D. Dotson,
From the 1870 census of WV; Doddridge Co.:
Dotson, Israel N. age 25 years farmer born VA
Louisa J. 25 VA
Judge N. 4 WV
Clinton L. 2 WV
From the 1880 census soundex of Kansas; Sumner Co., Belle Plaine Twp:
Dodson, I. N. age 35 b.p. W. Va.
Louisa J. wife 35 W.Va.
J. W. son 12 W.Va.
C. L. S 11 W.Va.
Ida A. D 9 W.Va.
Frank S 5 Kansas
Minnie D 3 Kansas
Charles E. S 3/12 Kansas
From the 1900 census soundex of WV; Doddridge Co. Central District:
Dotson, Israel b. March 1845 age 55 b.p. WV
Jane wife July 1845 54 WV
Clinton L. son Nov 1867 32 WV
Charles E. son Feb 1879 21 Kansas
Freddie son June 1882 17 Kansas
Laurie dau. March 1885 15 WV
Benjamin H. son May 1888 12 WV
From the 1910 census soundex of WV; Doddridge 007 0026 0217:
Dotson Israel N H W 66 WV WV
Lizzie W 62 WV
Charles E S 31 Kansas
Benjamin H S 21 WV
Bollins Okunle NR 30 WV
Cora M W 23 WV
Dickworth Rachal SL 50 WV
Israel N. Dotson
headstone, Greenwood
Cemetery, Doddridge
County, W. Va.
From the 1890 Special Schedule census of surviving Civil War soldiers and widows:
"House no. 150, fam. no. 151, Israel Dotson, private, Co. D 4 W Va Cav,
Enlist. June 1863, Disch. March 1864, p. o. Greenwood, W. Va."
From the Index and Register of Deaths- Doddridge Co., WV.
Dotson, Israel N. male died July 20, 1916 (Bk. 2, p. 35)
Dotson, Louisa Jane female died June 21, 1914 (Bk. 2, p. 34)
In the Greenwood Cemetery (Doddridge Co.):
"Israel N Dotson Comp D 4 W Va Cav*
Louisa Jane wife of I N July 30 1845 Jan 21 1914"
Israel Nathan and Louisa Jane Lynch Dotson were the parents of ten known children:
a. Judge N. (or W) (or Judson). b. Nov 1865 from 1900 census
b. Clinton L. b. Nov 1867 in WV
c. Laura Bell b. June 8, 1869 (from birth record)
d. Ida A. b. 1870 or '71 in WV (from 1880 census); "Lama" b. Sept 8, 1870 from birth
e. Frank Victor b. ca. 1875 (from 1880 census, age 5) in Kansas
f. Minnie b. ca. 1877 (from 1880 census, age 3) in Kansas
g. Charles E. b. Feb 1879 in Kansas
h. Fred b. June 1882 in Kansas
i. Louisa b. Feb 24, 1885 from birth record; b. March 1885 from 1900 census)
j. Benjamin Harrison b. May 1888 in WV
According to the delayed birth certificate of their son Benjamin Harrison Dotson, they
were parents of ten children thus confirming number in the above listing.
a. Judge (Judson), alternately "Orlando A." b. April 16, 1865 (from birth record WV)
Wife and children from the 1900 and 1910 census:
From the 1900 census soundex of WV; Wirt Co. Newark Dist 38 125 7 21:
Dotson Judge W
White Nov 1865 34 WV
Dolly H Wife Jan 1869 31 WV
Clarence Son Apr 188-14 WV
Isreal L S May 1889 11 WV
Jessie Dau July 1891 8 WV
Carrol A S Aug 1899 9/12 WV
From the 1910 census soundex of WV; Wood Co. Parkersburg 044 0127 0202:
Dotson Judson W Head White 44 WV WV
Dollie H Wife 40 WV
Clarence Son 23 WV
Eva Dau in Law 19 WV
Pearl D 18 WV
Carl S 10 WV
Freda D 03 WV
b. Clinton L. b. Nov 1867 in WV (not in 1900, 1910, or 1920 WV census)
On Jan 11, 1912, Clinton L Dotson aged 44 and a resident of Greenwood WV and
Agnes C. Dotson aged 32, and a resident of Greenwood WV signed an affidavit stating that
they assumed care of Israel Dotson on or about the 15th of October 191143.
c. Laura Bell Dotson, b. June 8, 1869 (July 8, 1870) d. June 24, 1926; m. Eugene
Snodgrass. From the Doddridge Co. WV birth record, "Dotson, Lary Bell female b. June
8, 1869; parents Jane and Israel Dotson". (Born July 8, 1870 from her obituary).
On Aug 20, 1910, she filed with the U. S. Pension Office, as Mrs. E. W. Snodgrass aged
40, a resident of Harwood, Harrison Co. WV., the following General Affidavit in the matter
of a claim of Israel Dotson Co. 'D' 4th West Va. Cal. Vols.:
"I am 40 years of age, I have known the above named claimant ever since I can
recollect, he has been a constant sufferer from rheumatism and catarh all the past years, is
now a helpless cripple, a burden thrown on my hands to take care of, and has to be cared
for the same as a child. He is my Father, and I his only Daughter and I have the constant
care of him day and Night".
On August 18, 1916, Laura Belle Snodgrass applied to the Commissioner of Pensions,
Washington, D. C. for reimbursement for expenses in the last sickness and burial of her
father Israel Nicholas Dotson, Company "D", 4th Regiment West Virginia Volunteer
Cavalry, an invalid soldier who died July 20, 1916. She gave her age as 46 years and was
a resident of Greenwood Doddridge County WV.44
The ages of 40 in 1910 and 46 in 1916, correspond reasonably closely to that of her
birth record.
From the 1900 census of her father Israel N. Dotson: "Laurie, dau, born March 1885,
age 15, place of birth WV". It is concluded that this child was Louise, b. Feb 24, 1885 from
her birth record.
d. Ida A. b. 1870 or '71 in WV (from 1880 census), "Lama" b. Sept 8, 1870 from birth
e. Frank Victor Dotson
From the Doddridge Co. Death Index and Register (Bk. 5, p. 44-E);
"Dotson, Frank Victor male died Jun 17 1956 parents Jane Lynch and Israel N.
From the Dodd. Co. Index and Register of Births; (Bk. Del 1 p. 43)
Dotson, Russell Eugene, male born Jul 18 1902 Place of birth Greenwood, Dodd.
Co. , number in order of birth, 3; parents: father Frank Victor Dotson p. o Greenwood,
Dodd. b.p. Bellplain, Kansas occ. carpenter age at time child was born 27; mother Eva
Maude Leeson, p. o. Greenwood Dodd. b. p. Greenwood WV. occ. housewife. age at time
child was born 19: no. of children born to this mother up to and including this child 3; any
of these children die before this child was born, no; certificate signed by Eva M. Dotson,
mother 5-13-41.
From the Ritchie Co. register of delayed births:
Dotson, Dora Dean, female born Dec 12, 1905 at Pennsboro, WV; father Frank
Victor Dotson p. o. Pennsboro WV. b.p. Sumner Co., Kansas occ. Carpenter; age at time
child was born 30; mother Eva Maude Leeson p. o. Pennsboro WV b.p. Doddridge Co. WV
occ. housewife age at time child was born 23; no. children born to this mother up to and
including this child 5; any of these children die before this child was born, no; certificate
signed by F. V. Dotson father, 9-9-53.
From Ritchie County Deaths 1919-1970, p. 108, line 25:
Dotson Eva M., died Aug 21, 1948 at Pennsboro; female, white, married; age at death
64 yr. 10 mo. 7 days; occ. housewife, b. Dodd. Co,: father Amizar Leeson b. WV; mother
Ella Davis b. WV; cause of death heart failure, information by Bertha J. Riddle Registrar.
From his obituary (copy furnished by grand-daughter Helen L. Simmons):
"Frank Victor Dotson, 81, of Greenwood, died June 17, 1956, at Britton's Rest home
in Doddridge County. He was born Jan 8, 1875, at Broken Bow, Kansas, a son of Israel and
Jane Lynch Dotson and on Jan 9, 1899 was married to Eva Leeson, who preceded him in
death. Survivors include the following sons and daughters; Mrs. Frank (Juanita) Collins,
Miss Vera Dotson, Miss Ruby Dotson, all of Pennsboro; Mrs. L. H. (Edna) Collins,
Greenwood; Miss Dora Dotson, Lancaster, Ohio; Harry Dotson, Pittsburgh, Pa.; Clint
Dotson, Rock Ledge Fla.; Russell Dotson, Honolulu, Hawaii; four brothers, Fred Dotson,
Cumberland, Md.; Clinton Dotson, Pittsburgh, Pa.; Charles Dotson, Cleveland, O.; and
Ben Dotson, Middletown, O.; 18 grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren..........."
Note: Information from grand-daughter Helen L. Simmons corrects the above
obituary in that her mother Ruby Dotson Brooks (Mrs. Charles) was deceased in 1956,
having died in 1950.
From the 1900 census soundex of WV; Dodd. Cent. 5 20 10 73:
Dotson Franklin W Jan 1875 25 WV
Eva M W Oct 1881 18 WV
Ruby D Aug 1898 1 WV
(Frank Victor was not listed in the 1910 WV census soundex)
From the 1920 census soundex of WV; Doddridge 10 33 5 4:
Dotson Frank V W 45 Kansas
Eva M W 36 WV
Ruby J D 20 WV
Clinton S 18 WV
Russel S 17 WV
Harry S 14 WV
Dora D 13 WV
Edna D 10 WV
Ada V D 8 WV
Juniate D 7 WV
Ruth D 9/12 WV
Frank Victor Dotson, who lived at Greenwood, was a carpenter.
Known children (from grand-daughter Helen L. Simmons and the 1920 census)
1. Ruby J. Dotson, b. Aug 28,1899 (or 1898) m. Charles Brooks, d. April 30,1950
Three children:
(1) Lucille m. Edward Duckworth (Wayne Duckworth's son); she had two
(2) Helen, m. Preston Simmons, Jr. of Petroleum, WV. Three children:
(3) Earl Dewayne Brooks m. Mae Braham , Parkersburg, four sons.
2. Clint L. Dotson., b. Oct 7, 1901, liv. Rock Ledge, Fla. (1956), d. July 2, 1985
3. Russell Eugene Dotson, b. July 18, 1902; m. Mabel _____ who d. 1990; living
Honolulu, HI (1956), Redlands, CA. (1991); has son Robert, b. 1930, who has son and
4. Harry Dotson. b. ca. 1906 d. Homestead Pa
5. Dora Dean (Dode) Dotson. born Dec 12, 1905 (ca. 1907 from census);
never married; living Lancaster, Ohio (1956) d. Mar 3, 1976
6. Edna L. Dotson, b. ca. 1910, m. Lloyd H. Collins, have son Tommy Dotson
Collins who m. Shirley _____., live Greenwood.
7. Vera (Bid) Dotson, b. Jan 15, 1911, not married, d. June 25, 1989
8. Juanita V. Dotson, b. Feb 19, 1913, m. Frank Collins (brother of Lloyd Collins)
d. June 22, 1991.
From her obituary; "Juanita V. Collins, 78, of Harrisville, WV, died Saturday, June
22, 1991, in Cleveland (OH) Clinic.
She was born in Greenwood (Doddridge County), WV, a daughter of the late Frank
B. and Eva Leeson Dotson. She was a member of the First United Methodist Church,
Pennsboro, WV.
Surviving are her husband, Frank L Collins (later died Jan 23, 1992 age 88); a son
Dallas Collins of Harrisville; two daughters, Donna Francis of Westerville, OH, and Ada
Ruth Mercer of Fredericktown, OH; a brother, Russell Dotson of California; five
grandchildren and five great grandchildren.
Preceding her in death were three brothers and five sisters...Burial Mount Harmony
Masonic Cemetery, Pennsboro."
9. Ruth M. Dotson, b. April 27,1919, m. Jim Messinger; d. Oct 30 1984
f. Minnie b. ca. 1877 (from 1880 census, age 3) in Kansas. In the Greenwood cemetery:
"Minnie O Dotson Williams 1877-1909"
g. Charles E. b. Feb 1879 in Kansas
h. Fred b. June 1882 in Kansas
i. Louisa b. Feb 24 1885 from birth record; (Laura b. March 1885 from 1900 census).
In the Greenwood cemetery: "Annie, Daughter of I N and L J Dotson Mar 24 1885 June
13 1908"
j. Benjamin Harrison b. May 1888 in WV
From the 1910 census, in the household of his father Israel: "Benjamin H, Son, age 21
born WV."
4.- Teressa E. Dotson, b. 27 May 1847. She m. Joseph Dougherty. They were living in the
west (Kansas) in 1883. They returned to W.Va. and lived in the William Buskirk Dotson
house, about halfway between Toll Gate and Greenwood. They were enumerated in the
household of William B. in the 1900 census. Parents of three known children, all born in
a. Bess Dougherty b. Oct 1880. Bess taught school at Greenwood. She did not spare
the whip. I (Barr Wilson) do not know what became of her.
b. Nell Dougherty b. Jan 1883. She m(1) Crane. He must have been a carnival "Pitch
Man." They came to Greenwood one time just before the Pennsboro Fair. This was in
the 'teens and they had a Model T, Ford Touring car. A few days before the Fair they
were pulling this old Ford up and down the road, trying to get it started. By Fair time, things
were different. They had this Ford at the Fair. They were selling an attachment that
connected between the Spark Plug and the spark Plug wire. It was supposed to make the
car start easier. It was just a small piece of hard rubber, With a small hole on the center,
covered with clear isinglass. The spark could be seen jumping across the small hole. This
Ford was in A-1 condition. They would disconnect three wires, lift up the crank, and the
Ford would start and run on one cylinder. They would do the same for two or three
cylinders. These spark jumpers came in sets of four and sold for a dollar. They made a
killing. Everybody in the area, who owned a Model T, bought a set. ____ Crane must have
died. Nell came back to Greenwood and later m (2) ____ ____; and moved to Parkersburg.
Nell and ____ Crane had four children:
1.- Joe Crane. Moved to Parkersburg; now dead.
2.- Jim Crane. No information.
3.- Mamie Crane. She was in California (1983).
4.-Crane (girl). She was in California (1983).
c. Joseph b. Oct 1886; I do not know what became of him.
5.- William L. Dotson, b. 3 March 1849. This marriage in Ritchie Co.:
"16 Oct 1872...Wm. L. Dotson, 23...single...b. Dodd. Co...res. Rit. Co...Parents, Wm.
B. & Louisa A.; & Margaret A. Hickman, 17... b. Rit. Co...res. Rit. Co...Parents, Barton
H. & Nancy by Samuel B. Westfall."
In the household of his father William B. Dotson in the 1850 census of Doddridge
County; "William L. 1 MW b. Virginia"; in 1860 "Wm L 11 M"; in 1870 "Wm L 29(?)"
From the 1880 census of WV; Doddridge 122 011:
Dotson W L WM 31 Farmer VA VA OH
Marget WF 25 Wife Keeping houseVA VA VA
Lucy WF 6 Dau at home WV VA VA
Barton H WM 2 Son at home WV VA VA
From the 1900 census soundex of WV;Doddridge Co. Dodd Cent Dist 5 20 8 52:
Dotson William L W Mar 1849 51 WV
Margaret W Apr 1855 45 WV
Barton S Dec 1877 22 WV
Boyd L S July 1883 17 WV
Golden S June 1889 10 WV
Shirley S May 1892 8 WV
From the 1910 census soundex of WV; Doddridge 007 0026 0027:
Dotson William L H W 60 WV WV
Margaret W 54 WV
Wade H S 29 WV
Bou(y)d L S 26 WV
Golden S S 20 WV
Shirley M S 17 WV
From the 1920 census soundex of WV; Doddridge 10 33 5 30:
Dotson William W 70 VA
Margaret W 64 VA
Golden S 30 WV
Wm. L. Dotson died March 18,1925 (Dodd. Death Index Wm. E. Dotson, father W R
Dotson) and she 31 April 1936. In the Greenwood Cemetery:
"Wm L Dotson Mar 3 1849 Mar 18 1925.
his wife Margaret H Apr 30 1955?? "
Parents of six children:
a.-Lucy Dotson, b. ca. 1874; in the household of her father Wm. L, in the 1880 census
of Doddridge; "Lucy, WF, 6, Dau, at home, WV VA VA"
Lucy Dotson, m. "Rube" Taylor. For this family, see Clay District Ritchie Co. "The
Daniel Taylor Family,"45 pages 576, 596 and 674.
Two children:
1.- Floyd Taylor.
2.- Ethel Taylor.
b.- Barton H. Dotson, b. Dec 6, 1877 (Dodd. Co. births, vol. 1, p. 85; Dotson Barton,
F?, parents Margarett Dotson and W. L. Dotson"; in the household of his father Wm. L,
in the 1880 census of Doddridge; "Barton H., 2, WM, son, at home, WV VA VA" m. Edith
____ in Conn. Four children:
1.- Harry Dotson.
2.- Elroy Dotson.
3.- Margaret Dotson.
c.-Wm. Hampton "Hamp" Dotson, b. Dec 15, 1880 (Dodd. Birth Index, Vol 1, p 108)
"Dotson Wm., M, parents Maragete Dotson and Wm. L. Dotson"; m. Maude Smith. This
marriage in Wood Co. 24 March 1914: "Dotson, Wade Hampton 30, Doddridge, and
Smith, Maude 27 Wood Co." He was a career service man. No children.
d.- Boyd Dotson, b. 26 Aug 1883; d. 23 May 1958, buried at Greenwood. (no
headstone for Boyd was found in a 1987 inventory of the Greenwood Cemetery) From
Doddridge Co. birth index, Vol. 1 p. 126: "July 26 1883, Dotson, B.L., M, parents Marget
Dotson and Wm. Dotson". He m. Martha Nutter, dau. of Eli Nutter. She d. 1982 and is
buried at Richwood, W.Va. Two children:
1.- Jack Dotson, m. Madge Marshall. He was postmaster at Richwood. He is dead
and buried at Richwood, W. Va.
2. Victor Dotson, m. Mary Frances Goff. He made a career in the army. He died
1971, buried at Cairo, W. Va. (Note 1992; Mary Frances Goff Dotson living in Cairo and
active in the Ritchie County Historical Society. For a family history sketch of her family
please see p. 112 of The History of Ritchie County West Virginia to 1980.) 46
Dougherty House, between Greenwood and Toll Gate, at Yeager Run Road
circa 1903-1904
First Row (left to right): Third Row:
1.- Wm. L. Dotson 1.- Victoria Sherwood
2.- Isreal Dotson 2.- Martha Edwards Ellifritts
3.- William Buskirk Dotson 3.- Rube Taylor
4.- Mrs. Teresa Dotson Doughert 4.- Jack Hickman
5.- Carrie Dotson Hickman 5.- Gussie Dotson Waldo
6.- Floyd Sherwood
Second Row: 7.- Winfield Ellefritts
1.- Margaret Hickman Dotson
2.- William Hampton Dotson Back Row:
3.- Floyd Taylor (hand over heart) 1.- Franklin Pierce Dotson
4.- Lucy Dotson Taylor
5.- Nell Dougherty Crane
6.- Joseph Dougherty
7.- Frank Sherwood
8.- Bess Dougherty
e.- Golden Dotson; in the household of his father Wm. L. in the 1900 soundex census
of Doddridge Co.; "Golden, Son, b. June 1889, age 10, bp WV"; in 1910, "Golden S, Son,
20, WV"; in 1920, "Golden, S, 30, WV" m. Emma Young. Resided at Greenwood. Both
dead. No children.
f.- Shirley Dotson; in the household of his father Wm. L. in the 1900 soundex census
of Dodd., "Shirley, Son, b.May 1892, age 8, bp.WV"; in 1910, "Shirley M, Son, 17, WV"'
m. Helen ____.Had Joe Dotson and four girls.
From the 1920 census soundex of WV: Doddridge 10 33 5 33:
Dotson Shirley M.
Helen R W 27 Ohio
0wen F. Dotson, b. 9 Jan 1851; d. 1 Dec 1871.
Rosie L. Dotson, b. 9 Jan 1853. (Mary R. in the 1870 census of Wm. B. Dotson).
This marriage in Doddridge Co.:
"17 Oct 1872...Rozel Dotson, 19...single...b. Dodd. Co...res. Dodd. Co...parents,
William B. & Roseta Dotson;& James T. Coffendaffer, 22...single...b. Harrison Co...res.
Dodd. Co...Parents, Abraham & Clemenza."
8.-Gabrilla Dotson, b. 17 March 1855; m. Francis Maron Waldo.
This marriage in Doddridge County:
"14 Nov 1872...Gabrilla Dotson, 18...single...b. Dodd. Co...res. Dodd. Co...Parents,
Wm. B & Louisa; and Francis M. Waldo, 22... single..b. Dodd. Co...Res. Dodd. Co...Parents,
Hickman and Mary." Miss Lowther's History of Ritchie Co., states, "Francis Waldo of
Fairmont, W. Va."
9.-Carrie Odell Dotson, b. 5 April 1857; m. Jack Hickman, son of Barton Hickman and
Nancy Taylor.. (Jack was a brother of Margaret Hickman, who m. William L. Dotson).
They resided several places on the North Fork of Hughes River and finally came to
Toll Gate, where they resided until their deaths. They are buried at Toll Gate.
They were parents of three children:
a.-Hugh Hickman, b. ca 1890. He worked in the oil and gas fields.
He went west and finally disappeared in Texas. He m. a Shepherd. They only lived
together a year or two.
Two children:
1.- Robert "Bob" Hickman. He has disappeared. He was married and
had children.
2.- Girl Hickman; died 1990.
b.-Stella Hickman, b. ca 1893; m. Porter Pratt. They resided at Toll Gate. She is still
living, by herself, at Toll Gate (1983). Parents of three children:
1.- Louise Pratt, m. Harlan Hogue who is a great grandson of Peter Broadwater
that m. Love Taylor. Love Taylor was a dau. of Edmund Taylor and Rachel McKinney.
From a Broadwater Family History by Wayne Bittenger...1988..p.16: "Peter Broad-
water (Sept 12, 1840 or 41-Oct 18, 1877); m. Hannah Taylor."
(1) Sarah Dollie Broadwater (b. about 1867) First wife of Wayne Wilson.
Near Morgantown. (She d. in Ritchie Co., before Wayne Wilson went to Morgantown.
(2) Wheeler Comb Broadwater (March 1868-Aug 19, 1940. m. Catherine
"Kate" Pfeltz, sister of Charles William "Bill" Pfeltz, Pennsboro W. Va.
(3) Creed C. Broadwter (Aug 12, 1870), Muncie, Ind.
(4) Thomas J. Broadwater, (March 13, 1872-Dec 17, 1894). Not married.
(5) James T. Broadwater (b. about 1874).
(6) Peter Michael "Peter Mike" (b. Dec 25, 1876) Marion County
The late Frank "Mutt" Broadwater of Pennsboro was a son of Wheeler Broadwater.
For Harlan Hogue ancestry, seeThe Broadwater Family, "Peter Broadwater Branch"47.
Harlan and Louise Pratt Hogue live at Glenville, W.Va. Harlan was a county agent
until he retired. They have four children:
(1) Donald Hogue, m. Sue Ritchie and have; Donna Hogue.
(2) Dorothy Hogue, m. Ferman Lee Rhodes. They have; Robin Rhodes;
Ferman Lee Rhodes II; and Jack Rhodes.
(3) Helen Hogue, m. Lynn McClain. They have; Debbie McClain; Lisa
McClain; and Angela McClain.
(4) Patty Hogue, m. Jim Shaver. They have; Jimmy Shaver; Carol Shaver;
and Scottie Shaver.
2.- John Pratt, m. Mary Corra of Pennsboro. They live at Clarksburg. He drives
truck. They have three children:
(1) James Pratt, m. Martha Jenkins. They have; Rachel Pratt.
(2) John Pratt. He was a newscaster on TV Channel 12 in Clarksburg. Now
(1983) works in Secretary of State's office.
(3) Michelle Pratt.
3.- Lawrence Pratt, m. Doris Burgy. (He has been married more than once). He
lived in Akron, Ohio; died 1990. One known child:
(1) Shirley Pratt, m. Rachel Arnett, daughter of James and Rebecca Wilson
Arnett. Rachel (1861-1942) married Henry Brooks. (Note: Helen Simmons' grand-parents
on her father's side)
c.- William Bryan Hickman, b. ca 1895. He worked in the oil and gas fields in W.Va.
and in the west. Married more than once. No children. He d. Berkeley, Ca., ca 1980.
10.- Sarah Louise ____ Dotson, b. 6 March 1873. This was an adopted
or raised child. No information.
Solomon "Sol" Dotson, b. 1817. This marriage in Harrison Co.: "8 Feb 1837...Solomon
Dotson & Orlinda Tucker by Peter Davis." She was a dau. of Eli Tucker and
Elizabeth Jaco. She d. 26 Dec 1863. This was his first marriage.
From the 1850 census of VA; Ritchie County:
Dotson, Solomon (farmer) 33 born in Virginia
Orlinda 32
Serena A. 12
Eli B. 9
Squire 6
Christopher 2
Tucker, Mary 34
Nelson* 28
Scott, James 20
*Note: Nelson Tucker found in 1860 census of Adair Co. Missouri, adjacent to Eli B.
Tucker and Margaret Dotson Tucker
From the 1860 census of VA; Ritchie County (house 619, family 585):
Dodson Solomon L 45 Farmer Va
Orlinda 43 Va
Eli B 19 Fm HandVa
Esquire 14 Va
Christopher C(olumbus) 12 Va
Floyd M 9 Va
Clarence T 5 Va
Korah A 3 Va
Bogard, Eliza 27 Va
This birth in Ritchie Co. "not named; Aug 3, 1857; parents Sol. L and Belinda Dotson"
Solomon "Sol" Dotson, m (2) Elizabeth West. This marriage in Rit. Co.: "15 Sept
1864...Solomon L. Dotson, 47...widower...Wood Co...Ritchie Co...son of William &
Mary; married Elizabeth West, 22...single... Harrison Co...Ritchie Co...dau. of Henry &
Margaret by Eli Riddle."
From the 1870 Kansas census; Marshall Co Vermillion Twp. Barrett Kansas 13th June
1870; Dwl 165 Fam. 166:
Dodson S. L.(Solomon) 49 MW Farmer RE$2000 Per.$800 VA
Elizabeth 25 FW Keeping house VA
Clarence 16 MW at home VA
Ciza? A (Korah A) 13 FW at home VA
Rutia A 5 FW at home Missouri
Vieta 4 FW at home MO
Evaline 1 FW at home KS
From the 1880 census soundex Kansas; Marshall Co Rock Twp. 12 172 6 1:
Dotson Solomon WM 68 VA
Labitha W 57 Ken.
Rissia (Rutia A) D 15 Iowa
Evalline D 11 KS
Porter S 6 KS
From the 1900 census soundex of KS; Marshall Co Rock Twp 33 56 5 11:
Dotson Solomon S W Jul 1816 83 WV
Carrie C W Jan 1837 63 NH
Porter L S Apr 1872 28 KS
Auld, Carrie C. GD Jul 1890 10 KS
Thomas, Fanny Si Dec 1853 46 IL
Thomas, Carl Bo Oct 1884 15 MO
Solomon Dotson bought an article at the sale of the estate of Thomas Dotson,
deceased, on Buck Run, 3 Feb 1848.
Solomon Dotson received five land grants in Virginia/West Virginia. The first was in
1843 for 100 acres on the waters of Hughes River in (then) Wood County; subsequently
four additional in Ritchie County in 1847, 1851, 1853 and 1865 in the Long Run/Hughes
River area. For further information see Dotson Land Grants (1804-1865)48
The seven known children of Solomon Dotson (by the first marriage to Orlinda
1.-Serena A. Dotson, b. 1838.
No information.
2.-Eli B. Dotson, b. ca. 1841. This marriage in Ritchie County: "17 Jan 1861...Eli B.
Dotson, 20...single...b. Rit. Co...Parents, S.L. & 0.; & Mary Harris, 16...single...b. Dodd.
Co...res. Rit. Co... Parents, Thomas & Mary Harris."
From the Missouri 1900 soundex; 59 99 10 41 McDonald Co Prairie Twp:
Dotson, Eli B W Nov 1840 59 WV
Nancy W Apr 1844 56 WV
This may or may not be the same Eli B. Dotson; birth dates and ages check but wife's
name is "Nancy" not "Mary"; may be a second marriage.
3.-Squire Dotson, b. 1844.
4.-Christopher Columbus Dotson, b. 1848.
From the 1880 census soundex of Kansas:
"Columbus Dotson, 30, brother, b. VA" in the household of Floyd Dotson, age
26, b. VA. (see below)
From the 1900 census soundex of KS; Marshall Co Rock Twp 33 56 5- 26:
Dotson Christopher C W Apr 1850 50 WV Living alone
5.-Floyd M, b. ca. 1851
From the 1880 census soundex Kansas; Marshall Co Clear Fork Twp. 12 166 12 1:
Dotson Floyd W M 26 VA
Emma V W 24 Iowa
Claria C D 6 KS
Lillian L D 3/12KS
Columbus B 30 VA
Note; Marshall Co. is same county in which their father Solomon Dotson was found
in the 1870 and 1880 census of Kansas (see above)
6.-Clarence T, b. ca. 1855
7.- Korah A, b. ca. 1857
Four children by his second wife Elizabeth (from census of 1870 and 1880)
8.-Rutia A., b. ca. 1865 in Missouri or Iowa.
9.-Vieta, b. ca. 1866 in Missouri; apparently died young.
10.- Evaline b. ca. 1869 in Kansas.
11.- Porter, b. April 1872 in Kansas, from the 1900 census soundex of KS
Solomon married (3) Labitha______ b. ca. 1823 in Kentucky. (from the 1880 census
of KS)
Solomon married (4) Carrie C._____ b. Jan 1837 in New Hampshire (from the 1900
census soundex of KS)
From Jacob Collins Sr. and Phebe Stuthart, 49 page 105. "Benjamin Bond, Sr. had a
son, Benjamin Bond Junior, who m. Nancy Barney. Three known children" 1.- William
Bond; 2.- Thomas Bond; and 3.- Barney Bond.
William Bond m. 1809, Catherine Thomas. They had a son, Butler Bond, b. 31 March
1818; m. 11 Sept 1841, Eliza Margaret Dotson; b. 11 Aug 1820, a dau. of William Dotson
and Mary Franks.
This marriage in Tyler County:
"11 Sept 1841...Butler Bond and Eliza Dotson by M. Maddox."
Mrs. Sacco's (see below) records show that her name was Eliza Margaret Dotson. She
had a sister named Elizabeth (Chap. V-5) and another named Margaret Chap. V-8).
From William Clark's diary,50 "1 Nov 1904...Butler Bond buried to-day."
From the 1850 census of VA; Doddridge County:
Bond, Butler (farmer) age 32 years born in Virginia
Eliza 30
Oliver 7
Camden 6
Jane 5
William 3
Helen 2
Evaline 6 months.
Cain, James* 18 years.
Annotation by Mary Davis Atkinson:" Butler Bond married Eliza Dotson, 11 Sept
1841, in Tyler Co., WV by M. Maddox, Baptist Min. Res. Tyler County, 1860; Ref.
Census, Household No. 780-780"
*For James Cain, see Chapter XV Ruth Dotson.
From the 1860 census of VA; Tyler County; North Bend Mills PO780-780:
Bond Butler B 41 M Farmer R.E. $1200 per. $425 VA
Eliza 41 F
Oliver 17 M
Camden 16 M
Jane 15 F
William 16 M
Helen 12 F
Mary A 11 F
Emza 7F
Esquire 4 M
Cindona 1 F
From the 1870 census of VA; Tyler County; Centerville Twp, Middlebourne; 28-28:
Bond Butler 49 MW Farming $1000 $400 VA
Eliza 50 FW VA
Camden 23 FW VA
William 22 MW VA
Eveline 19 FW VA
Mary 18 FW VA
Emsy 17 FW VA
Squire 14 MW VA
John 10 MW VA
Sandony 12 FW VA
Sherman 6 MW VA
From the 1900 Census soundex of WV; Doddridge West Union Dist 5 27 21 77:
Bond, B. Frank W Apr 1828 72 WV
Eliza W July 1830 69 WV
Sulliven, Stella orphan Mar 1886 14 WV
Butler Bond and Eliza Margaret Dotson were parents of 16 children:
1.-01iver Bond, b. 1843.
2.- Camden Bond, b. 1844. He m (1) Caroline Pool; m (2) Mary Hart.
3.- Jane Bond, b. 1845; m. Jacob Netzer.
4.- William Bond. b. ca. 1847. Never married. Lived alone in Bond Hollow. He came to
Toll Gate to the store about once a month and visited all day with the people that came to
the store.
5.- Helen Bond, b. 1848; m. Andy Duty.
6.- Eveline Bond, b. 1849; m. 22 July 1870, John Marshall Collins.
From "Jacob Collins Sr. and Phebe Stuthart," 51 page 106.
"John Marshall Collins, b. 12 Dec 1849; m. 22 July 1870, Eveline Bond b. 1849; dau.
of Butler Bond and Eliza Margaret Dotson.
In the Greenwood Cemetery;
John M. Collins, 1849-1912.
Eveline Collins, 1849-1940.
The graves are in different areas of the cemetery. They did not live together in later
years of their marriage. He died in Chicago.
They were the parents of nine children. (All of the children were b. in
Doddridge Co. and lived there for several years, then in the late 1920s many of them
moved ...mostly to Ohio.)
a.- Minnie Collins, m. Rogers.
b.- Alfred Collins, m. Jettie Gain, lived in Arkansas. From Descendants of Adam
J. & Susan Fleming Gain,52 by Evelyn P. Gain Furner; "Jettie Blanche Gain, b. Dec 23,
1876, in Dodd. Co.,. m. Alph C. Collins, May 4, 1898 in Dodd. Co.; d. Jan 4, 1950
in Washington, D.C." Had three children.
c.- Dona Collins, b. 1877, m (1) Monroe Koontz; m (2) Goff Fleming.
Lived in West Union, W.Va.
d.- Neal Collins, b. 1879, m. Dollie Cottrill. Lived West Union.
e.- Ina Collins, m. Fielding Britton. Lived in Ohio.
f.- John Collins, m. Ethel Lawson. Resided in Ohio.
g.- Mary Jane Collins, b. 1884; m. Jefferson Gain.
From Descendants of Adam J. and Susan Fleming Gain by Evelyn P. Gain Furner53
"George Jefferson Gain, b. Feb 3, 1879 on Arnold Creek; m. Mary Jane Collins, March
1, 1904. Died Aug 1916 at West Union." Parents of three children:
1.- ____ ____
2.- ____ ____
3.- Helen Victoria Gain.
"Helen Victoria Gain, b. Oct 18, 1906 in Ritchie Co., W.Va., married Russell Bonnell, Feb
20, 1924 in Dodd. Co. Died Sept 26, 1972 in Clarksburg, W.Va." Parents of two children:
(3a) Mrs. Helen Pauline (Paula) Sacco, 4864 Rolling Hills Road,
Pittsburgh, Pa. 15236
(3b) Mary Madeline Bonnell Willis, Librarian Doddridge County
Library, West Union, W.Va.
h.- ____ ____
i.- ____ ____
7.- Mary Ann Bond, b. 1849 (1852); m. 1873, James A. Cain. For this family see Chapter
XV Ruth Dotson and History of Ritchie County to 1980, 54 Page 74, Column 2.
8.- John Bond, b. ca 1850 m. Jeanette .
9.- Emzy Bond, b. ca. 1852; m. James T. Cain. (Same as for Mary Ann Bond.)
10.- Squire Bond, b. ca. 1856 (twin), m. Lydia Duty. Mrs. Margaret Thomas, 124
Woodland Ave., Marietta, Ohio 45750 is a descendant of Squire Bond.
11.- Edith Bond (twin). d. at age 9 months.
12.- Cindona Bond, b. ca. 1858; m. John Chipps.
13.- Sherman Bond. b. ca. 1864 He was the youngest child. Never married. Known in all
counties bordering on Doddridge. Worked on oil pipelines. Killed by a train at Central
Station, W.Va.
14, 15, and 16.- Died at birth. not named.
Cynthia Dotson, b. 15 June 1822. This marriage in Doddridge Co.:
"8 Feb 1848. (19 Aug 1850)..Thomas J. Scott and Jacintha (Cynthia) Dotson by
Samuel Archibald."
From Hardesty's history of Doddridge County, 188355:
"THOMAS SCOTT...was b. Jan 20, 1804 in Hampshire Co. (now) W.Va., a son of James
R. and Nancy (Dotson) Scott. (See Chapter VI) James R. Scott was a bound boy to "Joe
Logston" the celebrated pioneer of Ky., and at a later date served in the Indian war in that
country, under General James Scott. In 1809, with his little family, James R. Scott settled
near Greenwood. Afterwards he lived near Oxford, then on the North Fork of Hughes river
in Ritchie Co. (where his wife died), whence he went to Meigs Co., Ohio. Thomas Scott,
after remaining with his father through these years, returned to Dodd. Co. and entered and
bought his present farm, at first owning a very large tract round where he now lives.
He has sold off all but 127 acres, where he is now pleasantly located for the remaining
years of his life. 1 1/2 miles Southwest of Central Station. Near Greenwood, Dodd. Co.,
Aug 19, 1851 (Note...This date does not correspond to the marriage date above), Thomas
Scott and Cynthia Dotson were united in m. and the children born to them were six: Two
are now deceased, the others still living with them. These children were: Josie R., b. July
25, 1856; John W., b. Nov 26, 1857, d. June 6, 1872; Cecelia V. L., Oct 2, 1858, d. April
8, 1876; Laura A., June 12, 1861; William H., Jan 22, 1863; Jennie Jan 17, 1867. The wife
of Mr. Scott was b. in Dodd. Co., June 15, 1822, a dau. of William and Mary A. (Franks)
Dotson, who died in this Co., near Greenwood. The P.O. Address of Thomas Scott is
Central Station, Doddridge County, W.Va.
From the 1850 census of VA; Doddridge County (Family 108):
Scott, Thomas D. (farmer )age 45 years. born in Virginia
Jacynthia (Cynthia) 28(?) born in Virginia
Marvel, Sarah E. 9 born in Illinois
Families numbers 107 and 109 were respectively Henry V. Duckworth and Zachary
From the 1860 census of VA; Doddridge County (House 762, Family 763):
Scott, T D 56 M Farmer Real est. $4000, pers. $300
Jacintha 59(?39) F
R J (Josie R) 10 F
Jno W 8M
L A (Laura A) 4 F
W H (Wm. H.) 2 M
It is interesting to note that the two families preceding Thomas and Cynthia Scott in this
census were John and Mahala Dotson (Family 761), and Lloyd and Elizabeth Ruley
(Family 762); Jacintha and Elizabeth were sisters of John Dotson. Thomas Scott engaged
in many land dealings with his brother-in-law John Dotson during the 1850s.
From the 1870 census of WV; Dodd Central Twp West Union PO; 65:
Scott Thomas D 66 MW Farmer $2000 $250 Virginia
Cynthia 47 FW Keeping house VA
Josephine 19 FW VA
Sicillia 16 FW VA
Alice 12 FW VA
John W 17 MW VA
Wm H 12 MW VA
Cyntha J 4 FW WV
From the 1880 census of WV; Doddridge County 122 (Central) 004:
Scott, Thomas D. WM 76 Farmer VA VA VA
Jacintha WF 58 Wife Keeps house VA VA VA
Josie R WF 28 Dau Attend. school VA VA VA
Laura A WF 23 Dau At home VA VA VA
William H WM 20 Son Farm laborer VA VA VA
Jane L(Jennie) WF 13 Dau At home VA VA VA
Children of Thomas and Jacintha Dotson Scott are shown in the above censuses.
Squire Dotson b. 1825. This marriage in Ritchie County:
"October 28, 1849...Squire Dotson & Caroline Pool by Eli Riddle."
Squire Dotson bought an item at the sale of the estate of Thomas Dotson, deceased,
on Buck Run, 3 Feb 1848.
From the 1850 census of VA; Ritchie County:
Dotson, Squire (farmer) age 25 years born Virginia
Caroline 22 b. Va
From the 1860 census of VA; Ritchie County (633-599):
Dodson, Esquire 34 Farmer VA
Caroline 32 VA
Zodona 7 VA
Mary E 5 VA
Thomas 2 VA
These births in Ritchie Co. "Mary Ellen Dotson, —30, 1855; parents Squire and
Caroline Dotson" and "Thos. P Dotson Oct 16, 1857; parents Squire and C. Dotson"
From the 1880 census soundex of Missouri: Schuyler Co. Independence Twp 43 153
2 22:
Dotson Squire WM 54 VA
Caroline W 50 VA
Thomas S 22 VA
William L S 16 VA
Emma CD 9 Mo
From the Missouri 1900 soundex; 105 146 4 10 Adair Co Liberty Twp:
Dotson Squire W Aug 1825 74 WV
Caroline W Aug 1828 72 WV
From the Missouri 1870 census Adair Co. Township 64, Range 13 Wilmothville PO
19 19:
Pool Thomas 66 M W Farmer $3500 $600 VA
Annie 64 F W Keeping house VA
Charles P 27 M W Farmer VA
Misvasi?(Missouri) 29 F W without occup VA
Thomas and Anna Pool were Caroline's parents, who with her brother Vanvensella
age 27 and family, were living in Adair County Missouri in 1870; Squire Dotson and
Caroline however were not found there in 1870. Squire and Caroline were found in 1880
in the adjacent county of Schuyler, and in 1900 in Adair Co. Missouri, as shown above.
No other information.
Mary Jane Dotson, b. 23 Feb 1827; d. 1903. This m. in Doddridge Co.: "24 January
1850 (or 24 June per Mary Davis Atkinson census of 1850 book)..Mary Jane Dotson &
William C. Ellefritt."
"William C. Ellefritts, b. 16 Sept 1819 in Md. and d. 9 Jan 1878 at Greenwood.
For more Ellifritts information, see age 21 The Duckworth Family,56 and page 434
Descendants of John Wilson 57 with reference to the Ellifritts family; additionally pages
136 and 137 of The History of Doddridge County, West Virginia., 1979 .58 The latter is the
Hobart Ellefritts family and his brother Duane Ellefritts family (immediate families).
From the 1850 Census of VA; Doddridge County (Family No. 98):
William Ellefritt 30 MW Farmer b. Maryland
Mary Jane 22 FW b. Virginia
Note: Family Nos. 96 and 97 were respectively William Buskirk Dotson, a brother
of Mary Jane, and her father William Dotson Sr.
From the 1860 census of VA; Doddridge County (Family No. 782):
Ellifrit W C 39 M
Mary J 32 F
W S (Winfield Scott) 9 M
Victoria 7 F
A (Ethaniza) 5 F
Lafayette 3 M
Jno W 2M
Mary A 6/12 F
From the 1870 census ofWV; Doddridge Co., Central Dist. West Union P. O. p. 8,
106-102:Ellefritt, Wm C. 52 MW Farmer R.E. $2000 per $300 Md.
Mary J. 43 FW keeping house VA
Winfield S. 19 MW VA
Victoria 17 FW VA
Athanissa 15 FW VA
Lafayette 13 MW VA
John 11 MW VA
Mary A 10 FW VA
Sherman 8 MW VA
Emanuel 6 MW WV
Henry 2 MW WV
From the 1880 census of WV; Doddridge County 122 012:
Ellifritt, M J (w) WF 52 Keeping hse VA VA VA
Ethaniza WF 25 Dau at home VA MD VA
John WM 22 Son farm labr. VA MD VA
Sherman WF(M) 13 Son farm labr. VA MD VA
Manuel WM 18 Son farm labr. WV MD VA
Henry WM 11 Son farm labr. WV MD VA
Ellifritt, Winifred (Winfield) WM 29 Farmer VA MD VA
Martha WF 24 Wife Keeping hse VA VA VA
Lilia WF 1 Dau at home WV VA VA
(C010): under Bee, Wickliff
Ellifritt, Mary A WF 20 Servant Servant VA MD VA
William C. and Mary Jane Dotson Ellifritts were parents of 10 children:
1.- Victoria Ellifritts, b. 17 Dec 1852; d. 4 Feb 1937. She m. Frank Sherwood, 17 April
1873. Frank Sherwood, b. 2 April 1850; d. 11 Feb 1950. Five children:
a.- Avie Lillian Sherwood, 1875-1953; m. James Waldo (son of Hickman Waldo).
Five children:
1.- Ralph "Hick" Waldo, b. 1896; d. 21 Feb 1972. He m. Nellie Dotson. (Chapter
XVI-3 Arius Dotson)
Three children:
(1) William "Bill". Waldo, m. Maxine Burgess.
(2) Elena Waldo, m. Roy Underwood.
(3) Helen Larraine Waldo, m. Porter Nutter.
2.- Sam Waldo, m. Alice Dotson (dau. of Richard Michael Dotson and Maud
Batton. (Chapter VIII-9).
3.- ____Waldo, m. Everett Wilson.
4.- ____Waldo, m. Coy Cantwell.
5.- Girl Waldo, m. ____ ____.
b.- Cornelius Sherwood, b. 25 March 1877: d. 16 Jan 1965.
c.- Ida Sherwood, b. 2 March 1879; d. 28 Feb 1890.
d.- Reginald Floyd Sherwood, b. 17 April 1881; d. 10 Sept 1976. He m. Lillian
e.- Walter Sherwood, b. 10 Jan 1886; d. 24 April 1956. He m. Marietta Jennings.
Four children:
1.- Walter Sherwood.
2.- Frank Sherwood.
3.- Geraldine Sherwood.
4.- Mary Sherwood.
2.- Anthansia Ellifritt, 1854-1942; m. Anthony Mason in 1883. He b. 14 May 1853; d.
Four known children:
a.- Cecil Mason.
b.- Carl Mason.
c.-____ Mason.
d.- Girl Mason. Never married.
3.- Winfield Scott Ellifritt, b. 4 May 1855 (b. 1851 per 1860, 1870 and 1880 census); d. 5
May 1917. He m. Martha Edwards 23 Aug 1877. She b. 1856; d. 1934.
Eight children:
a.- Lillie Ellifritt, m. Theodore Hufford.
b.- Dessie Ellifritt, m. Matt Shuttlesworth.
c.- Jud Ellifritt, m (1) Nora Nolan; m (2) Elsie Doak.
d.- Brant Ellifritt, m. Lora Harper.
e.- Ona Ellifritt, died young.
f.- Grover Ellifritt, m. Edna Gary.
g.- Edna Ellifritt, m. Clyde Dotson. (Descendant of Zachary, Chapter XII).
h.- Victor Ellifritt, m. Gussie Hudkine. For Hudkins, see page 387, Descendants of
John Wilson.59, with reference to the Ellifritts family.
4.- Latimer (Lafayette) Ellifritt. b. ca. 1857
5.- John Ellifritt, b. 3 May 1858; d. 28 Jan 1926. He m. Nora Dotson, 1857-1952.
From the Doddridge Death Register:
Ellifritt John W died 5 28 26 Dodd. Co. age 61y 1m 25 d; married, farmer; b 5 28 1858
Greenwood WV; father Ellifritt Wm., mother Mary Jane Dotson; undertaker A J Osborne;
informant Mrs J W Ellifritt.
6.- (Mary) Ann Ellifritt, 1860-1926; m. "Pep" Waldo (son of Hickman Waldo). "Pep"
Waldo, b. 29 March 1860; d. 1 Nov 1926. Two children:
a.- Will Waldo.
b.- Hugh Waldo.
7.- Sherman Ellifritt, b. 30 Nov 1862
8.- Squire Ellifritt, b. 3 April 1864; d. 20 April 1864.
9.- Henry Ellifritt, b. 9 Nov 1868; d. 1897.
10.- Emanuel Ellifritt, b. 18 Jan 1869 (1864 or 1862 per census).
Notes: Chapter 5
1 H. H.Hardesty, Hardesty's Historical and Geographical Encyclopedia, Maps and
Histories of Ritchie and Doddridge Co's., W.Va., 1883; reprinted as Hardesty's West Virginia
Counties; Doddridge Marion Upshur Wetzel Vol. 2 , and Gilmer Ritchie Lincoln Wayne Vol. 7.
(Richwood, W.Va. :Jim Comstock, 1973) Vol. 7, p. 17.
2James M. Dotson, Dotson Land Grants (1804-1865) in the Present Day Counties of
Ritchie, Doddridge, and Tyler West Virginia, (Danville, CA: published by the author 1988), p.
3Minnie Kendall Lowther, History of Ritchie County (Wheeling, W. Va.: Wheeling News
Litho. Co., 1911), p. 142.
4 H. H. Hardesty, Hardesty's West Virginia Counties Gilmer Ritchie Lincoln Wayne
Vol.. 7, p. 68.
5 Barr Wilson, The Descendants of John Wilson (Parsons W.Va.: Printed by McClain
Printing Co. Barr Wilson Toll Gate WV 26442, 1975), p. 434.
6 Barr Wilson The Duckworth Family. Unpublished, prior to 1980, p. 13 & 21
7 Barr Wilson, The Descendants of John Wilson (Parsons W.Va.: Printed by McClain
Printing Co. Barr Wilson Toll Gate WV 26442, 1975), p. 141.
8 Ibid., p. 195.
9 H. H. Hardesty, Hardesty's West Virginia Counties Gilmer Ritchie Lincoln Wayne
Vol.. 7, p. 68.
10 Barr Wilson, The Daniel Taylor Family (Unpublished 1980), p. 576 & 674.
11 Barr Wilson, The Gregg Family (Unpublished 1980; typewritten copies placed in
Ritchie Co. Library, Harrisville, W. Va. and Doddridge Co. Library, West Union, W. Va.), p. 16.
12 History of Doddridge County, 1979 ( Dallas, TX, Paoli, PA: Taylor Publishing Co.
1979), p. 217.
13 Minnie Kendall Lowther, History of Ritchie County(Wheeling, W. Va.: Wheeling News
Litho. Co., 1911), p. 138.
14 Barr Wilson, The Descendants of John Wilson (Parsons W.Va.: Printed by McClain
Printing Co. Barr Wilson Toll Gate WV 26442, 1975), p. 181.
15 Linn Wilson, Horatio Nelson Wilson and Victoria Mariah Taylor (Unpublished July
1978; 2353 Glenmawr Ave., Columbus, Ohio 43202: Linn Wilson)
16 Barr Wilson, Broadwater History (Unpublished), p. 10, 27, 28.
17 Minnie Kendall Lowther, Edited by Barr Wilson, Ritchie County in History and
Romance, (Parsons WV: McClain Printing Company, 1990), p. 152.
18 Ibid., p. 157.
19 Minnie Kendall Lowther, History of Ritchie County(Wheeling, W. Va.: Wheeling News
Litho. Co., 1911), p. 646
20 Minnie Kendall Lowther, History of Ritchie County(Wheeling, W. Va.: Wheeling News
Litho. Co., 1911), p. 143.
21 Ibid., p. 143.
22 Minnie Kendall Lowther, Edited by Barr Wilson, Ritchie County in History and
Romance (Parsons WV: McClain Printing Company, 1990), p. 468- 469.
23 The Rev. Silas Emmett Lucas, Jr. and Mrs Sherman Williams, The Dodson (Dotson)
Family of North Farnham Parish, Richmond County, Virginia: A History and Genealogy of
Their Descendants, Vol. II ( P. O. Box 738 Easley, South Carolina 29641-0738: Southern
Historical Press, Inc., 1989), p. 1177-1182.
24 James M. Dotson, Dotson Land Grants (1804-1865) in the Present Day Counties of
Ritchie, Doddridge, and Tyler West Virginia, (Danville, CA: published by the author 1988)
The Rev. Silas Emmett Lucas, Jr. and Mrs Sherman Williams, The Dodson (Dotson)
Family of North Farnham Parish, Richmond County, Virginia: A History and Genealogy of
Their Descendants, Vol. II ( P. O. Box 738 Easley, South Carolina 29641-0738: Southern
Historical Press, Inc., 1989), p. 1178.
26 Minnie Kendall Lowther, Edited by Barr Wilson, Ritchie County in History and
Romance (Parsons WV: McClain Printing Company, 1990), p. 223.
27 Ibid., p. 223.
28 Ibid., p. 223.
29 The Rev. Silas Emmett Lucas, Jr. and Mrs Sherman Williams, The Dodson (Dotson)
Family of North Farnham Parish, Richmond County, Virginia: A History and Genealogy of
Their Descendants, Vol. II ( P. O. Box 738 Easley, South Carolina 29641-0738: Southern
Historical Press, Inc., 1989), p. 1178.
30 Ibid., p. 1177-1181.
31 Mrs. Robert Butcher,West Virginia Welch Family (Unpublished 1977, 12 pages)
32 Minnie Kendall Lowther, History of Ritchie County(Wheeling, W. Va.: Wheeling News
Litho. Co., 1911), p. 142.
33 Barr Wilson, The Gregg Family (Unpublished 1980; typewritten copies placed in
Ritchie Co. Library, Harrisville, W. Va. and Doddridge Co. Library, West Union, W. Va.)
34 H. H.Hardesty, Hardesty's West Virginia Counties: Doddridge Marion Upshur Wetzel
Vol. 2, p. 19.
35 Barr Wilson, Clay District Ritchie Co. (Unpublished), p. 509, 687.
36 H. H. Hardesty, Hardesty's West Virginia Counties: Doddridge Marion Upshur Wetzel
Vol. 2, p. 19.
37 Barr Wilson, The Ripley Family (Unpublished 1970s), p. 17.
38 H. H. Hardesty, Hardesty's West Virginia Counties: Doddridge Marion Upshur Wetzel
Vol. 2, p. 19.
39 Barr Wilson, The Descendants of John Wilson (Parsons W.Va.: Printed by McClain
Printing Co. Barr Wilson Toll Gate WV 26442, 1975), p. 49, 293-339.
40 Minnie Kendall Lowther, History of Ritchie County(Wheeling, W. Va.: Wheeling News
Litho. Co., 1911), p. 142.
41 Ibid., p. 143.
42 H. H. Hardesty, Hardesty's West Virginia Counties: Doddridge Marion Upshur Wetzel
Vol. 2, p. 17.
43 General Affidavit in the matter of Israel Dotson "D" 4th W. Va., filed Jan 11, 1912; from
Israel Dotson pension file, obtained from National Archives by Helen L. Simmons.
44 General Affidavit filed Aug 20, 1910 by Mrs. E. W. Snodgrass, and Application for
Reimbursement filed Aug 18, 1916 by Laura Bell Snodgrass; from Israel Dotson pension file,
obtained from National Archives by Helen L. Simmons.
45 Barr Wilson, Clay District Ritchie County, "The Daniel Taylor Family" ( Unpublished),
p. 576, 596 and 674.46 History of Ritchie County to 1980 (Harrisville, WV: Ritchie County Historical Society
1980), p. 112.
47 Barr Wilson, The Broadwater Family (Unpublished)
48 James M. Dotson, Dotson Land Grants (1804-1865) in the Present Day Counties of
Ritchie, Doddridge, and Tyler West Virginia, (Danville, CA: published by the author 1988)
49 Barr Wilson, Jacob Collins Sr. and Phebe Stuthart (Unpublished 1982), p. 105.
50 William Clark, William Clark's Diary 1874-1900 (Unpublished; transcribed copies
placed in the Doddridge Co. WV Library and the Ritchie Co. WV Library.)
51 Barr Wilson, Jacob Collins Sr. and Phebe Stuthart (Unpublished 1982), p. 106.
52 Evelyn P. Gain Furner, Descendants of Adam J. and Susan Fleming Gain (Publisher
unlisted, Nov 1980)
53 Ibid.
54 History of Ritchie County to 1980 (Harrisville, WV: Ritchie County Historical Society
1980), p. 74.55 H. H. Hardesty, Hardesty's West Virginia Counties: Doddridge Marion Upshur Wetzel
Vol. 2, p. 19.
56 Barr Wilson, The Duckworth Family (Unpublished prior to 1980), p. 21.
57 Barr Wilson, The Descendants of John Wilson (Parsons W.Va.: Printed by McClain
Printing Co. Barr Wilson Toll Gate WV 26442, 1975),
p. 434.58 History of Doddridge County, 1979 ( Dallas, TX, Paoli, PA: Taylor Publishing Co.
1979), p. 136, 137.59 Barr Wilson, The Descendants of John Wilson (Parsons W.Va.: Printed by McClain
Printing Co. Barr Wilson Toll Gate WV 26442, 1975), p. 387.
Chapter VI
Nancy Dotson
ancy Dotson, b. ca 1782 or 1783. We do not have positive proof that Nancy
Dotson was a dau. of Richard Dotson. She m. James R Scott. In 1809 they settled
near Greenwood. This goes a long way to indicate that she was a daughter of Richard
They had a son, Thomas Scott, b. 20 Jan. 1804 in Hampshire Co., Va. This was
probably their oldest child. If she were twenty years of age, at the time of the birth of
Thomas, this would make her birthyear 1784 or before. Refer to Cynthia Dotson, Chapter
V-12 for proof of the above as well as information of the travels of the family.
In the 1850 census of Ritchie Co., family of Solomon Dotson (Chapter V-10), there
is a James Scott, 20 years of age. He is probably the youngest child of James R. Scott and
Nancy Dotson. I t is reported that James R. Scott moved to Meigs Co., Ohio; the son,
Thomas Scott and the daughter Ruth Scott remained in, or returned to, the Central Station
area of present day Doddridge County, WV.
Parents of three known children:
1.- Thomas Scott, b. 20 Jan. 1804 in Hampshire Co., Va. He m. Cynthia Dotson. Chapter
2.- Ruth Scott, m. Eli B. Tucker. See Chapter V-8.
3.- James Scott, b. ca 1830. Shown in the family of Solomon Dotson, Chapter V-10.
Chapter VII
Emanuel Dotson, Sr.
manuel Dotson, Sr., born ca. 1785, married Mary Redick, b. 1785, on 19 June
1804. The marriage bond, signed by Richard Dotson, Sr. provides proof of his
relationship to Emanuel, Sr.
This marriage in Harrison County, VA: "19 June 1804...Emanuel Dotson & Mary
Redick by John Davis."
A copy of the marriage bond, signed by Mary's parents Robert and Agnes Redick, and
Richard Dotson, father of Emanuel, is shown below, together with a transcription:
Transcription of Marriage Bond, Emanuel Dotson and Mary Redick:
"Know all men by these presents, that we Emanuel Dodson and Lawrence Mealy are
held and firmly bound unto John Page Governor of Virginia, in the just and full sum of one
hundred and fifty dollars, to which payment well and truly to be made, to the said Governor
or his successors, we bind ourselves, and each of our heirs, executors and administrators,
jointly and severally, firmly by these presents. Sealed with our seals and dated the 19 day
of June 1804.
The condition of the above Obligation is such, that whereas there is a Marriage shortly
intended to be solemnized between said Emanuel to said Mary Reddick.
Now if there be no lawful cause to object the said Marriage, then the above Obligation
to be void, otherwise to remain in full force and virtue.
Signed sealed and delivered in presence of (illegible) Emanuel Dodson (seal)
Lawrence Mealy (seal)
We do certify that our daughter Mary is twenty years of age and has not any objections
against her being married to Emanuel Dodson given under our hands this 18th day of June
1804 Teste Lawrence Mealy Agnes X Redick Robert Redick
I do certify that Emanuel Dodson is of age and has not any objections to his being
married to the above young womin Richard X Dodson"
If Emanuel were 20 years of age at the time of his marriage, it would make his birthyear
1785. It should be noted that in this marriage bond, Richard said that he (Emanuel) was "of
Emanuel, Sr. (along with his father Richard and brother William Sr.) first appeared by
name in the 1810 census of Wood Co. VA:
Dotson, Emanuel: Males; 1 under 10, 1 26-45; Females; 2 under 10, 1 26-45.
From the 1820 census of VA; Tyler County;
Dotson, Emanuel: Males, 2 under 10; 1 10-16; 1 26-45.
Females, 3 under 10; 2 10-16; 1 26-45.
Assuming all were their own children, this makes a total of 8 children (3 boys and 5
girls), born by 1820.
From the 1830 census of VA; Harrison County;
Dotson, Amanuel: Males, 1 under 5, two 5-10, 1 10-15, 1 15-20, 1 20-30, 1 50-60;
Females 1 10-15, 1 15-20, 1 40-50.
Assuming all were their own children, three additional boys were born after 1820.
An attempt to place these children by name in the appropriate age group will be given
and discussed later in the chapter.
Emanuel Dotson was not found in any subsequent census, thus indicating that he died
before 1840, and deeds signed by him and Mary in 1832 place his death after 1832. In the
1840 census, Mary was found (female, age 50-60) in the house-hold of their son William
L. in Harrison County; then finally in 1850, Mary (age 63, born in Pennsylvania) in the
household of her son Joseph, age 23, in Ritchie County.
In 1810, Emanuel was given (for one dollar) seventy-seven acres of land on Dotson
Run by his father Richard; this plot (in present-day Greenwood and adjoining that of his
brother William, Sr.) was subsequently sold by Emanuel and wife Mary of Harrison Co.
to his brother William Sr. in 1832. In 1815, Emanuel was granted 100 acres situated on
the divide between the waters of Dotson Run and Wilhelms Creek at present day
Duckworth; this land was deeded by Emanuel and wife Mary of Harrison Co. to his nephew
Emanuel (son of William Sr.) in 1831. In 1818 and 1820 Emanuel was granted three
adjacent tracts totalling 200 acres situated on Buck Run in then Wood County (later
Ritchie); all three of these tracts were sold by Emanuel and his wife Mary of Harrison Co.
to his brother Thomas, Sr. in 1832. For details of these land transactions, including 'meets
and bounds' descriptions, as well as county boundary changes during this period, the reader
is referred to the author's Dotson Land Grants (1804-1865).... ,19881.
Emanuel Dotson served in the Virginia Militia during the War of 1812; he commenced
service August 30, 1814 in the 6th Regiment, Captain Henry Steed's Company (Wood
County). Later transferred to Captain Davidson's Company. On mustering out on
February 22, 1815 at Norfolk, he was attached to Captain Steed's company in the 5th
Regiment of the Virginia Militia. Copies of his Pay Roll and Muster Roll are shown below.
It is interesting to note that he was allowed pay, at the rate of eight dollars per month,
for travel time home of 30 days, 600 miles from Norfolk to Wood County.
At the time of the outbreak of the War of 1812, Virginia's militia regiments were
organized by county; Wood County's militia was commanded by Captain Henry Steed.
Virginia's Governor Barbour, realizing the need for a strong force to defend the Norfolk-
Chesapeake area from attack by the British Fleet, which was stationed outside the entrance
to Chesapeake Bay, called up militia units outside of the immediate counties under threat.
Among these was the Wood county company, commanded by Captain Steed, which was
attached to the 6th Regiment; the latter was formed in August 1814 when the British Fleet
was augmented and again appeared to threaten the Norfolk area. It saw no action however
and was disbanded in February 1815 at the cessation of hostilities. The stationing of large
numbers of soldiers in the Norfolk area insured that the landing of a large-scale British
invasion force was not attempted. Emanuel's service from Aug 1814 to Feb 1815
corresponds to that of the 6th (or 5th) regiment.
Additional information about the Virginia Militia in the War of 1812 may be found in
Stuart Lee Butler's A Guide to Virginia Militia Units in the War of 1812 2.
Emanuel Dotson
Pay Roll and Muster Roll
Virginia Militia
War of 1812
From information presented later (Chap.VII-3 Wm. L Dotson), it is concluded that
in 1830, Emanuel and Mary resided somewhere on the left-hand branch of Arnold Creek
above Central Station which at that time was in Harrison County; later, after its formation
in 1846, it became a part of Doddridge. It is further concluded that after his father
Emanuel's death (1833-1840) William L continued to live there until sometime between
1840 and 1844, when he and his wife Elizabeth moved to Washington County Ohio. It is
likely that at about the same time, widow Mary (Aunt Polly) with her remaining children
moved to Buck Run near her daughter Mary Dotson Gregg (Mrs. Elza); her brother-in-law
Thomas Dotson, Sr., to whom she and Emanuel had sold the 200 acre Buck Run tracts in
1832, also resided in that community. Thomas Dotson, Sr. had subsequently deeded
portions of these tracts, totaling ninety-three acres, to Elzy (Elza) Gregg on 4 Jan 1843.
In her later widow-hood while residing on Buck Run, Mary was known as "Aunt Polly
Dotson." The proof of this: When her daughter, Mary Dotson Gregg (widow), m. (2)
Andrew G. Yeager, 14 Dec 1867 in Dodd. Co., she gave as her parents, "Emanuel and Polly
From Miss Lowther's History of Ritchie County 3p. 144: "AUNT POLLY" DOTSON,
a widow, whose identity we have been unable to learn, was another early settler on
Buck Run, but the names of her children have been given us as follows: Benjamin, Robert,
Thomas, John S., Joseph and Mrs. Mary Griggs (Gregg). And from these two pioneers (that
is, Aunt Polly and her brother-in law, Thomas, Sr.), the numerous families of the name on
Buck Run to-day are descended. Like the other Dotsons they are said to be a peaceable, law
abiding race of people. Many of them are religiously inclined, and not a few of them have
entered the ministry of the Christian Church (Church of Christ), and some of the younger
generations are identified in the teaching profession."
From her revised edition4, written in the late 1930s: "MRS. MARY DOTSON, or
'AUNT POLLY' as she was known, was another pioneer with her family on Buck Run.
(Maiden Name, Mary Redick, wife of Emanuel Dotson, brother of Thomas J., Zachary and
etc.) We know nothing of her identify other than that she was born in Pennsylvania in 1785
and that she was a widow with the following named children but it is evident that she
belonged to this family: Benjamin, Robert, Thomas, John S., Joseph, with whom she made
her home, and Mrs. Mary Griggs. (Mary Gregg, wife of Elza Gregg). These two pioneer
families were the forebearers of the large number of the name on Buck Run today."
In Ritchie County Deaths (p. 3, line 10): "Mary Dotson, white female, Aug 8, 1855;
age 70 consumption; rept by Mr. Dotson".
Mary Redick Dotson is likely buried in the Buck Run Cemetery. There are no
markers. Since the first person buried in this cemetery was Thomas Dotson, Sr. (d. Dec
1847) it is evident that Emanuel was buried elsewhere, perhaps on the left-hand branch of
Arnold Creek above Central Station.
Emanuel Dotson and Mary Redick were the parents of eleven children:
1.- Girl Dotson Chap. VII-1
2.- Girl Dotson Chap. VII-2
3.- William L. Dotson. b. 1810 Chap. VII-3
4.- Frances Dotson Fleming b. 1811-1812 Chap. VII-4
5.- Benjamin Dotson, b. 10 Nov 1817. Chap. VII-5
6.- Mary Dotson Gregg Yeager b. 1818 Chap. VII-6
7.- Girl Dotson (prob. Eliza) b. ca. 1820 Chap. VII-7
8.- John S. Dotson, b. 1821 Chap. VII-8
9.- Robert Dotson, b. 1823 Chap. VII-9
10.- Thomas Dotson, b. 1825 Chap. VII-10
11.- Joseph Dotson, b. 1827. Chap. VII-11
Two girls, born before 1810, are shown as evidenced by the enumeration of two
females, under 10, in the house-hold of Emanuel Dotson in the 1810 census of Wood
County, and again in the 1820 census of Tyler County, two females 10 to 16; these two girls
have not been identified by name.
In the 1820 census, three girls under 10 were listed; two have been identified as
Frances b. 1811-12, and Mary b. 1818; the third has not been positively identified, but it
is concluded that this child was probably Elizabeth, who later lived on Buck Run and raised
a family by Thomas Dotson. This conclusion is based on: (1) Age-wise Elizabeth would
fit, if her birthyear were 1820 or before. Her age was recorded in the censuses of 1850, 1860
and 1870 as respectively, 28, 39 and 50, which would make her birthyear 1822, 1821 or
1820. Considering the age uncertainty of these early censuses, she could very well have
been the one unidentified female under 10, recorded in Emanuel's household in 1820.
(2)Other members of Elizabeth's family were living on Buck Run, having moved there
following Emanuel's death sometime in the 1830s; Elizabeth's first child Clarissa was born
ca. 1837, thus showing that she was residing in the Buck Run area at this time.
GIRL DOTSON (1) b. before 1810.
GIRL DOTSON (2) b. before 1810.
William L. Dotson, b. ca. 1810, is the oldest identified child of Emanuel Dotson and
Mary Redick.
The most positive proof of the parentage of William L. as being the son of Emanuel
Dotson and Mary Redick is that contained in a Ritchie County Deed (Bk. 19, p. 165, Jan
1, 1875) in which he was named as one of the heirs-at-law of his brother Thomas,
Jr.(deceased) along with the other known children of Emanuel and Mary (Mary Dotson
Gregg Yeager, Robert Dotson, and Joseph Dotson), and as being a resident of Washington
Co., Ohio. (Frances Fleming, with her husband James Fleming, was also listed as an heirat-
law and thus establishes her sibling relationship to Thomas, Jr.) The cited deed was
dated 1875, and named their brother John S. as grantee; William was the only grantor who
did not sign the deed. (See Chap. VII-8 John S. Dotson)
William was found by name in the census of 1840, 50, and 60; he also fits the proper
age bracket for a male child of Emanuel in 1810, 20 and 30. The essential data for the 1840,
50 and 60 census are given below:
1840 Harrison Co. VA William L. Dotson
Age bracket Males Females Identified as
Under 5 1 -Emanuel (see 1850 census)
5-10 --10-
15 1 -prob. a Hammond boy (see 1850 census) or a younger
brother of Wm. L.
15-20 1 -prob. a Hammond boy (see 1850 census) or a younger
brother of Wm. L.
20-30 1 -William L.
30-40 -1 Elizabeth (wife)
40-50 --50-
60 -1 Mary (Polly) (mother)
(Emanuel, Sr. was not found in the 1840 census index of Virginia)
1850 US Census Roll 738 p. 931 Fam. No. 14 Washington Co. (Newport) Ohio
William Dodson 40 M VA
Elizabeth 43 F VA
Elias Hammond 24 M VA
Greenburg Hammond 21 M VA
Amanuel Dodson 10 M VA
Benjamin (Franklin) 4 M Ohio
George W. 3 M Ohio
Margaret Ann 1 F Ohio
1860 US Census Reel 1048 Page 8 Washington Co. (Newport) Ohio
Wm. Dodson ?? M VA
M. Dodson ?5 F VA
Emanuel 18 M VA
Franklin 14 M VA
George 12 M VA
Margret 10 F Ohio
1870 US Census Reel 1279 Washington Co. Ohio
A search of Newport and the other eight townships on Reel 1279 in Washington
County Ohio for 1870, was negative for Wm. Dotson (Dodson) or a wife "Elizabeth" or
"M"; but found in Newport township was one Benjamin Franklin Dodson age 24, male,
farm laborer, birthplace WV, living with a James Smith family.
A search of the land records of Washington County, Ohio for this time period, likewise
proved negative for a William Dotson.
From an analysis of the foregoing information one may conclude with reasonable
certainty that:
a.-William L. moved from Harrison Co. VA to Washington Co., (Newport
Township) Ohio between 1840 (after census) and 1846, based on ages and birthplaces
listed for sons Emanuel, Benjamin Franklin, and George W. The fact that one of William
L.'s sons was named Emanuel further helps confirm the father-son relationship between
Emanuel Sr. and William L.
b.-The placing of William L.'s death date after 1860 is based on the census of that
year and the failure to find him listed subsequently in the 1870 or 1880 census. His son
Benjamin Franklin Dotson was listed in 1870 as living with a James Smith in Washington
(Newport) Co., Ohio. The reason for his having been named an heir-at-law of his brother
Thomas, Jr. in 1874, residence Washington Co. Ohio, but then not signing the deed, has
not been positively established but one plausible reason is that he was deceased; his exact
death date and place cannot therefore be determined from the information at hand.
However, in the Greenwood Cemetery, there is a headstone: "William Dotson Born
in 1810 Died Jan 8. 1865" and beside it "Mary Dotson Born in 1815 Died Jan 13, 1863"
The William Dotson appearing on this headstone has not been identified; he may be
William L. Dotson, son of Emanuel, Sr. born in 1810.
c.- The listing of two Hammond boys in William L.'s household in 1850 (with
corresponding correct age brackets in 1840) indicates a possible step-son relationship, but
this has not been confirmed.
Frances Dotson: b. 1811-1812 m. James Fleming
The primary basis for identifying Frances as a daughter of Emanuel and Mary is the
sibling relationship with the other known children as indicated in the 1875 deed cited
previously in Chap. VII-3 (William L.). She and her husband James Fleming have been
found by name in the census of 1850, '60, '70 and '80 in Doddridge County; her age given
in these four censuses place her birthyear at 1811 or 1812; this birthyear is compatible with
the age-bracket for a female in the household of her husband James Fleming in 1840
(Harrison) and that of her father Emanuel in 1820 (Tyler) and 1810 (Wood).
In the 1850 census (Doddridge, Household No. 395-68), four children were listed as:
Emily 17 F, John 7 M, Rosetta 5 F, Adam A. 1 M. In the 1840 census, children listed by
age bracket were: 1 M 5-10, 1 M under 5, 1 F 5-10. From this information it would appear
that there were two male children, born before 1840, in addition to the four identified by
name in the 1850 census; or alternately, they may have been two of Frances' younger
brothers who were by then fatherless.
From the 1860 census of WV; Doddridge; Dwl. 727 Fam. 728 17 July 1860:
J Fleming 51 M Farmer pers $150 VA
John* 17 M VA
Rosetta 13 F VA
From the 1870 census of WV; Doddridge Dwl 28 fam 26:
Fleming James 60 M W Farmer Per $175 VA
Frances 58 FW Keeping house cannot write VA
Adam A 21 MW Common lab. RE $1510 Per $200 VA
Benj F 18 MW Common lab RE $1510 Per $200 VA
Dwl 29 Fam 27 (son John Fleming)
Fleming John* 27 M W Farmer RE $400 Per $300 VA
Harriet 29 FW Keeping house VA
James E 8 MW VA
Patrick V 7 MW VA
Wm F4 MW WV
Adam J 2 MW WV
Mary F 2/12 FW (March) WV
From the 1880 census of WV; Doddridge County, 121 034:
Fleming, James WM 70 VA VA VA
Frances WF 68 VA VA VA
It should be noted that in the 1850 census of Doddridge County, the James Fleming
household was adjacent to that of the Luke Jaco household, thus indicating the location to
be in the Arnold Creek area above Central Station.
In 1840, the census taker recorded families in this area of Harrison County in the
following sequence: Nathan Davis, William Dotson, Thomas Bond, John Dotson, Luke
Jaco, James Goodwin, Richard Dotson, Lewis Fleming, James Fleming, Elizabeth
Goodwin, John Fleming, Pauline Flasher, Michael Connelly, George Starkey, William L
Dotson, Michael Dotson, Alexander Summerville, —— B. Lee, Henry Dotson.
Mary Davis Atkinson footnotes the 1850 census of Doddridge County with: "James
Fleming and wife, Frances, residing in Dodd. Co., 1860; Ref census, Household No. 727
728. Their daughter, Emily Fleming, married Edward McGrew, 13 Feb 1853, in Doddridge
County (Bk. 1-Pg. 40/41)"
Neither James Fleming nor Frances Fleming were found in the Index to Deaths,
Doddridge County; a survey of the Fleming Cemetery (UB Church) on the left-hand fork
of Arnold Creek for their gravestones was also negative.
Benjamin Dotson, b. 10 Dec 1816. He m. Melinda Dotson, 5 Sept 1839. She b. 1818.
They were first cousins. Melinda Dotson was a daughter of James Dotson and Lucinda
(Clevis) Dotson (Chapter XI).
Benjamin was the oldest of the six children of the widow "Aunt Polly Dotson" given
by Lowther in her history of Ritchie County.5 The other five "names given to me" were
Mary (Griggs), Robert, Joseph, John S. and Thomas. In addition, Benjamin's widow
Malinda gave information for his death register in 1868 that Benjamin's parents were
Emanuel and Mary Dotson.6 His relationship to Emanuel and Mary is thus one of the best
documented of any of the six given by Lowther, equal to that of Mary and John S. as
discussed subsequently.
Benjamin Dotson died 29 Nov 1868 (Ritchie Co. Deaths p. 19). "Benjamin Dotson
Nov 29 1868, Clay Twp; typhoid fever 51y 11 m 19 d; parents Manuel and Mary Dotson,
b. Doddridge Co.; farmer; wife Malinda; info. by wife."
Benjamin is buried in the Arnold Creek Cemetery, along with two of his children who
also died in 1868: "Dotson Benjamin died Nov 18 1868 age 52yr 1mo 19day". "Martin
L son of B & B Dotson Sept 1 1868." "Lucinda daug of B & B Dotson died Aug 2 1868
age 23y 11m 22d"
From the 1850 census of VA; Ritchie County:
Dotson, Benjamin 34 years (farmer) born in Virginia
Melinda 32
Armstrong 10
Jacob 8
Susanna 6
James 3
Asbury 1
From the 1860 census of VA; Ritchie County (535-510):
Benjamin Dodson 44 VA Farmer
Malinda 42 VA
Armstrong 20 VA Fm Hand
Jacob 17 VA Fm Hand
Lucina 16 VA House Hand
James 14 VA
Columbus 10 VA
Keener 8 VA
Cindarilla 4 VA
Benjamin 2 VA
Asbery 12 VA
In addition to her husband Benjamin, Malinda also lost two children, Lucinda and
Martin Lee, to typhoid fever in 1868.
From the 1870 census of WV; Ritchie County (274-264):
Malinda Dotson 51 VA Hskpr
Jacob 27 Va Farmer
James 24 VA Farmer
Columbus 17 VA
Keener 16 VA
Benjamin 12 VA
Cindersilla 13 VA
Littleton 11 VA
From the 1880 census of Ritchie County 151 002;
Dotson, Malinda(w) WF 63 Housekeeping WV WV WV
James WM 32 Son Farmer WV WV WV
Kena WM 26 Son Farmer WV WV WV
C Columbus WM 27 Son Farmer WV WV WV
Cinderilla WF 24 Dau At home WV WV WV
Benjamin WM 21 Son Farmer WV WV WV
Littleton WM 19 Son Farmer WV WV WV
Griggs, Anjaline (s) WF 32 Boarding Servant WV WV WV
Parents of 11 children:
1. Armstrong b. 20 Feb 1840
2. Jacob b. ca. 1843
3. Lucinda b. ca. 1844. d. Aug 2, 1868
4. James b. ca. 1846
5. Asbury b. 1848
6. Columbus b. ca. 1850
7. Keener b. ca. 1852
8. Cindarilla b. ca. 1856
9. Benjamin b.. ca 1859
10. Littleton b. ca. 1861
11. Martin Lee b. June 29, 1863. d. Sept 1 1868
1.- Armstrong Dotson, b. 20 Feb 1840; m. (1) Catherine Doak. She was a descendant of
Nathan Davis; see page 105 Davis, The Settlers of Salem, W.Va.7 Also see page 69 of Doak
Family History and Genealogy.
From the 1870 census of WV; Ritchie County (432-405):
Armstrong Dotson 30 VA Farmer
Catharine 28 VA Hskpr
Davis 7 VA
Ananise L (Narr Lee) 5 WV
Loni Leoti 3 WV
Evie V 7/12WV
Catherine Doak, d. 27 Jan 1878.From Ritchie Co. Deaths, "Catharine Dotson Jan 27,
1878, Clay Dist. Neuralgia; 35y—10d.; parents J. and H. Doak. born Clay Dist. farmer;
consort A. Dotson; rept. did not give relationship."
She is buried Arnold Creek Cemetery: "Catherine wife of Armstrong Dotson d. Jan
27 1879 age 35y 5 m 19d."
From the 1880 census of WV; Ritchie County 151 002:
Dotson Armstrong (w) WM 40 Farmer WV WV WV
Davis WM 17 Son Farmer WV WV WV
Arminia WM 15 Son Farmer WV WV WV
Lem Leah(Lona Leota)WF 13 Dau At home WV WV WV
Evor V WF 11 Dau At home WV WV WV
Clinton WM 9 Son WV WV WV
Hiram WM 5 Son WV WV WV
Leton WM 3 Son WV WV WV
From the 1900 census soundex of WV; 5 20 7 14 Doddridge Central Dist.
Dotson Armstrong W Feb 1840 60 WV
Enumerated with Cochran, James; relationship to above, father in law
From the 1910 census soundex of WV; Doddridge 007 0026 0013:
Dotson Armstrong FL 70 WVA WVA
enumerated with Cochran James
From the 1920 census soundex of WV; Doddridge 10 33 4 92;
Dotson Armstrong W 80 VA
enum. with Cochran, James L, father-in-law
Parents of seven children:
a.- Davis Dotson, b. Nov 1862. m. (1) Laura Mason. dau. of Jacob Mason.
This marriage in Ritchie Co.; "7 July 1889...Davis Dotson...age 26...b. Ritchie...m.
Laura B. Mason... age 17...b. Ritchie."
She died of TB. She is buried at Toll Gate by the side of her mother. "Laura Mason
wife of Davis Dotson 1872-1894" Parents of two children:
1.- Earl Dotson
2.- Francis Dotson, m. Leona McIver. Resided in Indiana. Eight children:
(1) Pauline Dotson
(2) Ezra Dotson
(3) William Dotson
(4) Murl Dotson
(5) Jane Dotson
(6) Ralph Dotson
(7) Idell Dotson
(8) Elvena Dotson
a.- Davis Dotson, m. (2) Viola Orr. For her Orr family, see The Family of Cecile
Fluharty 8; also see The Nicholas Orr Family in America 9
"Viola Elizabeth Orr m. Davis Dotson." She dau. of William Harrison "Tatts" Orr,
who is a son of Robert Underwood Orr, who is a son of Nicholas Orr the immigrant
ancestor. This family (Davis Dotson and Viola Elizabeth Orr) went to Indiana.
From the 1900 census soundex of Indiana: Orange Co Jackson Twp 57 96 13 23:
Dotson, David W Nov 1862 37 WV
Viola E W Mar 1874 26 WV
Earl S Jan 1890 10 WV
Francis L S June 1892 7 WV
Mildred D July 1897 2 WV
Three children:
3.- Mildred Dotson, m. Desco McFarland. Two children:
(1) Gertrude McFarland
(2) Wallace McFarland
4.- Ernest Dotson, m. Clarice Milburn.
5.- Willia Dotson.
b.- Narr Lee Dotson, b. ca. 1865; m. (1) Hannah Smith. Three children:
1.- Ida Dotson, m. Davis.
2.- Elmer Dotson. He was married. No children.
3.- Guy Dotson, m. Ollie Poole. For her family, see page 45 The Duckworth
Family.10 They resided in Williamstown, W.Va. She is dead. He is living 1983.
Two children:
(1) Burnita Lee Dotson, m. Floyd Showalter. They have; Stephen Showalter
and Terry Showalter.
(2) James Dotson, m. Bernetta Cleveland. They have; Michael Dotson;
Timothy Dotson; Joseph Dotson; and Jeffrey Dotson.
b.- Narr Lee Dotson, m. (2) May Wood. No children. both dead.
c.- Lena Leota (Leni) Dotson, b. ca. 1867; m. James Cochran.
This marriage in Ritchie County: "23 Jan 1887...James Q. Cochran...age 20...b.
Ritchie...m. Leni N. Dotson...age 20...b. Doddridge...resident Ritchie."
From the 1900 soundex of WV; Doddridge Central 5 20 7 9:
Cochran, James W Apr 1863 37 WV
Lena W Jan 1867 33 WV
Ezra S Mar 1887 13 WV
Pearl D Aug 1892 7 WV
Vera D Dec 1899 6/12 WV
Dotson, Armstrond F. L. Feb 1840 60 WV
(See 1910 and 1920 census above, Armstrong Dotson, father-in-law, in house-hold of
James Cochran)
They lived at Vienna, W.Va. Four children:
1.- Ezra Cochran, b. Mar 1887; m. Fern Humphries. He was an engineer on the
B. & O. R.R. Two children:
(1) Robert Dale Cochran. He has been m. three times. Two children by first
wife. Dead before 1990.
(2) Betty Jean Cochran, m. Bill Thomas; both retired 1983; resided at Vienna,
W.Va.; no children. Bill Thomas died about 1990. Betty Jean m. (2) a Moore, reside in
2.- Pearl Cochran, m. Ira Duckworth. For lra Duckworth, see page 46 The
Duckworth Family..11 They resided at Vienna, W.Va. He worked at the American
Viscose Company. Both dead 1983. Two children:
(1) Leota Duckworth, m. "Bob" Mullinex. Two children, live in Texas
(2) James Carroll Duckworth, m. Tracy. He lives Vienna. They have;
James Duckworth Jr. and Tracy Duckworth, who moved to Texas in 1991.
3.- Vera Jean Cochran, m. Hamer McGlothin. They resided in Williamstown;
both dead 1983; no children
4.- Winona Cochran, m. Cecil Deem. They have 3 or 4 children.
d.- Eva Dotson, b. ca. 1870; m. George Duckworth. For her ancestors, see The Doak
Family History and Genealogy12 and Davis, The Settlers of Salem, W.Va.13 For his
ancestors, see The Duckworth Family.
In the Duckworth Cemetery: "GEORGE W. DUCKWORTH, 1860-1931. EVA
From the census soundex of WV 1900; Doddridge Central Dist 5 20 6 8:
Duckworth, George W Nov 1861 29 WV
Eva W Oct 1869 30 WV
Dotson, Lilian SiL July 1882 17 WV (half sister to Eva)
Parents of three children:
1.- Leland Duckworth, m. Jaunita Dragoo. He is dead, buried South Charleston,
W.Va. She died about 1988, buried in South Charleston. Two children:
(1) Yvonne Duckworth, m. Pat Yount. They are divorced. She lives in Cape
Canavaral, Fla. No children.
(2) Jean Duckworth, m. Ralph Feather. He is an aviator; resided in Tenn.,
then moved to Florida 1991. They have; Steve Feather, who was in the army, died about
1990, buried in Detroit.; Caroline Feather, not married; and Bruce Feather who is married
and resides in Detroit, Mich.; they have two girls.
2.- Jaunita Duckworth, d. young child. Buried in Duckworth Cemetery.
3.- Kathleen Duckworth, m. Barr Wilson. (note; co-author) See page 166,
Descendants of John Wilson.15. No children
e.- Clinton Dotson, b. 1872; m. Myrtle Weinrich. He worked for the Telephone
Company. She is buried in Kansas. He is buried Arnold Creek Cemetery, beside his mother
"CLINTON DOTSON, Born 12 April 1872...Died 6 Jan 1957." One child:
1.- Dorothy Dotson, died young, buried in Kansas.
f.- Hiram Dotson, b. ca. 1875, m. Dora Layne. He worked for Telephone Co. Resided
in California.
From the 1910 census soundex of California; San Bernardino Redlands 075 0108 0077
Dotson Hiram H W 34 WV CA
Dora W 33 Louisiana
Nola L D 13 Louisiana
One known daughter, Nola L.
g.- Leighton Dotson, b. ca. 1877; m. Nel1ie Tweed. He was a railroad engineer.
Resided Chillicothe, Ohio. Both buried Chillicothe, Ohio. Parents of three children:
1.- Elsworth Dotson, m. and had a store in Chillicothe, Ohio. He is dead and buried
Chillicothe, Ohio. She died before 1992. No children.
2.- Virginia Dotson, m. "Bill" Galliger. Lived in Chillicothe, Ohio.; Virginia died
about 1990; buried Chillicothe. No children.
3.- Albert Dotson. Never married. Dead and buried, Chillicothe, Ohio.
1.-Armstrong Dotson, m. (2) Sarah Marsh. She was a dau. of Eli Marsh and Adalade Allen
(dau. of Asa Allen & Margaret Taylor). This marriage in Ritchie County; "8 March 1881...
Armstrong Dotson... Widow...age 40...b. Doddridge...resident Ritchie... m. Sarah F.
Marsh...age 25...b. Ritchie."
In the Duckworth Cemetery: "ARMSTRONG DOTSON, born 20 Feb 1840...died 19
Nov 1920. SARAH MARSH, wife of A. Dotson, born 11 Dec 1854; d. 11 Dec 1898."
One child:
h.- Lillian Marsh Dotson, b. July 1882
From the 1900 census soundex of WV; Doddridge Central 5 20i? 6 10:
Dotson Lilian W July 1882 17 WV
Enumerated with Duckworth George; Sister-in-Law
Lillian m. John Doak. John Doak was a son of Alexander Doak and Charlotte Shinn.
Charlotte Shinn, dau. of George Washington Shinn and Mary Amy Wilson, dau. John
Wilson. For John Doak, see page 357 Descendants of John Wilson16 and page 70 the Doak
Family History and Genealogy.
They lived in Oklahoma but returned to Parkersburg, W.Va. There they died. In the
Mount Olivet Cemetery: "JOHN W. DOAK, 1874-1945. LILLIAN M. DOAK, 18821953."
Parents of one child (adopted):
1.- Robert Doak, m. Loudin. He died 1982 in Texas. Had two or three children.
In the March 28, 1991 issue of the Ritchie Gazette, there appeared a public notice
informing the heirs of Armstrong Dotson, as defendants, to appear for the partition and sale
of the oil and gas on seventy-five acres on Sugar Run of Dotson Run of Buck Run, which
was owned by Armstrong Dotson at his death. Our genealogical interest centers on the
names of the heirs appearing in this notice. For clarity, the entire legal notice is transcribed
as follows:
"In the Circuit Court of Ritchie County, West Virginia. Civil Action No. 91-C-17. Trio
Petroleum Corp., a Corporation and WACO Oil and Gas Co. Inc. a Corporation, Plaintiffs
VS. Everett W. Dotson, Marsha Dotson, Philip R. Dotson, Loretta K Goldman, Lorena
Mae Tosh, Loulla S. Turner, Lucinda D. Dotson, James Armbt, Faye McCoy, Marcia I.
Master, Newell Dotson, Brenda Dotson Watson, Maryl Shirley, Laura Jane Cook, Clara
Alvenia Willoughby, Mary Dotson, Claris Dotson, William G. Dotson, Thelma Self, Frank
Self, Carolyn J. Wolfington,Darrell Keith McFarland,Martha Taylor, Alvenia McFarland,
W. Gertrude Reynolds, Bessie Brothers Dotson, Guy Dotson, William L. Davis, E. Louise
Cockran, Cecil Deem, Laverne Eberly, Clyde McGlothlin, Alma McGlothlin, Carl G.
McGlothlin, Berdeal McGlothlin, William B. McGlothlin, Macel McGlothlin, Vonnie
Looney, Travis Ellis, Sybil Ellis, Cecil Ellis, Garnett Batton, Ruby Jo Conley, Ernest
Truman, Josephine Looney, Gerald Looney, D. J. McGlothlin, Osva O. McGlothlin,
Jimmy Duckworth, Nina Duckworth, Leota Mullinix, Robert M. Mullinix, Kathleen
Wilson, Barr Wilson, Aloha Jean Feather, Ralph Feather, Haught Oil Producing Co., a
Corporation, Defendants,
And any and all unknown spouses, of the above named person, and any and all
unknown heirs or devisees of such of the above named person as may be deceased, and any
and all unknown heirs, or devisees or successors in title to Armstrong Dotson, Davis
Dotson, Anniah Lee Dotson, Lena Leota Cockran, Vera Cockran McGlothlin, Eva Duck-
worth, Clinton Dotson, and any and all persons, infants or persons otherwise under legal
disability who may have claim or interest in and to the oil and gas underlying those two
certain tracts of land containing 75 acres 111 poles and 20 acres, more or less, situate on
water of Sugar Run of Dotson Run of Buck Run, in Clay District, Ritchie County, West
Virginia owned by Armstrong Dotson, at the time of his death, and as the same is described
in Ritchie County Deed Book No. 91 page 231, all of whom are hereby made parties to this
action and designated as 'Unknown Defendants'. Unknown Defendants.
Order of Publication
The object of the above entitled action is to partition among those entitled thereto by
sale at public auction all the oil and gas underlying those two certain tracts of land
containing 75 acres 111 poles and 20 acres, more or less, situate on waters of Sugar Run
of Dotson Run of Buck Run, in Clay District, Ritchie County, West Virginia, owned by
Armstrong Dotson, at the time of his death, and as the same is described in Ritchie County
Deed Book No. 91 page 231.
It appearing by affidavit filed herein that the above named defendants, Everett W.
Dotson, Marsha Dotson, Phillip R. Dotson, Loretta K. Goldman, Lorena Mae Tosh,
Loulla S. Turner, Lucinda D. Dotson, James Armbt, Faye McCoy, Marcia I. Master,
Newell Dotson, Brenda Dotson Watson, Maryl Shirley, Thelma Self, Frank Self, Carolyn
J. Wolfington, Darrell Keith McFarland, Martha Taylor, Alvenia McFarland, W. Gertrude
Reynolds, Bessie Brothers Dotson, William L Davis, Jimmy Duckworth, Nina Duck-
worth, Leota Mullinix, Robert M. Mullinix, Defendants, are either non-residents of the
State of West Virginia, and/or their whereabouts cannot be ascertained, although due
diligence has been used in that regard without effect; that there are or may be other
interested persons other than those named above as defendants, whose names are unknown
to plaintiffs, and who are made parties to the Complaint filed in this action by the general
description of unknown defendants; it is accordingly Ordered that each of the above named
defendants, mentioned and/or unknown, do appear and serve upon J. W. Perrill, plaintiffs'
attorney, whose address is P. O. Drawer 428, Glenville, West Virginia 26351, an answer
or other defense to the complaint filed in this action on or before the 22nd day of April,
1991, otherwise judgment by default will be taken against them at any time thereafter.
A copy of said Complaint can be obtained from the undersigned Clerk at her Office
located in the Town of Harrisville, Ritchie County, West Virginia. Rose Ellen Cox Clerk".
A notice of sale appeared in the August 15, 1991 issue of the Ritchie Gazette, saying
that the sale of this property situate on "Dotson Run and Buck Run, Clay District,.." would
occur on the 28th day of August, 1991.
No attempt has been made to place the above named heirs of Armstrong Dotson into
their proper descendant lines.
2.- Jacob Dotson, b. 16 Nov 1842: died 4 April 1932. He m., 20 Oct 1872, Hannah Doak,
b. 1848; d. 16 July 1922. They resided on Buck Run and are buried at Buck Run. "JACOB
For her ancestors, see Davis, Settlers of Salem, W.Va.18 and The Doak Family.19
This marriage in Doddridge Co.: "20 Oct 1872...Jacob Dotson, 29...single...b. Tyler
Co...res. Rit. Co...Parents, Benjamin and Melinda; & Hannah Doak...single...b. Dodd.
Co...res. Rit. Co...Parents, William and Letty by L. M. Ward."
From the 1880 census of WV; Ritchie County 151 002:
Dotson, Jacob WM 38 Farmer WV WV WV
Hannah WF 32 Wife Keeping hse. WV WV WV
Tryphena WF 7 Dau WV WV WV
Liddie J WF 5 Dau WV WV WV
Theodocia WF 3 Dau WV WV WV
Hayden WM 1 Son WV WV WV
Ada WF 1 Dau WV WV WV
From the 1900 census soundex of WV; Ritchie Clay Dist. 30 86 7 22:
Dotson Jacob
W Nov 1842 57 WV
Hannah W Nov 1848 51 WV
Jane D Mar 1875 25 WV
Ada D Apr 1879 21 WV
Haken S Apr 1879 21 WV
Lilton S Apr 1881 19 WV
From the 1910 census soundex of WV; Ritchie 036 0068 0041
Dotson Jacob H W 66 WV WV
Hannah W 61 WV
Ada D 30 WV
Littleton S 27 WV
Lucy* GD 12 WV
Nellie* GD 06 WV
From the 1920 census soundex of WV; Ritchie 48 115 2 68
Dotson Jacob W 76 WV
Hannah W 71 WV
Littleton S 38 WV
Fetty, Jane D 46 WV
Dotson, Lucy* GD 22 WV
Nellus* GD 17 WV
*Children of Jacob and Hannah's daughter Tryphena (deceased) and Lemon
Dotson (Chap. XIV-5).
From Ritchie Co. Deaths 1919-1970; p. 102; "Dotson Jacob, male, white, widow; died
Toll Gate Mar 6 1932, age 89y 4m 20d, farmer, b. Toll gate, parents Benjamin Dotson, b.
WV, Malinda Dotson, b. WV, myocarditis, rept. by Odie Jones regist." and p. 100. "Dotson
Hannah, female white, died Pennsboro rfd July 15 1922, age 75y 8m 6d, Housewf, b. WV,
parents Wm Doak, b. WV, Lettie Doak, b. WV, brights disease, rept. Odie Jones"
Parents of six children:
a.- Tryphene Dotson, b. 27 July 1873; d. 14 April 1905; m. Lemon Dotson, son of Ellis
Dotson see Chapter XIV-5, and page 13 The Gregg Family20
b.- Jane Dotson, m. George Fetty, 24 Dec 1904 by Lemon Dotson, her brother-in-law.
One still born child.
c.- Theodoshia Dotson, b. 9 Nov 1877, m. Joseph M. Dotson, son of Cyrus Dotson
and Susan Doll. For Joseph Dotson's family, see Chapter XIV-10 Cyrus Dotson (son of
Thomas and Eliza Dotson).
d.- Ada Dotson (twin), b. 28 Feb 1879; d. 13 June 1960 (Her twin died same
day...double funeral and burial); m. Frank Newberry; d. 1960. In the Buck Run Cemetery:
"ADA NEWBERRY, 1879-1960." Frank Newberry is buried with his first wife and
family. One child:
1.- Ray Newberry, b. Jan 1920. He m. Olive Dotson, 13 Oct 1946. She b. 21
March 1925; d. April 5, 1991; For her family (including her obituary), see, Chapter XIV5
(Ellis Dotson) and page 13 The Gregg Family.21 Four children:
(1) Freddie Ray Newberry, m. Yolanda Hogue, 25 July 1970. They have;
Angela Rae Newberry.
(2) David Newberry.
(3) Dianne Newberry, m. "Tiny" Todd. Two children.
(4) Mark Newberry,. b. Nov 1962.
e.- Hayden Dotson (twin), b. 28 Feb 1879; d. 13 June 1960 (twin died same
day...double funeral and burial); m. Sarah Hadley, 30 July 1905 by Lemon Dotson. She b.
27 Feb 1880; d. 22 March 1956.
From Ritchie Co. Deaths 1919-1970 p. 12 "Dotson Hayden, male, white, widow, died
Ellenboro June 13 1960, age 81y 3m 1d; farmer, b. Ritchie Co, parents Jacob Dotson,
Hannah Doak; congestive heart failure, rept. by Nelle Cannon" and from p. 110,
" Dotson Sarah Ellen, female, white, married, died Ellenboro Sheppard Nursing Home
Mar 22 1956, age 79y- -, farmer, b. WV, parents Geo. W. Davis, L. Conaway; chordoma
cerv. spine: rept. by Nellie Cannon regist."
In the Buck Run Cemetery: "HAYDEN DOTSON, 1879-1960 SARAH DOTSON,
1880-1956" Parents of five children:
1.- Francis Henry Dotson, b. 27 June 1906; d. 24 Oct 1906. In the Buck Run
Cemetery: "FRANCIS HENRY DOTSON, 27 June 1906; 24 Oct 1906."
2.- Zelma Inez Dotson, b. 25 Au. 1907; d. 22 July 1926, m. Howard Thomas, 24
Oct 1923. No children.
3.- Hobart Elvert Dotson, b. 24 March 1910; m. Helen Isner, 30 Sept 1934 by
Charles Fogle; both dead 1992, buried Buck Run Cemetery. (For Helen Isner, see Chapter
XIV-5, Ellis Dotson.) Four children:
(1) Nona Marleen Dotson (twin), b. 2 June 1935; m. Harry Seese, 21 May
1960. He b. 11 June 1933. They have; James Hobert Seese, b. 6 Feb 1967; Carmila Louise
Seese, b. 23 June 1961; and Carrie Louella Seese, b. 20 May 1963.
(2) Ona Merleen Dotson (twin), b. 2 June 1935; m. Roy Lee Ray, b. 16 Jan
1931. They have; Jennifer Leigh Ray.
(3) Alex Orman Dotson, b. 16 Aug 1936; m. Ruth Cosgrove, 22 April 1962.
She b. 23 Dec 1942. They have: Christopher Cosgrove Dotson, b. 9 March 1967 and
Matthew Hobert Dotson, b. 10 Feb 1969.
(4) Marjorie Jeanneane Dotson, b. 30 Oct1938; m. Elwood Leggett, 9 Nov
1957. He b. 23 June 1931. They have; Jeffrey Elwood Leggett, b. 7 March 1963; Timothy
Elvert Leggett, b. 23 Aug 1959; and Rebecca Darlene Leggett, b. 29 Dec 1961.
4.- Bertha Ann Dotson, b. 20 March 1918; m. Joseph Sellers, 15 July 1938. He
b. 16 Nov 1915; d. 17 June 1974. Married by Lemon Dotson who also married her parents.
ln the Buck Run Cem.: "JOSEPH SELLERS, 1915-1974. BERTHA SELLERS, 1918-"
Parents of four children:
(1) Francis Irvin Sellers, b. 3 Feb 1940; m. Rowena Fern Horner, 15 Sept
1961. She b. 18 March 1940. They have; Loren Allen Sellers, b. 16 Nov 1962 and Francis
Irvin Sellers II, b. 15 Sept 1965.
(2) Karen Elizabeth Sellers, b. 21 Sept1942; m. James Griffith, 8 Sept1961.
They have; Kimberley Rene Griffith, b. 21 March 1963; Kathy LeAnn Griffith, b. 30 Dec
1964; Kelly Denise Griffith, b. 26 Feb 1968 and Karla Jo Griffith, b. 17 July 1969
(3) Dennis Joseph Sellers, b. 30 June 1947; m. Delsa Ruth Valentine, 12
Aug 1966. She b. 13 March 1946. They have; Antoni Wade "Tony" Sellers, b. 24 May 1967
and Penny Alaine Sellers, b. 20 June 1973; d. 28 Sept 1977; Bur. Buck Run.
(4) MicheleRene Sellers, b. 3 Nov 1950. She m. ____ Leggett.
5.- Dorothy Eliza Dotson, b. 10 June 1921; m. Gordon Isner, 22 Dec 1945. Six
(1) Michael Lee Isner, b. 11 Nov 1946; m. Carol Caplinger, 11 March 1966.
She b. 8 July 1947. They have; Michael Lee Isner II, b. 7 Feb 1968; and Jennifer Lynn
Isner, b, 5 May 1972.
(2) Arnold Gordon Isner, b. 9 June 1948; m. Sharen Nehing, 12 June 1971.
They have; Arlene Sue Isner, b. 6 Oct 1972.
(3) Keith Allen Isner, b. 2 Sept 1949.
(4) Danna Marie Isner, b. 9 Nov 1950; m. Eugene Bates, 18 May 1972. They
have; Heather Dawn Bates.
(5) Janet Elaine Isner, b. 2 Sept 1954; m. Ronald Lee Smith, 1 May 1972. He
b. 22 April 1952. They have; Ronald Lee Smith Jr., b. 22 April 1973.
(6) Gary Duane Isner, b. 7 Sept 1957.
f.- Littleton Dotson, b. 1882; d. 1946; m. Bertha Thomas. One still-born child. From
Ritchie Co. Deaths 1919-1970, p. 104, "Dotson no name, Pennsboro, male, white, ,Aug
20 1935, Stillborn, Greenwood, parents Littleton Dotson, b. Greenwood, Bertha Thomas,
b. WV, knot in cord, rept. Odie Jones regist"
In the Buck Run Cemetery: "LITTLETON DOTSON, 1882-1946. BERTHA DOTSON,
Bertha married (2) Daniel Dotson (Chap. XIV-5) and m. (3) Fred Ferrebee. Fred and
Daniel both died before 1990
3.- Lucinda Dotson, b. 1844; d. Aug 2, 1868. Ritchie Co. Deaths, p. 19; "Lucinda Dotson
Aug 2, 1868 Clay Twp. typhoid fever; 23y. 11m. 27d. parents Benj. and Malinda Dotson;
b. Clay Twp., unmarried;
person giving inf. was Malinda, mother."
(1850 census has Susanna).
4.- James Dotson, b. 1847; d. 1923. He m. Elitha Ann Richards.
This marriage in Ritchie Co.; "20 Nov 1880...James Dotson...age 32...b. Ritchie...m.
Elitha A. Richards...age 22...b. Ritchie."
From Doddridge Co. Death Index, v. 2, p. 36; "Dotson, James, male, July 3, 1923,
From the 1900 census soundex of WV: Ritchie Clay Dist 30 86 6 54:
Dotson James W Sept 1846 53 WV Living alone
Parents of two children:
a.- Martin Lee Dotson, b. 22 Feb 1882 d. 1 Dec 1953. He m. Georgianna Myers 20 June
1906. She b. 13 Aug 1886; d. 1 Feb 1923. Parents of six children:
1.- Wilma May Dotson (twin), b. 21 March 1908; d. 21 April 1970. She m. John
Alexander Brooks. He b. 26 Feb 1896; d. 29 April 1958. One child:
(1) Jackie Rae Brooks, b. 22 Oct1938; m. Russell Lloyd Heldreth, 30 May
1959. They have; Russell Lloyd Heldreth Jr., b. 27 March 1960; Mark Andrew Heldreth,
b. 10 July 1961; Gregory Scott Heldreth, b. 16 Aug 1962; David Allen Heldreth, b. 4 Nov
1966; and Deborah Dawn Heldreth, b. 19 Oct 1969.
2.- Wilma Stella Dotson, b. 21 March 1908 (twin); m. Adrian Lee Parsons, 23
Aug 1936. Two children:
(1) Anna May Parsons, b. & d. 23 March 1940.
(2) Susan Marie Parsons, b. 13 Oct 1956.
3.- Grace Leena Dotson, b. 3 June 1910; m. Carl Willis Titus, 27 Oct 1932.
4.- Dorothy Louise Dotson, b. 20 March 1912.
5.- Thelma Marie Dotson, b. 31 March 1916; m. Warren Philip Saunders, Sr., 29 Oct
1933. Two children:
(1) Warren Phillip Saunders Jr., b. 3 Sept 1934; m. Nancy Trainer. They
have; Kathy Saunders; Keith Saunders and Kent Saunders.
(2) Anna Lee Saunders, b. 11 Feb 1937; m. Bruce Blexena.
6.- Everett Lee Dotson, b. 13 Sept 1922; d. 10 Oct 1965. He m. Mable Kathleen
Quinn, 20 Dec 1940. He d. of lung cancer and is buried in Arlington National Cemetery.
Five children:
(1) James Edward Dotson, b. 28 July 1941; m. Ruth Ann OrrThey have:
Michael J. Dotson and Angela Kay Dotson.
(2) Richard Lee Dotson, b. 24 Dec 1942; m. Glenda Sue Bosley. They had;
Richard Lee Dotson Jr., b. 23 Jan 1970.
(3) Patricia Ann Dotson, b. 13 June 1944: m(1) Keith Anderson. They had;
Donald Keith Anderson.
(3) Patricia Ann Dotson, m. (2) Long. They had; Tina Long.
(3) Patricia Ann Dotson, m. (3) Ronald McDougle. They have; Janet
(4) Ginger Kay Dotson, m. Malcolm Manning. They have; Ginger Kathleen
(5) Joseph Wayne Dotson, m. Virginia . They have; Wendt Dotson.
b.- Stella Frances Dotson, b. 22 April 1893; d. 14 April 1959; m. Ira Emerson
Cumberledge in 1902. (Her birthyear must be 1883). He b. 28 Oct 1883; d. 11 July 1947.
This marriage in Ritchie Co.: " 10 Sept 1903...Ira Cumberledge...age 29...b. Tyler...m.
Stella Dotson...age 19...b. Ritchie. "Ten children:
1.- Martin Ellis Cumberledge, b. 26 June 1904; m. Rose Virginia Bakeer 11 Sept,
1936. Seven children:
(1) Charles Lee Cumberledge, b. 12 Nov 1937; m. Phyllis Cumphrey.
(2) Martin Ellis Cumberledge Jr., b. 1938.
(3) Wavelen June Cumberledge, b. 1939; m. Jerry Singleton in 1966.
(4) Barbara Lee Cumberledge, b. 1943; m. Singleton, in 1968.
(5) Danny Ray Cumberledge, b. 1949.
(6) Jo Ann Cumberledge.
(7) John Edward Cumberledge, b. 1952; m. Kathy McCarthy, 6 Nov 1971.
2.- Walter Alton Cumberledge, b. 24 Nov 1907; m. Ruby Dean, 30 May 1936. Six
children: (1) Martha Ellen Cumberledge, m. William Snobs in 1955.
(2) Mary Lorraine Cumberledge, m. Harold Steward.
(3) Paul Emmett Cumberledge, d. 1958.
(4) Carlen Cumberledge, m. Jean Mitchell.
(5) Robert Cumberledge.
(6) Shella Diana Cumberledge.
3.- Fonda Marie Cumberledge, b. 8 Aug 1909; m. Howard Snider, 4 April 1930.
He b. 21 June 1895; d. 5 March 1967. Five children:
(1) Howard Herbert Snider, b. 15 Jan 1931; m. (1) Adele Pritt, b. 16 Nov 1935.
They have; Pamela Snider, b. 23 April 1952; Kay Snider, b. May 1954; Trenton Snider, b.
9 Sept 1959;
(1) Howard Herbert Snider, m. (2) Nancy Hardman in 1964. They have;
Rodney Snider, b. 16 Nov 1962; Tonya Snider, b. 24 Dec 1963; Mark Snider, b. 16 Aug
1967; and Wanda Muriel Snider, b. 4 Aug 1969.
(2) Walter Lee Snider, b. 24 Nov1935; m. Betty Hersh. They have; Walter
Lee Snider Jr., b. 24 Nov 1957; David Howard Snider, b. 12 Sept 1958 and Janet Lee
Snider, b. 22 June 1963.
(3) Frank Snider, b. 23 Jan 1939; m. Sally Diane Perkins, Dec 1957. They
have; Franklin Robert Snider, b. 26 June 1957; Franklin Delanore Snider, b. 12 Nov 1958;
Diane Marie Snider, b. 18 Aug 1960; Michael Snider, b. 31 Aug 1963; and James Snider,
b. 16 Aug 1961.
(4) Nancy Mae Snider, b. 9 May 1949; m. Jack McElwain, 14 Jan 1966. They
have; Triesa Ann McElwain, b. 6 June 1966 and Carolyn Lorraine McElwain, b. 4 Feb
(5) Pearl Marie Snider, b. 3 Nov 1932; d. 2 Dec 1932.
4.- Wanda Mae Cumberledge, b. 2 Feb 1912; m. Sylvius W. Davis, 27 June 1936.
He b. 4 Aug 1912.
5.- James Edward Cumberledge, b. 2 April 1914; m. Louise Virginia Watson, 15
Feb 1936. She b. 30 March 1917. Five children:
(1) Ernest Eugene Cumberledge, b. 5 Nov 1937; m. Shirley Koch, June
1960. They have; Tina Marie Cumberledge and Edward Eugene Cumberledge.
(2) Ruth Eloise Cumberledge, b. 28 Oct 1938; m. Woodrow J. Perkins, 9
June 1956. They have; Lora Ann Perkins; Diana Louise Perkins; Richard Allen Perkins;
and James Michael Perkins.
(3) Carolyn Sus Cumberledge, b. 9 Nov 1942; m. Henry G. Elder V, 11 Dec
1962. They have; Henry G. Elder VI; and Tenya Laraine Elder.
(4) James Emerson Cumberledge, b. 26 Sept 1948.
(5) Derenda Ann Cumberledge, b. 15 Oct 1950.
6.- Leo Darrell Cumberledge, b. 28 April 1916; m. Belva Nicholson 3 Nov 1934.
Four children:
(1) Leonard Darrell Cumberledge, b. 9 July 1940; d. 12 July 1940.
(2) Darrell Lee Cumberledge, b. 2 March 1939: d. 5 March 1939.
(3) James Lee Cumberledge, m. Viola Joanne Gillispie. They have; Terry
Lee Cumberledge; Peggy Sue Cumberledge; and Mark Allen Cumberledge.
(4) Vearl Nicholson Cumberledge, m. Pauline Henning. They have; James
Cumberledge; Darrell Lee Cumberledge; Ricky Cumberledge; and Monica Cumberledge.
7.- Clarence Hubert Cumberledge, b. 10 July 1917; m. Carrie Elizabeth Nicholson,
30 Sept 1937. She b. 11 April 1919. Three children:
(1) Linda Lou Cumberledge, b. 17 June 1940; m. Dominick Russell Davoli,
28 Dec 1963. They have; Russell James Devoli, b. 19 June 1967; Elizabeth Lynn Davoli,
b. 4 March 1969; and Kevin Pateric Davoli, b. 7 Feb 1971.
(2) Carmen Mae Cumberledge, b. 24 Dec1942; m. Terry Lee Trent, 24 Aug
1962. He b. 22 Feb 1944. They have; Clarence Lee Trent, b. 18 May 1963; Russell Lynn
Trent, b. 13 May 1964; Gary Hudson Trent, b. 12 Oct 1965; and Henry Presley Trent, b.
6 Nov 1970.
(3) Dulcie Frances Cumberledge, b. 27 Nov 1944: m. Billy Devaughn
Carroll, 8 June 1963. They have; Jamie Davaughn Carroll b. 9 July 1965; Ricky Devaughn
Carroll, b. 29 June 1968; and Lisa Kay Carroll, b. 19 Feb 1970.
8.- John Edward Cumberledge.
9.- Lyda Ann Cumberledge.
10.- Russell Emerson Cumberledge.
5.- Asbury Dotson, b. 26 April 1848; d. 26 May 1870.
In the household of his father Benjamin in the 1850 and 1860 censuses.
In the Arnold Creek Cemetery: "Asberry son of B and M Dotson Died May 26, 1870
aged 22 years"
6.- Christopher Columbus Dotson, b. 26 June 1850; d. 10 Sept 1937.
From Ritchie Co. Deaths 1919-1970, p. 104, "Dotson Christopher, male, white,
single, died Pennsboro Oct 10 1937, age 87y 3m 16d, farmer, b. WV, parents Benjamin
Dotson, b. Ritchie, Malinda Dotson, -, cerebral hemor., rept O. Jones regis."
He never married. Buried Buck Run. No marker.
7.- Keener Dotson, b. 26 Nov 1853; d. 1 July 1937.
He m. Alice Marsh, 26 March 1882. This marriage in Ritchie Co.: "26 March
1882...Keener Dotson...age 28...b. Ritchie...m. Alice N. Marsh...age 20...b. Ritchie."
She d. 10 Oct 1926. She was a dau. of Eli Marsh and Adelade Allen; dau. of Asa Allen
and Margaret Taylor. Three children: Before we give the families of the three children we
will give the following:
TRANSCRIPT OF BlBLE RECORDS OF THE KEENER DOTSON FAMILY.
"This is to certify that Keener Dotson and Alice Marsh were united by me in Toll Gate,
W.Va. on the 26th day of March in the year of our Lord 1882. Signed, W. M. Oliver.
(Note...W. M. Oliver was a Baptist Minister. His name appears in the records of the Toll
Gate Baptist Church.)
KEENER DOTSON born Buck Run, W.Va. Nov 26, 1853; m. March 26, 1882.
ALICE DOTSON born Toll Gate, W.Va. July 17, 1861; married March 26, 1882; died
October 7, 1927.
Luella A. Dotson born Toll Gate, W.Va. Sept 24,1886. married Jan 18, 1920.
Harley Truman Dotson born Buck Run, W.Va. Nov 30, 1889, married Nov 8, 1917.
Lyda Marie Dotson born Buck Run, W.Va. Dec 17, 1899, married April 21, 1920.
Infant born Feb 2, 1885; died Feb 2, 1885.
George M. Reass and Luella A. Dotson married Jan 15, 1920.
Luella Anita Reass born Nov 2, 1920; died Nov 8, 1920.
George M. Reass died May 18th, 1935.
Luella Dotson was baptized by A. M. McVey Sept 7, 1902.
Truman Dotsonwas baptized by J. M. Cochran July 10, 1810.
Marie Dotson was baptized by W. H. Bankes Jan 13, 1915.
Eli M. Marsh born Sept 1, 1827, died July 30, 1886.
Adaline Allen Marsh born July 21, 1832, died Sept 17, 1891.
Asa E. Marsh born Dec 29, 1853, died Jan 21, 1854.
Sarah F. Marsh born Dec 11, 1854, died Dec 1898.
James A. Marsh born Dec 3, 1856, died Nov 19, 1918.
Alice N. Marsh born July 17, 1861, died Oct 7. 1927.
Sherman Marsh born June 30, 1865, died Sept 20, 1925.
Olive N. Marsh born Nov 20, 1876, died Dec 1951.
Benjamin Dotson, born Dec 10, 1816.
Malinda Dotson born Sept 15, 1818. was married May 8, 1839.
Armstrong Dotson born Feb 20, 1840.
Jacob Dotson, born Nov 16, 1840.
Lucinda Dotson born Aug 5, 1844.
James Dotson, born Sept 5, 1846.
Asbury Dotson born March 26, 1848.
C. C. Dotson born June 26, 1850.
Keener Dotson born Nov 26, 1853.
Cinderilla Dotson born Jan 12, 1856.
Benjamin Dotson born May 21, 1858.
Littleton Dotson born Feb 14, 1860.
Martin Lee Dotson born June 29, 1863.
Benjamin Dotson died Nov 26, 1868.
Malinda Dotson died March 12, 1896.
Benjamin Dotson, Jr. died July 3, 1913.
Armstrong Dotson died Nov 19, 1920.
James Dotson died Feb , 1922."
(end of Keener Dotson Bible transcript)
From the 1900 census soundex of WV; Ritchie Clay Dist 30 86 7 40:
Dotson Kener W Nov 1853 46 WV
Alice U? W July 1861 38 WV
Luella A D Sept 1886 13 WV
Harly T S Nov 1889 10 WV
Marie D Dec 1899 5/12 WV
From the 1910 census soundex of WV; Tyler 045 0104 0301:
Dotson Keener H W 56 WV WV
Alice N W 49 WV
Luella D 22 WV
H Truman S 20 WV
Marie D 10 WV
From the 1920 census soundex of WV: Wood 54 168 3 33 Parkersburg 504 Fifth:
Dotson Kenner W 65 WV
Alice N W 58 WV
Luella 33 WV
Truman S 30 WV
Delma DL 22 WV
Marie D 20 WV
Dorthy V GD 10/12 WV
Cohen, Joseph L 46 Kovna na. (naturalized)
Parents of three children:
a.- Luella Adaline Dotson, b. 24 Sept 1886; m. 15 Jan 1920, George Reass. George M.
Reass, d. 18 May 1935. One known child:
1.- Luella Anita Reass, b. 2 Nov 1920; d. 8 Nov 1920.
b.-Harley Truman Dotson, b. 30 Nov 1889; d. 13 Oct1969; m. Delma Givens, 5 Nov
1917. She b. 26 Nov 1898. Three children:
1.-Dorothy Virginia Dotson, b. 21 Feb 1919 m. Alva Francis Shears, 23 Nov
1939. He b. 16 May 1916. Four children:
(1) Larry Lynn Shears, b. 6 Feb1941; m. Sandra Kay , 8 Oct 1961. She b.
12 Jan 1944. They have; Lori Lee Shears, b. 12 Aug1962; Larry Lynn Shears, b. 9 Jan
1964; Lorne Lane Shears, b. 6 Dec 1965; and Lance Leslie Shears, b. 1 Dec 1967.
(2) Philip Ray Shears, b. 10 June 1942: m. Janet Louise Snider, 1 Sept 1962.
She b. 21 Oct 1943. They have; Jeffrey Todd Shears, b. 18 Nov 1964 and Stephen Ray
Shears, b. 4 Oct 1966.
(3) Leonard Neil Shears, b. 15 Aug 1943; m. Lee Ann Ogyden, 22 March
1956. She b. 18 Sept1947. They have; Dwain Neil Shears, b. 10 May 1968 and Stacy Dawa
Shears, b. 21 July 1940.
(4) Linda Kay Shears, b. 2 March 1946.
2.- Robert Paul Dotson, b. 23 Sept 1924; m. Mildred Lucille Campbell, 25 June
1945. She b. 27 April 1925. Two children:
(1) Robert Truman Dotson, b. 10 June 1946; m. Sharon Clark, 13 Nov 1966.
She b. 31 Aug 1946. They have; Wendy Jeanette Dotson, b. 10 March 1971.
(2) Dennis Lyle Dotson.
3.- Alice Estelle Dotson, b. 12 March 1926; m. Milton L. Wyatt, 25 July 1953.
One child: (1) Gregory Wyatt.
c.- Lydia Marie Dotson, b. 17 Dec 1899; m. Harry Dougherty, 21 April 1920. He b.
1 Feb 1896; d. 21 Aug 1968. Nine children:
1.- Kenneth Eugene Dougherty, b. 11 Jan 1922; d. 24 Nov 1970. He m. Barbara
Ruth Berry, 26 Jan 1946. She b. 16 Aug 1922; d. 27 April 1968. Three children:
(1) Sharon Lynn Dougherty, b. 22 Feb 1953; m. Ronald McCurry, 11 May
(2) Molly Kay Dougherty, b. Sept 1955.
(3) Michael Sean Dougherty, b. 13 Oct 1958.
2.- Harry Francis Dougherty, b. 9 June 1923; m. Reba Fern Stanley, June 1947.
Two children:
(1) Donald Wayne Dougherty, b. 13 July 1950.
(2) Kathy Faye Dougherty, b. 13 Feb 1952.
3.-Lillian Oela Dougherty, b. 2 Feb 1925; m. Charles Leslie Plum. He b. 10 Aug
1944. He was Chief of Police at Parkersburg at the time of his death. Two children:
(1) Charles Edward Plum, b. 13 Oct 1945; m. Phyllis Jean Moore, 6 June
(2) Steven Mark Plum, b. 19 Jan 1949; m. Marilyn Sue Allman, 12 Dec 1970.
4.- Marjorie Dale Dougherty, b. 18 Oct 1926; m. Ira Hubert Showalter, 11 July
Four children:
(1) Rebecca Sue Showalter, b. 28 March 1948.
(2) Thomas Wayne Showalter, b. 21 Feb 1950.
(3) David Scott Showalter, b. 4 Oct 1954.
(4) John Leo Showalter, b. 11 Aug 1959.
5.- Earl Edward Dougherty, b. 7 Feb 1928; m. Hazel June Wina. Three children:
(1) Pamela Gail Dougherty, b. 16 Aug 1954.
(2) Terri Lynn Dougherty, b. 10 Sept 1955.
(3) Judy Kay Dougherty, b. 28 Oct 1956.
6.- Barbara Jean Dougherty, b. 26 March 1929.
7.- Olive Marie Dougherty, b. 29 Aug 1930; m. Arnold Eugene Petty, June 1947.
Six children: (1) Kenneth Duane Petty, b. 26 Aug 1947; m. Marcia Oliver, 6 June 1971.
(2) Douglas Allen Petty, b. July 7, 1951. At present (1983). Pastor of the
Church of Christ at Pennsboro, W.Va.
(3) Randell Lee Petty (twin), b. 20 Feb 1954.
(4) Richard Neil Petty (twin) b. 20 Feb 1954.
(5) Timothy Eugene Petty, b. 11 Jan 1962.
(6) Gary Joe Petty, b. 16 Nov 1965.
8.- Ava Lee Dougherty, b. 19 Aug 1933; m. Ray Milton Stanley. Three children:
(1) Cynthia M. Stanley, b. 13 Sept 1955.
(2) Cheryl M. Stanley, b. 25 Oct 1958.
(3) Jeffrey Mark Stanley, b. 5 Jan 1960.
9.- James Paul Dougherty, b. 30 Aug 1936; m. Barbara Ann Locks, 31 Oct 1959.
Two children: (1) Todd Colon Dougherty, b. 17 May 1965 (twin).
(2) Christopher Thadd Dougherty, b. 17 May 1965 (twin).
8.- Cinderella Dotson, b. 12 Jan 1856; d. April 1922. She m. Job Smith.
This marriage in Ritchie Co.: "3 Sept 1896...Job B. Smith...widow...age 51...b.
Washington Co. Oh...resident Ritchie...m. Cinderilla Dotson...age 40...b. Ritchie"
They resided on Buck Run; buried Gnats Run Cemetery. One child: Daniel Smith
never married, died and buried in California.
9.- Benjamin Dotson, Jr., b. 21 May 1858; d. 3 July 1913. He m. Amanda Shepherd. She
b. 2 May 1876; dau. of Charles and Sarah A Sheppard. Amanda d. 28 April 1958.
This marriage in Ritchie Co. "26 Feb 1897 ... Benjamin Dotson...age 31...b. Ritchie...m.
Amanda A. Shepherd...Age 20... b. Ritchie."
From the 1880 census of WV; Ritchie County 150 (Clay) 029:
Sheppard, Charles WM 39 Farmer WV PA WV
Sarah A WF 37 Wife Kps. house WV WV WV
E Grant WM 13 Son At home WV WV WV
Elizabeth WF 9 Dau WV WV WV
Catherine WF 8 Dau WV WV WV
Creed WM 6 Son WV WV WV
Amanda L WF 4 Dau WV WV WV
Ethelbert WM 1 Son WV WV WV
From the 1900 census soundex of WV: Ritchie Clay Dist. 30 86 7 38
Dotson, Benjamin W May 1858 42 WV
Manda L wifeMar 1877 23 WV
From the 1910 census soundex of WV: Ritchie 036 0068 0042
Dotson Benjamin H W 51 WVA WVA
Amanda L W 32 WV
Ivah A D 07 WV
Floyd L S nr WV
From the Ritchie Register of Deaths 1904-1918; "Dotson, Benjamin; white, male;
died July 3, 1913 Buck Run; dysentery; age 55y 2m 2da; farmer; married; rept. G D Lind,
MD." Three children:
a.- Ivy Dotson, b. 7 July 1902; m. Shirley Elliott, 25 Dec 1920.
He b. 8 Feb 1902; d. 3 March 1964. He was a son of Thomas Elliott and Mary Isabelle
Hogue, who was a dau. of Almira Wilson and David B. Hogue. Almira Wilson was dau.
of John Wilson and Charlotte Dotson. Chap. V-7; also see Descendants of John Wilson,
p 328.22 Parents of seven children:
1.- Howard C. Elliott, b. 19 Dec 1924; m. Helen Petty.
2.- Nellie Elliott, b. 13 Oct 1922; m. Alfred Daily.
3.- Marcella Elliott, b. 8 June 1927; m. E. C. Garretson.
4.- Marjorie Elliott, b. 23 Nov 1929; m. Wilbur Starcher.
5.- Virginia Lucille Elliott, b. 28 June 1932; m. Loyal D. Hoce, 1 July 1950. He
b. 11 Aug 1917. Five children:
(1) Loyal Dewaine Hoce Jr., b. 6 Nov 1951.
(2) Anita Kay Hoce, b. 12 Feb 1953.
(3) Martha Ellen Hoce, b. 10 May 1954.
(4) Mark David Hoce, b. 21 Nov 1956.
(5) Peter Matthew Hoce, b. 3 July 1959.
6.- Shirley Elliott, b. 25 Jan 1935; m. Daniel F. Berlin, 10 May 1957. He b. 22 Aug
1917. Three children:
(1) Robert Michael Berlin, b. 11 March 1958.
(2) Elizabeth Ann Berlin, b. 5 Nov 1960.
(3) Dana Whitney Berlin, b. 9 June 1962.
7.- Doris Lea Elliott, b. 12 April 1938.
b.- Georgie Dotson, b. 26 Aug 1905; d. 8 May 1949. She m. Harold Bauman, 5 Nov
1928. He b. 14 May 1907. Five children:
1.- Betty Bauman, b. 10 July 1931; m. Alfred Uppole Sr., 18 June 1949. He b. 17
May 1928. Five children:
(1) Alfred Ray Uppole Jr., b. 4 Nov 1950; m. Bobbie Jo Mabry, 8 Aug 1970.
She b. 21 Dec 1949. They have; Christopher Ray Uppole, b. 30 May 1971.
(2) Randell Lee Uppole, b. 28 May 1952.
(3) Johnny Harold Uppole, b. 4 July 1954.
(4) Patti Sue Uppole, b. 12 Oct 1958.
(5) David Vernon Uppole, b. 4 Nov 1961.
2.- Donald Eugene Bauman, b. 3 March 1937; m. Bonnie Ellen Benson, 9 June
1960. She b. 12 March 1943.
Three children:
(1) Tammy Bauman, b. 5 May 1962.
(2) Lori Bauman, b. 9 Oct 1963.
(3) Lisa Bauman, b. 16 March 1968.
3.- Nancy Louise Bauman, b. 5 Feb 1939; m. Everett M. Silket, Sr., 5 Nov 1955.
He b. 22 Feb 1932 Three children:
(1) Everett M. Silket Jr., b. 27 July 1956.
(2) Darline Silket, b. 3 Sept 1965.
(3) Silket, b. 14 Feb 1969.
4.- Carolyn Sue Bauman, b. 28 Aug 1942; m. James Dale Biery, Sr., Three
(1) James Dale Biery Jr.
(2) Larry Harold Biery.
(3) Brian Lee Biery.
5.- Judith Ann Bauman, b. 9 Nov 1945; m. Glendon A. Roche, 26 April 1964. He
b. 24 Oct 1939. Two children:
(1) Rita Marie Roche, b. 24 April 1965.
(2) Linda Kay Roche, b. 14 Aug 1968.
c.- Leslie F. Dotson, b. 13 Sept 1908; d. Dec 7, 1987. m. Virginia H. Winans. She b.
7 April 1917; d. 23 Dec 1954. Two children:
1.- Floyd E. Dotson, b. 30 June 1946; m. Sandra Malery. (div. 1985) Five
children: (1) Rhonda b. 1965
(2) Laura b. 1967
(3) Vickie b. 1969
(4) Christina b. 1974
(5) Eric b. 1979.
Floyd in living Princeton, MO, 1987.
2.- Benjamin Dotson, b. July 1953; m. Barbara Tennant 1984; living Parkersburg,
10.- Littleton Dotson, b. 14 Feb 1860; d. 1941.
From Ritchie Co. Deaths 1919-1970, p. 106 "Dotson Littleton Sr., male, white,
married, died Buck Run, Feb 14 1941, age 81y 9m 21d; farmer, b. Ritchie Co. parents
Benjamin Dotson, b. WV, Malinda Dotson,—; acute myocarditis, rept. by Odie Jones
In the Buck Run Cemetery: "LITTLETON DOTSON, 1860-1941."
He m. (1) Martha Freeman, 18 May 1893. She b. 11 Oct 1871; d. 31 April 1898.
From Ritchie Co. Deaths, p. 82; "Dotson Martha A, died May 1, 1898 Ritchie Co.;
consumption; age 26; parents W and M Freeman b. Ritchie; housewife; husband Littleton
Dotson; rept. by husband."
From the 1900 census soundex of WV; Ritchie Clay Dist. 30 86 7 45
Dotson Littleton W Feb 1860 40 WV
Carison R S Mar 1894 6 WV
Two children:
a.- Carson Rennie Dotson, b. 19 April 1894.
b.- Tressie Elizabeth Dotson, b. 10 Jan 1898; d. 31 July 1898.
10.- Littleton Dotson, m. (2) Rosa Cumberledge, 19 Nov 1900.
From Ritchie Co. Deaths 1919-1970, p. 108: "Dotson, Rosa C, Greenwood route,
female, white, widow, died Jan 23 1949, age 71y 3m 7d, housewife, b. Wilbur WV,
parents Ellis Cumberledge,-, Betty Smith,-, arterioclerosis, rept. by Bertha J Riddle regis."
From the 1910 census soundex of WV; Ritchie 036 0068 0044:
Dotson Littleton D H W 50 WV WV
Rosa C W 33 WV
Lona B S 04 WV
One child:
c.- Lonnie Basil Dotson, b. 12 May 1905; m. Grace Richards, 29 Sept 1926. She b. 2
Sept 1909. Three children:
1.- Delbert "Dick" Dotson, b. 1 Aug 1927; m. Patricia Doak. He died in
Arizona ca 1 March 1983. Buried in Arizona. Two children:
(1) Nanette Dotson
(2) Mark Dotson.
2.- Edith Pauline Dotson, b. 5 Feb 1929; m. Charles Kesner. Three children:
(1) LindaDarline Kesner, b. 26 Sept 1947.
(2) Charles Harvey "Butch" Kesner, b. 19 Sept 1948.
(3) Deborah Lynn Kesner.
3.- Fondella Mae Dotson, b. 2 July 1931; m. Ronald Beachler, 30 Aug 1950. He
b. 15 March 1930. Three children:
(1) Ronald Marvin Beachler.
(2) Randall Beachler, b. 26 Jan 1953.
(3) Robert Beachler, b. 20 June 1954.
11.- Martin Lee Dotson, b. 29 June 1863; d. Sept 1,1868;
From Ritchie Co. Deaths, p. 19. "Martin Lee Dotson Sept 1, 1868 Clay Twp. typhoid
fever; 5y. 2m. 2 d.; parents Ben and Malinda Dotson, b. Clay Twp. rept by Malinda
Mary Dotson, b. 12 March 1818; m. (1) Elza Gregg, 25 Feb 1836. This marriage in
Tyler Co.: "25 Feb 1836...Elzy Gregg...m. Mary Dotson by John Ripley."
Elza Gregg was the brother of Ruth Gregg Dotson, wife of Thomas Dotson, Sr. who
also lived on Buck Run.
From the 1840 census of VA; Wood County (one line above that of Thomas Dotson,
Sr.): Gregg, Elzey: Males; 1 10-15, 1 30-40; Females; 2 under 5; 1 20-30.
Besides the parents, the two females under 5 were undoubtedly their two daughters
Lydia and Mary A, shown respectively ages 14 and 12 in the 1850 census. The one male
10-15 is too old to be their child; he is probably one of Mary's brothers, perhaps Joseph b.
1827 or Thomas b. 1825, who by then were fatherless. (Emanuel, Sr. died before 1840).
From the 1850 census of VA; Ritchie County (533-533);
Elza Gregg 42 VA Farmer
Mary 32 VA
Lydia 14 VA
Mary A 12 VA
Ruth 9 VA
(Sarah)Elizabeth 6 VA
Angeline 5 VA
Frances E 2 VA
From the 1860 census of VA; Ritchie County (536-511):
Elzy Gregg 52 VA Farmer
Mary 42 VA
Mary A 21 VA
Ruth 19 VA
Sarah E 17 VA
Angeline 13 VA
Frances E 12 VA
Catharine J 10 VA
Martha 7 VA
Perry 2 VA
Parents of nine children:
1. Lydia b. ca. 1836
2. Mary A b. ca. 1838
3. Ruth b. ca. 1841
4. (Sarah) Elizabeth b. ca. 1844
5. Angeline b. ca. 1845
6. Frances E b. ca. 1848
7. Catharine J b. ca. 1850
8. Martha b. ca. 1853
9. Perry b. ca. 1858
Mary Dotson m. (2) Andrew Yeager.
This marriage in Doddridge Co.: "14 Dec 1867...Andrew G. Yeager,
49...Widower...born Lewis Co... Res. Dodd. Co...Parents, Jonathan and Elizabeth; ad
Mary Gregg, 43... widow...born Tyler Co...Res. Dodd. Co...Parents, EMANUEL and
POLLY DOTSON." The name "POLLY" on this marriage record, proves that MARY
REDICK was the "POLLY" Dotson, who lived on Buck Run.
Her birthplace of Tyler County (1818) concurs with the county of residence of her
father Emanuel in the 1820 census, that is, "Tyler". There is a discrepency in the age she
gave on her marriage license (younger) from those in all of the censuses.
From the 1870 census of WV; Ritchie County (277-167):
Mary Yeager
52 VA Hskpr
Angeline Gregg 23 VA
Martha Gregg 17 VA
Marion S Gregg 2 WV
Floyd Gregg 5/12 WV
In 1870 in the house-hold of Lamon Dotson: Catharine J Grigg 19 VA Dom Svt
From the 1880 census of WV; Ritchie County 148 032:
Griggs, Mary (w) WF 64 Farming WV WV WV
Martha WF 27 Dau At home WV WV WV
Perry WM 23 Son Farming WV WV WV
Dotson, George W* WM 19 Nephew Farm wrk. WV WV WV
In the house-hold of Malinda Dotson (widow of Benjamin):
Griggs, Anjaline (s) WF 32 Boarding Servant WV WV WV
*Note; George W. Dotson was a son of Perry Dotson; Perry a son of Thomas and Ruth
Gregg Dotson; Ruth Gregg was a sister of Mary Dotson's husband Elza Gregg; therefore
Geo. W. Dotson was a nephew of Mary Gregg's husband Elza Gregg who died in 1862.
We know little about Andrew Yeager, except that he purchased a lot in Greenwood
from Thomas and Jacintha Scott in June 1866, then resold it to Henry Davis in October
of the same year23; in the latter deed to Davis, Mary was not included as a co-grantor; nor
do we know exactly when Andrew and Mary's marriage terminated, but it must have been
prior to 1870, since he was not enumerated with her in the 1870 census; also she was named
alone as the heir-at-law to her brother Thomas, Jr. in 1874. In the 1880 census (the last one
in which she was found) she had resumed using the name Gregg (Griggs); listed with her
were a son Perry, age 23, a daughter Martha 27 and a nephew Geo. W. Dotson 19. We place
her deathyear as after 1880; no record of her death was found in the Ritchie Death Register.
For further details of this family, see The Gregg Family page 17.
GIRL DOTSON (probably Elizabeth) b. ca. 1820
For the family of Elizabeth and Thomas Dotson please see Chapter XIV
John S. Dotson, b. ca 1821. He m. (1) Martha Elizabeth Dotson: b. ca. 1831. We can
find no record of this marriage.
In the Buck Run Cemetery: "MARTHA, WIFE OF JOHN DOTSON, died 14 April
1851, in 23rd year."
Martha was the daughter of Thomas Dotson, Sr. (son of Richard, Sr.) and Ruth Gregg
(proof of this relationship is found in Ritchie Co. Deed Bk. Vol. 11, p. 436 1866, see Chap.
XIV-1). John S. and Martha were first cousins.
From the 1850 census of VA; Ritchie County:
Dotson, John S. (farmer) age 29 yr. born in Virginia
Martha 19
Oliver 3
Mary E. 4 months
From the 1860 census of VA; Ritchie, John S. 37, was living with his brother Joseph
32 and sister-in-law Christiana.
From the 1870 Census of WV; Doddridge, John S. 51, was living with his brother
Robert 49, and sister-in-law Catherine.
Parents of two children:
1.- O1iver Dotson, b. 1847; m. Mary Ann Waters, b. 1844. She was a daughter of the Rev.
John Waters, who is buried at Arnold Creek. Oliver and Mary Ann resided on Sugar Run;
both are buried Buck Run Cemetery. This marriage in Tyler County:
"8 May 1867...01iver M. Dotson, 20 and Mary A. Waters, 23."
From Ritchie County Deaths 1919-1970; p 102 ,"Dotson Oliver, died Pennsboro,
Dec 30 1929, widow, age 83y 1m -, farmer, b. p. Pa (?), father, J S Dotson, cause infl. pneu,
source of info. O Jones, registrar."
In the census of 1860 for Ritchie Co. WV, Oliver M., age 14, was enumerated in the
house-hold of his maternal grand-mother, Ruth Dotson (widow of Thos. Sr.)
From the 1870 census of WV; Ritchie Co. (431-404):
Oliver M Dotson 22 VA Farmer
Mary A 25 PA Hskpr
John W 2 WV
Wm L 4/12 WV
From the 1880 census of WV; Ritchie Co. 151 001;
Dotson, Oliver WM 33 Farmer WV WV WV
Mary A WF 35 Wife Hskp. WV PA PA
John W WM 12 Son Farmer WV WV WV
Wm L WM 10 Son Farmer WV WV WV
Comodore WM 7 Son WV WV WV
Sylvannus WM 3 Son WV WV WV
Olovemia WF 5 Dau WV WV WV
From the census soundex of 1910; Ritchie 036 0068 0049
Dotson Oliver M H W 63 WV WV
Olivenia D 34 WV
Miranda C D 28 WV
From the 1920 census soundex of WV: Ritchie 48 1157 47
Dotson Oliver W 73 WV
Olivenia D 44 WV
This death in Ritchie County (p 36); "Elizabeth Dotson May 28, 1880; d Ritchie Co.
1 mo. 4 da.; parents Oliver M. and Mary Dotson rept by Mary Dotson, mother."
Parents of seven children:
a.- John Wesley Dotson, b. 1868 d 1950; m. Mary Primm; dau. of Nathan W. Primm
and Keziah Bee. See page 106, Davis, The Settlers of Salem, W. Va. No children. Genefie
Dotson (below) kept house for John Dotson.
From the 1910 census soundex of WV: Ritchie 036 0068 0047
Dotson John W H W 42 WV WV
Mary W 38 WV
From Ritchie Co. Register of Deaths 1904-1918: "Dotson Mary, white female, died
March 13, 1916 Toll Gate, heart trouble and dropsy, age 44y - -, rept. by assessor"
From Ritchie Co. Deaths 1919-1970, p. 108, "Dotson John Wesley, Greenwood rt.,
male, white, widow, died May 9 1950, age 82y 1m 18d, farmer, b. Ritchie, parents O M
Dotson, Mary Ann Waters; hypertension, rept. Bertha J Riddle"
In the Buck Run Cemetery: "John Wesley Dotson, 12 March 1868... . Mary
Primm his wife, 12 Aug 1871...13 March 1916."
b.- William L Dotson. b. 1870. he resided below Cairo, W.Va. Two children. Both
adopted. The boy lives in the Cairo, W.Va. vicinity. The girl, m. a Brookover and lives at
Pennsboro, W.Va.
This marriage in Ritchie Co.: "2 Aug 1903...W. L. Dotson... age 33... b. Tyler...
resident Ritchie...m. Icie Toothman... age 25 b. Ritchie."
From the 1900 census soundex of WV; Dodd McClelland Dist 5 24 12 27:
Dotson William L W Nr Nr 28 WV
Enumerated with Smith Samuel H; Hired hand
From the 1910 census soundex of WV; Ritchie 036 0067 0234:
Dotson William L H W 40 WV WV
Icie W 32 WV
c.- Commodore (Porter) Dotson, b. July 18, 1872; this birth in Ritchie Co. "Commodore
P Dotson, 7/18/72; parents Owen (sic) M and Mary Ann Dotson information by O M
Dotson father";
From the 1900 census soundex of WV; Ritchie Union Dist. 30 93 7 65:
Dotson Comadorell?? W July 1872 27 WV
Enumerated with Alender, Milton W, servant
m. Della Leason. They separated. She d. Grafton, W.Va. area ca 1914. She must have been
buried in that area. Porter Dotson buried at Buck Run (grave unmarked). One child:
1.- Genefie Dotson, b. ca 1904. Never married. She died on Sugar Run and is buried
at Buck Run (grave unmarked).
From Ritchie Co. Deaths 1919-1970 p. 112, "Dotson Genefie, Greenwood Rt, female,
white, Single, died Mar 8 1960, age 56y - -, —, b. Rit. Co, parents Porter Dotson,—,Della
Leason,—; coronary thromb., rept. Nelle Cannon"
d.- Olivenia Dotson. b. ca. 1875. In the 1910 census, 34, in the house-hold of her father
Oliver. Never married. Buried Buck Run.
e.- Sylvannus (Vanice) Dotson. b. ca. 1877 resided at Mannington, W.Va. Two
children, a boy and a girl. The boy lives at Mannington, W.Va. The girl lives in Pa.
f.-Elizabeth b. Apr. 1880 d. May 28, 1880.
g.- Miranda C. Dotson. b ca.1882; in the 1910 census, 28, in the household of her father
Oliver; never married. Buried Buck Run Cemetery.
2.- Mary E. Dotson, b. ca. 1850; m. David Ferrebee.
This marriage in Ritchie Co.: "14 May 1868...David Ferrebee, 21...single...born
Mineral Co... res. Rit. Co...Parents, Joseph & Elizabeth; & Mary Ellen Dotson,
19...single...born Rit. Co...Parents, John & Martha by J. Z Williams."
From the 1870 census of WV; Ritchie Co. 264-254:
Joseph Ferribee Sr. 60 PA Stone mason
Elizabeth 61 PA Hskpr
David 23 VA Farmer
Mary E 20 VA Hskpr
John E 1 WV
From the 1880 census of WV; Ritchie Co. 151 008:
Ferrebee, David WM 35 Farmer WV WV WV
Mary E WF 27 Wife Hsk. WV WV WV
John E WM 11 Son Farmer WV WV WV
Martha WF 9 Dau WV WV WV
Leroy WM 7 Son WV WV WV
Cora J WF 5 Dau WV WV WV
Warner WM 2 Son WV WV WV
From the 1900 census soundex of WV; Ritchie Clay Dist. 30 86 5 42:
Ferrebee, David W June 1848 51 VA
Mary E W Jan 1852 48 WV
John E S Mar 1871 29 WV
Dollie D June 1873 26 WV
Cory J D May 1876 24 WV
Warner S Apr 1878 22 WV
Margaret C D Apr 1884 16 WV
Arza E S Aug 1888 11 WV
Ora B D Nov 1892 7 WV
Parents of eight children:
a.-John E Ferrebee b. Mar 1871
b.-Martha (Dollie) Ferrebee, b. 3 June 1873; d. 1 April 1960; m. Gordon Garner. He
b. 26 May 1877; d. 24 May 1947. Two children:
1.- Earl "Soap" Garner, b. 10 Nov 1903; m. Hattie Adams. Retired from Eureka
Pipeline Co. Five children:
(1) Mary Garner, b. 14 Feb 1929; m. Warren Hornbeck. They have; Dollie
Hornbeck, b. 26 June 1948 m. Gerlad Wallace; and have, Angela Wallace, b. 28 Aug 1975;
Jean Hornbeck, b. 17 May 1951, m. Darrell Williams; Marjorie Ellen Hornbeck, b. 27 Nov
1949, d. Feb 1950; Marion Hornbeck, b. 26 May 1953, m. Gary Ramsey and have Shannon
Ramsey, b. 30 May 1972.
(2) Helen Garner, b. 18 March 1931; m. Walter Hornbeck. They have; Dale
Hornbeck; David Hornbeck; Iris Hornbeck; Dean Hornbeck; Violet Hornbeck; Danny
Hornbeck; and Daisy Hornbeck.
(3) Elvert Garner, m. (1) Mildred Wlliamson. They have; Allen Garner;
Debra Garner; and Donna Garner.
(3) Elvert Garner, m. (2) Stella . They have; Nancy Garner.
(3) Elvert Garner, m. (3) Karea .
(4) David Garner, m. Kathleen Underwood. They have; Cotton Garner and
Teresa Garner. See Chapter XI-7.
(5) Roy B. "Beanie" Garner, m. Connie Lambert. They have; Roy Garner.
2.- Vurl Garner, m. Ruby Terrell (widow). She is dead. No children.
c.-Leroy Ferrebee. b. ca. 1873. .
d.-Cora Ferrebee, b. May 1876 d. 28 Sept 1964. She m. Gordon Spencer, 1 Nov 1904.
He b. June 6, 1875; d. 28 Sept 1964.
Parents of one child:
1.- Zellie Spencer, b. 11 Jan 1912; m. LeRoy Wise, 28 Dec 1930.
Parents of five children:
(1) Robert Wise, b. 30 Jan 1932; m. Jean Vullatic 1951. They have; Debra
Ann Wise, b. 27 April 1953.
(2) Glenda Wise, b. 31 March 1936; m. Keith Doughty, 14 April 1960. They
have; Kenneth Doughty, b. 1 May 1960 and Kimberley Doughty, b. 24 May 1962.
(3) Loren D. Wise b. 6 Oct 1954; m. Winnie Perine 1956. They have; Candise
Wise, b. 1957.
(4) Loretta K. Wise, b. 7 May 1940; m. Dale Huston, 14 April 1960. They
have; Denise K. Huston, b. 10 Oct 1963 and Alan D. Huston, b. 7 Oct 1965.
(5) Roger L. Wise, b. 27 March 1947; m. Linda Long, 20 March 1968. They
have; Michelle Wise, b. 9 June 1972.
e.-Warner Ferrebee. b. Apr. 1878. Never married.
f.- Maggie (Margaret C) Ferrebee, b. Apr 1884; m. John Ridgeway. She wife No. 2.
No children.
g.-Arza E. Ferrebee. b. Aug 1888; Never married. Buried Buck Run.
h.-Orabell Ferrebee. b. Nov 1892. Died age 9 years.
i.-Claidia Rose Ferrebee. Died young. ?
John S. Dotson, (son of Emanuel, Sr.) m. (2) Lydia Dotson. This marriage in Ritchie
Co.: "24 Dec 1874...John S. Dotson, 55 (53)..widower...b. Harrison Co... res. Rit.
Co...Parents, Emanuel & Mary; and Lydia Dotson, 45... widow...b. Harrison Co...res. Rit.
Co...Parents, Elias & Williams by Stephen Loveall."
Her maiden name was Lydia Williams. She was the widow of Thomas Dotson, Jr.,
brother of John S. (See Chapter VII-10 for Thomas Dotson, Jr.)
From "The Williams Family" in Clay District Ritchie County 37page 387 by Carsie
Williams, in listing the children of Elias Williams and Honora Trenarie, he states, "Two
daughters have not been identified." From the marriage record above, this would be the
daughter, Lydia Williams, b. 1829, which would make her next to the youngest child, Isreal
Williams. She would be a sister of John Williams, b. 1817, who married Naomi Dotson.
(See Chapter XVII). The other unidentified sister, may beMary Williams. This m. in Tyler
Co., "3 Jan 1833...Edward Thomas and Mary Williams by John Ripley.
In a deed dated January 1, 1875, (Ritchie Co. Deeds Vol. 19, p. 165) 84 acres, plus 2
1/2 acres; Buck Run. To John S. Dotson, from Thomas Dotson Heirs (Robert, Joseph, Mary
Yeager, Frances Fleming and Wm. Dotson.
"This deed made this 1st day of January 1875 between Robert Dotson and Catharine
his wife, Joseph Dotson and Christina his wife, Mary Yeager of Ritchie County, W Va;
James Fleming and Frances his wife of Doddridge County West Virginia and Wm Dotson
of Washington County Ohio all heirs of Thos Dotson decd late of Ritchie County West Va
Grantors of the first part and John S Dotson Grantee and party of the second part of Ritchie
County West Virginia.
.....in consideration of the sum of twenty dollars ($20 in hand paid....Situate on Buck
Run in county of Ritchie....Beginning at a stake on the bank of said run...thence to the
beginning containing 84 acres. Also a lot beginning at a chestnut at the county road thence
N 43 E 26 poles to a black oak in a line of the Griggs survey and with said line S47E 19
1/2 poles to a stone a corner to a church lot with a line of the same S30W 15 poles to a stake
at said road thence with the same N64W 22 poles to the beginning containing 2 1/2 acres....
Signatures or marks by all except Wm. Dotson. Signatures of Robert and Catherine Dotson,
and James and Frances Fleming acknowledged Apr. 3, 1875 in Doddridge Co.; signatures
of Joseph and Christina acknowledged Feb 12, 1877 in Ritchie Co.: Mary Yeager
acknowledged Feb 22, 1875 in Ritchie Co.; deed admitted to record Aug 17, 1877 in
Ritchie County."
This deed proves the sibling relationship of Robert, Thomas, Frances, Joseph, William
and Mary; Mary's relationship to Emanuel and Mary (Polly) Dotson proved in her
marriage record when she took Andrew Yeager as her second husband; John S. relationship
to Emanuel and Mary (Polly) Dotson proved in his marriage record to Lydia Dotson,
widow of his brother Thomas.
It is not understood why the named heirs of Thomas Dotson did not include his sister
Elizabeth Dotson (consort of Thomas Dotson, Sr. Chap. XIV), plus heirs of his brother
Benjamin. By 1875, Benjamin was deceased; Elizabeth was still living.
In the 1880 census soundex of WV; Ritchie County 151 003:
Dotson, John S. WM 60 Farmer WV WV WV
Liddia WF 51 Wife Keeping house WV WV WV
In the 1900 census soundex of WV; Ritchie Clay Dist 30i? 86 4 79:
Dotson Liddie B W b. June 1829 age 70 b.p.WV
Enumerated with Garner Francis L; Aunt (to Francis L Garner)
Presumably, John S. died prior to 1900. No grave-stone found in Buck Run Cemetery.
Robert Dotson, b. 1823, d. 1892-1894; m. Catherine "Katy" Thomas, b. ca. 1818, on
12 Jan 1843.
This marriage in Tyler County: "12 (2) Jan 1843...Robert Dotson and Catherine
Thomas by Samuel Archibald."
From Ritchie Co. Deaths p. 38; "Dotson, Catherine died June 6, 1881 Ritchie Co; age
62y 11m 6d, fever; parents Thomas, A & E; b. Ritchie Co., farmer; death rept. by husband
(no name)."
No death certificate for Robert was found in Ritchie or Doddridge Counties.
The last known deed written by Robert was on May 7, 1892 (Ritchie Co. Deeds Bk
39 p. 214; 1892; Robt. Dotson to Lydia M. Fleming two acres Sugar Camp Run; part of 3
acre parcel deeded to Robt. from Elias and Sarah Thomas 28 Jan 1875 Rit. Deed Book 33
p. 26); thus his death date is fixed as subsequent to 1892.
Then on 28 Aug 1894, the remaining one acre of this parcel was sold by
Robert's heirs to W.F. Cox. (Ritchie Deeds Book 41 p. 199): "Lilidia (Delila) A. Dotson,
wife of Loston Dotson, Mary E. Dotson, widow of Marshall Dotson, Sarah H. Richards,
wife of Samuel Richards, C. W. Dotson of the county of Ritchie, ....and G. T. Dotson and
Nancy his wife of the county of Roane, heirs of Robert Dotson deceased, parties of the
first part and W. F. Cox of Tyler County, party of the second part, for..... $160.....a small
boundary of land and house thereon...lying Ritchie, and district of Clay on Sugar Run, a
branch of the NFHR,...beginning at a stone in an old line known as the Flynn land....."
Deed was signed by G T and Nancy Dotson, and acknowledged in Roane County on
7 Sept 1894; in Ritchie County, signed by Mary E. Dotson , C. W. Dotson, Delila A Dotson
(her mark) and Loson Dotson (his mark) her husband, Sara H Richards and Samuel
Richards (his mark) her husband; acknowledged 15 Sept 1894 by Ben Wilson, Notary
Thus the death date of Robert Dotson has been fixed between 7 May 1892 and 24 Aug
From the 1850 census of VA; Ritchie County:
Dotson, Robert (farmer) 27 born in Virginia
Catherine 32
Charles W 6
Delia A 3
Mary E. 1
From the 1860 census of VA; Ritchie County 551-524:
Robert Dodson 37 VA Farmer
Catherine 42 VA
Charles W 16 VA Farm hand
Delila A 13 VA
Mary E 11 VA
George T 6 VA
Sarah H 2 VA
From the 1870 census of WV; Doddridge County (30 June) p. 16, 113, 108:
Dotson, Robert 49 MW Farmer Pers.$100 VA
Catharine 52 FW Keeping Hs. VA
Charles W 27 MW Com. labr. Pers.$100 VA
Delilah A 22 FW at home VA
George T 14 MW VA
Sarah H 12 FW VA
John S 51 MW Com. labr. (brother) VA
From the 1880 census of WV; Ritchie County 151 001:
Dotson, Robert WM 55 Laborer WV WV WV
Catherine WF 62 Wife Hs. keeping WV PA PA
Delia WF 34 Dau At home WV WV WV
Sarah WF 21 Dau At home WV WV WV
Vircenor(Vercina)WF 3 G/Dau At home WV WV WV
Robert and Catherine Thomas Dotson were the parents of 6 children:
1.- Charles Wesley Dotson
2.- DelilaAnn Dotson
3.- Mary Elizabeth Dotson
4.- Sarah Dotson
5.- George T. Dotson
6.- Alice Dotson
1.- Charles Wesley Dotson, b. 4 Mar 1844 d. 19 Sept 1904; on 10 Jan 1878 m. SarahAnn
Elder b 29 Apr. 1859, d. 31 Jan 1892.
From Ritchie County Marriages; "10 Jan 1878..Charles W. Dotson... age 31...b.
Ritchie...son of Robert and Catherine...m. Sarah Ann Elder...age 18...b. Ritchie...dau. of
J. S. and Ruth; by E J 'Doc' Taylor".
Sarah Ann was the oldest child of James Sanford Elder and Rutha Richards.
From Ritchie Co. Deaths, p. 67; "Dotson S. A. died Jan 30 1892 Toll Gate; age 30y
18d. Parents J. S. and Ruth Elder b. Ritchie Co. rept by husband (no name given)"
Both Charles Wesley and Sarah Ann Elder Dotson are buried in the Buck Run
Headstone of Charles
Wesley and Sarah Ann
Elder Dotson
Buck Run Cemetery
Ritchie County, WV
Cemetery, with a common headstone: "Charles Wesley Dotson Mar. 4, 1844 Sept 19, 1904.
Sarah Ann Dotson Apr 29, 1859 Jan 31, 1893"
From the 1880 census of WV; Ritchie Co. 150 (Clay) 009:
Datson, Charles W WM 34 Farmer WV WV WV
Sarah A WF 21 Wife Keep. hse. WV WV WV
Mary C WF 1 Dau WV WV WV
Laura B WF 5/12Dau (Dec 1879) WV WV WV
From the 1900 census soundex of WV; 30 06 6 44 Ritchie Clay Dist
Dotson, Charles W W Mar 1844 56 WV
Laura B D Dec 1879 20 WV
Rutha A D Oct 1881 18 WV
Plesia M D Apr 1883 17 WV
Lillie M D July 1884 15 WV
James R S May 1886 14 WV
Loela D Mar 1888 12 WV
Erman R S Aug 1889 10 WV
Iva M D Aug 1891 8 WV
Chales Wesley and Sarah Ann Elder Dotson were parents of nine children:
a.- Mary C. b. __ Dec 1878 d._________ m. Frank Childers
b.- Laura Bell b. 2 Dec 1879 d 10 Feb 1963 m. Norman Childers
c.- Ruthie Alice b. 23 Oct 1881 d._________ unmarried
d.- Plezy M. b. 14 Apr 1883 d._________ m. Sylvannus Nutter
e.- Lillie Mae b. 14 July 1884 d. 26 Sept 1981 m. William Cline
f.- James Robert b. __ May 1886 d. ________ m. Velma Bruner
g.- Louella b. __ Mar 1888 d._________ m. Sam Williams
h.- Erman Ray b. 15 Aug 1889 d. 1 July 1967 m. Susie Arman
i.- Iva Maude b. 15 Aug 1891 d. 24 Jan 1959 m. Roy Gaskins
Erman Ray Dotson
and sisters at Dotson
reunion, ca. 1945
Left to right,
Maude Gaskins
Loella Williams
Laura Childers
Plezy Nutter
Erman Dotson
Lille Cline
Mary Childers
a.- Mary C. Dotson, b. Dec 1878, m. Frank Childers.
This marriage in Ritchie Co.: "14 Sept 1899...F. A. Childers...age 30...b. Doddridge...m.
Mary C. Dotson...age 20...b. Ritchie.
Frank and Norman Childers were sons of Amos and Frances E. Griggs Childers. For
the Childers line, see Chapter XVIII, Lydia Dotson.
From the 1900 census soundex WV: Doddridge McClellan Dist 5 24 11 33:
Childers, Frank A W May 1869 31 WV
Mary C W Dec 1878 21 WV
From the 1910 census soundex WV; Doddridge 007 0030 0012:
Childers Franklin H W 40 WV WV
Mary C W 31 WV
Luie M D 09 WV
Ruie B D 06 WV
Burley R S 04 WV
Jennie B D nr WV
From the 1920 census soundex of WV; Doddridge Co 10 37 12 22:
Childers, Franklin A W 50 WV
Mary C W 40 WV
Luie M D 19 WV
Rosie B (Ruie) D 16 WV
Burley R S 14 WV
Mary M D 4 WV
Madoline R D 1 7/12 WV
Six children:
1.- LuieM Childers, daughter, b ca. 1901, m. Clarence Murphy; Children:
(1) Nina
(2) Lucile
(3) Juanita
2.- Ruie B Childers, daughter, b ca. 1904, m. Underwood
3.- Burley R Childers, b. ca. 1906; Children:
(1) Jerrell
(2) Linnabell
(3) Louella (Davis)
(4) Nina (Miller)
(5) Jerry
(6) Charlotte
4.- Jennie B Childers. b. before 1910 census, age not recorded, died young
5.- Mary M Childers b. ca. 1916, m. George Cork; Children Jack, Stanley.
6.- Madeline R Childers, b. ca. 1918, m. Ford Brown; Children:
(1) Barbara
(2) Richard
(3) Betty
(4) Ralph
(5) Rita Faye
(6) Linda Sharon
b.- Laura Bell Dotson, b. 2 Dec 1879, m. Norman Childers.
This marriage in Ritchie County: "18 Nov 1903...Norman Childers...age 30...b.
Ritchie...resident Doddridge...m. Laura Dotson...age 24...b. Ritchie."
From the 1910 census soundex WV: Doddridge 007 0031 0095
Childers Norman
Laura W 32 WV
Harvey S 04 WV
Otha S 02 WV
From the 1920 census soundex of WV; Doddridge Co. 10 38 4 95:
Childers, Norman W 46 WV
Lara B W 40 WV
Harvey E S 13 WV
Otha T S 11 WV
Nola D 9 WV
Fonda D 7 WV
Danna M D 4 7/12 WV
Willa R S 1 7/12 WV
From the Doddridge Co. Death Register:
Vol. 5 p. 28-A; "Childers Norman, Male, d. Mar 29 1952, age 70, at Ashley Dodd
Co.; bur. Chestnut Grove Cem; b Sept 21, 1873, parents Eilen Greigg Amos Childers ."
Vol. 5 p. 28-C; "Childers Laura Bell, Female, widowed, died Feb 10 1963, age 83y,
at Center Point (Broad Run F. W.); bronchial pneumonia; buried Feb 13, 1963 Chestnut
Grove cemetery, Big Flint Doddridge WV; retired homemaker farming; b Dec 2, 1879
Ritchie Co.; parents Sarah Ann Elder Charles Wesley Dotson; informant Otha Childers
(son), Center Point Rt WV." Six children:
1.- Harvey Childers , b. ca. 1906 (unwed).
2.- 0tha Childers, b. ca. 1908 (unwed).
3.- Nola Childers b. ca. 1911, m. Ferrebe; Children: (1) Janice (2) Norman
4.- Fonda Childers b. ca. 1913, m. Dade
5.- May Childers. b. ca. 1915, m. Vest
6.- Willie Ray Childers b. ca. 1918 (unwed).
Dotson Family
Reunion, 1930s,
at Greenwood Hill
Front row, l to r:
Childers boys (2)
Gerald Gaskins
Mildred Nutter
Velma Gaskins
James M. Dotson
During the 1920s and 30s, a Dotson reunion was held each summer, usually at the
Greenwood Hill or Sunnyside picnic grounds. The children of Charles Wesley Dotson
always attended if possible with their families, including my father Erman Ray. Two
photos of one of these reunions in the early 1930s shows the assembled group, and the
means of transportation for the Childers families.
c.- Ruth Alice Dotson, b. 23 Oct 1881 (unwed).
After the death of her father in 1904, Ruth, along with her brother Erman Ray, then
orphaned, were taken to raise by their cousin Alice Gay Dotson Doll and her husband
William E. Doll. In that household in the 1910 census, Rutha A., 27.
d.- Plezy M. Dotson, b. 14 Apr. 1883, m. Sylvannus Nutter.
From the 1910 Census Soundex WV; Gilmer 010 0039 0006:
Nutter Sylvania H W 29 WV WV
Elizzy (Plezy) W 27 WV
Gleya (Glenna) D NR WV
From the 1920 census soundex of WV; Harrison Co 18 53 23 90 (Southern Ave.):
Nutter, Sylvanis W 40 WV
Plezy W 36 WV
Glennia D 9 WV
Lona D 7 WV
Four children (one deceased):
1.- Glenna Nutter, b. ca. 1911, m. James Bradford.
2.- Lona Nutter, b. ca. 1913, m. Russell Goodlaw.
3.- Mildred Nutter, m. James McCray.
Dotson Family
Reunion, 1930s,
at Greenwood Hill
Childers family
truck, loaded
ready to go home
Sylvannus and Plezy followed the carnivals; were residing at Nutters Fort, Harrison
Co. in the 1950s.
e.- Lillie Mae Dotson, b. 14 July 1884: d. 26 Sept 1981. m. William Cline, 15 March
1903. He b. 19 March 1871.
This marriage in Ritchie Co.: "15 March 1903...William Cline...age 31... resident
Ritchie...m. Lillie May Dotson... age19...b. Ritchie."
From the 1920 census soundex of WV; Ritchie Co 48 115 3 66
Cline, William W 48 Ohio
Lillie W 35 WV
Iva E D 14 WV
Harry E S 11 WV
Mary M. D 8 WV
Susana Mother 79 Ohio
This obituary from the Ritchie GazetteOct 1, 1981: Mrs. Lillie Mae Cline, 97, of 125
Court St. West Union, WV, died Sept 26, 1981, at her residence following a length illness.
She was born July 14, 1884, in Pennsboro, a daughter of the late Charles Wesley and
Sarah Ann Elder Dotson. Her husband, William Cline, preceded her in death Dec 15, 1953.
Surviving are two daughters, Mrs. Iza Mulvay of Rt. 1, Greenwood, and Mrs. Jay (Mary)
Collins of Follansbee; two sons, Harry E. Cline and Wayne Cline, both of West Union; a
sister, Mrs. Loella Williams of Lancaster, OH; nine grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren.
She was also preceded in death by two brothers, five sisters, a grandson and three
She was a member of the Gnats Run United Methodist Church in Ritchie County for
73 years.
Services were held at the Spurgeon Funeral Home in West Union with the Rev. G.
Bland Brady officiating. Burial was in the West Union Masonic Memorial Park."
Four children:
1.- Iva Etta Cline, b. 4 Oct 1905; m. Corbia " Jake" Mulvey. They have two
(1) Delmer Mulvey, b. 17 July 1932; m. Patty Cogar. They have; Sharon
Mulvey, m. Ricky Nutter; and Harlon Mulvey.
(2) Wilmer Dane Mulvey, infant; d. 15 Oct 1939.
2.- Harry Earnest Cline, b. 10 Oct 1908; m. Mildred Lewis. They have two
(1) Delgreta Lee Cline, m. William Tarbet and have; Debbie Tarbet and
Sheril Ann Tarbit.
(2) Harry Cline, m. (1) Judy Davis and have; Rhoda Rene Cline; Judith Lynn
Cline; and Tara Lane Cline.
(2) Harry Cline, m. (2) Shirley Kurlack and have; Cynthia Lee Cline.
3.- Mary Monnie Cline, b. 8 Feb 1911; m. Jay Collins, son of Hiram Collins: for
the Collins line see Jacob Collins Sr. and Phebe Stuthart.24 Four children:
(1) Nina Mae Collins, b. 9 June 1936; m. William Molnar and have; Ricky
Molnar; Monty Lee Molnar; Bonnie Molnar; Renada Molnar; and Darrell Molnar.
(2) Delverna Collins, b. 27 June 1940; m. John Murray McKitrick. They
have; Rhonda June McKitrick; Zena LeAnn McKitrick; and John McKitrick.
(3) Jay Glenn Collins, b. 13 Aug 1943; m. Barbara Guzy and have; Mary Jo
(4) Glenda Rose Collins, b. 13 Sept 1944; m. Bobby V. Lantz and have;
Danny Lantz, b. 18 Jan 1967 and David Lantz, b.
1 Aug, 1969.
4.- William Wayne Cline, b. 8 Aug 1921; m. Waneta McDonald. Three children:
(1) Loraine Cline, m. Tom Marks and have; Tommy Marks and Jimmy
(2) Lorena Cline, m. Terry Smith and have; Terry Lee Smith.
f.- James Robert Dotson, b. May 1886; m. Velma Bruner. Married and lived in
Colorado a large part of his adult life; returned to West Virginia for a time in the 1930s.
From the 1920 census soundex of Colorado; Grand Co. Vol. 6 ED 46 Sheet 8 line 31;
Dodson, James W 33 West Virginia
Enumerated with Hester, Robert; relationship to above; roomer
Three children:
1.- Bernard Elmer Dotson.
2.- Bernita Dotson, m. Franks.
3.- One son deceased.
g.- Louella Dotson, b Mar 1888, m. Sam Williams.
From the 1920 census soundex of WV: Harrison Co. Vol 18 ED 73 Sh 28 line 20
Williams, Samuel A W 45 WV
Loella W 33 WV
Thelma D 11 WV
Charlie Br 38 WV
According to the obituary of her sister Lillie Mae Cline in 1981, quoted above
"surviving...a sister, Mrs. Loella Williams of Lancaster, OH.... " One child:
1.- Thelma Williams, m. Denton
Gaskins (brother of Roy Gaskins, who
m. Iva Maude Dotson).
h.- Erman Ray Dotson, b. 15 Aug
1889; d. 1 July 1967. m. Susie Arman on
3 April 1918. She born 9 June 1891, d. 11
June 1967. both buried IOOF Cemetery,
Erman Ray Dotson and
Susie Arman Dotson
ca. 1920
From the 1920 census soundex of WV; Ritchie 48 113 3 80 Ellenboro Pike St
Dotson, Erman R. W 30 WV
Susie F W 27 WV
Five children:
1.- Wilma Elizabeth Dotson, b. 3 Sept 1921 at Petroleum, Ritchie Co. m. (1)
Herbert Bowersock ca. 1946 Two children:
(1) Ronald Bowersock
(2) Patricia Bowersock Kilgore
1.- Wilma Elizabeth Dotson Bowersock m. (2) Dallas Malone
2.- JamesMilburn Dotson. b. 4 Jan 1923 at Petroleum, Ritchie Co., m. on 20 Dec
1947 at Morgantown, WV, Irma McGinnis of Raleigh Co., b. 25 May 1923. Two children:
(1) Rodney James Dotson b. 2 June 1952, Morgantown, WV
(2) Terrence McGinnis Dotson b. 25 May 1955, Schenectady, NY; d. 14 Aug 1991.
3.- Mildred Louise Dotson, b. 18 June 1926 at Petroleum Ritchie Co.; m. on 15
Jan 1949 at Morgantown WV, John W. Bransford, Jr. of Roane County. Three children:
(1) Jane Louise Bransford, b. 20 Oct 1957, Dearborn, MI m. Roger A.
Feusier 25 Nov 1979
Three children; Jessica Suzanne Feusier, b. 29 Jul 1985; John Roger Feusier, b. 8 Jul
1986; and Clark Thomas Feusier b. 1 June 1988
(2) Susan Ann Bransford, b. 14 Apr 1959 Dearborn MI m. Peter Arcuri. Two
children; Alison Lynne Arcuri b. 7 June 1989 and Anthony John Arcuri b. 9 March 1991
(3) John William Bransford III, b. 7 Apr 1961 Dearborn MI m. Marjorie Lynn
Oglove 21 June 1987
4.-Erman Ray Dotson Jr., b. 12 Oct 1929 at Petroleum, Ritchie Co, m. Gloria
Gunter 14 Jun 1952 at Atlanta GA, Peachtree Christian Church. Four children:
(1) Jeffrey Lynn Dotson, b 25 Apr 1954 at Portsmouth VA
(2) Cynthia Patrice Dotson b. 23 July 1956 at Sandersville GA. m.
Raymond Phillip Jabaley Jr 2 May 1986. Two children: Raymond Phillip Jabaley III, b.
18 Oct 1988 and Carol Marie Jabaley, b. 15 June 1991, both at LaGrange, Georgia.
(3) Stephen Charles Dotson b. 27 May 1962 at Casper WY
(4) Benjami Craig Dotson b 2 Mar 1964 at Sandersville GA; m. 17 Dec 1988
Leigh Ann Brown.
5.-Harold William Dotson, b. 13 February 1933 at Petroleum, Ritchie Co. m. (1)
Myrtle Marie Stanley. Three children;
(1) David Emory Dotson, two children David, Jr. b. 31 Oct 1974 (adopted)
and James b. 1 Nov 1988
(2) Debra Louann Dotson
(3) Dennis Allen Dotson b. 25 Aug 1956, d 10 Jan 1958
5.- Harold m. (2) Della Godfrey (divorced) One child;
(1) Harold William Dotson, Jr. b. 1964 or 65 Macon GA d. 3 hr.
5.- Harold m. (3) Connie Woodson on 11 Nov 1971
i.- Iva Maude Dotson, b. 15 Aug 1891, d. 24 Jan 1959; m. Roy Gaskins.
From Doddridge Co. Death Register Vol. 5 p. 64-C; "Gaskins Iva Maude F died Jan
24 1959, age 67, Salem Rt 2; buried 1/27/ 59 Keys Cemetery Dodd. Co WV; b. Aug 15,
1891, parents Sarah Ann Elder John (sic Charles) Wesley Dotson; informant Roy C.
Gaskins (husband) Rt 2 Salem."
From the 1920 census soundex of WV; Doddridge Co 10 35 11 53:
Gaskins, Roy C W 38 WV
Maude W 27 WV
Forest S 10 WV
Versie D 6 WV
Ranza S 5 WV
Five children:
1.- Forest Gaskins, b. ca. 1910, d. 24 Feb 1986. (unwed)
2.- Versie Gaskins, b. ca. 1914, m. Rex Gaines. Two children:
(1) Delores Gaines, m. F. A. Robertson and have Greg Robertson, Sandy
Robertson, Tammy Robertson, and Karen Robertson.
(2) Lee Ann Gaines, m. Tom Smith and have Patina Smith and Tom Smith.
3.- Ranza E. Gaskins, b. ca. 1915 m. Sarah Ford. Five children:
(1) Lawrence D. Gaskins. b. 18 Dec 1942
(2) Donald E. Gaskins, b 27 Nov 1945.
(3) Lora Jean Gaskins, b. 10 May 1950, m. Roger Friend.
(4) Charles V. Gaskins, b. 21 May 1952.
(5) Gary D. Gaskins, b.
12 Aug 1955.
4.- Gerald Gaskins, m. Dorothy
Ash. Three children:
(1) Sam Gaskins.
(2) Sharon Gaskins
(3) Connie Gaskins.
5.- Velma Gaskins, b. 4 Jan
1923, d. 4 May 1988. m. Elza Tate.
Three children:
(1) Nelda Tate, m. Robert
(2) Jim Tate, m. Penny
(3) Duane Tate.
Gerald, Ranza, and Forrest Gaskins
2.- Delila Ann Dotson, 1847-1903; m. Lawson Dotson.
Lawson Dotson, son of Thomas Dotson and Eliza Dotson, was born on Buck Run in
1848. Delila Ann and Lawson were second cousins, Robert Dotson being a son of Emanuel
Dotson and Mary Redick ("Aunt Polly). Thomas Dotson was a half brother of Emanuel
Dotson. For this family, see Chap. XIV-12 Lawson Dotson.
3.- Mary Elizabeth Dotson, 1849-1934; m. Marshall Dotson, 1844-1888.
Marshall Dotson was a son of Thomas Dotson & Ruth Gregg. For additional
information on the Marshall Dotson line see Chapter XIV-7 and The Gregg Family, 25 page
Mary E. Dotson found in the household of her father Robert in the 1850 census, age
1, and in the 1860 census, age 11.
This marriage in Ritchie County: "2 May 1867...Marshall Dotson...age 23...b.
Ritchie...son of Thomas and Ruth...m. Mary E. Dotson...age 17...b. Ritchie...dau. of Robert
and Catherine.."
From the 1870 census of WV; Ritchie County (279-269):
Marshall Dotson 25 VA Farmer
Mary E 20 VA Hskpr
Ezra B 1 WV
Ruth 63 OH Ret. Hskpr (mother of Marshall)
Elzy 23 VA (brother of Marshall)
From the 1880 census of WV; Ritchie County 151 007:
Dotson, Marshall WM 37 Farmer WV WV OH
Mary E WF 31 Hsk. WV WV WV
Alice WF 8 Dau WV WV WV
Charles WM 6 Son WV WV WV
George A WM 2 Son WV WV WV
Alias R (Elias R) WM 4/12 Son (Jan 1880) WV WV WV
Elza (s) WM 35 Brother WV WV WV
From the 1900 census soundex of WV; Ritchie Clay Dist 30 865 65:
Dotson Mary E W Sept 1849 50 WV
Charles W S June 1874 25 WV
Elias R S Jan 1880 20 WV
Earnest J S Jan 1882 18 WV
Harvy H S Aug 1885 14 WV
Florly M D May 1888 12 WV
From the 1910 census soundex of WV; Ritchie 036 0068 0002:
Dotson Mary E H W 61 WV WV
Elias R S 30 WV
Ernest G S 27 WV
From the 1920 census of soundex WV; Ritchie 48 115 2 46:
Dotson, Mary E W 70 WV
enum. with Dotson, E. J., mother
From Ritchie Co. Deaths, 1919-1970: p. 104; 12; "Dotson Mary Elizabeth, died
Pennsboro rfd, female, white, widow, died May 18 1934, age 84y 8m 10d, hswork, born
Toll Gate, parents Robert Dotson, b. WV, Mary Elizabeth Dotson (sic Catherine), b. WV,
myocarditis, Odie Jones Reg."
In the Buck Run Cemetery: "MARSHALL DOTSON...1844-1888. MARY E. DOTSON...
This obituary from the Pennsboro New s , May 24, 1934—Mary E. Dotson
"Mrs. Mary Elizabeth Dotson, one of Buck Run's oldest and most highly respected
women, died Friday morning after an extended illness. The funeral was held from the Buck
Run Church Sunday afternoon, conducted by evangelist G. W. Atkins and interment made
in the nearby cemetery, McCulty and McKinley in charge. Mrs. Dotson would have been
85 years old September 8. She was the wife of the late Marshall Dotson who died February
13, 1889.
She is survived by the following children; Charles W. Dotson, George A. Dotson,
Elias R. (Rob) Dotson and Earnest Dotson, with whom she lived on Buck Run; Harvey .
Dotson of Parkersburg and Mrs. Howard Doak of Greenwood; also by twenty eight
grandchildren and 17 great grandchildren. G. T. Dotson of Akron Ohio is a surviving
brother. Two children are dead, one of them (Alice Gay) the wife of W E. Doll. Mrs.
Dotson has been a member of the Church of Christ since early childhood."
Parents of eight children:
a.- Ezra B. Dotson, b. 1869
b.- Alice Gay Dotson, b. 6 Oct 1871
c.- Charles W. Dotson, b. 3 June 1874
d.- George A. Dotson, b. 13 Nov 1878
e.- Elias Robert Dotson, b. Jan 1880
f.- Ernest Jefferson Dotson, b. 4 Jan 1883
g.- Harvey Dotson, b. 20 Aug 1885
h.- Flora Mae Dotson, b. 3 May 1888
a.-Ezra B. Dotson b. 1869. In the 1870 census, enumerated, age 1 yr., with his parents
Marshall and Mary E Dotson. Died young (1874). In the Buck Run Cemetery: "Ezra B
Dotson...1869...in his 5th year... Son of M & M E Dotson"
b.-Alice Gay Dotson, b. 6 Oct 1871; d. 5 Nov 1917; m. William Doll. He b. 1848,
d. 28 April 1938.
In the Buck Run Cemetery; "William E Doll...1848-1938, Alice G Doll...1871-1917".
From Ritchie Co. Deaths 1919-1970, p. 106; "Doll William Edward, male, widow,
died Pennsboro Apr 28 1938; age 89y 5m 17d, farmer, b. WV parents, Daniel Doll, b VA,
Darius (Dorcus) Ferrebe, b. VA, myocardiat. degeneraton, etc., rept. by Odie Jones regis."
This marriage in Ritchie County: "10 Nov 1891...William E. Doll...widow...age
42...b. Mineral Co...resident Ritchie...m. Alice G. Dotson...age 21...b. Ritchie.
From the 1900 soundex of WV; Ritchie Clay Dist 30 86 5 92:
Doll, William E W Nov 1849 50 WV
Alice G W Oct 1871 28 WV
Bertha D May 1895 5 WV
Ezra C S Aug 1899 6/12 WV
Dorcas M Mar 1826 74 NJ
From the 1910 census of Ritchie County (Clay Dist. ED 0067, Sh. 0254, 15 April 1910,
Supervisors Dist B F McGinnis, 251, 254):
Doll, William E. Head Male White 59 Mar.(2) yr.mar.18 VA Eng. US
Alice G Wife F 37 Mar.(1) yr. mar.18 WV WV WV
Ezra C. Son M 10 Single WV VA WV
Archie M. Son M 7 S WV VA WV
Vina M. Dau F 4 S WV VA WV
Alta E. Dau F 2 S WV VA WV
Alva N. Son M 2 S WV VA WV
Dotson, Erman R. Cous.* M 20 S (Teacher) WV WV WV
Dotson, Rutha A. Cous.* F 27 S WV WV WV
*On the death in 1904 of their father Charles Wesley Dotson, Erman Ray and Rutha
A Dotson, then orphans, were taken to raise in the home of William E, and first cousin
Alice Gay Dotson Doll.
Erman Ray (the author's father) remained close to his "foster" father William Doll
until the latter's death in 1938, and later with his Doll "brothers", Ezra, Archie and Nathan.
The author fondly remembers the visits and stories of "Grandpa Doll" at Erman Ray's
home at Petroleum during the 1920s and 1930s. At this time William Doll was pretty well
'laid up' with rheumatism but his stories remained vivid.
William Doll, a stone-mason by trade, was born in the same house as NancyHanks
Lincoln in Mineral County, near 'the Saddle'.
For a family history sketch of William Edward Doll by his son Nathan, please see page
108 of The History of Ritchie County West Virginia to 1980.
Erman Ray Dotson mowing hay on William E. Doll farm near Pennboro, WVMr. Doll at right; ca. 1915
Five children:
1.- Bertha B. Doll, b. May 1895; died 5 Nov 1902 (Ritchie Co. Deaths, p. 96).
2.- Ezra Carson Doll, b. Aug 1899, m. Alice McCullough. Two children:
(1) Dorothy Doll, m. John Burrows and have; David Burrows; Danny
Burrows; and Johnny Burrows.
(2) David Doll, m. Loretta .
3.- Archie Marion Doll, b. 15 Sept 1902; d. 11 Jan 1968; m. Edra Calhoun. Six
(1) Archie Marion Doll, Jr., m. Rosemary McCullough and have; Randall
Doll, m. Kim ____ and have, Ryan Doll; Karen Ann Doll, m. Janes Johnson and have
Brian Johnson; Archie Lee Johnson; and Carey Johnson.
(2) George Doll, m. Betty Tennant and have; Myra Doll.
(3) John Doll, m. Evelyn Gross and have, Sandra Doll, m. Mike Keller; and
Mickie Doll.
(4) Ernest Doll, m. Loretta Tasket and have, Donita Doll and Patricia Doll.
(5) Louise Doll, b. 27 July 1926; m. Ray Flanagan, Jr., 2 Oct 1944. He b.
11 March 1925. (For this family, see Descendants of John Wilson, 26 page 123). They have,
Mike Flanagan, b. 13 Dec 1946, m. Carolyn Hooper and have, Michael Ray Flanagan;
Linda Flanagan, b. 10 Sept 1950, m. Robert Hill, 16 Oct 1970; Joe Flanagan, b. 3 May 1954,
m. Charlotte Thomas, 1976; and Gregg Flanagan.
(6) Jean Doll, m. Tom Summers, Sr. and have, Tom Summers, Jr., m. Pamela
Hurst and have Regina Summers, b. 12 Sept 1972; and David Summers.
4.- Vina May Doll, b. ca. 1906, m. Otto Haines. Twelve children:
(1) Thelma Haines, m. Peter Malinotto.
(2) Edith Haines, m. Edward Sampson.
(3) Norma Haines, m. George Serbin.
(4) Erma Haines, m. Davin Bayus.
(5) Peggy Haines, m. Donald Miller.
(6) Goldie Haines, m. James Kerr.
(7) Ruth Haines, m. Bob Wishard.
(8) James Haines.
(9) Donnie Haines.
(10) Jerry Haines.
(11) Edward Haines.
(12) Dean Haines, m. Linda Lou Kitchen.
5.- Alva Nathan Doll, b. ca. 1908, m. (1) Gertrude Markle. Three children:
(1) Alice Doll.
(2) Alva Lee Doll.
(3) Edward Doll.
5.- Alva Nathan Doll, m. (2) Irene Campbell Weekley
This obituary from the Ritchie Gazette June 1982: "Wife of Former News Editor Dies
in Broaddus Hospital: Mrs. Irene Doll, 71, of 209 E. Raymond Ave., Pennsboro, WV, died
Thursday evening June 17, 1982, at Broaddus Hospital in Philippi, WV.
She was born in Marietta, OH, a daughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. Frank Campbell.....She
is survived by her second husband, Nathan Doll, former owner and publisher of the
Pennsboro News; a daughter, Mrs. Nell DeLancey of Williamstown; a stepdaughter,
Mrs. Alice L Zegrea of Winston-Salem, NC; two step-sons, FloydDoll of Cincinnati, OH,
and Alva Doll of Clarksburg, WV; and nine grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her first husband, Rex G. Weekley, a daughter and a
sister....Burial was in the Pennsboro Masonic Cemetery."
Living in 1991, Nathan Doll was honored as Grand Marshall of the Country Roads
Festival at Pennsboro.
6.-Alta Doll, b. ca. 1908; died young.
c.-Charles W. Dotson, b. 3 June 1874; d. 13 April 1966. He m. Minnie Doak; b. 1884;
d. 9 Feb 1959.
From Ritchie Co. Deaths 1919-1970, p. 112, "Dotson Charles W. male, widow, died
Pennsboro April 13 1966, age 91y - -, farmer, b. Ritchie Co, parents Marshall Dotson, Mary
E. Dotson, bronchopneumonia, rept. by Nelle Cannon Registrar" and p. 112, "Dotson
Minnie Ellen, female, married, died Pennsboro Rt 1 Feb 21 1959, age 74y - -, housewife,
b. WV, parents W L Doak, Lucindia McGinnis, artery occlusion, rept. Nelle Cannon,
In the Buck Run Cemetery: "CHARLES W. DOTSON...1874-1966. MINNIE E.
From the 1910 census soundex of WV: Ritchie 036 0068 0005
Dotson Charles W H W 35 WV WV
Minnie E W 25 WV
Marshal (Avery) S 06 WV
Ivah G D nr WV
Parents of four children:
1.-M. Avery Dotson, b. ca. 1904, d. Feb 24, 1991. m. Delia E. McKinney; d. Sept 11,
1988. One child:
(1) Marlene Dotson, m. Clarence Maze.
From Avery Dotson's obituary appearing in the Ritchie Gazette, April 28, 1991. "M.
Avery Dotson, 87, of 107 Willow St., Pennsboro, WV, died Sunday Feb 24, 1991 in
Camden-Clark Memorial Hospital, Parkersburg, WV.
He was born in Buck Run (Ritchie County), WV, a son of the late Charles W. and
Minnie E. Doak Dotson...Surviving are a daughter, Mrs. Clarence (Marlene) Maze, Jr. of
Petersburg, VA; a brother, Everett Dotson of Pennsboro; two sisters, Cartha Collins and
Iva Poole, both of Pennsboro; and two grandsons, Tom Maze of Fayetteville, NC, and John
Maze of Charlottesvile, VA. Preceding him in death was his wife, Delia E. McKinney
Dotson, Sept 11, 1988...Burial was in Coleman Cemetery, near Crystal Lake (Doddridge
For a family history sketch and photograph of M. Avery and Delia McKinney Dotson,
please see p. 110 of The History of Ritchie County West Virginia to 1980.27
2.- Iva Dotson, m. Howard Poole. Three children:
(1) Keith Poole, m. Velma Dougherty. They have; Karen Poole, m. William
Ellyson; Larry Poole, m. Debbie ; Brian Poole; and Kevin Poole.
(2) Ethan Poole, m. Jean Reed. They have; Ethan Allen Poole; and EricGlen
(3) Sharon Poole, m. Gerald Hall. They have; Gerald "Gerry" Hall; Terry
Hall; Michael Hall; and Mark Hall.
3.- Cartha Dotson, m. William Collins. Four children:
(1) Norma Jean Collins. Died young of burns.
(2) Floyd Collins, m. Mary Lou Mahony. They have; Pam Collins and Penny
(3) Lyndon Collins, m. Judy Penniger. They have; Stacy Collins.
(4) Neil Collins, m. Lila Coast. They have; Brett Collins.
4.- Everett Dotson, b. Dec 17, 1917 (Ritchie Co. Reg. of Births "Lenard Evert
Dotson, b. Pennsboro, father Chas. W Dotson, mother Minnie E. Doak Dotson") m.
Virginia Amos. Two children:
(1) Charles Dotson, m. Pamela Doak Markle. They have; Marsha Lynn
(2) Denise Dotson, m. Rocky Walters. She d. 1975. They had: Jennifer
d.- George Albert Dotson, b. 13 Nov 1878; d. 14 Jan 1942. He m. (1) Nettie Doll. She
d. 18 Nov 1902.
This marriage in Ritchie Co.: "11 Sept 1897...George A. Dotson...age 19...b.
Ritchie...Stanley...m. Nettie A Doll...age 22...b. Ritchie...Stanley"
From Ritchie Deaths p. 96; "Nettie Dotson d. Buck Run , age 28, consumption; b.
1874, parents W. (William) E. and A. G. Doll; consort G. A. Dotson rept by G. A. Dotson
husband. (Nettie a child of W E Doll's first marriage, not his second to Alice Gay Dotson
in 1891)
In the Buck Run Cemetery: "NETTIE A. DOTSON...1875-1902."
Parents of two children:
1.- Gertrude Dotson, m. David Ryan. One child:
(1) Arthur Ryan, m. Nellie Mossor. They have; Rosalie Ryan, m. Joseph
Snyder and have Joe Snyder.
2.- Asa Dotson, m. Edith Nutter. Two children:
(1) Eleanor Dotson, m. Stanton Maple. They have; Larry Maple; Jimmie
Maple; Steven Maple; and Richard Maple.
(2) Carolyn Dotson, m. Steve Taylor. They have; Steven Taylor.
For a family history sketch of the Asa Arthur Dotson family please see p. 109 of The
History of Ritchie County West Virginia to 1980.
d.- George A. Dotson, m. (2) Ina Fleming.
This marriage in Ritchie Co.: "16 Jan 1910...G. A. Dotson...widow...age 32...b.
Ritchie...m. Ina Fleming...age 18...b. Doddridge...resident Ritchie."
In the Buck Run Cemetery: "GEORGE A. DOTSON...1878-1942. INA F. DOTSON...
From Ritchie Co. Deaths (1919-1970)106 27: "Dotson George Albert, d. Pennsboro
rfd, Jan 11 1942, age 63y 2m 1d; farmer; b. Buck Run, parents Marshel L Dotson, b. WV
and Mary E Dotson, b. WV; bronchial pneumonia rept. by Odie Jones." Two children:
3.- Homer Dotson, m. Marie Dotson. For Marie Dotson's line see Chapter V-1
Emanuel Dotson (Hiram). Homer and Marie Dotson operated a store and the Toll Gate
postoffice for many years.
This obituary from the Ritchie Gazette, Feb 18, 1983:
"Homer Kenneth Dotson, 69, of Toll Gate. WV. died Monday, Feb 14, 1983, at his
home following a brief illness.
He was born in Ritchie County, WV, a son of the late George Albert and Ina Fleming
Dotson. He was owner and operator of the Toll Gate Grocery and was a farmer in
Doddridge and Ritchie counties.
Surviving are his wife, Marie D. Dotson; two daughters, Linda D. Jones of Toll
Gate,and Bonnie D. Grose of Parkersburg, WV; a son, Roger 'Doc' Dotson of Toll Gate;a
brother, Clifford Dotson of Pennsboro, WV; a half-brother, Asa Dotson of Pennsboro; six
grandchildren and a great-granddaughter.
Services were held at the Spurgeon Funeral Home in West Union, WV, burial was in
the Pennsboro Masonic Cemetery." Three children:
(1) Linda Lou Dotson, m. Glen Jones. They have; Tammy LaDawn Jones,
Rebecca Yvonne Jones, m. Ash; and Terry Glen Jones.
(2) Bonnie Lee Dotson, m. Kenneth Grose. They have; Kevin Gale Grose;
KendaLee Grose; and Stephanie Kay Grose, stillborn 1972.
(3) Roger Dean Dotson, m. Helen Richards. They have; Katrina Dotson,
4.- Clifford Dotson, m. Mildred Dotson. Sister of
Marie Dotson, above.
e.- Elias Robert Dotson, m. Martha Washburn.
This marriage in Ritchie Co.: "17 May 1914...E. Robert
Dotson...age 34...b. Ritchie...m. Martha E. Washburn...age
19...b. Ritchie."
1920 census soundex of WV; Ritchie 48 115 2 33:
Dotson E R W 40 WV
Martha W 25 WV
Decie D 4 11/12 WV
Leslie S 4 11/12 WV
Lloyd A S 3 11/12 WV
Ora S 1 2/12 WV
This obituary from the Ritchie Gazette June 27, 1985:
"Mrs. Martha E. Dotson, 91, of Pennsboro, WV, Died
Saturday, June 22, 1985, in Parkview Health Care Center,
Parkersburg, WV, after a long illness.
She was born at Mountain (Ritchie County), WV,
daughter of the late Loyd C. and Mary Elizabeth Doak Washburn. She was a member of
the Pennsboro Church of Christ and Pennsboro Senior Citizens. Surviving are two
daughters, Mrs. Delcie W. Jackson and Mary Lucile Dotson, both of Pennsboro, WV;
three sons, Leslie W. Dotson and Berkley W. Dotson, both of Pennsboro, WV, and
Marshall Loyd Dotson of Charleston, WV; a brother, Aubra Washburn of Coolville, OH;
13 grandchildren and 24 great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by a son and three brothers.
Services were held a McCullough-Rogers Funeral Home, Pennsboro..."
Elias Robert "Robb"
Dotson as a young
Six children:
1.- Leslie Wyman Dotson (twin), m. Wilma Hart. Two children:
(1) Dolores Dotson, m. Larry Butcher. They have; Deborah Butcher; Timothy
Butcher; Bradley Butcher; and Jason Butcher.
(2) David Dotson, m. Bonnie Davis.
2.- Delcie Winnifred Dotson (twin), m. Carrol Jackson. Six children:
(1) Leamon Jackson, m. Sharon Hill. They have; Timothy Jackson; and
Melissa Jackson.
(2) Norman Jackson, m. Gladys Hurst. They have; Mark Jackson; Beckey
Jackson; and Steven Jackson.
(3) Judy Jackson (twin), m. Joseph Basile. They have; Julie Basile; and Jason
(4) Robert Jackson (twin), m. Melinda Jamison.
(5)Sandra Jackson, m. Roy Hammond. Divorced. They had; Kelli Hammond.
(6) Barbara Jackson.
3.- 0ra Marvin Dotson, d. 1976; m. Lorean McKinney. Two children:
(1) Sonja Dotson, m. Steve Upton. They have; Andrew Üpton.
(2) Letita Dotson, m. John Bennett.
4.- Marshall Lloyd Dotson, b. ca. 1917, d. May 10, 1992. m. (1) Marion Stevens.
One child:
(1) Marshall L. Dotson II, m. Ramona . They have; Micky Dotson.
4.- Marshall Lloyd Dotson, m. (2) Kathryn Weekley. Two children:
(2) Gregory Dotson.
(3) Cathy Jo Dotson, m. Higginbotham.
5.- Lucille Dotson (unwed).
6.- Berkeley Dotson (unwed).
f.- Ernest Jefferson Dotson, m. Opal Faye Sellers, 3 Nov 1926. He b. 4 Jan 1883; d.
5 Dec 1969.
In Buck Run Cemetery: "ERNEST J. DOTSON...1883-1969. OPAL FAYE DOTSON...
1906-." Opal Faye Dotson died 24 Apr 1992.
For a family history sketch of the Earnest Dotson family, please see p. 111 of The
History of Ritchie County West Virginia to 1980. Two children:
1.- Lona Mae Dotson, b. 27 Oct 1927; m. Robert Doak, 13 Sept 1946. This
obituary from the Ritchie Gazette Nov 14, 1991:
"Lona Mae Doak, 64, of Buck Run Community, Pennsboro, WV, died Saturday, Nov
9, 1991, in St Joseph's Hospital, Parkersburg, WV.
She was born in the Buck Run Community, Ritchie County, WV, a daughter of Opal
Faye Sellers Dotson of Pennsboro and the late Ernest J. Dotson. She was homemaker and
a member of the Pennsboro Church of Christ.
Surviving, in addition to her mother, are her husband, Robert W. Doak; a son, Gary
L Doak of Buck Run Community; a daughter, Sheila Diane Wells, a sister, Glenda J.
Dotson, and two grandsons, Evan Wells and Chris Wells, all of Pennsboro.
Services were held at the McCullough-Rogers Funeral Home, Pennsboro, with
Evangelists Cecil Dotson and Terry Jones officiating. Burial was in the Buck Run
Two children:
(1) Gary L. Doak.
(2) Sheila Dianne Doak. m. a Wells.
2.- Glenda Jean Dotson, b. 30 July 1946. Not married.
g.- Harvey Dotson, b. 20 Aug 1885; d. 16 Feb 1941. He m. Stella Williamson. See
page 77 The Doak Family. Six children:
1.- Robert Ray Dotson, m. Grace Emeric. Three children:
(1) Alta Jaunita Dotson, m. Earl Newberry Jr. They have; David Wayne
Newberry, m. Jean Walker : Diane Kay Newberry, m. Robert Rissiter and have Donna Jean
Rissiter, Debra June Rissiter and Dale Ann Rissiter.
(2) Betty Jean Dotson, m. Edward Pfalsgraf. They have; Jeanette Pfalsgraf
and Jennifer Pfalsgraf.
(3)Carolyn Ruth Dotson, m. Paul Skidmore. They have; Kevin Ray Skidmore;
Kemp Gray Skidmore; and Kary Shay Skidmore.
2.- Martha Bell Dotson, b. 20 May 1911; m. Tom Butterfield, 12 Sept 1938. He
b. 8 Nov 1903. Two children:
(1) Thomas Dotson "Tom" Butterfield, b. 26 Aug 1940; m. Nina Deane,
6 Sept 1958. She b. 21 Nov 1940. They have; Thomas Mark Butterfield, b. 2 Aug 1959;
Brenda Jo Butterfield, b. 11 July 1940; Paul William Butterfield, b. 12 Jan 1963; and Brian
Jennings Butterfield, b. 24 July 1970.
(2) William Butterfield, b. 25 Aug 1945; m. Linda Lou Stanley, 6 June 1965.
She b. 26 April 1947. They have; William Shawn Butterfield, b. 12 July 1969. (Adopted).
3.- Estil E. Dotson, m. Clifford Butterfield. Two children: (1) David Eugene
Butterfield, m. Ann Carol Stephens. They have; Kristie Karie Butterfield.
(2) Janet Sue Butterfield, m. Gary Lee Truex.
4.- Cecil Dotson, b. Sept 1914; m. Helen Tennant, 22 Nov 1939. She b. 15 May
1912; d. 6 Oct 1972. Three children:
(1) Connie Dotson, m. Bill Bartels, 14 July 1961. She b. 26 Feb 1943. They
have; William "Billy" Bartels, b. 20 Oct 1963; and Brad Bartels, b. 13 June 1969.
(2) Sherry Dotson, m. Rollins. One child.
(3) Douglas Dotson, m. Carol Crawford, 3 June 1966. They have; Pamela
Kristine Dotson, b. 5 June 1967 and Casey Sue Dotson, b. 22 Sept 1969.
5.- Josephine Dotson, b. 25 Nov 1923, m. Earl Florence, 15 Dec 1946. He b. 26
Oct 1914. Two children:
(1) Patty Ilene Florence, b. 16 Sept 1947; m. Michael Balisle, 19 Dec 1970.
He b. 11 Sept 1949.
(2) Gala Jo Florence, b. 17 Jan 1956.
6.- Dale Dotson, m. Shirley .
h.- Flora Mae Dotson, b. 3 May 1888: m. Howard Doak.
This marriage in Ritchie Co.: "24 April 1907...Howard Doak...age 22...b. Doddridge...m.
Flora May Dotson...age 19...b. Ritchie."
In the Buck Run Cemetery: "HOWARD DOAK...1884-1959. FLORA M.
Three children:
1.- Carl Doak, m. Vada Young. Two children:
(1) Dorothy Doak, m. Robert Cazad. Divorced. They had; Gary Cazad; and
Mark Cazad.
(2) Vernon Doak, m. Aloma Cristel. They have; Jeffrey Doak; and Pamela
2.- 0pal Doak, m. Arden Hodge. Five children:
(1) Judy Hodge, m. Marshall Doll. They have; Angela Doll.
(2) Paula Hodge, m. Michael Waldo. They have; Nocole Waldo.
(3) Martha Kay Hodge, m. .
(4) Roger Hodge.
(5) David Hodge.
3.- Marshall Doak, m. Edith McCullough.
This obituary from the Ritchie Gazette Feb 20, 1992:
"Marshall 'Doc' Doak, 71, of Pennsboro, WV, died Thursday Feb 13, 1992 in
Camden-Clark Memorial Hospital, Parkersburg, WV.
He was born in Greenwood (Doddridge County), WV, a son of the late David Howard
and Flora Mae Dotson Doak...
Surviving are his wife, Edythe McCullough Doak; a daughter, Mrs. Charles (Pam)
Dotson of Pennsboro; a brother, Carl Doak of Proctorville, OH; a sister Opal Hodge of
Berea, WV; and two grandchildren, Marsha Dotson and Ryan Dotson, both of
Pennsboro....burial followed in the Mount Harmony Masonic Cemetery, Pennsboro...."
One child:
(1) Pamela Doak, m. (1) Cecil "Butch" Markle. Killed in racing car accident.
(1) Pamela Doak, m. (2) Charles Dotson. They have; Marsha Lynn Dotson
and Ryan Dotson.
4.- Sarah Dotson, b. 1858. m. Samuel Richards on 5 Dec 1889.
Sarah found in the household of her father Robert Dotson in the census of 1860, age
2; 1870, age 12; and 1880, age 21.
This marriage in Ritchie Co.: "5 Dec 1889...Samuel F. Richards...age 26...b. Ritchie...m.
Sarah H. Dotson...age 31...b. Ritchie."
1900 census soundex of WV ; Ritchie Co. Union Dist; 30 93 11 25:
Richards, Samuel R W Jan 1863 37 WV
Sarah H W Feb 1858 42 WV
Myrtle G D Jan 1891 9 WV
Harvey O S Oct 1893 6 WV
Alpheus W S June 1896 3 WV
1910 census soundex of WV; Doddridge Co. 007 0033 0001:
Richards Samuel H W 47 WV WV
Myrtle D 19 WV
Harvey S 16 WV
Alfa S Nr WV
Three children:
a.- Myrtle Richards. b. Jan 1891. Never married. Lived with her brother, Alpha
Richards. Died at Pennsboro.
b.- Harvey Richards, b. Oct 1893. m. Margaret Elder. Six children:
1.- Darrell Richards, m. Joyce Monahan. One child: (1) Melanie Richards, m.
Thomas Ferris.
2.- Bernard Richards, m. Freda Cornell. Four children:
(1) Gary Richards, m. Ann Ayers and have; Angeline Richards.
(2) Roger Richards.
(3) John Richards.
(4) Martha Richards.
3.- Stanley Richards, m. Betty Cornell. Four children:
(1) Ralph Richards.
(2) Wayne Richards.
(3) Randall Richards.
(4) Larry Richards.
4.- Stella Richards. Unmarried.
5.- Frances Richards, m. Dale Masters. Four children:
(1) James Masters.
(2) Janet Masters, m. Jason Goff.
(3) Julie Masters.
(4) Lisa Masters.
6.- Arnold Richards, m. Mary Taylor. Mary is a dau. of Tighe Flinn Taylor,
who is a son of Susannah Bell Wilson and James D. Taylor, who is a son of James
Taylor and Lovisa Dotson. For this family, see page 193 Descendants of John Wilson.
30 Four children:
(1) Terry Richards.
(2) Dinah Richards.
(3) Debbie Richards.
(4) Mark Richards.
c.- Alpha Richards. b. June 1896. Never married. Sister Myrtle lived with him. Had
a store at Pennsboro, W.Va.
5.- George T. Dotson, b. 1856,
From the Index and Register of Births Doddridge County, W. Va. Vol. 1, p. 8: "Nov
1, 1856, Dotson, Geo. Thomas, Male, parents; Catherine and Robert Dotson". m. (1) Mary
Doll and (2) Nancy Doll; they were sisters, daughters of Daniel and Dorcas Ferrebe Doll.
In the household of his father Robert Dotson in the census of 1860, age 6, and in 1870,
age 14.
From the 1880 census of WV; Ritchie Co. 151 004:
Doll, Daniel WM 52 Farmer WV WV WV
Dorcas WF 52 Wife Hskp. WVEN EN
Nancy V WF 25(?) Dau At home WV WV WV
Martha A WF 39 Dau At home WV WV WV
Dotson, George (m) WM 24 Sil Farmer WV WV WV
Dotson, Mary (m) WF 20 Dau At home WV WV WV
Dotson, Dorcas V WF 1 G/Dau WV WV WV
Dotson, Wm T WM 4/12 G/Son (Jan 1880) WV WV WV
George T Dotson m. (1) Mary V. Doll, 24 Jan 1878. This marriage in Ritchie Co.:
"24 Jan 1878...George T. Dotson...age 22...b. Doddridge...res. Ritchie...son of Robert and
Catherine...m. Mary V. Doll...age 18 ...b. Tyler...resident Ritchie...dau. of Daniel and
Dorcas...by D. W. Ward".
Parents of two known children:
a.-Dorcas V. Dotson, b. ca. 1879
b.- William T. Dotson, b. Jan 1880. m. . . Parents of three children:
1.- Carl Dotson.
2.- Lee Dotson.
3.- Gertrude Dotson, m. Langfitt. One child, deceased.
George T Dotson m. (2) Nancy Doll. This marriage in Doddridge Co. (Bk 3 p. 79):
April 5, 1885 George T. Dotson and Nancy Doll.
George and Nancy signed a deed as an heir to George's father Robert Dotson's estate,
(Ritchie Deeds Book 41 p. 199), and acknowledged it in Roane County on 7 Sept 1894.
George T. Dotson was not found in either the 1900 or 1910 census soundex of WV. In the
obituary of his sister Mary Elizabeth Dotson in 1934: " G. T. Dotson of Akron Ohio is a
surviving brother." Parents of six children:
c.-Mae Dotson, m. McCune.
d.-George Wesley Dotson.
e.-R. Sheldon Dotson.
f, g, and h.-Girls. Deceased.
6.-Alice Dotson
From Ritchie Births: "6 December 1860; Alice Dotson, parents; Robert and Catherine
Dotson." Must have died young; not in 1870 census of father Robert Dotson.
Thomas Dotson, b. 1824, m. Lydia Williams.
Note; the title "Jr." for Thomas Dotson Jr. is used to distinguish this Thomas (son of
Emanuel Sr. and Mary) from his uncle Thomas Sr. who was the son of Richard Dotson Sr.
and Amelia Miller Dotson. This use follows the custom of the time (19th century, e.g.
Ritchie Deed Book Index 1843-1900) and does not indicate the present-day (20th century)
implication of a father-son relationship.
Thomas Jr. was another of Lowther's31 six identified as children of "Aunt Polly".
This marriage in Ritchie County: "Nov 28, 1847...Thomas Dotson, 22 m Lydia
Williams, 17, by Eli Riddle." She was a dau. of Elias Williams and Honora Trenarie.
From the 1850 census of VA; Ritchie County:
Dotson, Thomas age 26 years (farmer) born in Virginia
Lydia 21
From the 1860 census of VA; Ritchie County (534-509):
Thomas Dodson 35 Va Farmer (value of real est. $1000)
Lydia 31 Va
From the 1870 census of WV; Ritchie County (275-265):
Thomas Dotson 45 Va Farmer (value of real est. $1500)
Lydia 40 Va Hskpr
W W Cooper 11 Va
Eliza J Lawson 19 Va
We find no record of Thomas and Lydia as having any children. Records examined
included a. the census of 1850, 60, and 70 quoted above, b. Ritchie births 1853-1872 (LDS
film 32505 pt 205) and c. the deed cited below in which his heirs-at-law included no
children, but instead his brothers and sisters then known or assumed to be living.
In the Ritchie Deaths, p. 25: "Dotson, Thomas Dec 26, 1873, d. Buck Run fever age
49y 2m, parents Emanuel and Mary Dotson, born in Harrison Co. farmer, consort; did not
give person rept."
In the Arnold Creek Cemetery; "Rev Thos Dotson d Dec 26, 1873 age 49y 2m 19 day"
In 1874, Thomas, Jr.'s widow, Lydia Dotson, became the second wife of his brother,
John S. Dotson. See Chapter VII-8.
This marriage in Ritchie County: "24 Dec 1874...John S. Dotson, 53...widower...b.
Harrison Co... Res. Rit. Co...Parents, Emanuel & Mary; and Lydia Dotson, 45...widow...b.
Harrison Co...res. Rit. Co...parents, Elias & Williams by Stephen Loveall."
Her parents were Elias Williams and Honora Trenarie. In The Williams Family32 by
Carsie Williams, he states; "We know that there were more than two daughters but we do
not have their names." This would be one of the unnamed daughters. The other unnamed
daughter may be "Mary Williams." but this is not proven. This marriage in Tyler County:
"3 Jan 1833...Edward Thomas and Mary Williams by John Ripley"
Lydia was a sister of John Williams, who m. Naomi Dotson (Chapter XVIII).
Joseph Dotson, b. 1827; d. 1893; m. Christiana Tralinger, 28 October 1856.
This marriage in Dodd. Co; "28 Oct 1856...Joseph L. Dotson, 28...single...born
Harrison Co... res. Dodd. Co...Parents, Emanuel & Mary; and Christiana Tralinger, 18...
single...b. Allegheny Co., Md...res. Dodd. Co...Parents, Joseph and & Mary T."
Christiana Tralinger, b. 1838...died 1919. In the Buck Run Cemetery: "Joseph Dotson
1827-1893. Christina Dotson 1838-1919"
From the 1850 census of VA; Ritchie County, Dwl. 534, Fam. 534:
Dotson, Joseph 23 (farmer) VA
Mary 65 PA
This is Mary Redick ("Aunt Polly") the mother of Joseph Dotson.
From the 1860 census of VA; Ritchie County, 540-515:
Joseph Dodson 32 VA Farmer
Christena 22 MD
Mary J 3 VA
Fred N 1 VA
John S (brother) 37 VA Fm hand
From the 1870 census of WV; Ritchie County, 285-275:
Joseph Dotson 42 VA Farmer
Christina 32 MDHskpr
Mary J 12 VA
Frederick N 10 VA
Rozena A 8 VA
Margaret C 5 WV
Flora B 3 WV
Sarah I 3/12 WV
From the 1880 census of WV; Ritchie County, 151 (Clay) 003:
Dotson, Joseph WM 52 Farmer WV WV WV
Christina WF 45 Wife Kp. house MD MD MD
Frederic WM 20 Son Farmer WV WV WV
Rosa A WF 18 Dau At home WV WV WV
Margarite WF 16 Dau At home WV WV WV
Flora B WF 14 Dau At home WV WV WV
Rosina WF 8? Dau WV WV WV
Joseph M WM 2 Son WV WV WV
From the 1900 census soundex of WV; 30 86 8 51 Ritchie Clay Dist:
Dotson, Christina W May 1839 61 Maryland
Double Zelinial A S L June 1855 44 PA
Margaret C D July 1867 32 WV
Green Ira B G D Aug 1888 11 WV
Double, Hazel G G D June 1899 11/12 WV
From the 1910 census soundex of WV; Ritchie 036 0068 0039
Dotson Christina M 71 Maryland WV
enumerated with Dotson Fred N H W
They were parents of seven (possibly eight) children:
1.-Mary J Dotson b. Aug 30 1857 (Ritchie Co. Births "M M Dotson parents Joseph
and Christine".
2.- Fredrick N. Dotson, b. 1859; d. 1943. He m. Nancy Loveall, b. 1858; d. 1941.
This marriage in Tyler County: "4 May 1881...Fredrick W. Dotson, 21...b. Rit.
Co...and Nancy Loveall, 22...b. Wetzel Co...by E. J. "Doc" Taylor."
From the 1900 census soundex WV; Tyler Centerville Dist. 34 8116 28:
Dotson Fred W nr nr 39 WV
Nancy C W July 1858 41 WV
Delbert S Aug 1882 17 WV
Eddie S Dec 1891 8 WV
From the 1910 census soundex of WV; Ritchie 036 0068 0039:
Dotson Fred N H W 50 WV WV
Nancy C W 51 WV
Edward B S 18 WV
Christina M 71 Maryland
From the 1920 census soundex of WV; Ritchie 48 115 2 64:
Dotson, F M W 60 WV
From Ritchie Co. Deaths (1919-1970), p. 106 41: "Dotson, Frederick, died Greenwood
route 1, male, white, widow, Aug 31 1943; age 84y -m 9d, farmer, res. Buck Run, parents
Joseph Dotson, b. Rit. WV, Christine Trellinger, b. Rit WV, nat. cause senility, Bertha J.
Riddle Registrar"
From Ritchie Co. Deaths (1919-1970), p. 106 22, "Dotson, Nancy Kathyrn Loveall,
Harrisville route no. 2; female, white, married, d. May 31 1941, age 82y 10m 30d,
Housewife, b. Wetzel Co., parents Stephen Loveall, b. Pa, Harriet Foster Cox, b. Wetzel
Co., Fracture rt. hip acute myocardites, Odie Jones Regis."
They lived on Buck Run. In the Buck Run Cemetery: "FREDRICK N. DOTSON...18591943.
Parents of two children:
a.- Delbert Dewey Dotson, b. 3 Aug 1882. (Still living 15 Sept 1976). He m. Enid Elliott,
28 June 1924. She b. 28 Nov 1890; d. 26 Feb 1967. He resided in the west. Colorado. One
1.- Barbara Jean Dotson, b, 23 July 1929; m. (1) in 1947, Gail. One son:
(1) Terrence Gail b. 7 Feb 1948; m. Kathy Marie Thompson.
1 .- Barbara Jean Dotson, m. (2) Lloyd Victor Cooley in 1950. He b. 19 Nov 1927.
They have three children:
(2) Donna Jean Cooley, b. 25 Dec 1950; m. Bruce Lee Upoton. He b. 5 Aug
1950. They have; Kristine Marie Upoton, b. 31 Dec 1972.
(3) Lyle Edwin Cooley, b. 21 Oct 1952; m. Shawna Lee Sackett, 17 Nov
(4) Ronald Allen Cooley, b. 24 Aug 1955.
b.- Edward Bryan Dotson, b. 29 Dec 1891; d. 3 July 1920. He was not married. He was
working in Clarksburg as a watchman; he was shot and killed (probably by a stray shot).
3.-Rosa A (Rosina?) Dotson b. ca. 1862
4.-Margarite Dotson b. ca. 1864 (or July 1867); m. Zephaniah A Double; this marriage
in Ritchie Co. "11 March 1896...Zephaniah A. Double...widow...age 37...b. Butler Co.
PA...resident Doddridge...m. Margaret C. Dotson...age 26...b. Ritchie."
In 1900, in the household of her mother with husband and baby Helen, b. June 1899.
5.-Flora B Dotson b. ca. 1866
6.-Sarah J. Dotson, b. Feb 7, 1870 (Ritchie Births); d. 18 Feb 1872...age 2 years.
7.- Joseph Minor Dotson, b. 17 Sept 1877; d. 22 Dec 1899 (from headstone in the Buck Run
Cemetery). This death in the Ritchie County Register, p. 85; "Dotson Joseph Minor d. Dec
21, 1899, age 22; lung trouble; parents Jos. and Christina Dotson, farmer, single, rept by
mother Christina"
Notes: Chapter 7
1 James M. Dotson, Dotson Land Grants (1804-1865) in the Present Day Counties of
Ritchie, Doddridge, and Tyler West Virginia (1988), p. 49-54.2 Stuart Lee Butler, A Guide to Virginia Militia Units in the War of 1812 (Athens, Georgia:
Iberian Publishing Company, 1988).
3 Minnie Kendall Lowther, History of Ritchie County (Wheeling, W. Va.:Wheeling News
Litho. Co., 1911), p. 144.4 Minnie Kendall Lowther, Edited by Barr Wilson, Ritchie County in History and Romance,
(Parsons WV: McClain Printing Company, 1990), p. 469.5 Minnie Kendall Lowther, History of Ritchie County (Wheeling, W. Va.:Wheeling News
Litho. Co., 1911), p. 144.
6 Ritchie Co. Deaths and Marriages, Historic Records Survey Box 145, Morgantown, WV
LDS Film 250 166 Salt Lake City7 Susie Davis Nicholson, Davis, The Settlers of Salem, W. Va. Revised Edition (Strashburg,
Ohio: Gordon Printing Co., 1979), p. 105.8 B. E. Hanes,Doak Family History and Genealogy (Clarksburg W. Va.: The Exponent Job
Shop, 1931), p. 69.
9 Cecile Fluharty, The Family of Cecile Fluharty (Unpublished 1974).
10 E. Nicholas Orr IV,The Nicholas Orr Family in America (Unpublished, privately printed
11 Barr Wilson, The Duckworth Family (Unpublished, prior to 1980), p. 45.
12 Ibid., p. 46.
13 B. E. Hanes, Doak Family History and Genealogy (Clarksburg W. Va.: The Exponent
Job Shop, 1931).
14 Susie Davis Nicholson, Davis, The Settlers of Salem, W. Va. Revised Edition
(Strashburg, Ohio: Gordon Printing Co., 1979).
15 Barr Wilson, The Duckworth Family (Unpublished, prior to 1980).
16 Barr Wilson, The Descendants of John Wilson (Parsons W.Va.: Printed by McClain
Printing Co. Barr Wilson Toll Gate WV 26442, 1975), p. 166.
17 Ibid., p. 357.
18 B. E. Hanes, Doak Family History and Genealogy (Clarksburg W. Va.: The Exponent
Job Shop, 1931), p. 70.
19 Susie Davis Nicholson, Davis, The Settlers of Salem, W. Va. Revised Edition
(Strashburg, Ohio: Gordon Printing Co., 1979).
20 B. E. Hanes, Doak Family History and Genealogy (Clarksburg W. Va.: The Exponent
Job Shop, 1931).
21 Barr Wilson, The Gregg Family (Unpublished 1980; typewritten copies placed in
Ritchie Co. Library, Harrisville, W. Va. and Doddridge Co. Library, West Union, W. Va.), p. 13.
22 Ibid., p. 13.
23 Barr Wilson, The Descendants of John Wilson (Parsons W.Va.: Printed by McClain
Printing Co. Barr Wilson Toll Gate WV 26442, 1975), p. 328.
24 James M. Dotson, Dotson Land Grants (1804-1865) in the Present Day Counties of
Ritchie, Doddridge, and Tyler West Virginia (1988), p. 22.
25 Barr Wilson, The Gregg Family (Unpublished 1980; typewritten copies placed in
Ritchie Co. Library, Harrisville, W. Va. and Doddridge Co. Library, West Union, W. Va.), p. 17.
26 Barr Wilson, Jacob Collins Sr. and Phebe Stuthart (unpublished 1982).
27 Barr Wilson, The Gregg Family (Unpublished 1980; typewritten copies placed in
Ritchie Co. Library, Harrisville, W. Va. and Doddridge Co. Library, West Union, W. Va.), p. 16.
28The History of Ritchie County West Virginia to 1980 (Ritchie County Historical Society,
1980), p. 108.
29 Barr Wilson, The Descendants of John Wilson (Parsons W.Va.: Printed by McClain
Printing Co. Barr Wilson Toll Gate WV 26442, 1975), p. 123.
30 The History of Ritchie County West Virginia to 1980 (Ritchie County Historical
Society, 1980), p. 110.
31 Ibid., p. 109.
32 Ibid., p. 29.
33 Ibid., p. 111.
34 B. E. Hanes, Doak Family History and Genealogy (Clarksburg W. Va.: The Exponent
Job Shop, 1931), p. 77.
35 Barr Wilson, The Descendants of John Wilson (Parsons W.Va.: Printed by McClain
Printing Co. Barr Wilson Toll Gate WV 26442, 1975), p. 193.
36 Minnie Kendall Lowther, History of Ritchie County (Wheeling, W. Va.:Wheeling
News Litho. Co., 1911), p. 144.
37 Carsie Williams, Clay District Ritchie County, The Williams Family (unpublished), p.
Chapter VIII
Richard Dotson, Jr.
ichard Dotson Jr., b. 1792-1794, probably in Hampshire Co., Virginia.
This marriage in Harrison County: "2 Sept. 1810...Richard Dotson & Margaret White
by Hamilton Goss."
Margaret White was b. 1793-1797. They resided on the Greenwood Hill, east of
Greenwood, W.Va.
From Miss Lowther's History of Ritchie County 19111: "Richard Dotson, the head of
another branch of the family, was also a brother of William Sr. and Zachariah Dotson. He
removed from the Old Dominion to the Monongahela Glades, and from there to Doddridge
County, where he met the destroyer. Though he is said to have owned land in the Toll Gate
vicinity as early as 1800, we have no account of his having made any improvement there.
His home, however was in Doddridge Co., and in a burying ground on Arnold's Creek his
ashes lie." There is another paragraph but all of it is in error.
The above paragraph is partly in error. Most of the above information is of Richard
Dotson, Sr. and not of Richard Dotson, Jr.
Richard Dotson, Jr. had a half brother William Dotson (Chapter V), and another half
brother, Zachariah Dotson (Chapter XII). In the later chapter on Zachariah Dotson a
picture of Richard Dotson, Jr. and Zachariah Dotson is shown and the proof that they were
half brothers.
At the time of their marriage, (from ages given in censuses), Richard Dotson, Jr.
would have been 16-18 years of age and Margaret White 13-17 years of age.
In 1825 Richard, Jr. and his wife Margaret sold a 65 acre tract located on Simpson's
Creek in Harrison Co. to his brother-in-law Philip Britton, husband of Richard's sister
Margaret (Chap. 13). (Harrison Co. Deeds Vol. 17 p. 417, deed dated 8 July 1825) This tract
was acquired less than a year earlier from Richard's brother Joseph and wife Nancy
(Harrison Co. Deeds Vol. 17, p. 307, 24 Nov. 1824). The deed in 1825, naming Richard's
wife as Margaret proves that this was Richard, Jr. and not Richard, Sr.
From the 1830 census of VA; Tyler County:
Richard Dotson; males; 1 under 5; 1 10-15; 1 15-20; 1 40-50; females; 2 under
5; 1 10-15; 1 20-30; 1 30-40.
From the 1840 census of VA; Harrison County (two dwellings from Luke Jaco):
Richard Dotson; males; 1 5-10; 1 15-20; 1 20-30; 1 40-50; females; 1 under 5; 1
5-10; 2 10-15; 1 20-30; 1 40-50.
From the 1850 census of VA; Doddridge County (Fam. 114)
Dotson, Richard 56 MW Farmer VA
Margaret 53 FW VA
Francis M 15 MW VA
In a footnote to this family, in her 1850 Census Doddridge County, (West) Virginia,
Mary Davis Atkinson states that this Richard Dotson (Son of Richard, Sr., first actual
settler, 1802/3, in Central District, now Doddridge Co., then part of Wood Co., in 1843
Ritchie Co., in 1845 Doddridge Co., probably Dotson Run), married Margaret White.
Living in Doddridge County, 1860; she references the 1860 census, Household No. 766767;
also H H Hardesty, Dodd. Co. Hist, Sketch of son William W. Dotson.
From the 1860 census of VA; Doddridge Co. p. 112 (766-767) West Union:
Richard Dotson 68 M Laborer Pers. prop. $25 VA
Margarat 67 F
From the 1870 census of WV; Doddridge Co. p. 16 (116-111):
Dotson Richard 76 MW Common lab.VA cannot read or write
Millie (Melissa, dau) 57 FW At home VA cannot read or write
Victoria 15 FW VA
Richard Dotson's name, and Margaret's, appear on the marriage record of their son,
Marion in 1856. Richard also appears on the census record of 1860, then again in 1870 for
the last time. Presumably he died between 1870 and 1880; he is not in the Doddridge Co.
Death Index. His photograph, reproduced from a tin-type, is shown in Chapter XII.
They were the parents of nine known children.
1.- Melissa Dotson, b. 1813 ChapterVIII-1
2.- William White Dotson, b. 1815 VIII-2
3.- Anna Dotson VIII-3
4.- Luthur Dotson, b. 1819 VIII-4
5.- John Calvin Dotson, b. 1823 VIII-5
6.- Deliah Dotson, b, 1826 VIII-6
7.- Drucil1e Dotson, b. 1829 VIII-7
8.- Malvina Dotson, b. 1832 VIII-8
9.- Francis Marion Dotson, b. 1835 VIII-9
Melissa Dotson, b. 27 Nov 1813. No record has been found of a marriage.
From the 1850 census of Doddridge County:
Dotson, Melissa 36 VA
Perlina 12
John C. 7
Delia A. (Haseline) 3
Mary J. 1
From the 1860 census of Doddridge County, Dwelling 767, fam. 768:
Milly Dotson 46 F VA
Haseline 13 F VA
Milly 8 F VA
Victoria 5 F VA
Jno C 17 M VA
Note: This family enumerated one dwelling and family number after that of Milly
Dotson's father Richard, Dwl. No. 766 and Fam. No. 767
Melissa was the mother of six children:
1.-Perlina Dotson, b. ca 1838.
In the household of her mother Melissa in the 1850 census.
From the 1860 census of Virginia: Wood Co. p. 549; Dwl 1319 Fam 1324;
Lerry McMullen 40 M Livery Stable Per 1800 MD
Perline Dodson 23 F VA
Kate Dodson 1/2? F VA
No other information.
2.- John C. Dotson, b. ca 1843.
This marriage in Doddridge Co.: "1 Sept. 1875...John C. Dotson, 32...b. Dodd.
Co...res. Dodd Co... Parents, Melissa Dotson; & Ella Childers, 20...b. Tyler Co...Res.
Dodd. Co...parents, Jonathan & Lydia by Sylvester Lowther."
For Ella Childers, see Chap. XVIII, Lydia Dotson (Childers).
From the 1870 census of Ritchie County, 435-408:
John C Dotson 26 VA Farmer
E J 16 VA Hskpr
Wm R* 4/12VA
From the 1900 census soundex of WV: Doddridge Central Dist 5 20 7 25
Dotson J Calvin W Oct 1843 56 WV
Ella W May 1857 43 WV
Romeo S Feb 1878 22 WV
Maggie D June 1881 18 WV
Katie D Sept 1884 15 WV
Harry S Aug 1887 12 WV
Asa S Jan 1890 10 WV
Clarence S May 1893 7 WV
Raymon S Mar 1896 4 WV
Eva D Jan 1898 2 WV
From the 1910 census soundex of WV; Doddridge 007 0026 0168
Dotson John C H W 66 WV WV
Ella S W 51 WV
Kate D 25 WV
Harry S 22 WV
Osa G S 19 WV
Blanche** D 16 WV
Raymond S 12 WV
Eva M D 11 WV
In the Greenwood Cemetery: "Dotson John C Oct 5 1842 Apr 3 1913. Ella his wife
May 26 1858-_____"
*William Remus Dotson, m. Mary Lillian "Lillie" Dotson, dau. of Arius Dotson. See
Chapter XVI-3 for the Mary Lillian Dotson family.
**This marriage in Wood County: "11 March 1917; Jordan John Howard 22 Wood
and Dotson Lula Blanche 21 Wood" Note; this may not be the same Blanche, but right age.
From the 1900 census of WV: Doddridge Central Dist 5 20 11 10
Dotson William R W Jan 1870 30 WV
Mary L W Apr 1873 27 WV
From the 1910 census soundex of WV: Doddridge 007 0026 0203
Dotson William R HW 40 WV WV
Mary S W 37 WV
Mollie E D 09 WV
3.- Delia A. Dotson, b. ca 1847. No information.
4.- Mary J. Dotson, b. ca 1849.
This marriage in Doddridge Co.: " 23 Nov. 1865...Mary Jane Dotson...age 18... &
Owen Davis...age 22."
From page 71, Davis The Settlers of Salem W.Va. "Owen Davis, b. 19 Aug. 1843; d.
27 Aug. 1904; m. 23 Nov. 1865, Mary J. Dotson." Four children shown on page 71:
a.- John C. Davis, 13 years old.
b.- Minnie Mae Davis, six years old.
c.- Emma Davis, 3 years old.
d.- William Davis, 5 months old.
From the 1880 census of WV; Doddridge Co., 122 006:
Davis, Owen WM 36 Laborer VA VA VA
Mary J WF 31 Wife Keeps house VA VA VA
John C WM 13 Son At home WV VA VA
Robert C WM 11 Son At home WV VA VA
Minnie May WF 6 Dau At home WV VA VA
Emma WF 3 Dau At home WV VA VA
William WM 5/12Son At home WV VA VA
One boarder
From the 1900 census soundex of WV: Harrison Ten Mile Dist. Salem Town
Davis Owen W Aug 1843 56 WV
Mary J W Oct 1849 50 WV
Willi S Jan 1880 20 WV
Catherine D July 1885 14 WV
Fanny D Apr 1889 11 WV
Etta J DL Mar 1869 31 WV
Parents of seven children from above census of 1880 and 1900.
5.-Millie Dotson, b. 1850 or 1851
. This marriage in Doddridge County: "29 April 1869...Millie Dotson, 18...single...b.
Rit. Co...res. Dodd. Co...Parents, Millie Dotson; & Anderson G. Davis, 27...b. Harrison
Co...res. Dodd. Co...Parents, Absoleme & Pelina."
From the 1880 census of Doddridge County, 121 030:
Davis Anderson WM 42 Laborer VA VA VA
Millie WF 22? Wife Housekpr VA VA VA
Jno H WM 10 Son WV VA VA
F J WM 7 Son WV VA VA
Birdie WF 5 Dau WV VA VA
Lovie WF 1 Dau WV VA VA
The following from Davis, The Settlers of Salem, W.Va. page 1282: "Anderson G.
Davis, b. 4th of Aug. 1840; d. 1911; m. 29 March 1869, Millie Dotson (dau. of Millie
Dotson of Tyler Co.) This family lived on Arnold Creek in Doddridge County."
Parents of twelve children:
a.- John Davis, m. 7 July 1887, Elizabeth E. Carder.
b.- Ettie Davis died young.
c.- Thomas S. Davis, m. 7 Oct. 1886, Lucy Smith.
d.- Bird Davis, m. 23 June 1893, Chapman Costilow.
e.- Lovie Marie Davis, b. 14 Feb 1879; d. 6 Feb 1961; m. 30 May 1900, James C.
f.- Clara Dovie Davis, b. 28 March 1880; d. 21 July 1973; m. 16 May 1900
Charles Claud Davis, b. 8 July 1875: d. 16 July 1964. One known child:
1.- Ruby Davis, b. 27 Feb. 1902; m. 7 Jan. 1922, Frank Williams.
g.- Lelia Davis, d.-1969; m. Mead Fleming.
h.- Bessie Davis, died young.
i.- Nora Davis died 1960 m. William Ross.
j.- Icie Davis died young.
k.- Cora Davis, m. Richard Hall. Lived at Akron, Ohio.
l.- Noah Davis, b. 29 April 1892; d. 10 May 1973; m. (1)Roxie Bland, b. 8 Feb. 1895;
d. 14 Oct. 1938. He m. (2) 6 May 1944; Louise Martin Rutherford. (Children: Paul B.,
Blaine F., Eugene L.)
6. Victoria Dotson b. ca. 1855.
This marriage in Ritchie County; "6 June 1881...James F. Clayton...age 25...b.
Ritchie...m. Victoria Dotson...age 24...b.VA....resident Ritchie." No other information.
William White Dotson, b. 19 Oct 1814; d. Dec 9, 1893 (per headstone) He m. Mary
Cross, b. May 1820, dau. of Richard and Mary Lake Cross.
In Doddridge Co. Deaths Bk. 3 p. 43, line 21: "Dotson Mary E, white female Dec 24
1885, parents Richard Cross Margaret (Mary) Cross, fever 64y 7m 23d, b Doddridge
housewife, consort Wm W Dotson husband"
and Bk. 1 p. 75: "Dotson W W , male Dec 13 1893 place of death Sunny Side (Clay
Lick Run, a tributary of Arnold Creek); this man was found dead; buried Summit
Duckworth; undertaker W S Jones Central Station WV" Note; discrepancy in place of
Both buried Greenwood Cemetery, with headstone inscribed:
"W W Dotson Oct 19, 1814 Dec 9, 1893. Mary C wf of W W Dotson May 1, 1821
d. Dec 24 1885"
From Hardesty's history of Doddridge County, 18833:"WILLIAM W. DOTSON...was
a son of Richard and Margaret (White) Dotson, who was born, raised and died in what is
now Doddridge County, and a grandson of Richard Dotson, the first actual settler in what
is now Central District. He was born Oct. 19, 1814 and has passed his life in this county,
following the varied avocations of an agricultural life. In Doddridge County he wedded
Mary, daughter of Richard and Mary (Lake) Cross, now residents of Taylor County, this
state, but at the time of their daughter's birth in May 1820, living in Taylor County (then)
Virginia. Twelve children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Dotson; Sophronia, now deceased;
Salanthiel; Helen, who lives in Kansas; Jasper; Victoria; William Marshall, lives in
Kansas; Josephine; Laverna; Catherine; Cloyd (Floyd); Walter and Laura. The living
children, except, Helen and William, reside in West Virginia. The family postoffice
address is Central Station, Doddridge County, West Virginia."
From the 1860 census of VA; Doddridge Co. Dwl 534, Fam 535:
Dotson, William 45 M Farmer (RE $200, Pers $50) VA
Mary 38 F VA
Davis, M. F. 2 F VA
Dotson, H. M.(Helen) 17 F VA
S.(Salathiel) 20 M VA
J. A.(Jasper) 15 M VA
V. (Victoria) 11 F VA
William M. 9 M VA
M. J.(Josephine) 7 F VA
L. F.(Loverna Francis)5 F VA
R. C.(Rulana Kate) 3 F VA
From the 1870 census of WV; Doddridge Co.:
Dotson, William W. 54 farmer VA
Mary 49 VA
Joshephine 16 VA
Loverna F. 14 VA
Rulana C. (Kate) 11 VA
Floyd 9 VA
Walter J. 7 VA
Laura B. (Blanch) 2 WV
From the 1880 census of WV; Doddridge Co. 1880, 122 020:
Dotson, Wm H (W) WM 63 Farmer VA VA VA
Mary A WF 59 Wife Keeping houseVA VA VA
Francis L. WF 24 Dau At home VA VA VA
Kate WF 22 Dau At home VA VA VA
Floyd WM 19 Son farm laborer VA VA VA
Walter E. WM 16 Son farm laborer WV VA VA
Blanch L. WF 12 Dau At Home WV VA VA
Parents of twelve children:
1.- Sophrona Dotson. b. ca. 1839. Deceased before 1883. This marriage in Doddridge Co.:
"3 March 1859...Sophroma Dotson, 20...single...b. Dodd. Co... Parents, William &
Mary Dotson; & Isaac C. Snider, 24...single... b. Harrison Co...res. Dodd. Co...Parents,
John & Sydney."
From the 1870 census of WV; Doddridge County, New Milton Twp.161-139
Snider Isaac C 36 MW Farmer VA
Sophrona 32 FW Keeping house VA
Olive 10 FW VA
Odell 8 FW VA
Austin 6 MW WV
Jasper 4 MW WV
Isaac 1 MW WV
From the 1880 census of WV; Doddridge County, 122 008:
Snider Isaac C (w) WM 46 VA VA VA
Auston WM 13 son at home WV VA VA
Jasper WM 11 son at home WV VA VA
Isaac WM 9 son at home WV VA VA
Ira WM 7 son at home WV VA VA
Levi C WM 5 son at home WV VA VA
2.-Salathiel Dotson, b. 15 Dec. 1840, Central Station; d. 9 March 1929.
He m. Anna Caldwell, Columbia, Ohio. She b. 29 May 1844: d. 20 March, 1927. This
marriage in Doddridge Co.: "3 Dec. 1863...Salathiel Dotson, 24...single...b. Harrison Co...
res. Dodd. Co...Parents, Wm. W. & Mary; & Anna Caldwell, 18... single...b. Columbia
Co.,.Ohio...res. Dodd. Co...Parents, Robert and Catherine by George W. Duff."
From Ritchie Co. Deaths 1919-1970, p. 102 15: "Dotson Salathiel, male, white,
widow, died Rutherford Mar 9 1929, age 88y 2m 24d, ret farmer, b WV, parents William
Dotson, Mary Cross, no Dr., H H Martin Reg." and p 102 1: "Dotson Anna, female, white,
married, died Harrisville Mar 20 1927, age 82y 8m 1d, Cereb. hem., H H Martin Regis."
From the 1870 census of WV; Doddridge Co., Southwest Dist., West Union PO; Dwl.
3, Fam. 3:
Dotson, Sylathiel 29 M W Common laborer VA
Annie 24 F W Keeping house OH
Mary C 5 F W WV
Cora E 3 F W WV
Curtis G 1/12M W (June) WV
From the 1880 census of WV; Doddridge Co., 123 013:
Dotson, Selathiel WM 33 works on sawmillVA VA VA
Annie WF 34 Wife Housekeeper OH IR IR
Mary C WF 15 Dau Housework WV VA OH
Corra E WF 13 Dau Housework WV VA OH
Curtes G WM10 Son WV VA OH
William C WM7 Son KS VA OH
Ice G WF4 Dau WV VA OH
From the 1910 census soundex of WV: Ritchie 036 0071 0183
Dotson Salathiel H W 69 WV WV
Annie W 64 Ohio
Five known children:
a. Mary C Dotson, b. ca. 1865, m. 2 July 1882 Andrew J. Wells.
This marriage in Ritchie Co. "2 July 1882...Andrew J. Wells...age 21...b. Ritchie...m
Mary C. Dotson...age 18...b. Ritchie."
b. Cora Ellen Dotson, b. ca. 1867; m. 23 Dec. 1886, Emory G. Hibbs.
This marriage in Ritchie Co.:"23 Dec. 1886...Emory G. Hibbs...age 20...b. Marion...res.
Ritchie...m. Cora Ellen Dotson...b. KS...resident Ritchie."
From the 1910 census soundex of WV: Ritchie 036 0071 0180
Emory G H W 43 WV WV
Cora E W 42 WV
Lawrence S 21 WV
Gladis D D 18 WV
Sarah M D 15 WV
Harry A S 12 WV
Florence M D 09 WV
Myra N D 05 WV
James G S 02 WV
c. Curtis G Dotson, b. June 1870
From the 1910 census soundex of WV; Ritchie 036 0071 0182
Dotson Curtis G
Ida M W 25 WV
Annie F D 04 WV
Dorthy Wilma D 02 WV
d. William C Dotson, b. May 1874 Kansas. (Indicates family resided in Kansas for
a few years after 1870, and before returning to WV by 1876; relatives resided in Kansas,
see Hardesty above)
From the 1900 census soundex of WV; Ritchie Grant Dist 30 87 14 11
Dotson William C W May 1874 26 Kansas
Bessie W June 1871 ? 18 PA
e.- Isa Gertrude Dotson, b. Ritchie Co., WV, 27 Jan 1876; m. 29 Dec 1895, David
E. Clark. This marriage in Ritchie Co.: "29 Dec. 1895...David E. Clark...age 24...b. Noble
Co. OH...resident Ritchie...m. Isa G. Dotson...age 19...b. Ritchie."
From the 1900 census soundex of WV: Ritchie Grant Dist. 30 87 10 28
Clark David E W June 1871 28 Ohio
Isa G W June 1876 24 WV
Fred R S Oct 1896 3 WV
From the 1910 census soundex of WV: Ritchie 036 0071 0172
Clark David E HW 38 Ohio WV
Ica G W34 WV
Fred R S 13 WV
Mary E D 07 WV
Two children:
1.- Fred R Clark, b. Oct 1896.
2.- Mary Clark, b. Ritchie Co., WV, 22 Aug 1902; m. 1928, Benjamin Franklin
Hill, Jr., b. 17 Sept 1901. He was deputy County Clerk, Wood Co., WV, in 1959.
One known child:
1.- Benjamin Franklin Hill III, b. Wood Co., WV, 16 Oct 1930; m. 1954, June
Mandus of Chicago, Ill. They have; David James Hill, b. 8 May 1957.
Benjamin Franklin Hill, Sr. (grandfather of Benjamin Franklin Hill III above), m.
Myrtle Ann Dotson; dau. of Perry Dotson; Perry, son of Hiram; Hiram, son of Emanuel;
Emanuel, son of William, Sr. (See, Chapter V-1)
3.-Helen Dotson, b. ca. 1845
This marriage in Doddridge Co.: "15 March 1871 James G. (Garrison) Dotson,
30...single...b. Harrison Co...res. Dodd. Co... Parents, Zachariah & Eliza; & Hellen M.
Dotson, 26...single...b. Harrison Co...res. Dodd. Co...Parents, Wm. W & Mary Dotson."
Living in Kansas in 1883.
From the 1880 census soundex of Kansas: Cloud Co. Arion Twp 4 39 26 47;
Dotson Garrison W M 43 VA
Helen W 36 VA
Dorance S 8 KS
Early E S 7/12 KS
For the James G. (Garrison) Dotson family, see Chapter XII-7.
4.- Jasper Dotson. b. May 1845. This marriage in Doddridge County:
"24 Dec. 1867...Jasper P. Dotson, 22...single...b. Harrison Co... res. Dodd. Co...Parents,
Wm. W. & Mary; & Eliza C. Hutson, 16... single...b. Dodd. Co...res. Dodd. Co...Parents,
Evin (Ervin) & Charlotte by George W. Duff."
From Ritchie Co. Deaths 1919-1970, p. 104 19: "Dotson Jasper A, male, white,
married, died Petroleum July 14 1935, age 90y 1m 26d, b. WV, parents William Dotson,
b. WV, Mary—, angina pectoris, Odie Jones Regis." and from p. 106 14, "Dotson Eliza
Caroline, female, white, widow, died Petroleum Jan 23 1940, age 88y 3m 22d, housewife,
b. WV, parents John Huston,—, carcinoma of stomach, Georgia Sandy Regist."
From the 1880 census of WV; Doddridge Co., 124 027:
Dotson, Jasper E WM 35 Wks on sawmill WV WV WV
(Eliza) Caroline WF 37 Wife Keeping house WV WV WV
Annie WF 12 Dau WV WV WV
Mona WF 10 Dau WV WV WV
Floyd (Lloyd) WM 7 Son WV WV WV
Helen WF 6 Dau WV WV WV
Guy WM 5 Son WV WV WV
Missouri WF 2 Dau WV WV WV
Amy WF 1 Dau WV WV WV
From the 1900 census soundex of WV: Ritchie Grant Dist 30 88 21 10:
Dotson Jasper A W
May 1845 55 WV
Eliza C W Oct 1851 48 WV
Guy S Sept 1874 25 WV
Gracie D Apr 1884 16 WV
Bertha D Nov 1887 12 WV
Walter E S May 1892 8 WV
From the 1910 census soundex of WV: Ritchie 036 0070 0143
Dotson Jasper A H W 64 WV WV
Eliza C W 54 WV
Bertha D 22 WV
Walter E S 17 WV
Parents of ten known children:
a. Annie Dotson, b. ca. 1868; m. Samuel A. Moats. This marriage in Ritchie Co.: "16
Sept. 1889...Samuel A Moats...widow...age 28...b. Ritchie...m. Annie C. Dotson...age
20...b. Doddridge...resident Ritchie."
b. Mona Dotson, b. ca. 1870; m. Boyd M. Williams. This marriage in Ritchie Co.: "29
Dec. 1892...Boyd M. Williams...age 22...b. Upshur...resident Ritchie...m. Mona G.
Dotson...age 22...b. Doddridge...res. Ritchie."
c. Lloyd Dotson, b. ca. 1872
From Ritchie Co. Deaths 1919-1970, p. 110 17: "Dotson Lloyd, Petroleum rfd, male,
white, widow, died Dec 19 1953, age 83y 9m 11d, farmer, b. Rit .Co, parents Jasper A
Dotson Elsia Dotson; aortic regurg., Nelle Cannon Regis."
From 1910 census soundex of WV; Ritchie 036 007- 0144
Dotson Lloyd K H W 38 WV WV
Maude W 23 WV
d. Helen Dotson, b. ca. 1874
No information
e. Guy Dotson, b. Sept. 1874
This marriage in Ritchie Co.: "29 Sept. 1912...Guy P. Dotson...age 34...b.
Doddridge...resident Ritchie...m. Winnie Dotson...age 17...b. Ritchie."
f. Missouri Dotson, b. ca. 1878
No information
g. Amy Dotson, b. ca. 1879
No information
h. Grace Dotson, b. April 1884
This marriage in Ritchie Co.: "2 Sept. 1906...George W. Moore...age 21...b. Tyler...m.
Grace Dotson...age 22...b. Ritchie."
i. Bertha Dotson, b. Nov. 1887; m. Levi M. Webb
This marriage in Ritchie Co.: "18 Aug. 1912...Levi M. Webb...age 28...b. Ritchie...m.
Bertha Dotson...age 24...b. Ritchie."
j. Walter Dotson, b. May 1892; m. Mollie M. McClaskey;
This marriage in Ritchie Co.:"2 Nov. 1914...Walter I. Dotson...age 22...b. Ritchie....m.
Mollie M. McClaskey...age 18...b. Ritchie."
5.- Victoria Dotson, b. 30 March 1848; d. 1 Sept. 1932
This m. In Doddridge Co.: " 24 Dec. 1867...Victoria Dotson, 18...single...born Taylor
Co....res. Dodd. Co...Parents, William W. & Mary Dotson; & Alvin M. Davis, 25...single...b.
Dodd. Co...res. Dodd. Co... Parents, William & Martha."
From the 1880 census of WV; Doddridge Co. 120 009:
Davis Alven M WM 37 Farmer VA VA VA
Victoria WF 32 Wife Keeping house WV WV WV
Jetty G WF 10 Dau WV WV WV
Gladie O WF 8 Dau WV WV WV
Mary I WF 6 Dau WV WV WV
From Davis, The Settlers of Salem, W.Va.. pages 89 and 1484: "Alvin Marcellus
Davis, b. 3 Dec. 1842, Dodd. Co.; d. 3 Jan. 1908, Salem, W.Va.; m. 1 Jan. 1868,
Victoria Gay Dotson, b. 30 March 1848 Taylor Co., W.Va.; d. 1 Sept. 1932, buried IOOF
Cemetery, Salem, (dau. Wm. W. & Mary Dotson)." Parents of 3 children:
a.- Jettie Gay Davis, b. 15 Sept 1869, Doddridge Co.; m. Waitman T. Carder
They had nine children:
1.- William Davis
2.- Frances Beatrice Davis
3.- Elizabeth Ruth Davis
4.- Beulah Mary Davis
5.- Maud Murreil Davis
6.- James Bryan Davis
7.- Gladys Naomi Davis
8.- Waitman Lawson Davis
9.- Paul Walter Davis
For more on these children see page 148, Davis, The Settlers of Salem, W.Va.5
b.- Gladiolus Davis, b. 30 Aug 1871, m. Scott Divers.
c.- Mary Imogene Davis, b. 2 March 1874, m. 8 March 1896, Mingo Davis.
6.- William Marshall Dotson, b. Dec. 1850; m. Mary Garlow. This family resided in
Kansas in 1883.
From the 1880 census soundex of Kansas: Cloud Co. Arion Twp
Dotson William W M 29 WV
Mary J W 22 WV
Curtis G S 10/12 KS
From the 1900 census soundex of Kansas; Cloud Co Vol 10 ED15 SH 12 li. 57
Dotson William M W Dec 1850 49 WV
Mary J W May 1858 42 WV
Curtis G S July 1874? 20 KS
Goldie D Dec 1886 13 KS
Manuel S Jan 1889 11 KS
Essie D Dec 1891 8 KS
Lena D Nov 1898 1 KS
From the 1910 census soundex of Kansas; Cloud Co. 013 0017 0098:
Dotson W HW 59 WV Kans.
J J (Mary J) W 51 WV
Manuel S 21 KS
Essa D18 KS
Lena D11 KS
Parents of six children:
a.- Curtis G. Dotson, b. 1879 m. Mable Croson. Four children:
1.- Gilbert Dotson, m.____ ____ . One child:
(1) Ronnie Dotson.
2.- 0pal Dotson.
3.- Perle Dotson.
4.- Dale Dotson.
b.- Goldie Dotson, b. Dec 1886. m. Nelson Vass. Four children:
1.- Duane Vass.
2.- Wayne Vass.
3.- Lynn Vass.
4.- Rex Vass, m.____ ____ . Three children:
(1) Larry Vass.
(2) Lonnie Vass.
(3) Lynn Vass.
c.- Manuel Dotson, b. Jan 1889; d. 14 Dec. 1934; m. at Jamestown, KS., Esther
Clemons. She b. 13 April 1892. Five children:
1.- 0rland Dotson, m. Dorothy Byrne. Two children:
(1) Janet Dotson, m. Dan Goodman. They have; Carol Goodman.
(2) Leona Dotson, m. Phil Mann. They have; Duane Mann and Ronnie Mann.
2.- Delmer Dotson, m. Ruby Champlin. Nine children:
(1) Gerald Dotson, m. Jeanne Cady and have; Randy Dotson; Mary Dotson,
m. Dana Ristow; David Dotson; Cathy Dotson; Cary Dotson; and James Dotson.
(1) Gerald Dotson, m (2) Joanne P. Borlang and have; Shelly R. Dotson and
Diana Dotson.
(2) Donald Dotson, m. Mary Ellen Carpenter and have; Bryan Dotson; Curt
Dotson; and Grant Dotson.
(3) Sharon K. Dotson, m. Royal Heemier. They have; Kevin Heemier and
Cathy Heemier.
(4) Beverley Dotson, m. Thomas Cady. They have; Kimberley Cady;
Michael Cady; Karen Cady; and Lisa Cady.
(5) William R. "Bill" Dotson. Single.
(6) Jacqulin L. Dotson, m. Gary Parsons. They have; Debra Parsons; Denise
Parsons; and DeAnn Parsons.
(7) Prudence A. Dotson, m. Sam Rugg. They have; Vicky Rugg; and Brett
Rugg. (8) Cheryl Dotson. Single.
(9) Marsha Dotson. Single.
3.- LeRoy Dotson, m. Bernise Augmeir. One child:
(1) Nikkie Dotson, m. Larry Marley.
4.- Evelyn Dotson, m(1) George Shumock. Four children:
(1) Connie Shumock, m. and had four children.
(2) Mary Shumack, m. and had two children.
(3) George Shumack, m. ___ Trode and had four children.
(4) Jessie Shumack, m. Joe Spect.
4.- Evelyn Dotson, m (2) Dean Simpson.
5.- Eldon Dotson, m. Virginia Teasley. One child:
(1) Sandre Dotson, m. (1) Wayne Newton and have; James Newton; David
Newton; and Sonya Newton.
(1) Sandre Dotson, m. (2) Dr. Keith Vowles.
d.- Eddie Dotson. (not shown in 1900 or 1910 census-may have died young)
e.- Essie Dotson. b. Dec 1891
f.- Lena Dotson. b. Nov 1898
7.- Josephine Dotson. b. 1853-54. No information.
8.- Lavernia Dotson. This marriage in Doddridge County: "11 Oct. 1874...Levina J.
Dotson, 22 & Gamble B. Davis, 28." She was his 2nd wife. She d. before 1880.
From, Davis, The Settlers of Salem, W.Va., page 56: "Gamble B. Davis, b. 28 April
1846, m. (1) 29 July 1867, Nancy J. Thomas; m. (2) 11 Oct. 1874, Levina J. Dotson. They
were in Central District, Dodd. Co. 1880, with Josephine, 25; dau's., Letha, age 10 and
Atha, age 9."
From the dates, the two children belonged to wife No. 1. No other information.
9.- Catherine Dotson. b. ca. 1858.; in father's house-hold (R. C.) age 3 in 1860,
(Rulana C.) 11 in 1870 and (Kate) 22 in 1880.
This death in Doddridge Co. Deaths, Bk 2 p. 34.; "Dotson Kate, female d. June 18
1912; Blood poison age, 29y - -, Single; C S Pease Undertaker". Note; discrepancy in age.
10.- Floyd Dotson. b. ca. 1861.; in father's house-hold age 9 in 1870 and age 19 in 1880
census. No further information.
11.- Walter Dotson, b. 1867; d. 20 Feb 1932. He m(1) Miss Nancy Hibbs. From
Lowther, Ritchie County in History and Romance,6 1990, p. 373, "Eleanor Lough,
daughter of Robert Lough, was married to Jacob Hibbs, of Marion County;....other
members of the family were:...Nancy, Mrs. Walter Dotson..... "
He was overcome by gas fumes while sleeping. Funeral services were held 22 Feb
1932 at the Goose Creek Baptist Church and burial in the church cemetery. (Not in Ritchie
Co. Deaths 1919-1970)
From Ritchie Co. Marriages; "5 Sept 1886...Walter I Dotson...age 23...b.
Doddridge...resident Ritchie...m. Nancy Hibbs...age 21...b. Marion...resident Ritchie."
From the 1910 census soundex of WV; Ritchie 036 0070 0131:
Dotson Walter I HW 46 WV WV
Attie W 40 WV
Floyd S 20 WV
Lula D 14 WV
Vada D 12 WV
Thelma D 07 WV
Clause (Claude) S 0l5?WV
Enid D 04 WV
Addie D nr WV
Five children:
a.- Mrs. J. L. Smith.
b.- Mrs. R. D. Morehouse.
c.- Floyd Dotson.
d.- Mrs. Emmett Tucker.
e.- Mrs. J. H. Jordon.
11.- Walter Irvin Dotson, m (2) Miss Attie Davis. Four children:
f.- Mrs. Nolan Sargeant.
g.- Mrs. C. C. Adams.
h.- Mrs. H. L. Tippens.
i.- Claude Dotson.
12.- Launa Dotson. b. 18 May 1868; in father's house-hold (Laura B) age 2 in 1870 census,
and (Blanch L) age 12 in 1880; married William Edward Dotson, son of Marten Luther
Dotson and Mattie Smith; grandson of Luther Dotson and Nancy Reed, g. grandson of
Richard Dotson, Jr. and Margaret White.
From Index to Marriages, Doddridge County; Bk. 3, p. 479; "Dotson, William E., Feb.
8, 1890, m. Launa Blanche Dotson" Ed and Launa Dotson lived on Long Run of Pleasants
Parents of eleven children, plus two died at birth. For this family see Chapter VIII-4.
Anna Dotson, b. 12 April 1817. She m. James Goodwin, 8 Feb. 1848. This marriage
in Doddridge County: "8 Feb. 1848...Ann Dotson & James Goodwin."
In her addendum to the 1850 census of Doddridge County, Mary Davis Atkinson notes
(38-7) that James Goodwin m. (2) Ann Dotson, 8 February 1848, in Doddridge County,
WV, Ref. Book I, page 10.
They were living in 1850 in Doddridge County, in the vicinity of the head of Cabin
From the 1850 census of VA; Doddridge County (Fam. No. 38):
James Goodwin 38 M W Laborer VA
Ann (Dotson) 29 FW VA
Angeline 12 FW VA
Rulany 10 FW VA
Richard 8 MW VA
Margaret W 5 FW VA
Edward M 4 MW VA
Elizabeth M 3 FW VA
Mary E 3 FW VA
James W 9/12MW VA
Note: only James W. born after their marriage in 1848; older children presumed to be
from his previous marriage.
From the 1860 Census of WV; Doddridge County West Union PO; Dwl 896 Fam 897
Ann Goodwin 40 F VA
Families on either side were: Dwl 895 Fam 896 John Maxwell 32, and Dwl 897 Fam
898 Jacob Benninger 31. (Jacob Benninger resided on Wilhelm Run about midway
between Duckworth and Central Station.)
Parents of eight children (Note; only John W. born after their marriage 8 Feb 1848):
1.- Angeline Goodwin, b. 1838; m. David M. Bonnell. See page 87, History of Doddridge
County, 1979.7 One known son:
a.- Jonathan (John) Bonnell, m. Mary Catherine Jones. Mary Catherine Jones is a
granddaughter of Elizabeth Collins and James Jones. For this family, see page 9 Jacob
Collins Sr. & Phebe Stuthart."8 Their son:
1.- Lewis Russell Bonnell, m. Helen Victoria Gain Feb 20, 1924 in Doddridge
Co. Helen Victoria Gain b. Oct 18, 1906 in Ritchie Co., WV. died Sept 26, 1972 in
Clarksburg, WV.; she a dau. of George Jefferson Gain and Mary Jane Collins. For this
family, see Descendants of Adam J. and Susan Fleming Gain.9
Lewis Russell Bonnell and Helen Victoria Gain had two daughters:
(1) Mrs. Helen Pauline (Paula) Bonnell Sacco, 4864 Rolling Hills Road,
Pittsburgh, PA 15236.
(2) Mrs. Mary Madeline Bonnell Willis, Librarian, Doddridge County
Library, West Union, WV. More information will be found in the Jacob Collins history,
reference above.
2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8. No information. Mrs. Chandos Hickman, Rural Route, Pennsboro,
W.Va. is a descendant of one of these children.
Luthur Dotson, b. 23 December 1819, m. Nancy C. Reed. He was a carpenter. Nancy
Reed b 1818 in Tyler Co; d. 1852.
This marriage in Tyler County: "31 Dec 1840...Luthur Dotson and Nancy Reed by
George Monroe."
Much of the following information on the Luther Dotson family, and photograph,
were generously furnished by Armour Lee and Emolene Lynch of Coolville, Ohio, Armour
Lee being a direct descendant.
From the 1850 census of VA; Wood County:
Luthur Dotson (laborer) 31 VA
Nancy 32
Marion 8
Marten (Luther) 6
Margaret 3
William (M) 1
Two children born after 1850:
Eliza Jane Dotson, b. 1851.
Sarah F. Dotson, b. 1852.
This family in 1852 were living on the St. Mary's Ridge in the vicinity of the old
Church of Christ Cemetery.
These graves in the Church of Christ Cemetery: "NANCY DOTSON, died 1852.
1.-Marion Dotson. b. 1833 (Dec 1844 from 1900 census) d. 1900. m. Sarah Barker.
This marriage in Pleasants County; "7 June 1866...Marion D. Dotson...age 23...m.
Sarah Barker...age 20."
From the 1870 census of WV; Pleasants Co. McKimm Twp Union Mills PO, p. 482
Dwl 38 Fam 38:
Dodson Marion 33 MW Farm Hand Per. $25 VA
Sarah 30 FW VA
William (Commodore)* 12(2) MW VA
John** 1 MW VA
From the 1880 census of WV; Pleasants Co.:
Dotson Marion WM 35 Cooper WV WV VA
Sarah E WF 31 Wife Keeping hse.WV WV VA
William C J WM 13 Son At home WV WV WV
John W WM 10 Son At home WV WV WV
Mary C WF 8 Dau WV WV WV
Rosanna T WF 6 Dau WV WV WV
Minnie G WF 3 Dau WV WV WV
Barker Lucinda (w) WF 59 Mil WV WV WV
From the 1900 census soundex of WV: Pleasants Washington Dist 26 71 4 60
Dotson Marion D W Dec 1844 55 WV
Sarah E W Oct 1847 52 WV
James L S June 1882 17 WV
Bonnie E D Oct 1885 14 WV
Kate D Mar 1888 12 WV
John W** S Sept 1869 30 WV
Raymond GS Feb 1892 8 WV
Harry G GS June 1893 6 WV
Lena D Gd Feb 1896 4 WV
Barker Lucinda Ml April 1821 79 WV
Howell, Phoebe Se May 1882 18 WV
From the 1910 census soundex of WV: Pleasants St Marys 036 0065 0197
Dotson Sarah H W 62 WV WV
James S 28 WV
Bonnie D 24 WV
Kate D 21 WV
From the 1910 census soundex of WV: Pleasants 036 0064 0033
**Dotson John W H W 40 WV WV
Delia W 28 WV
Harry S 16 WV
Lenna D 14 WV
Garnet D 07 WV
Commodore S 05 WV
From the 1910 census soundex of WV: Pleasants 036 0065 0010
Dotson W C * H W 41 WV WV
Fannie W 41 WV
Beryl S 20 WV
Glenna D 18 WV
Toye D 16 WV
William S 13 WV
Eva D 10 WV
*William Commodore Dotson.
The following taken from West Virginia in History, Life, Literature and Industry,10
by Morris Purdy Shawkey, 1928:
"WILLIAM C. DOTSON, whose family has lived in Pleasants County and vicinity
since the earliest pioneer days, is a banker and business man, being president of the First
National Bank of St. Mary's. He has also been a successful oil operator, and at all times
has been a leader in the substantial developments of the community.
Mr. Dotson's Great-Grandfather, Richard Dotson, settled six miles north of the
present town of St. Marys in 1800. He was not only one of the early settlers of this section
but part in all subsequent developments there. Richard Dotson subsequently removed to
the adjoining county of Doddridge. He reached the remarkable age of a hundred years
(Note...95 or 96). His son, Luthur Dotson, was born in Doddridge County, and followed
the trade of carpenter. In later years he moved to Pleasants County. His wife was Nancy C.
Reed...Their son, Marion D. Dotson was b. in Pleasants Co. in 1843, became a cooper and
followed that business at St. Mary's for many years. He d. in 1900. His wife, Sarah (Barker)
Dotson, is still living at St. Mary's.
(Note...He missed one in his line of descent. The line of descent is; Richard Dotson,
Sr.; Richard Dotson, Jr.; Luthur Dotson; Marion D. Dotson; and the dictator of the above,
William C. Dotson.)
William C. Dotson, one of a family of eight children, was born in Pleasants Co., June
2, 1867, and from early childhood has lived at St. Mary's. He attended country schools,
learned telegraphy and was an operator with the Baltimore & Ohio and other roads for ten
years. He was elected Clerk of the County Court and held that office for 12 years. While
serving as Clerk he became financially interested in the formation of a new bank at St.
Mary's and became a director at the organization of the First National Bank. This bank was
organized in 1899. lts first President, John F. Barron, was succeeded in a couple of months
by John F. Mallory, who continued for two years. The first cashier was H. B. McGregor.
Mr. Dotson in 1900 was elected Vice-President and a year later he succeeded Mr. Mallory
as President and has filled that position now for a quarter of a century. The bank was started
with a capital of $50,000.00. This has been a bank that has steadily made profits for its
stockholders as well as keeping its funds in use and service to supply the business needs
of the community. From its earnings the capital was increased to $100,000.00 and its
account of surplus and profits of over $140,000.00 also represents some of the earnings.
The bank has deposits of over a million dollars and its total resources are approximately
$1,600,000.00. The bank is a member of the Federal Reserve system.
Mr. Dotson has been very successful as an individual business man. He has shown
much vision and constructive leadership, and a number of years ago he became engaged
in oil development and has benefitted a great deal from that important natural resource of
Pleasants County. Mr. Dotson is a York Rite and thirty second degree Scottish Rite Mason
and Shriner.
He married Miss Fanny Olive Houser, daughter of David and Martha J. (Cooper)
Houser. The Cooper family came from Johnstown, Pa. Mr. and Mrs. Dotson have five
children; Beril A., assistant cashier of the First National Bank; Mrs. Glenna Olive
Tripplett; Mrs. Foye Marie West; William Commodore Jr., bookkeeper of the First
National Bank: and Mrs. Eva Cather."
2.- Martin Luthur Dotson. b. July 1845 (1841)
This marriage in Pleasants County: "23 June 1865...Martin S. Dotson...age 21...m.
Martha Smith...age 17."
From the 1870 census of WV; Pleasants Co Union Twp Bens Run PO p. 486 Dwl 34
Fam 34
Dodson M L 26 MW RE $50 Pers $30 VA
Martha 22 FW VA
Nancy 4 FW VA
William (Edward)1 MW VA
From the 1880 census of WV; Pleasants Co:
Dotson Martin L WM 34 Cooper WV WV WV
Martha A WF 30 Wife Kps. hse WV PA WV
Nancy R WF 14 Dau At home WV WV WV
William E WM 11 Son At home WV WV WV
From the 1900 census soundex of WV; Pleasants Co Washington Dist 26 71 2 51
Dotson Martin L July 1845 54 WV
Martha E W May 1850 50 WV
Mahaney Manuel Bo May 1883 27 WV
From the 1910 census soundex of WV; Pleasants St. Marys 036 0065 0101
Dotson Martin H W 64 WV WV
Martha W 59 WV
Ercell GD 19 WV
Martin Luther and Martha Smith Dotson were parents of two known children:
a. Nancy Dotson, b. ca. 1866, m. Zed Pethtel
b. William Edward Dotson, b. Feb 9, 1869, m. Launa Blanch Dotson; she b. May 18,
1869, dau. of William White Dotson. William White Dotson (see Chap VIII-2) son of
Richard Dotson, Jr.
From the 1900 census soundex of WV; Pleasants Co. Washington Dist 26 71 1 68:
Dotson Edward W W Feb 1869 31 WV
Launa B W May 1869 31 WV
Carmen E D Feb 1891 9 WV
Floyd L S Mar 1895 5 WV
William Z S Sept 1897 2 WV
From the 1910 census soundex of WV; Pleasants 036 0064 0134
Dotson William E
Launa B W 40 WV
Carman E D 19 WV
Mary E D 17 WV
Floyd L S 15 WV
William J S 12 WV
Andra B D 09 WV
Earl E S 06 WV
Elgar G S 03 WV
Mathew L S nr WV
This family lived on Long Run of Pleasants County.
Parents of eleven children, two of whom died shortly after birth:
a. Carmen Ercell b. 25 Feb 1891, d. 1977, m. O'Grady Hammett
b. Mary Elma Jane, b. 19 May 1892, m. Mose Williams; Mary Elma worked for
telephone company at St Marys for 32 years and was "Hello Central"
c. Floyd Luther, b. 18 Mar 1895, m. (1) Hattie Morrell, m. (2) Nancy O'Brien
d. William Zedock, b. 14 Sept 1897, m. Beulah Grace Hays
e. Joy L. b. 11 Apr 1900, died in infancy
f. Audrey Blanch, b. 18 Mar 1901, d. 12 Feb 1973, m. Hobart L. Smith
g. Earl, b. 21 Mar 1904, d. 1947, m. Helen Bruce
h. Elgar G. , b. 20 Dec 1907, m. (1) Daisey Carter, m. (2) Floris Bowers
i. Mathew L., b. 12 July 1909, m. Vorla Bowers
j. Umber Eugene, b. 1 Mar 1912, m. Audrey Butler of Big Run
3.- Margaret Dotson, b. ca. 1846, m. Franklin P. Barker.
This marriage in Pleasants County: "9 Dec 1866...Franklin P. Barker...age 28...m.
Margaret A. Dotson...age 20." No further information.
4.- William Miner Dotson, b. Oct 14, 1850 (b. ca. 1849 from age 1 in the 1850 census of
his father Luther Dotson), d. 19 Feb 1928; a cooper by trade; m. Elizabeth Poole 15 Apr
1873, dau of Richard Poole and Sarah Hackathorn, of Newport, OH; she born 13 April
1855, died 21 April 1918, Waverly WV.
Parents of eleven children:
a. Bertha, b. 1876, d. 1930; m William Munsee 21 June 1898.
b. Richard Oak, b. 1879; m. Addie Roach 2 May 1901.
c. Ada, b. 1889 Wood Co., d. 23 Jan 190_. m. Charles Galbraith 23 Jan 1908.
d. Annie, b. 1872 Wood Co; m. William Cain 20 Nov 1895.
e. Mae D., b. 1884 Wood Co., d. 1926; m. a Sleeth
f. Lillian, b. 1881, d. 1969; m. (1) Guy Huggins 22 Jan 1915; m. (2) Ray Wolfe
g. Okie, b. 1893, m. Audrie Cleavinger 8 June 1913.
h. Launa, b. 25 Sept 1890 Waverly WV, d. 10 July 1990 Athens Co. OH; m.
William Pearl Lynch 1908; he b. 17 Feb 1886 Wood Co, d. 15 Oct 1949, son of
James Milton Lynch and Sarah Jane Alton.
Parents of eight children:
1. Aunieka, b. 3 Oct 1908 Waverly Wood Co. WV, m. John Rowles; no issue
2. Geneivev, b. 5 Feb 1911, m. (1) David Booth, m (2) John Whitaker; no issue
3. Chalmer Crooks, b. 9 Apr 1914, m. (1) Genevia Frazer, parents of one son
Micheal P.; m. (2) Mildred Hindriks, parents of one son Douglas and one daughter Linda
4. Glendora, b. 11 Nov 1916, m. (1) Ronald Knotts, had one daughter Joan; m. (2)
Robert McAttee had one daughter Shelia.
5. Charles Eugene,
b. 31 Dec 1922, m. (1) Pearl
m. (2) Alberla
Desmon, b. 8 May 1920, m.
Virginia Mickens; had one
son James.
7. Armour Lee, b.
2 June 1928, m. Emolene
Weaver 30 Sept 1949; she b.
13 Dec 1932 at Perkins
Gilmer Co WV; dau of
Carrell Honest Weaver and
Gracie Magdalene Kerns.
Parents of four children:
(1) Donald
Eugene, b. 29 Jan 1951
Pontiac, Oakland Co. MI,
m. Linda Kay Griffin 4 Sept
1970; she b. 4 Jan 1951. They
have David b. 20 Aug 1971
and Bryan b. 7 Feb 1975.
(2) Donna
Jean, b. 24 Nov 1952, d.
(3) Brenda Gale, b. 12 Apr 1955, m. Heamon Baxter Hart, 8 June 1973; he
b 14 Apr. 1953. They have Tracy Marie, b. 28 Oct 1976 and Timothy James b. 7 Jan 1981.
(4) Karen Lee, b. 5 Apr 1959, Waverly Wood Co. WV.
8. Robert Edward, b. 24 Oct 1933, m. Marlene ?; they had Carrie G.
i. William Edward b. 1898, d. 1969, m. Mattie Sinclair 1 June 1909
j. Ralph, b. 1 Nov 1895, d. 2 Mar 1970
k. Blanch
5.-Eliza Jane Dotson, b. 1851. d. 1852 (headstone)
6.-Sarah F. Dotson, b. 1852. d. 1852 (headstone)
John Calvin Dotson, b. 14 Dec.1823. He m. ca 1847, Mary Nancy Gatrell, 21. She b.
30 Sept 1832; d. 4 Feb 1903.
From the 1850 census of VA; Doddridge County, Fam. No. 57:
Dotson, Calvin 26 farmer VA
William Miner and Elizabeth Poole DotsonPhoto courtesy Armour Lee and Emolene Lynch
Nancy 18
Victoria 1
From the 1860 census of VA; Doddridge County, Dwl. 348, Fam. 349:
Calvin Dotson 37 M Grocer VA
Nancy 31 F VA
Victoria 10 F VA
Ducket L 7 M VA
Calvin 3 M VA
Draper 5 M VA
Frederick 8/12M VA
From the 1870 census of WV; Doddridge County, West Union borough, Dwl. 137,
Fam. 130:
Dotson, Calvin 46 MW Com. lab. RE $600, Pers. $20 VA
Nancy 38 FW Kp. house VA
Duckit 19 MW Com. lab. VA
Draper 16 MW VA
John C 13 MW VA
Frederick R 10 MW VA
Franklin 3 MW WV
From the 1880 census of WV; Doddridge, 121 006:
Dotson, Calvin WM 56 Farmer VA VA VA
Nancy WF 48 Wife Housekeeper VA VA VA
Fred WM 20 Son at home VA VA VA
Frank WM 13 Son at home WV VA VA
Lloyd WM 9 Son WV VA VA
Richard WM 4 Son WV VA VA
From the 1900 census soundex of WV: Dodd West Union Dist 5 27 8 51
Dotson Nancy W Aug 1831 68 WV Living alone
In Doddridge Co. Deaths Vol. 1, p. 146: "Dotson, Nancy female Feb 4, 1903; age 71y
5m 5d widow; life res. of state; place of death West Union WV; bur. West Union;
undertaker C S Pease West Union" Parents of eight known children:
1.-Victoria Dotson, b. 18 June 1848; d. 4 Sept 1957. She m. John A. Smith.
This marriage in Doddridge County: "14 June 1866...Victoria Dotson & John A.
Smith by Calvin H. Laken." She was 18 and he was 23. John A. Smith, b. 2 Dec 1842; d.
23 April 1913.
Both buried I.O.O.F. Cemetery, West Union, W.Va.
[Note; this Victoria Dotson not to be confused with another Victoria Dotson, dau. of
Wm. W. & Mary Cross Dotson, Chapter VIII-2].
Parents of eleven children:
a.-Thomas D. Smith, b. 23 Dec 1867; m. Lenora Dotson, 27 July 188 by George
McGill. (Lenora Dotson, dau. of Francis Marion Dotson, child No. 5, Chapter VIII-9). Two
1.- Henry C. Smith, b. 1896. Has four children.
2.- Infant Smith, b. 20 Nov 1889; d. 21 Nov 1889.
b.- Robert Lee Smith, b. 21 Oct 1869; d. 23 Dec 1932. He m. Dochia Delila Lawson
of Wood County. Five children:
1.- Dessie Smith, b. 1905
2.- Lewyer Smith, b. 1908
3.- Pearl Smith, b. 1910; m._____ Holtz. Four children
4.- 0lga Smith, b. 1919
5.- Christina Louise Smith, b. 1923; m.___ Money. Three children
c.- John Calvin Smith, b. & d. 5 July 1872
d.- Draper C. Smith, b. 25 July 1873; m. Mandia (Maud) Congrove, b. Aug 1878,
Jackson Co. Two children:
1.- Male Infant, b. 6 July 1894
2.- Keith Smith, b. 20 April 1901.
e.- Mary Nancy Smith, b. 1 June 1876; m.____Costilow.
f.- Fredrick Howard Smith, b. 26 June 1979. He, age 21, m. Maud Ramsey, age 19;
4 July 1900 by F. N. Boyd.
g.- Floyd Nelson Smith, b. 28 March 1882; d. 7 Feb 1942. He m. Martha Alice Bee,
1 March 1900 by Riley G. Davis. Martha b. 7 Oct 1875. Six children:
1.- Tessa Ruby Smith, b. 7 March 1901
2.- Eldridge Cody Smith, b. 21 Nov 1903
3.- Willa Leota Smith, b. 6 Feb 1905
4.- Infant Smith, b. 7 May 1906. Deceased
5.- Infant Smith, b. 7 March 1911. Deceased
6.- Mary Virginia Smith, b. 11 Aug 1913
h.- William Henry Smith, b. 7 July 1884; m. Mary Etta Day, Feb 1911 by N. E.
Duckworth. She b. 20 May 1885. Seven children:
1.- Neva Ruth Smith, b. 12 Jan 1912
2.- Kenneth Day Smith, b. 30 July 1914
3.- Noca June Smith, b. 15 Feb 1917
4.- William Henry Smith, b. 24 July 1918
5.- Victoria Lee Smith, b. 24 May 1921.
6.- Juretha V. Smith, b. 19 Nov 1924.
7.- Pearl Leone Smith, b. 6 Aug 1913
i.- Samuel L. Smith, b. 19 Aug 1886; d. 23 June 1887. Measles.
j.- Clifford P. Smith, b. 5 May 1888; d. 3 May 1942. He m. Sally Martin, b. 11 Dec
1886: d. 6 Nov 1971. She dau. of George W. and Emily Smith Martin. Nine children:
1.- Howard Ralph Smith, b. 9 April 1910
2.- Clyde Paul Smith, b. 13 Nov 1911
3.- Flora Smith, b. 27 Sept 1913
4.- Lulu Smith, b. 31 Aug 1915
5.- Charles Harry Smith, b. Oct_______.
6.- Edward Smith, b. 27 July 1921
7.- Mable Smith, b. 26 April 1925
8.- Mildred Smith
9.- Mona Morea Smith
k.- LucyMinie Smith, b. 22 Aug 1890; m. Barney Bond of Tyler Co. by N. E.
Duckworth. (Barney Bond, son of Squire Bond; see Chapter V-11 Eliza Margaret Dotson)
2.- Ducket L. Dotson, b. 1851.
This marriage in Doddridge County: "14 May 1871...Ducket L. Dotson, 20...single...b.
Dodd. Co...res. Dodd. Co...Parents, Calvin & Nancy; & Harriett Ann Russell, 17...
single...b. Dodd. Co...res. Dodd. Co...Parents, Joseph Smith & Eliza Bond by J. M.
From the 1880 census of WV; Doddridge Co., 121 029:
Dotson, D L WM 29 Blacksmith VA VA VA
H A WF 25 Housekeeper VA VA VA
Nancy WF 8 Dau WV VA VA
Eliza WF 4 Dau WV VA VA
Calvin WM 11/12 Son WV VA VA
From the 1900 census soundex of WV; Doddridge West Union Dist 5 27 18 31
Dotson Dick L W Nov 1851 48 WV
Harrieh? A W Apr 1854 46 WV
Lyde D Mar 1876 24 WV
Bessie D Oct 1885 14 WV
Claude S Aug 1889 10 WV
Cleva D Nov 1892 7 WV
Preston D S Mar 1895 6 WV
From the Doddridge Co. Death Index, Vol. 3, p. 24: "Dotson, Howard, male, May
9, 1875; parents Hattie Dotson, Ducket L Dotson."
From the Doddridge Co. Death Index, Vol. 3, p. 36: "Dotson, Magie, female Feb. 17
1882; parents Harriett Dotson, Ducket Dotson."
3.- Draper C. Dotson, b. 25 Sept 1853. d. Aug 16, 1934.
From the Doddridge Co. Death Index Vol. 4, p. 44: "Dotson Draper C., male, Aug
16, 1934; parents Nancy Gatrill, Calvin Dotson."
Draper Dotson m. (1) Columbia A Metz; First marriage in Doddridge County: "24
Nov. 1874...Draper Dotson, 21...single...b. Dodd. Co...res. Dodd. Co...Parents, Calvin &
Nancy; & Columbia A. Metz, 19...single... b. Harrison Co...res. Rit. Co...Parents, Henry
& Ruth by W. E. Powell." He was 21 at the time of this first marriage. He shortly lost his
wife and small child.
From the Doddridge Co. Death Index, Vol. 3, p. 26: " Dotson, Columbia, female, July
13, 1876; parents Henry Metz." and from p. 30: "Dotson, S. V., female, Mar 3 1878; parents
Draper Dotson".
Draper Dotson m. (2) Mary Frances Davis; second marriage in Doddridge County:
"28 (4) Jan 1877...Draper Dotson, 23...widowed...b. Dodd. Co...res. Dodd. Co...parents,
Calvin & Nancy; & Mary F. Davis, 18...single... b. Dodd. Co...res. Dodd. Co...Parents,
Xacharias & Huldah by J. M. Harshbarger."
From the 1 census of WV; Doddridge Co., 121 002:
Dotson C D WM 26 Laborer VA VA VA
Mary A WF 22 Wife Housekeeper VA VA VA
Lelia J WF 1 Dau WV VA VA
From the 1900 census soundex of WV; Doddridge West Union Dist City West
m....town??? 5 27 1 70:
Dotson Draper C W Sept 1854 45 WV
Mary F W Sept 1857 43 WV
Katie Y D Mar 1881 19 WV
Ethel G D Mar 1886 14 WV
Ralph R S July 1890 9 WV
Perly C (Clay) S Nov 1895 4 WV
G Dewey(George) S Jan 1899 1 WV
Willis John S-L nr nr 32 WV
Lelia J D May 1879 21 WV
Griffin D G-S Feb 1900 2/12 WV
From the 1910 census soundex of WV; Doddridge 007 0034 0178
Dotson Draper C H W 56 WV WV
Mary W 50 WV
Katy Y D 28 WV
Clay S 14 WV
George S 11 WV
Vera D 04 WV
Jettie V (Wallace)DL 16 WV
From Davis, Settlers of Salem, W. Va., page 18711: "Mary Frances Davis, b. 4 Sept.
1857; m. 28 Jan. 1877, Draper Dotson, (son of Calvin Dotson)" Seven of their children,
died young. Parents of three living children:
a.- Lelia Dotson, b. at West Union, WV.; m. John K. Willis. Lived at Central Station.
From Page 218...six children:
1.- 0scar G. Willis, b. 5 Feb 1900; m. 14 March 1921, Madge Ruth Miller, b. 24
Aug 1905; d. 4 June 1974.
2.- Gerlad E. Willis, b. 11 July 1902; m. Glenda Elder.
3.- Kenneth J. Willis, b. 20 Dec 1904; m. Dessel W. Brown.
4.- Mary Francis Willis, b. 18 May 1907; m. 19 April 1922, Lewis Brown
5.- Katheryn Lucille Willis, b. 15 June 1909; m. Frank Black.
6.- Dessie W. Willis, b. 24 Nov. 1911; m. 4 June 1942, Lee M. Garner. Resides
at Greenwood, W.Va.
b.- Ethel Dotson, m. 21 Feb 1905, Oran Moran.
c.- Raymond Dotson, m. Jetty Wallace. Two children:
1.- Clay Wallace.
2.- Katie Wallace.
4.-John Calvin Dotson b. ca. 1857, d 22 Dec 1877.
From Doddridge Co. Death Index, Vol. 3, p. 28: "Dotson, John C. Dec 22, 1877;
parents N. Dotson, C. Dotson."
5.- Fredrick R. Dotson, b. ca 1859; d. June 19, 1933.
From the Doddridge Co. Death Index, Vol. 4, p. 44: "Dotson, Frederick R., male, June
19, 1933; parents Nancy Gatrell John C. Dotson".
This marriage in Doddridge Co.: "19 Dec. 1880...Fredrick E. Dotson, 21...single...b.
Dodd. Co... res. Dodd. Co...Parents, Calvin & Nancy; & Ruth R. Weekley, 20... single...b.
Tyler Co...res. Dodd. Co...Parents, Isreal & Elizabeth by F. J. Ashburn."
Isreal and Elizabeth were m. in Tyler Co. and are in the 1850 census of Tyler Co. but
I do not find them in "The Weekley Family" by Henry A. Davis. Henry A. Davis also wrote
"A Davis Family History" These are Davises that settled on Middle Island Creek, below
West Union, W.Va.
From the 1900 census soundex of WV; Dodd West Union Dist 5 27 8 23
Dotson Fred W Oct 1859 40 WV
Ruth H W Mar 1860 40 WV
Joh(n) C S Mar 1881 19 WV
Zack R S May 1882 18 WV
Walter H S Mar 1884 16 WV
Frederick S S Mar 1886 14 WV
Clifton S Nov 1889 11 WV
Franklin B S Mar 1892 8 WV
Bruce S July 1894 5 WV
From Doddridge Co. Death Index, Vol. 4, p. 43: "Dotson, Franklin B, male Sept 20
1927; parents Bertha H. Weekley, Fredrick R. Dotson"
6.-Franklin B. Dotson. b. ca. 1867; d. 5 Aug 1887.
In the household of his father Calvin in 1870, age 3, and in 1880, age 13.
From the Doddridge Co. Death Index, Vol. 3, p. 46: "Dotson, Franklin B., male, Aug
5 1887; parents Nancy Dotson, Calvin Dotson."
7.-Lloyd Dotson b. ca. 1871;
In the household of his father Calvin Dotson in the 1880 census, age 9.
From the 1900 census soundex of WV; Doddridge West Union Dist West Union 5 27?
3 61:
Dotson Lloyd W Oct 1870 29 WV
Ella M W Apr 1869 31 WV
From the 1910 census soundex of WV; Doddridge 007 0034 0176
Datson Lloyd G
Ella W 45 WV
8.-Richard Howard Dotson, b. 21 Jan 1876
In the 1880 census of his father Calvin Dotson, age 4.
From the 1910 census soundex of WV; Doddridge 007 0034 0195
Dotson Richard H W 35 WV WV
Josephine W 34 WV
Hazel D 05 WV
Clorine D nr WV
0.-One other unnamed birth for Nancy and Calvin Dotson was recorded in Doddridge
County. From Doddridge Co. Births Vol. 1, p. 60: "May 1873; Dotson ——, male, Nancy
Dotson Calvin Dotson."
Deliah Dotson, b. 20 April 1826.
This marriage in Doddridge Co.: "14 Oct 1850...James E. Wells, 21; & Deliah
Dotson, 2O...res. Dodd. Co...Parents, Richard Dotson." No other information.
Drucilla Dotson, b. 13 Aug 1829.
This marriage in Wood Co.: "Jacob Juda (Judy) and Drusilla Dotson 24 Feb 1846 by
William D. Lowther."
From the 1850 census of Doddridge County, Fam. No. 115:
Jacob Juda 20 MW Farmer PA
Drusilla 20 FW VA
Luther A 1 MW VA
Note; next door to Fam. No. 114 Drusilla's parents Richard and Margaret Dotson
Malvina Dotson, b. 22 Aug 1832. No other information.
Francis Marion Dotson, b. 22 Feb. 1835; d. 4 March 1915.
In the 1850 census of VA; Doddridge Co., age 15, in the household of his father
Richard, Jr.: "Francis M 15 MW VA"
This marriage in Doddridge County: " 5 June 1856...Marion Dotson, 21...single...b.
Harrison Co...res. Dodd. Co...Parents, Richard and Margaret; and Isabel Hufford,
15...single... b. Washington Co., Pa...res. Dodd. Co...Parents, Peter and Mary Ann by
Ezekiel Bee." She b. 1 Jan. 1841.
From the 1860 census of VA; Doddridge Co. (p. 483), Dwl 347, Fam 348:
Dotson, M. 26 M Farmer VA
Isabelle 20 F VA
Francis M 2 M(?) VA
Goodwin, B J, 18 and Lorraine Goodwin, 19, and four children in Dwl. 347.
From the 1870 census of WV; Doddridge Co. (p. 58), Dwl 289, Fam. 253:
Dotson, Francis M 34 MW Farmer VA
Isabel 28 FW Keeping house PA
Frances 11 FW VA
Helen M (ary) 9 FW VA
Luther D 6 MW VA
Margaret 3 FW VA
Leanora 8/12FW WV
From the 1880 census of Ritchie Co., 150 028:
Dotson, Marion WM 45 Farmer WV WV OH
Isabell WF 31 Wife Keeping housePA PA PA
Mary H WF 18 Dau At home WV WV PA
Luther WM 16 Son At home WV WV PA
M C( Margaret) WF 13 Dau At home WV WV PA
Lenora WF 10 Dau WV WV PA
Henry WM 7 Son WV WV PA
Richard M WM 5 Son WV WV PA
Daisy WF 6/12Dau (Dec 1879) WV WV PA
From the 1900 census soundex of WV: Doddridge Central Dist 5 20 11 12
Dotson Marion W Feb 1835 65 WV
Isabel W Jan 1841 59 Penn
Hellen M D Apr 1861 39 WV
Henry C S Aug 1872 27 WV
Richard M S Apr 1875 25 WV
Daisy D Dec 1879 20 WV
Stella D Oct 1882 17 WV
From the 1910 census soundex of WV: Doddridge 007 0026 0063
Dotson Marion H W 75 WV WV
Isabel W 69 Penn
Helen M D 49 WV
Stalla D 27 WV
Glenn GS 06 WV
Parents of nine children:
1.-Frances Dotson, b. 17 July 1858; d. 29 Oct. 1928.
On 5 October 1878 she m. Barton Rollins. He b. 1 April 1856; d. Aug. 1951. This
marriage in Ritchie Co.: "3 Oct. 1878...Barton Rollins...age 22...b. Ritchie...son of Edward
and Mary...m. Frances Dotson...age 20 ...b. Doddridge...resident Ritchie...dau. of Marion
and Isabelle."
Her sister, Mary Helen Dotson lived with them. After Frances' death Barton Rollins,
m (2) Mary Helen Dotson
Barton Rollins and Frances Dotson had seven children:
a.- Mamie Rollins, m. lsaac "Ike" Miller. They went to Oklahoma. They had four
b.- Sherman Rollins, m. Cora Melven. They had four children.
c.- Nellie Rollins, m. Goff Mason. They had several children.
d.- Bessie Rollins, m. Lloyd Ingram. Lived Cabin Run. Parents of several children.
e.- Leamon Rollins. No information.
f.- Lucy Rolllns, m. Carl Mason. He, son of Anthony Mason.
g.- Russell Rollins. No information.
2.- Mary Ellen Dotson, b. 3 April 1861; d. 31 Oct 1947. After the death of her sister,
Frances Dotson, she m. her brother-in-law, Barton Rollins. She had made her home with
Barton and Frances for many years.
3.- Luthur Dotson, b. 9 .May 1864; d. 16 June 1944. He m. Ella Cottrill. She d. 7 Jan 1942.
Eight children:
a.- Claude Dotson, m. Myrtle Edwards. He d. 1929.
b.- Retta Dotson, m. John Bunch.
c.- Vernie Dotson, m(1) Guy Russell; m (2) Claude Roach.
d.- Delphia Dotson, m. Everett McCarty.
e.- Clady Dotson
f.- Charlie Dotson
g.- Dollie Dotson, m. Harvey McCarty.
h.- Edna Dotson. Never married.
4.- Margaret Caroline Dotson, b. 17 Dec 1866: d. 19 June 1938. She m. (1) Dolph Cottrill.
Two children:
a.- Gussie Cottrill, m. Clyde Hufford. Two children:
1.- Rex Hufford
2.- Ray Hufford
b.- Isabel Cottrill, m. Walt Smith.
4.-Margaret Caroline Dotson, m (2) Hat Hufford. Two children:
c.- Arlie Hufford. (Killed by train at age 18 or 19).
d.- Mark Hufford
5.- Eleanor (Lanor) Dotson, b. 1 Sept 1869; d. 3 Jan 1901. She m. Tom Smith. (See, Chapter
VIII-5 John Calvin Dotson) Four children:
a.- Homer Smith, b. 19 Feb 1894.
b.- Henry Clay Smith, b. 4 Aug 1896; d. 15 July 1952.
c.- Infant Smith, b. 20 Nov 1889; d. 21 Nov 1889.
d.- Infant Smith.
6.- Henry Clinton Dotson, b. 3 Aug.1872; d. 31 Dec 1930. He m. Maxine Calhoun 18 Sept.
1901. She b. ca. 1878. One son:
a.- Burl Dotson.
Lived on Goose Creek, east of Petroleum, near Victory School.
From the 1910 census soundex of WV; Ritchie 036 0070 0130
Dotson Henry C H W 37 WV WV
Maxie W 32 WV
Burl Dotson m. Stella Varner, dau. of Oliver and Elizabeth Varner.
This obituary from the Ritchie Gazette, 1991: "Stella Virginia Dotson, 73, of 1320
40th St., Parkersburg, WV, died Thursday March 28, 1991 at her residence after a brief
She was born in Petroleum, WV, a daughter of the late Oliver and Elizabeth Harris
Varner. She was a member of the Grace Gospel Church, Pettyville, WV.
Surviving are her husband, Burl H. Dotson; three sons, Clinton H. Dotson and
Burl Patrick Dotson, both of Parkersburg, and Ronald Michael Dotson of Redlands, CA;
four brothers, Shirley Varner of Harrisville, WV, George Varner of Petroleum, Utah
Varner of Akron, OH, and Calvin Varner of Parkersburg; five sisters, Nellie Metz, Inez
Smith and Verna Wilson, all of Parkersburg, Julia Donley of Akron, and Nina Miller of
Shippensburg, PA.
Services were held at the Leavitt Funeral Home, Parkersburg, with the Rev. Bill Angel
officiating. Burial was in the Ellafritz Cemetery*, Petroleum."
*Note; Ellifritt Cemetery is four miles east of the village of Petroleum, on Goose Creek
near the mouth of Short Run. See Chap. IX-5 Hiram Dotson.
7.- Richard Michael Dotson, b. 13 April 1875; d. 5 March 1937.
He m. Maud Batton. This marriage in Ritchie Co.; "3 April 1909...Richard M.
Dotson...age 28...b. Doddridge...m. Eunice M. Batton...age 19...b. Doddridge...resident
Ritchie." She b. 1889.
From the 1910 census soundex of WV: Doddridge 007 0026 0190
Dotson Richard R (M) H W 35 WV WV
Maud W 20 WV
Gladys D nr WV
Seven Children:
a.-Gladys Isabell Dotson, m. Austin "Austie" Nutter.
b.-Pearl Elizabeth Dotson; m. ____ Wilson. One child:
1.-"Bill" Dotson.
c.-Alice Jane Dotson, m. Sam Waldo (Chap. V-14). One child:
1.- Mike Waldo m. Paula Hodge, one child.
d.-Lawrence Dotson
e.-Opal Dotson, m. ____ Bunch.
f.-Roxie Dotson, m. ____ Davis. Lives at Pennsboro
g.-A still born child, b. 13 May 1878.
8.- Daisy Dotson, b. 15 Dec 1879; d. 8 Jan 1959.
She m. Eph Bee 29 Dec 1901. He b. 12 Nov 1874, d. 8 Sept 1955. Two children:
a.-Vonda Bee, m. Forrest Leggett.
b. - A stllborn child.
9.-Stella Dotson, b. 16 Oct 1882; d. 31 July 1958.
She m. 26 Nov 1916, William Frankhouser; he b. 4 May 1889, d. 4 May 1958. Five
a.-Glen Dotson, b. 8 Feb 1904, d. 10 Sep. 1958.
b.-Reed Dotson. (These two were Stella's children and were Dotsons.)
c. - William Earl Frankhouser, b. 5 June 1917, m. Letha Myers 21 Aug. 1941. Letha
b. 22 Aug 1920. Three children:
1.-William Michael Frankhouser, m. Pearl _____ 7 Nov____. One child:
(1) Michael Allen Frankhouser, b Aug.___
2.-Barbara Jane Frankhouser, m. Melvia Mosser. Two children:
(1) Mark Andrew Mossor, b. 20 Aug 1968
(2) William Davis Mossor.
3.-James Anthony Frankhouser.
d. Gordon Frankhouser, b. 20 May 1919; m. Leatrice Joyce Kennedy 24 Dec 1945"
They have three children:
1.- Roger Bruce Frankhouser, m. Joyce Ann Medina, 19 Aug. 1967. She b. 16
May 1948. One adopted son:
(1) William Joseph Frankhouser, b. 28 April 1971.
2.- Stephen Reid Frankhouser, b. 20 Aug 1948; m. 19 May 1972, Karen Lemasters.
3.-Kathy Sue Frankhouser, m. 13 April 1968, Stephen J. Yacheuv. Two
(1) Craig Allen Yacheuv, b. 6 Jan 1971.
(2) Melissa Ann Yacheuv, b. 11 Oct 1972.
e.- Ralph Kent Frankhouser, m. (1) Betty Jo Kiger, divorced. He b. 23 Sept 1924; d.
5 May 1969.
e.- Ralph Kent Frankhouser, m. (2)____ ____
Notes: Chapter 8
1911); p. 144.
2 Susie Davis Nicholson, Davis, The Settlers of Salem, W. Va. Revised Edition
(Strashburg, Ohio: Gordon Printing Co., 1979), p. 128.
3 H. H. Hardesty, Hardesty's Historical and Geographical Encyclopedia, Maps and
Histories of Ritchie and Doddridge Co's., W.Va., 1883 and Hardesty's West Virginia Counties
Doddridge Marion Upshur Wetzel Vol. 2 , and Gilmer Ritchie Lincoln Wayne Vol. 7. 1883,
Reprints (Richwood, W.Va.: Jim Comstock, 1973), Vol. 2, p. 17.
4 Susie Davis Nicholson, Davis, The Settlers of Salem, W. Va. Revised Edition (Strashburg,
Ohio: Gordon Printing Co., 1979), p. 89 and p. 148.
5Ibid., p. 148.
6Minnie Kendall Lowther, Edited by Barr Wilson, Ritchie County in History and Romance,
(Parsons WV: McClain Printing Company, 1990), p. 373.
7History of Doddridge County, 1979 (Dallas TX: Paoli PA: Taylor Publishing Co., 1979),
p. 87.8Barr Wilson,Jacob Collins Sr. and Phebe Stuthart (unpublished, 1982), p. 9.9Evelyn P. Gain Furner, Descendants of Adam J. and Susan Fleming Gain., (Publisher
unlisted, Nov. 1980)
10Morris Purdy Shawkey,West Virginia in History, Life, Literature and Industry, Vol. IV
(Chicago and New York: The Lewis Publishing Co., 1928), p. 242.
11Susie Davis Nicholson, Davis, The Settlers of Salem, W. Va. Revised Edition (Strashburg,
Ohio: Gordon Printing Co., 1979), p. 187.
Chapter IX
Elisha Dotson
lisha Dotson, b. 1795; m... Miss Nancy Wineger. From Wood County Death
Records (see below): "Dotson, Elisha ... Parents; Richard and Millie Dotson.... "
From Miss Lowther's History of Ritchie County 19111:
"ELISHA DOTSON was a soldier of the War of 1812, and his wife was Miss Nancy
Wineger. Their family consisted of the following named children; Irvin Dotson of Rusk is
the only surviving member of the family and he is now seventy four years of age. Richard
who married Miss Elizabeth Deem, was the head of the Elizabeth (Wirt Co.) family, who
have, since died, removed to Parkersburg. Albert rests in Wood Co.; Hiram on Goose
Creek; Jackson in Oregon; Mary (Mrs. John Hustage) and Mahala (Mrs. John Fleming),
both in Wood Co.; and Clarinda (Mrs. George Elefritz) of Goose Creek."
Elisha was a veteran of the War of 1812; he served in Capt. Henry Steed's Company
"D", Infantry, 5th Reg't. Virginia Militia, commanded by Lieut. Col. Isaac Booth, from
Aug. 30, 1814 to Mar. 24, 1815. Elisha's service parallels closely that of his older brother
Emanuel, Sr. (Chap. VII).
From the 1820 census of VA; Wood County (p. 184):
Elisha Dotson...males: 2 under 10; 1 16-26; Females: 1 under 10; 1 16-26.
Assuming all were their own children, they had two young boys and one young girl.
From the 1830 census of VA; Wood County:
Elisha Dotson...males; 1 under 5; 2 5-10; 1 15-20; 1 30-40; 1 70-80; females; 1
5-10; 1 10-15; 1 30-40. The male 70-80 is assumed to be Elisha's father, Richard Dotson
Sr., born 1752. This would mean that Richard's 3rd wife, Naomi Villers Gregg had d.
before 1830 and that he was living with his son Elisha. It should also be noted that a male
70-80 yrs. of age, also assumed to be Richard Dotson, Sr. was enumerated in the household
of his son Joseph Dotson in Tyler County in the 1830 census.
Assuming all were their own, six children were in the family; one girl and three boys
born after 1820; the one girl born before 1820 is shown as now 10-15; however only one
boy is in the 15-20 age group and none 10-15, whereas there should have been two based
on the 1820 census; perhaps one boy died or one of the boys listed in the 5-10 group should
have been in the 10-15 group; the latter explanation would fit the identified children listed
From records in Tyler County:
Tyler Co. Deed Book 2 p 34, 1823; Elisha, wife Nancy and Ruben Martin to Thomas
Cochran and James Morris 60A Ohio River Cresept and Baily line.
Tyler County Land Grants; Bk 1, p. 395, 1836; Elisha Dotson 150A Short Run (of
Arnold Creek).
Tyler Co. Deed Book 7, p. 394; 1839; Elisha and Nancy to Nathan Hanes, 150A.
Arnold Creek. This means Nancy Wineger Dotson was living 1839.
Records in Doddridge County:
Doddridge Co. Deeds Vol. 1, p. 165; 1 Feb. 1845 (rec. 6 Mar. 1847) Dotson, John and
Mahala to Elisha Dotson, 100 acres for one dollar... one moiety (half) of a two hundred acre
tract of land situate in County of Doddridge and the same which was pattened (sic) to
Hedgmen Triplett and Richard Dotson the 1st day of Aug. 1817 and the same on which the
said Elisha Dotson now lives..the west end of the aforesaid 200 acre tract.
Doddridge County Deeds Vol 2, p. 462; 8 Feb 1855 (deed dated 12 Jan. 1855) Dotson,
Elisha and Ingabee to Josephus Culp 96 3/4 acres Hughes River $1161. ....deliver
possession to Culp on 1 Apr. 1855.
Elisha was not found in the census of 1840 in the counties of Tyler, Wood or Harrison,
as head of a household, although from the above deed he was living on the 100 acre tract
in the Duckworth area. In 1850, he and his second wife Ingaby and children were
enumerated in the same house-hold as that of Henry Ellefritt in Doddridge County; his
relationship to the Henry Ellefritt family has not been determined.
From the 1850 census of VA; Doddridge County Fam. No. 118:
Henry Ellefritt 28 MW Farmer Maryland
Nancy 28 FW Virginia
Flora E 4 FW Virginia
Eleanore 2 FW Virginia
Mary E 4/12FW Virginia
Elisha Dotson 55 MW Virginia
Ingaby 34 FW Virginia
Elisha 16 MW Virginia
Irvin 13 MW Virginia
Daniel 3/12MW Virginia
Note: Fam No. 115 was Jacob and Drusilla Dotson Juda, Fam. 114 was Richard and
Margaret White Dotson, Fam. 112 was Wellington and Charlotte Duckworth, Fam. 109
Zachary and Eliza Edelbute Dotson, Fam 108 Thomas and Jacynthia Dotson Scott, Fam
107 Henry and Rhoda Duckworth, Fam 104 Aaron and Jane Duckworth, Fam. 97 William
Dotson, Sr. and Mary A. Franks Dotson. These families lived in the Duckworth- Greenwood
area of Doddridge Co.
From the above deed, in which he sold his ca. 100 acre tract in the Duckworth area
to Josephus Culp with possession on April 1, 1855, it is concluded that it was at this time
that he moved his family to the Belleville, Steele Township area of Wood County. The
exact reason for making this move to Wood County has not been clearly established; it
should be noted however that in the 1850 census of Wood Co., his son Richard W., 39, was
enumerated as head of household, and with whom two of Elisha's other sons Zachariah,
28 (farmer), and Albert, 22 (farmer), were living. Perhaps it was a move to be near these
From the 1860 census of VA; Wood Co. Belleville PO; Dwl 207; Fam. 207
Elisha Dodson 64 M Farmer RE$1000 Per$253 VA
Ingaby 42 F Wife VA
Warren W 7 M VA att.sch
Robert 2 M VA
From the 1870 census of WV; Wood Co Steele Twnshp Wadesville PODwl 15 Fam
15 Dotson Elisha 76 MW Farmer $500 $200 VA cannot r. or w.
Ongeba 52 FW Kps house cannot r. or w.
Warner W 18 MW Farming VA att sch.
Robert 13 MW VA att sch cannot write
From Wood County Death Records: "Dotson, Elisha d. Aug. 30, 1871, Wood Co.
Steele District. 77 yrs 6 mo. 8 days. Parents; Richard and Millie Dotson. Informant;
Enzaba, WF. (wife)."
While living in Wood County, Elisha wrote a will in 1867; after his death Aug. 30,
1871, this will was proven and recorded in the Recorder's office of Wood County on Nov
1, 1871; a copy of this will was found by Art Dotson in "The Book of Wills, Wood County
Courthouse, Parkersburg, W. Va.", Pages 124 and 125; researched in October, 1991.
In the name of God Amen, I Elisha Dotson being of sound mind and feeling the
uncertainty of human life and wishing to settle worldly affairs, do make and publish this
my last will and testament. First, I give and bequeath to my wife, Ingaba Dotson, one
bedstead and bedding, twelve chairs, one side saddle, bridle and martingales, one Loom
and rigging, one big wheel and one little wheel, one looking glass, all the family books and
pictures, matixs and hoes, plows, two chests and trunk, knives and forks, cupboard ware,
1 brass kettle, two iron kettles, two tables and 1 stand, all the hogs on the farm, all the sheep
on the farm, one cook stove and fixtures and all fire cooking utensils, two cows, one hors
and gear, one horse wagon, Second to my sons Richard W. Dotson, and Zach Dotson and
Hiram Dotson, Albert Dotson, Irvin Dotson and my daughters, Mahala Fleming, Clarinda
Ellefritz, and my daughter Mary Hustage, I give and devise to each of them the sum of one
dollar and a certain note as judgement on Owen Dotson* for one hundred and fifty dollars,
the interest and cost paid by me on same be equally divided among my above married
children if the same can be collected they being at his expense at collecting the same, Third
to my sons, Warner W. and Robert W. Dotson I give and bequeath all the residue of my
personal property of which I may die seized to be equally divided between the two, hereby
revoking all former wills by me made. Given under my hand seal this 8 day of February,
1867. His
Elisha X Dotson (seal)
Signed and sealed in the presence of the undersigned, Witnessses at the request of
Testator it being in his presence and in presence of each other.
s/ J. S. Keeves
s/ James D. Loomey West Virginia Recorders Office
s/ Peter Sellers Wood County November 1st 1871
The foregoing last will and testament of Elisha Dotson dec'd. was this day duly
proven before me in said office by the oaths of James D. Loomey and Peter Sellers
Subscribing witneses thereto and admitted to record therein.
s/ W. H. Smith, R. W. C.
(Recorder Wood County)
*Owen Dotson, son of Joseph Dotson and a nephew of Elisha; see Chap. X-3; Owen
lived for a time in the late 1850s in Wood Co.; later Indiana and Kansas.
Children missing from this will were (1) Jackson, who was reported as having moved
to Oregon, (2) Elisha, who died in 1853, (3) Daniel oldest child of Ingaba, shown age three
months in the 1850 census, not in 1860 or 1870; probably died young.
Elisha and Nancy were parents of ten known children:
1.- Richard W. Dotson, b. 1812 Chapter IX-1
2.- Jackson Dotson Chapter IX-2
3.- Mary Dotson, b. 1817 Chapter IX-3
4.- Zachariah Dotson, b. 1822 Chapter IX-4
5.- Hiram Dotson, b. July 1825 Chapter IX-5
6.- Mahala Dotson, b. ca 1825-26. Chapter IX-6
7.- Albert Dotson, b. 1828 Chapter IX-7
8.- Clarinda Dotson, b. ca 1830 Chapter IX-8
9.- Elisha Dotson, Jr. b. 1833 Chapter IX-9
10.- Irvin Dotson, b. 1837 Chapter IX-10
Elisha Dotson m. (2) Ingaba Louther Eustler (Utchler) on Nov 3, 1847; she b. 1816
18; d. Oct 2, 1899 in Springhill, Johnson Co. Kansas.
Elishand Ingaba wereparents of three children:
11.- Daniel Dotson, b. ca. 1850, d. before 1860 Chapter IX-11
12.- Warner W. Dotson b. 1852 Chapter IX-12
13.- Robert W. Dotson b. ca. 1858 Chapter IX-13
Richard W. Dotson, b. ca 1812-1816. Lowther: "Richard who married Miss Elizabeth
Deem was the head of the Elizabeth (Wirt Co.) family, who have, since died, removed to
Parkersburg." This must have been a second marriage.
This marriage in Tyler County: "Dotson, Richard W. and Keziah Griffin, 14 January
1837 by Joseph Barnett."
From the 1840 census of Tyler County:
Richard W. Dotson...males, 1, 10-15; 1 20-30; females, 1 under 5; 1 20-30. The
male, 10 to 15 years of age is probably Lauson F. Mauls (see below), or a relative. The
female, under 5, may be Helen Dotson, 7 years of age in 1850 census of Wood County, but
should not be if her age is correct in the 1850, 1870 and 1880 census'.
This item from the Minute Book of the County Court of Tyler County Virginia, 18371840:
"Henry F. Dotson vs. Richard W. Dotson for use of Lauson F. Mauls."
From the 1850 census of VA; Wood Co. Dist 65 Kenna Bowman asst Marshal 12th
day of July 1850 Dwl 225 Fam 225
Rich W Dotson 39 M Farmer VA
Keziah 28 F VA
Helen A* 7 F VA
Elizabeth A 3 F VA
Zachariah 28 M Farmer VA
Albert 22 M Farmer VA
Zachariah Dotson and Albert Dotson were brothers of Richard W. Dotson. The
Dotsons living in Wirt Co., W.Va. are descendants of Richard W. Dotson
*Shown age 28 in 1870; and age 38, in 1880 census of Ritchie Co. in house-hold of
her uncle Hiram Dotson on Goose Creek.
From the 1860 Census of VA; Wood Co. RR Parkersburg PO Dwl 764 Fam 758;
Richard W Dodson 48 M Farmer $700 $158 VA
Sarah E 27 F wife VA
Helen M 18 F VA
Elizabet A 14 F VA
Frances C 12 F VA
Franklin P 6 M VA
America 4 F VA
Emily 2 F VA
Louisa 2/12 F VA
From the 1870 census of WV; Wood Co Lubeck Twp, Lubeck PODwl 151 Fam 146
Dotson Richard 57(or 53) MW Farmer $500$500 VA
Sarah E 38 FW Keeps house VA
Helen 28 FW VA
Elizabeth 24 FW VA
Frances 21 FW VA
Franklin 16 MW VA att sch
Annsice?(America)12 FW VA att sch
Emily 11 FW VA att sch
Nancy 10 FW VA att sch
Eliott 8 MW VA att sch
Commodore 7 MW WV
Calvin 4 MW WV
Osbourn Fayette 24 MW Carpenter VA
Mary 13 FW Ohio att sch
Jasper 8 MW Ohio att sch
From the 1880 census of WV; Wirt Co. 158 014:
Dotson, R W WM 64 Farmer WV WV ___
Sarah E WF 47 Wife Kps hse. WV WV OH
Francis C WF 28 DauHousekeeper WV WV WV
Nancy WF 20 DauAt Home WV WV WV
Eliott WM 18 Son Wks on farm WV WV WV
Commodore** WM 16 Son Wks on farm WV WV WV
Calvin WM 14 Son At Home WV WV WV
Ella WF 8 Dau WV WV WV
Lillie WF 2 Dau WV WV WV
Geo W WM 25 Nephew,* Farm lab. WV WV MA
*George, age 16 in 1860 census of his parents Albert and Mary Dotson (Chap. IX-7);
note birthplace of his mother Mary is MA.
**From the 1900 census soundex of WV; Wood Parkersburg Dist Parkersburg City
Fourth 461 37 138 4 46
Dotson, Comador D W June 1864 36 WV
Mable W Dec 1874 26 WV
**From the 1910 census soundex of WV; Wood Parkersburg 044 0127 0124
Dotson Commodore C H W 44 WV WV
Mabel W 44 WV
From Miss Lowther2: "Jackson Dotson in Oregon." No other information; not found
in any census of Oregon; Jackson not included in his father Elisha's will of 1867 (see above)
Mary Dotson, b. 1817. She m. John Hustage (Hustead), ca 1839.
From the 1850 census of VA; Tyler County:
Hustaed, John 32 (farmer) PA
Mary 33 VA
Eliza Ann 10
James 8
Mary 2
From the 1860 census of VA; Wood, Rural Route Parkersburg PO; Dwl 246 Fam 740
John Hustead 42 M Farmer Pers $1450 PA
Mary 42 F wife VA
James M 18 M Farm Lab VA att. sch
Mary E 12 F VA att sch
Wm. A 6 M VA att sch
John 11/12 M VA
Not in 1870 census index for WV, nor 1880 census index for Wood, Ritchie,
Doddridge, Harrison, Gilmer, Calhoun, or Wirt; however in the 1880 census of Wirt, 158
Foster, T F WM 46 Merchant WV WV ___
M E WF 32 Wife Kp. hse. WV PA WV
L A WF 12 Dau. At home WV WV WV
Frank WF 9 Dau. WV WV WV
Jimmy WM 7 Son WV WV WV
Hustead, J S WM 20 Bil Clk. in store WV PA WV
It is likely that the "M E, 32 wife" is the "Mary E, 12" daughter of John and Mary
Hustage in the 1860 census above; and that the "J S Hustead, 20 brother in law" is the "John
11/12 " son of John and Mary Hustage in the 1860 census. Note that in addition to the ages
checking, the birthplace of the father of both is given as "PA" which corresponds to the
birthplace of John Hustage in 1850 and 1860 census'.
Zachariah Dotson, b. 1822. Shown, age 28, in the 1850 census of Wood Co., in the
family of his brother Richard W. Dotson. Named in his father's will dated 1867, proven
1871. No other information.
Note: Not found by name in the 1860 or 1870 census index of WV; nor in the 1880
census of Ritchie, Doddridge or Wood.
Hiram Dotson, b. June 18,1825, d. 1901., m. Lucinda Leap, b. March 9, 1842 in
Kentucky, d. May 8, 1921
"Hiram Dotson rests on Goose Creek."3 (in the Ellifritt Cemetery)
From the 1850 census of VA; Wood Co. Dist 65 Dwl 213 Fam 213
Reuben Dickson 62 M Farmer NY
Hiram Dotson 25 M Labourer VA
From the 1860 census of VA; Wood Co. Belleville PO; Dwl 213 Fam 213
Hiram Dodson 36 M Farm Labor $600 $29 VA
Lucinda 21 F wife VA
Victoria 2 F VA
Delia A 1 F VA
From the 1870 census of WV; Ritchie County (433-418):
Hiram Dotson 44 VA farmer
Lucinda 30 VA housekeeper
Victory V 13 VA
Delilah 12 VA
Sarinda 3 WV
Nay (m) 9/12 WV
From the 1880 census of WV; Ritchie County 153 023:
Dotson, Hiram WM 54 Farmer WV WV WV
Lucinda WF 40 Wife Kps. house WV WV WV
Victoria WF 23 Dau At home WV WV WV
Delilah A WF 21 Dau At home WV WV WV
Clarinda WF 13 Dau At home WV WV WV
Ney WF 10 Son At home WV WV WV
Grace WF 3 Dau WV WV
Helen WF 38 Niece At home WV WV WV
The special census of Civil War veterans and their widows of 1890 shows that Hiram
Dotson of Grant District Ritchie County served as a private in Company B 6th W. Va.
Cavalry from 17 May 1863 to May 1866.
From the 1900 census of WV; Ritchie Grant Dist 30 88 19 26 (Dwl. 341, Fam. 341)
Dotson Hiram D MW Head June 1825 74 WV WV OH
Married 41 yrs.; farmer; can read and write, owner of farm free of mortg.
Lucinda FW Wife Mar 1839 61 WV WV WV
Rexroad Edward MW Bo Dec 1887 12 WV
From the 1910 census of WV; Ritchie Co. Grant Dist. 27 Apr. 1910; ED 70 Sh7:
Dotson Lucindie Head FW 67 Wd. 6 children/5 liv. KY VA VA
Gardener/sm. truck, can read and write, owns house free of mortgage; living alone
From the 1920 census soundex of WV: Ritchie 48 116 4 96
Dotson Lucinda 79 WV
enum. with Hanlon, William; relationship, mother- in- law
In the Ellifritt Cemetery, Goose Creek, Ritchie Co.;
"DOTSON Lucinda Dotson Mar 9 1842 May 8 1921 age 79 yrs. 1 mo. 29 ds Hiram
Dotson July 19, 1825 Dec 26, 1901 aged 76 yrs 5 mo. 7 ds; E. R. Dotson"
The location of the Ellifritt
Cemetery on Goose
Creek, Grant District, Ritchie
County, WV is shown on the
map at the end of this chapter.
In 1980 Hiram and
Lucinda Dotson's granddaughter
Olive Shriver Metz
contributed an article and photograph
of "Grandma Dotson
1842-1923" to the book The
History of Ritchie County,
West Virginia, to 1980; 4 p.
111. In it she relates her recollections,
at age eighty years,
of her grand-mother Lucinda
Leap Dotson at the home place
on Goose Creek.
Deed in Ritchie County:
Bk. 29 p. 422; 1886; "Geo.W.
Elifritz to Lucinda and Nay
Dotson deed for 15a. Goose
Parents of five known children*:
*In 1910 census, Lucinda mother of 6 children/ 5 living. note "E R Dotson" at bottom
of Hiram and Lucinda headstone in Ellifritt cemetery; may be child 6 died young
1.- Victoria, b. 1857, was reported to have married a Harlon; no record found of this
marriage; nor Harlon in 1900 or 1910 census soundex of WV. In the 1920 census (above),
Lucinda was enumerated in Ritchie Co. with a William Hanlon, her relationship to Hanlon
"mother-in-law." No additional information.
Headstone of Lucinda and Hiram Dotson
in the Ellifritt Cemetery, Goose Creek, Ritchie Co.
Photo by Art Dotson November 1991
2.- Delilah A, b. ca. 1858, d. 1936, m. Perry Davis, both buried in Ellifritt Cemetery, Goose
This marriage in Ritchie Co. "1 Sept 1887..John P. Davis... age 32...b. Doddridge...
res. Ritchie...m. Delila A Dotson...age 23...b. Wood...resident Ritchie."
From the 1900 census soundex of WV; Ritchie Grant Dist 3088 19 62;
Davis John P W July 1855 44 WV
Delilah A W June 1858 41 WV
Estella B D June 1883 16 WV
Sarah A D June 1888 11 WV
Idella G D Dec 1890 9 WV
Lelia B D July 1892 7 WV
Murnie N D May 1894 6 WV
Buleah M D May 1900 0/12 WV
From the 1910 census soundex of WV; Ritchie 036 0069 0228;
Davis Perry J HW 53 WV
Delia A W 50 WV
(no children listed)
3.- Clarinda, b. ca. 1867, d. 1937, m. Henry Cantwell, b. 1858, d. 1953, buried in Ellifritt
Cemetery, Goose Creek.
This marriage in Ritchie Co. "18 Sept . 1887..Henry Cantwell...age 28..b. Washington
Co. Oh...resident Ritchie...m. Clarinda Dotson...age 20...b. Wirt... resident Ritchie."
From the 1900 census soundex of WV; Ritchie Grant Dist 30 88 21 48;
Cantwell William HW July 1857 42 Ohio
Cara C. W Feb 1867 33 WV
Bessie F D July 1888 11 WV
William N S June 1890 9 WV
George S Nov 1892 7 WV
Thomas R S Dec 1894 5 WV
Clarence S Oct 1896 3 WV
Gouldie L D Sept 1899 10/12 WV
From the 1910 census soundex of WV; Ritchie 036 0070 0136
Cantwell Henry W HW 52 Ohio WV
Clara E W 43 WV
Nay S 19 WV
George S 17 WV
Tom S 15 WV
Clarence S 13 WV
Goldie D 11 WV
Herbert S 08 WV
Harvy S 05 WV
Ellifitt George W U 84 Maryland
4.- Nay W., b. Aug 10, 1869, d. Oct 17, 1959 in Parkersburg WV
Buried in Hopewell Cemetery. m. Roberta J McClead. b. July 9, 1879 in Washington
Co. Oh, d. Feb 21, 1964, in Olney Illinois, buried in Hopewell Cemetery, WV.
This birth in Ritchie Co. p. 44: "Nay Dotson Grant Dist. Aug 9, 1869; parents Hiram
and Lucinda Dotson; information by Hiram Dotson, father"
This marriage in Ritchie Co. "7 April 1895...Nay W. Dotson..age 24...b. Ritchie...m.
Robirdie McClead...age 17...b. Washington Co. OH...resident Ritchie."
From the 1900 census of WV; Ritchie Co. Grant Dist. 1 June 1900 Sup. Dist 4, ED 88,
Sh 20 p 14, Dwl 355, Fam 355:
McClead Elias Head MW 74 mar. 49 yr. b. Apr. 1826 PA PA PA
Farmer owns farm free and clear; can read and write.
Rachael E Wife FW 63 mar. 49 yr. Mother of 16, 10 living; b.
Apr. 1837 OH OH OH Can read/ cannot write
Bird J Dau. F W22 mar. 5 yr. Mother of 3, 3 living; b. July 1877
OH PA OH Can read and write
Dotson, Nay W. Son-in-lawMW20 mar. 5 yr.; b. Aug 1879 WV WV WV;
Farmer, can read and write
Winnie G. Dau. FW 4 Single b. Oct .1895 WV WV OH
Gertie A Dau. FW 3 Single b. Apr.1897 WV WV OH
Clyde C Dau.? MW1 Single b. Apr 1899 WV WV OH
From the 1910 census of WV; Ritchie Co. Grant Dist 27 Apr. 1910; ED 70, Sh. 7; Dwl
138, Fam 139:
Dotson, Nay W. Head MW40 Mar.#1, 15 y. WV UnK UnK Farmer
owns farm free of mortgage, can read and write
Berd Wife FW 32 Mar.#1, 15 y. mother of 6/ 6 living
OH UnK UnK can read/write
Winnie G Dau. FW 15 Sing. WV WV OH school
Gurtie Dau. FW 12 Sing. WV WV OH school
Clyde Son MW11 Sing. WV WV OH school
Nutie Son MW8 Sing. WV WV OH school
Ada Dau. FW 5 Sing. WV WV OH school
Dora Dau. FW 3 Sing. WV WV OH
McClead Elias F in L MW83 Wd. PA PA PA supported Veteran of
Civil War U. A.
From the 1920 census soundex of WV; Ritchie 48 117 1 1
Dotson Nay W W WV
Bertie W 42 Ohio
Neuta E S 18 WV
Ada R D 15 WV
Dora B D 13 WV
Pearl I D 11 WV
Norma D9 WV
Nay W. Jr S 6 WV
Earnest S 4 WV
Iwanda D 6 moWV
Dotson, Clyde C S 21 WV
Gusta DL 26 WV
This deed in Ritchie County: Bk. 43 p. 254, 1896; "Rachel E. McClead to Nay and
Robirda Dotson deed for 54 a. Goose Creek."
Nay and Roberta were leaders in the Church of Christ congregation at Metz Chapel;
this church was located at the head of Cabin Run, Grant District (see map at end of chapter);
a photo and article about the organizational meeting in 1915 with Nay Dotson elected
chairman of the trustees (another trustee was Lemon Dotson), is included in the book The
History of Ritchie County, West Virginia, to 1980; 5 p. 10.
Parents of twelve children:
a.- Winnie
b.- Gurtie Agnas
c.- Clyde Carl
d.- Newton E.
e.- Lawrence
f.- Ada Ruth
g.- Dora
h.- Pearl Irene
i.- Norma Carolyn
j.- Nay Woodrow
k.- Earnest Howell
l.- Hilda Iwanda
The following account of the families
of Nay and Berd Dotson, and their
son Newton E. Dotson, has been researched
and written (Nov. 1991) by
Nay and Berd's grandson, Art Dotson.
a.- Winnie Gazera b. Oct 25, 1895 m. (1) Guy Dotson. This marriage in Ritchie
County; "29 Sept. 1912...Guy F. Dotson...age 34...b. Doddridge ...resident Ritchie...m.
Winnie Dotson...age 17...b. Ritchie."
From the 1920 census soundex of WV; Ritchie 48 116 13 12 Cairo
Dotson, Guy P W 45 WV
Winnie W 24 WV
Goodwin, Eva no relation 15 Ohio
Guy Dotson was the son of Jasper E. Dotson. In the 1880 census, in the household
of Jasper E. Dotson, "Guy age 5". For Jasper Dotson see Chap. VIII-2 William White
Winnie was reported to have married five times; one was to a John Newman. Both are
deceased and had no children. No information on other marriages.
b.-Gurtie Agnas, b. April 22, 1897 m. (1) Buehl Davis; this marriage in Ritchie Co.;
"7 Sept. 1911...Buel Davis...age 21...b. Doddridge...resident Ritchie...m. Girtie A.
Dotson...age 15...b. Ritchie." both are deceased and had children as follows:
Nay and Berd Dotson, ca. 1940
1.- Shirly
2.- Kenneth
3.- Wilda
b.- Gurtie m. (2) ____Sperry, had girl
4.- Mary Jo
c.- Clyde Carl, b. 1899; d. Aug 30 1976; m. Augusta Cantwell, (marriage date
unknown). They had 5 children:
1.- Carl
2.- Eleanor
3.- Shirley
4.- Gene
5.- Daniel
All of the above had children and some grandchildren but names are unknown.
d.-Newton E., b. July 24 1901 in Parkersburg WV d. Aug 2, 1987 in Phoenix AZ. m.
Daisy Lea Overfield b. April 13, 1902 in Ritchie Co WV; d. Jan 11, 1984 in Phoeniz AZ.
Both are buried in Ottawa Hills Memorial Park in Toledo OH. They were married March
4, 1921 by Lemon Dotson (son of Ellis Dotson Chap. XIV-5) well known preacher in the
Church of Christ in Ritchie County, and a trustee of the Metz Chapel Church of Christ
Parents of six children (18 grandchildren, 26 g. grandchildren and 5 g.g. grandchildren):
1.-Williard Kenton Dotson, b. Apr 9, 1921 in Ritchie Co. m. Lova Irene Steiner,
b. July 30, 1923 in Bluffton OH, on Jan 17 1942 in Toledo Ohio. They had six children,
Randall Owen b. Oct 13, 1942; Janice Kay, b. July 25, 1946; Susan Beth b. Aug 21, 1946;
David Stephen b. Mar 23, 1948; Gregory Allan b. July 9, 1954; and Gerald Neil b. Mar 7,
2.-Evelyn Juanita Dotson, b. Sept 1, 1923 Petroleum, Ritchie Co. m. Leyder
Ness. No children. (Leyder had a son Leyder by a prior marriage).
3.- Jack Everett Dotson b May 16, 1925 in Ritchie Co..m Miriam Decker Sept
1953. Two children, Jeffery Guy and Kay Elizabeth.
4.- Dorothy Eileen Dotson, b. May 31, 1927 Akron OH, d. May 31,1977 in
Ontario CA; buried Pomona CA. m. (1) Jack Calvin b. May 16 1925 Monroe Mich; Their
four children are Connie b. June 15, 1947; Sandra b. Apr 22, 1949; Jackie b. Sept 1951; and
Denise b. June 6, 1953. Dorothy m. (2) Ralph Henry: Three children: Shiela; Ralph
Edward; and Robert Everett.
5.-Arthur Joel Dotson b. June 5, 1931 Toledo, OH. m. Peggy Jean Henderson,
b. Jan 29, 1931 Jackson TN, on November 21, 1953 in Toledo Ohio. Their three children
are Lisa Ann b. Feb 26 1962; Kenneth Everett b. Apr 25, 1964; and Ronald Stephan b. Jan
28, 1967.
6.- James Lee Dotson b. June 5, 1943 in Toledo, OH; m. Karen Vergiels b. June
9, 1945 Toledo OH, d. 5 May 29, 1987 Ann Arbor MI, married Apr 1, 1967; no children.
e.-Lawrence, b. ca. 1902/03, d. at birth.
f.-Ada Ruth, b. Sept 25, 1904 d. Feb 15, 1981; m. Tom Duffy, also deceased.
Their five children are:
g.-Dora, b. Aug 9, 1906 d. Oct 28, 1973. m. (1) ____McGinnis (killed on the railroad).
One child;
1.-Wilma, m. Gene Rice; one boy David.
g.- Dora m. (2) Brooks Fouty, divorced.
h.- Pearl Irene, b. Aug 4, 1910, m. (1) ___ Dieble; Two children:
1.- Kathleen Iwana, m. John Morlan
2.- Donald Lee
h.- Pearl m. (2) Ira Cochran; Children:
3.- Carol Lee
4.- Iris
5.- Phillis Joan
6.- William Ira
7.- Joyce Kay
8.- Nay W
9.- Michael
i.-Norma Carolyn, b. Aug 24, 1912, m. Kenneth Adams May 24, 1931; two children;
1.- Joanne b. 1931, m. Jack Mason, have children.
2.- Kenneth, m. ____ , have children.
j.-Nay Woodrow, b. Nov 5, 1914, d. Feb 12, 1989 in California. m. (1) ___Fayma;
have children; m. (2) Dorthea ____.
k.-Ernest Howell, b. Jan 13, 1916, d. Nov 14, 1983; m. (1)_____Had a daughter
1.- Phyllis, who is married with children.
k.-m. (2) Maxine Kinkade. No children.
l.-Hilda Iwana, b. Aug 11, 1919, d. March 7, 1973; m. Dane Fouty; had children
5.- Grace, b. 1875, in Ritchie Co. WV, d. 1932 in Ritchie Co.
Grace m. John Hagan Shriver in 1897. This marriage in Ritchie Co: "15 July
1897...John H. Shriver...widow...age 40...b. Tyler...resident Ritchie...m. Grace Dotson...age
20...b. Ritchie."
From the 1900 census soundex of WV; Ritchie Grant Dist. 30 88 21 87:
Shriver John H W Apr 1854 46 WV
Grace E W July 1876 23 WV
Rebecca R D Feb 1880 20 WV
John H S Feb 1882 18 WV
James B S Aug 1884 15 WV
Benjamin M S Oct 1886 13 WV
Harrison H S June 1889 10 WV
Delilah E D Dec 1897 2 WV
Olive G D Oct 1899 7/12 WV
From the 1910 census soundex of WV; Ritchie; 036 0070 0134:
Shriver John H HW 56 WV WV
Grace E W 35 WV
Olive G D 10 WV
Myrtle M D 08 WV
George F S 05 WV
Frona M D nr WV
The children listed in the 1900 census, through Harrison H., were children of Hagan
Shriver's previous marriage; those of his marriage to Grace Dotson in 1897 were:
a.- Delilah E., b. Dec 1897
b.- Olive G., b. Oct 1899
c.- Myrtle M, b. ca. 1902
d.- George F., b. ca. 1905
e.- Frona M.
f.- Mark D.
The following newspaper article from the Ritchie Gazette, July 6, 1989, may help
identify some later descendents of John Hagen Shriver.
"Family Reunion Held; Shriver Family
Descendants of the late John Hagen Shriver of Petroleum, WV held their 15th annual
reunion on Saturday, June 10th, at the Shriver homeplace on Goose Creek near Petroleum.
Relatives and friends attending were: Donna Metz, Shirley Wolodkin, Brian and Shari
Beckett, all of Wheeling, WV; Rae Ann Wolodkin of Columbus, OH; Scott Reynolds of
Martinsburg, WV; Stephen Metz of St. Marys, WV; Donna Reynolds Flesher of
Murphytown, WV; Howard C. Mattern of Vienna, WV.
Dennis Affolter, Ray and Edna Combs and Chris Ferree, all of Mineral Wells, WV;
Myrtle Shriver Affolter, Walter and Inez Shriver McKain, John and Ruth Reynolds, Robin
and Amber Perry, Jenny Reynolds, Kevin, Debby and Wendi Reynolds, Pat and Ruby
Perry and Dempsie Scott, all of Parkersburg, WV; Jim and Thelma Robinson, Mike and
Patty Metz, and the host, Mark D. Shriver, all of Petroleum, WV.
The 1990 Shriver Reunion will be held the third Saturday in July at the Shriver
Mahala Dotson, b. ca 1825.
From Lowther: "Mahala (Mrs. John Fleming)" This marriage in Doddridge County:
"11 April 1847...Mahala Dotson & John Fleming."
From the 1860 census of VA; Wood Lubeck PODwl 708 Fam 702:
John J. Fleming 38 M Fm Labor Per$40 VA
Mahala 37 F wife VA
Franklin 11 M VA
Senetta 8 F VA
Elisha 1 M VA
Patonop?? 1? M VA
From the 1880 census of WV; Wood Co., 170 038:
Fleming, John J WM 52 Farmer WV WV WV
Mahala WF 57 Wife Kps. house WV WV WV
Nancy A WF 17 Dau At home WV WV WV
John L WM 15 Son Wks farm WV WV WV
From the 1900 census of WV; Wood Co. Steele Dist 20 June 1900 4 142 11 86; Dwl
208 Fam 208
Fleming John J Head WM Feb 1828 72 married WV WV WV
Farmer owns farm free of mort.
Ellen Wife W F Dec 1846 53 married 8 yr, mother of 5
children, 4 living Ohio NY Md
Dotson Marion C stepson WM March 1881 19 single WV OH OH
Wife Ellen evidently a second marriage for John J. Fleming, m. ca. 1892; stepson
Marion C. Dotson not identified.
From the 1910 census soundex of WV; Wood 044 0136 0142:
Fleming John HW 82 WV WV
Ellen W 63 Ohio
Albert Dotson, b. 1828. Shown, age 22, in the 1850 census of Wood County, WV, in
the family of his brother Richard W. Dotson. Miss Lowther6; "Albert rests in Wood
From the 1860 Census of WV; Wood Co. RR Parkersburg PO Dwl 765 Fam 759:
Albert Dodson 32 M Farm Labor $60 VA
Mary 30 F wife MA
James S 7 M VA
Geo W 5 M VA
John T 3 M VA
This birth in Ritchie Co.: "John F Dotson Apr 5, 1857; parents Albert and Mary
From the 1870 census of WV; Wood Lubeck Twp Parkersburg PO Dwl 197 Fam 186:
Dotson Albert 42 MW Farmer $300 VA
Mary 41 FW kp. hse Mass
James 17 MW VA att sch
George* 16 MW VA att sch
John 13 MW VA att sch
Andrew 10 MW VA att sch
Sarah 7 FW WV
Virginia 8 FW WV
Zachariah 5 MW WV
From the 1880 census of WV; Wood County 168 040:
Dotson, Albert WM 52 Carpenter VA VA VA
Mary WF 50 Wife Kp. Hse. MA RI RI
Virginia WF 13 Dau None WV VA MA
*From the 1900 census soundex of WV; Wood Lubeck Dist Lauckport B St 106; 37
132 11 54:
Dotson George W W Mar 1857 43 WV
Ella W Aug 1857 42 Ohio
Mabel D June 1883 16 WV
Annie D May 1888 12 WV
Grace D July 1891 8 WV
*From the 1910 census soundex of WV; Wood 43 0119 0396:
Dotson George W H W 55 WV WV
Living alone
Albert was not found in either the 1900 or 1910 census soundex of WV.
Clarinda Dotson, b. ca 1830.
Miss Lowther7; "Clarinda