Madison County Biography of:

"DOTSON, William Abraham, one of the thrifty, enterprising citizens of Whorton Creek Valley, was born near where he now lives 4 July 1857. He is the son of James L. and Isabel (GLEN) DOTSON, grandson of Fountain DOTSON, and great-grandson of William DOTSON, who was born in Tennessee, and died in Madison County, Arkansas, in 1861. Fountain Dotson was also born in Tennessee, but for a time lived in Madison County, Arkansas, but died in Tennessee. His son, James L. Dotson, like his father and grandfather, was born in Tennessee, and moved to Madison County, Arkansas,, about 1849 or 1850, and there died June 9, 1888, as the age of fifty-two. He was a farmer all his life, and was a good citizen. During the late war he was in the Confederate service, but against his will, and was afterwards in the Home Guards, Federal Service. He was a Republican for many years, was justice of the peace, and afterward notary public. Although not a member of any church, his sympathies were with the Christian Church. He took a leading part in all societies that tended to elevate the farmer and society in general, and when he died Madison County lost one of its best citizens. He was an excellent legal adviser, and many of his neighbors went to him for advice, and in that way he made many life-long friends. In Madison County, Arkansas, he married Miss Isabel GLEN, a native of North Carolina, born in 1839. She is one of the leading members of the Whorton Creek Christian Church, and the mother of twelve children, nine now living: Mrs. Clarissa J. BURGESS, James Fountain, Mrs. Mary Elizabeth LYMAN (widow of Albert LYMAN), Mrs. Nancy Emeline LANKFORD, Mrs. Eliza Catherine EASTERLING, William A., Martha Ellen, J. B. and Thomas M. William Abraham received his education in the home schools, and in August, 1875, he married Miss Mary E. PHILIPS, daughter of William PHILIPS, and a native of Madison County, Arkansas, born November 10, 1860. Five children have blessed this union: Louisa, Bertha Ella, Oliver Burton, Mary May and Cora. Mr. DOTSON is the owner of a fine farm of 410 acres, with a considerable portion in the valley, and 175 under cultivation. To himself alone is due the credit of all this, as he started with very little means. He is a wide-awake, thorough-going young citizen, and will make his mark in the world. He is a member of the Christian Church, and a Republican in politics." (Goodspeeds History of NW AR…)

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