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Below is a family biography included in The History of Madison County, Arkansas published by Goodspeed Publishing Company in 1889. These biographies are valuable for genealogy research in discovering missing ancestors or filling in the details of a family tree. Family biographies often include far more information than can be found in a census record or obituary. Details will vary with each biography but will often include the date and place of birth, parent names including mothers' maiden name, name of wife including maiden name, her parents' names, name of children (including spouses if married), former places of residence, occupation details, military service, church and social organization affiliations, and more. There are often ancestry details included that cannot be found in any other type of genealogical record.
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William Abraham Dotson, one of the thrifty, enterprising citizens of Whorton Creek Valley, was born near where he now lives July 4, 1857. He is the son of James L. and Isabel J. (Glen) Dotson, grandson of Fountain Dotson, and great-grandson of William Dotson, who was born in Tennessee, and died in Madison County, Ark., in 1861. Fountain Dotson was also born in Tennessee, but for a time lived in Madison County, Ark., but died in Tennessee. His son, James L. Dotson, like his father and grandfather, was born in Tennessee, and moved to Madison County, Ark., about 1849 or 1850, and there died June 9, 1888, at 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 afterward 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, Ark., he married Miss Isabel J. Glen, a native of North Carolina, born in 1839, and who is still living. 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, Ark., 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.
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This family biography is one of 99 biographies included in The History of Madison County, Arkansas published in 1889. For the complete description, click here: Madison County, Arkansas History, Genealogy, and Maps
View additional Madison County, Arkansas family biographies here: Madison County, Arkansas
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