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Below is a family biography included in The History of Camden County, Missouri 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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James N. B. Dodson was born in Camden County, Mo., in 1852, being a son of Benjamin D. and Joannah (Sprout) Dodson, who were born in Alabama and Kentucky, respectively, and were among the early settlers of Camden County. [For history of grandparents see sketch of Dr. William M. Dodson.] James N. B. Dodson, our subject, was reared on a farm near where he now lives, but received only limited early educational advantages, as the schools of his day were few and far between, and were of an inferior kind. He afterward took a one year’s course at the Richland Institute, and at the age of nineteen years embarked in business for himself, and for about eight months was engaged in selling goods at Marshfield, but his health became badly impaired, owing to confinement to the house, and he then came home and remained with his parents until they moved to a place near Richland, in 1874. In 1887 he came to his present place of abode, where he has a good farm well under cultivation, and is considered by all as one of the progressive farmers of the county. In 1880 he was elected to represent Camden County in the State Legislature, and served with distinction for two years. He has also been a delegate to the State convention several different times, and has ever been a strong supporter of Democratic principles. He contributes freely to churches, schools and all worthy public enterprises, and is a member of the A. F. & A. M. In February, 1883, he was married to Miss Lola M. Stroud, in Benton County, Ark. She was born in Laclede County, but was reared in Benton County, being a daughter of A. B. and Mary L Stroud, who were born in Tennessee, and came to Arkansas previous to their marriage. The father was a Union man, and came to Laclede County, Mo., during the war, but he and wife are now residing in Jasper County, Mo. Mrs. Dodson is the fourth of their seven children, and she and Mr. Dodson are the parents of two children, Lola M. and Joan Z., and are members of the Christian Church.

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This family biography is one of 46 biographies included in The History of Camden County, Missouri published in 1889.  For the complete description, click here: Camden County, Missouri History, Genealogy, and Maps

To view additional Camden County, Missouri family biographies, click here

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