My Genealogy Hound

W. H. Dodson, foundry, mill and plow factory. W. H. Dodson was born in Halifax County, Va., June 8, 1815, the second son of Wm. T. and Sallie (Young) Dodson, both Virginians by birth. His father was a farmer and mechanic; was married in Virginia, in 1811, and came with his family to Davidson County, Tenn., in 1823; died in 1832, preceded by his wife several years. Of the nine children five lived to be grown. W. H. Dodson was brought to Tennessee when about eight years of age. He attended school only about six weeks after he attained a youthful age; however, by his own efforts, he acquired a very good practical education. At the age of fifteen he was thrown upon his own resources for obtaining a living, and began work on the river, working on a keel, flat and steam-boat. In 1836 he steered a flat-boat from Nashville to New Orleans, continuing to follow boating for several years, on the Tennessee, Cumberland, Forked Deer, Yellow Bushy, Yazoo, Tallahatchie and Big Black Rivers. By his frugality he saved some money, and began trading in stock and poultry from Nashville to New Orleans. In 1841 he moved from Nashville to West Tennessee, and settled in Eaton, Gibson County, becoming engaged in the family grocery business, boating on Forked Deer River, and trading to New Orleans. In 1846 he associated himself with James A. Harwood, adding dry goods to their present business, and continued this business of general trade with him for three years, at the close of which time he sold out to Mr. Harwood. He then engaged in farming, saw-mill and stock business, continuing in this to the breaking out of the war. After this he returned to Eaton, and again resumed the dry goods business and general store, in company with his son-in-law, I. R. Dance, continuing in this business two years, at the close of which time, Mr. Dance retiring, T. C. Patterson was taken in as partner. The firm Dodson & Patterson remained until 1870. The former then sold out to Patterson & Bros., and moved to Trenton in 1871. In 1872, moving to Humboldt, he then bought a half interest of the plow factory and foundry of William Jarrell, at the same place, the latter gentleman being the inventor of the celebrated Jarrell plow, cotton scraper and planter known throughout the South and West, the same year adding a flouring-mill to the other business. He remained in business with Mr. Jarrell until 1878, at the close of which time Mr. Dodson bought the entire stock, and has continued in the same business, adding, at different times, new and improved machinery. Mr. Wm. Jarrell, having recently returned to Humboldt, has obtained a patent for a cotton cleaner and condenser, in which Mr. Dodson is interested, and is now engaged in the manufacture of the same, at Humboldt, Tenn. Mr. Dodson is a Democrat and Mason. On January 9, 1843, he married Sarah T. Morton, who died August 16, same year. June 17, 1847, he wedded J. A. Blakemore, daughter of W. T. and Jane R. Blakemore, and of ten children born to them five are living: W. W., Ida (Mrs. W. H. Gregory), C. J., A. R. and L. P. Dodson. Both husband and wife are members of the Missionary Baptist Church.