My Genealogy Hound

JOSEPH DICKINSON, born February 2, 1836, amid the pioneer scenes of the State of Michigan, was a native of St. Joseph, and a son of Robert Dickinson, an early settler of Berrien County, widely known as a citizen of ability and integrity of character. The father was but a young man when he crossed the broad Atlantic and made his home in the then far Western State. By birth an Englishman, he had received a good substantial education in the Queen’s dominions and came to the New World full of energy and hope. The good mother of our subject, Mrs. Susannah Dickinson, bore five children, of whom Joseph was the eldest. The others in the order of their birth were Eliza, Mrs. Charles H. Farnum; Susan, deceased; Sarah; and Arthur. Joseph Dickinson, reared upon the farm of his parents, was trained to the daily round of agricultural duties, and also enjoyed the benefit of instruction in the district schools of the home neighborhood. An earnest, capable man, hard-working and enterprising, he reached the years of maturity and began the struggle of life for himself.

Our subject was united in marriage with Miss Hannah Davis, and with his wife located on the old homestead where his widow and family yet reside. Three sons and two daughters blessed with their cheerful presence this pleasant home. George C., the eldest-born, is connected by business with the First National Bank of Benton Harbor; Fred, a promising lad, died at the age of twelve years; Stanley manages the productive farm; Florence is deceased, and Carrie completes the family circle. To these sons and daughters the father and mother extended every possible advantage for an education and aided them to well fit themselves for the battle of life. George is a graduate of the business department of the Valparaiso school. Stanley also completed a course of study in the same institution and graduated with an excellent record. Florence has a talent for music and graduated from the musical department of the institute at Benton Harbor.

Our subject survived to clear seventy-five acres of his farm and brought the land up to a high state of cultivation. Ever anxious to provide for the comfort and well-being of his family, he erected the substantial and commodious buildings which are now on the property. He was a devoted husband and father, and in all the relations of life, as a friend, neighbor and citizen, commanded the esteem and high regard of all who knew him. He was a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and throughout his mature years was an efficient Christian worker. His estimable wife, his son Stanley and his daughter Florence are also members of the Methodist Episcopal Church and are prominently connected with its social enterprises. Politically, Mr. Dickinson was a sturdy Republican and, at various times elected to school offices, served with able fidelity and to the great satisfaction of the community by which he was surrounded. In all matters pertaining to the general good he was especially active, and was a true friend to local progress and educational advancement.