Isaiah Dodson was born in Tennessee April 11, 1809. He married Elizabeth M. Dickey there 2 in November 1837. She was born in Giles County, Tennessee, daughter of James Ross and Mary (McCutcheon) Dickey on Aug. 19, 1820..They first lived in Giles County, where their two oldest children were born. They were in Arkansas by 1840, and likely in Newton County.
Isaiah served as representative from Newton County in the Arkansas State Legislature for two consecutive terms, from 1848-1851. In 1850, the family was living in Polk Township. Isaiah had $1,000 in real estate. He purchased 40 acres from the federal land office in Fayetteville, Sept. 16. 1852, and more acreage on Nov. 15, 1854.
Isaiah was appointed postmaster of Cave Creek Aug. 23, 1855. On Jan. 22 , 1859, he purchased an additional 120 acres adjoining what he already had.
In 1860, the family was enumerated in White Township. Isaiah now had $3,000 in real estate and $1,750 in personal property.
Isaiah died April 12, 1866, after being shot in the jaw by jayhawkers and was laid to rest in the Old Dodson Cemetery. After his death, Elizabeth moved to Polk Township. She had $1,000 worth of real estate and $400 in personal property. Her sons David, Benjamin, and William were living with her. She died July 8, 1887 and was laid to rest in the Old Dodson Cemetery.
Several of their children continued living in Newton County.
James Rasbell Carson Dodson served in Company I, 2nd Arkansas Cavalry (CSA). After the war, he lived in Prairie and Polk Townships. He was one of the founders of Dodson House Church of Christ in Bass.
Mary Minerva Dodson wed Union veteran Joseph Hill. She died early, possibly from complications of childbirth.
Lydia Elizabeth Dodson married John Wesley Payne, giving him four children before her death at age 38.
David B. Dodson lived in Polk Township, but was "at law" rather than being a farmer, according to the 1880 census.
Barbara LeRoy is the author of “Which Side Were They On?,” a 302 page book listing biographical sketches of the Newton Countians who were involved in the Civil War, available for sale either in the Bradley House Museum or by purchasing online at www.newtoncountyar.com. The book sells for $33.
