Col. William Dickson, Sr.

COL. WILLIAM DICKSON

"Died at his residence on Goshen, in Duplin Co., 82 years old, Col. William Dickson, a native of Chester Co., Penn., but had lived in Duplin Co. about 76 years. His useful public life started at an early period as a survevor throughout all the counties on the southern side of this state. He was for many years a member of all the Conventions of the State. He was one of the members who ratified the Constitution of this State at Halifax, on Dec. 18, 1776, of which body it is doubtful whether there be now a member living. He entered the military service of his country as an officer in 1777 and continued in commission throughout the whole Revolutionary War and was never absent in the hour of danger. He was once wounded in action, and sealed with his blood his attachment to the Liberty and Independence of his country. The County Court of Duplin, after the change of government in 1777, unanimously chose him their Clerk, which office he held much to the satisfaction of the Court and people for nearly 44 years. He resigned in April last and died as he had lived, a zealous supporter of the Christian religion."

New Bern Sentinel 22 July 1820

"William Dickson, the second son of John Dickson, and the writer of The Dickson letters, was born in Pennsylvania about the year 1740, and came to Duplin County with his father when quite a small boy. Upon arriving at manhood he took an active part in public affairs and during Revolutionary times he was the foremost man in his county as a leader in civil affairs, while his compatriot, Colonel James Kenan, was at the head of all military operations. It is probable, almost certain, that he entered the army as a regular militiaman under Colonel Kenan, and served through the entire war. His educational advantages were very limited, and a family tradition tells us that his school days were comprised within a space of three months. Notwithstanding this, he was a man of broad ideas, mature judgment, and profound wisdom; and he discussed political affairs with an intuitive knowledge and foresight that was remarkable. His comments on the American form of government (then an untried theory) in his letter of 1790, his reasons why North Carolina adopted the federal constitution, his prediction that 'the Southern states will not receive equal benefit in the government with the Northern states' and that the North would eventually demand the emancipation of slavery (and this written seventy years before the Civil War)—all these are ideas worthy of a statesman and found conception in no ordinary mind."

from The Dickson letters edited by James O. Carr, esq. (1901)

Married Mary Williams (23 February 1749-22 July 1812) on 29 Oct. 1767 in Duplin Co., N.C.