Rev. Thomas Dickerson

Birth: May 19, 1764 Frederick County Maryland, USA Death: Dec. 24, 1852 Harrison County Ohio, USA

Thomas Dickerson's Parents: Joshua Dickerson (1740-Oct. 10, 1827) born Dickerson Run, PA.; married Susannah Whitten.

Thomas was in the Revolutionary War: PVT-8th PA. Regt (see closeup of tombstone)

Marriage: 1785 Mary Curry Daughter of: Robert Curry (1730-1804)

Ann Young (1727-1819)

Children to this union:

William, Ruth, Elizabeth, Rebecca, Sarah, Mary, Rachel, Nancy, Joshua, Joseph, Susannah, Eli, Levi 

Thomas Dickerson gave the land on which the first Dickerson Methodist Church was built.

OBITUARY BY: D. P. Mitchell (Father of Bishop Mitchell)

Thomas Dickerson was the son of Joshua and Susanna Dickerson, and was born in Frederick County, Maryland, May 19, 1764. When seven years old he migrated with his father and family to Fayette County, Pennsylvania. In 1785 he was united in marriage with Mary Curry, who was the faithful companion of his bosom for more than 67 years, and still lives to mourn her loss.

In 1787 he was awakened to a sense of his danger through the instrumentality of a local preacher, but was overtaken on his way by the winter, which he spent in the neighborhood; and after "a mighty struggle for three months", to use his own language, he "was powerfully converted to God". A short time after, he gave his name to one of the first itinerants west of the mountains, desiring to become identified with the M.E. Church, of which he remained a faithful member until the day of his death.

In 1801 he emigrated to the then Jefferson, but now Harrison County, Ohio. He was among the first settlers. He first built a camp---then a cabin. When the latter was finished, he assembled his neighbors the first Sabbath, in the form of a prayer meeting dedicated it to the service of himself and his Maker. It became a useful cabin. It served for kitchen, parlor,sleeping room, class room and chapel. Many a weary itinerant "fed and feasted there". Here family prayer was offered morning and evening during the week, and social prayer on the Sabbath.

This was continued for some time without and preaching. Rev. Leslie Matthews was the first itinerant that found his way to his cabin. He was then traveling West Wheeling Circuit, extending, I am told, from the Kanhawas to the lakes. He formed a class at Brother Dickerson's and made him leader, which office he faithfully discharged for the greater part of his life.

In this cabin souls were converted, some of whom have gone to worship in a "nobler temple." It would be perfectly natural to suppose that on this farm should be a Methodist Church, however humble in its construction. Yes, on this farm, too, camp meetings were held, at which scores of souls were converted to God, some of whom have gone forth as heralds of the cross, to publish the gospel of peace.

Brother Dickerson was not only useful as Class Leader, but at protracted meetings he took an active part. He was a good singer, powerful in prayer, and successful in pointing the mourner to Christ. He was emphatically a working Christian. Though he was but a moderate English scholar, he possessed a strong mind, and pretty well acquainted withe the doctrine and usages of the church of his choice. He was quite familiar with the writings of Wesley, Fletcher and Clarke. He was a strong Armenian, and a warm advocate for experimental and practical piety. His doctrine was that no Methodist could be a Christian who was able to attend class and did not.

He admitted that there were Christians in other churches, but they had never promised to attend class, but the Methodists had by their connection with the Church; and that "all liars should have their portion in the lake of fire". He had but little faith in a Methodist who could be found in the market before daylight, and then knock at the door of a love feast one hour after it had closed; of a sister who was always so unfortunate as to have the sole off her shoe, or her bonnet or dress at the milliner's or mantua maker's on class day.

He also had serious doubts about the final salvation of the man who would loan his money at interest and neglect to support the gospel; or the man who would give but a small pittance for the various benevolent institutions of the church, and perfectly unable to pay any more than the washerwoman for the support of the gospel at home; never willing to make up deficiencies in the circuit or station; claiming that he has paid his proportion; or the man who would always continue to buy a new farm just before the last one bought was paid for, that he could say when asked for money for any benevolent object, "I would freely give but I have not my land paid for". In a word, his doctrine was that a man had to be honest in all things, in order to get to heaven.

For the last few years he was unable to attend church, but the preachers frequently visited him, preached for him, and administered the sacrament to him and his "Blind Mary".

I had many interesting conversations with him during my visits; one I will name. He said he never shunned the face of a spiritual opponent but once. At Church he learned that a Universalist was to attack him on the way home; the man's fame as a controversialist frightened him; he turned out of the road, went through the fields, and in attempting to jump a small stream, fell and broke his leg. He always believed it was a judgment from God for his cowardice; though generally speaking, he was a man of strong faith and great moral courage.

He always considered the Christian's life a warfare, and that he must fight until he died. And it was almost literally true. His last struggle for complete victor ended but a few hour before his death, which took place about midnight of the 24th of December, 1852. For twenty-four hours he wrestled in prayer with God. During this time his affectionate companion urged him to take some rest. His reply was, "Oh, Mother, would you have me sleep on my arms when I have such a battle to fight? But he obtained the victory. He had not only peace, but exultation and ecstasy, and died in holy triumph.

Thus ended the earthly career of Thomas Dickerson, in the 89th year of his life. He was a good man and a good Methodist. He has left a blind companion, and a large family to mourn their loss. May those unconverted be prepared to meet him in Heaven.

Cadiz, Ohio, February 3, 1853