Biography - EDWARD H. DICKERSON

Edward H. Dickerson, one of the best known men of Carlinville, whose portrait accompanies this sketch, is sheriff of Macoupin County, in which capacity he has served most efficiently and to the entire satisfaction of the people. He is a native of this county, born in Girard township, August 7, 1858. He is a son of Martin M. and Mahala (Harlan) Dickerson, natives of Kentucky and Virginia, respectively.

Martin M. Dickerson came to Illinois when a young man and first located in Carlinville where he followed the carpenter's trade for one year. After his marriage he purchased a farm in Shaw's Point township, and followed general farming and stock raising. He later purchased a farm in Nilwood township where he resided until his death. He and his wife were the parents of the following children in addition to Edward H., the subject of this article: George W.; Thomas R.; Mary C.; and Erastus M. Mr. Dickerson died in 1878, aged 68 years, and his widow died in 1893, aged 78 years. Both were faithful members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Fraternally, Mr. Dickerson was a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows.

Edward H. Dickerson attended the common and high schools of Girard, and remained at home until he reached his majority, when he married. He then located on the old home farm in Nilwood township and followed farming and general stock raising with considerable success, also buying and selling horses and mules. He continued at this until the fall of 1902 when he was elected to the office of sheriff of Macoupin County on the Democratic ticket, by a majority of 500 votes. He is well qualified for the office he so capably fills, and is a popular official who commands the confidence and respect of every one. He has always been an untiring worker for the success of the Democratic party, and has been frequently called upon to fill minor offices. He served for a time as school director, as highway commissioner, and represented the township on the County Democratic Central Committee.

In 1881, Mr. Dickerson was joined in marriage with Ida M. Langley, who was born in Pennsylvania and with her parents, J. W. and Elizabeth E. Langley, came to Illinois. Her father is deceased and her mother lives at Girard, Illinois. Mr. and Mrs. Dickerson have three children, as follows: Ethel R.; E. Roy; and Harvey L. Fraternally, our subject is a member of the Knights of Pythias and the Modern Woodmen of America. He is not a member of any church organization, but is liberal in his support of various religious bodies.

Extracted 2018 May 07 by Norma Hass from Biographical Sketches of Leading Citizens of Macoupin County, Illinois, published in 1904, pages 186-188.