DR. WILLIAM S. DODD, a leading physician of Charleroi, is a representative of one of the oldest and most distinguished families of Pennsylvania. Their lives were indissolubly linked with the early history of Washington county, with whose progress they were most prominently identified. Rev. Cephas Dodd, M.D. and D.D., son of the famous Rev. Thaddeus Dodd, was born October 12, 1779, on Ten-Mile stream, Washington county, Penn. Cephas Dodd took a thorough classical course at the Canonsburg Academy, then studied theology with Rev. John McMillan. In 1801 he began preaching in Ohio, and in 1817 came to the church at Ten-Mile, Washington county, Penn. He then began to study medicine, and being finally led to believe that he could do more good as a physician than pastor, devoted his later years principally to medical work.
Thaddeus Dodd, a son of Cephas, was born March 22, 1810, near Amity, Amwell township, Washington county, Penn. His early education was obtained at the subscription schools, and he then took a course of study at Washington College. He afterward attended medical lectures at Jefferson Medical College, Philadelphia, having previously studied with his father. After receiving his degree, Dr. Dodd began to practice his profession in Millsborough, Washington Co., Penn., where he remained about three years, and then lived in West Bethlehem township a short time. He afterward moved to Amity, and ten years later located in Dunningsville, remaining there four years, and finally returning to Amity. On April 24, 1860, he was united in marriage with Mary Stockdale, who was born February 8, 1817, daughter of William Stockdale, a native of Greene county. The following children were born to the union of Thaddeus and Mary Dodd: Hannah, born September 16, 1840, deceased February 28, 1847; Cephas D., born July 16, 1842, a decorator by trade, living in Montgomery, Ala; Agnes B., born June 29, 1844, deceased August 12, 1845; William S., born June 23, 1846; Sarah E., wife of W. C. Sargeant, born February 3, 1848; Thomas D., born November 16, 1849, deceased March 17, 1852; Norton McGiffin, born June 23, 1851, living at Charleroi; Alice born May 15, 1853, wife of J. W. Thatcher, of Columbus, Ohio; Ruth, born April 17, 1857, living in LaFayette, Ind., and Mary M., born July 6, 1859, wife of John H. Jewel, of Charleroi. The father of this family wad a Whig and Republican, and in religious faith a member and elder of the Presbyterian Church. He died August 25, 1877, and Mrs. Dodd was laid by his side July 27, 1883.
Dr. William S. Dodd was born on the farm in West Bethlehem township, Washington Co., Penn., and attended the public schools of the neighborhood. He then began to study medicine in his father's office, afterward taking a thorough course in the Cincinnati College of Medicine and Surgery, from which he graduated in 1878. He began his professional life at Amity, having been given his father's practice, and remained there until November, 1889, when he went to Pittsburgh, and in 1890 came to Charleroi, this county. He was married June 9, 1886, to Sarah R., daughter of J. Wesley Chambers, a native of Amwell township, and they have had one son, John Wesley Chambers, born May 22, 1889. Dr. Dodd has acquired an enviable reputation, both as a citizen and physician. He is a stanch supporter of the principles embodied in the Republican party, and in religion is a member and elder of the Presbyterian Church.
Text taken from page 717 of:
Beers, J. H. and Co., Commemorative Biographical Record of Washington County, Pennsylvania (Chicago: J. H. Beers & Co., 1893).Transcribed April 1997 by Bobbi Steele of Indianapolis, IN as part of the Beers Project.
Published April 1997 on the Washington County, PA USGenWeb pages at http://www.chartiers.com/.[ [Back to Beers Table of Contents] [Back to Beers Project Page]