THURMAN A. DOTSON
View Portrait of Mr. & Mrs. Dotson
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          Thurman A. Dotson, a prosperous farmer of Wapello township, is the owner of an eighty acre tract of land located on sections 34 and 35, known as the Twin Willow Farm. He is a native son of Louisa county, his natal day being September 22, 1867. He is a son of David, Jr., and Lydia A. (Bier) . . .

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Dotson, the former born October 15, 1841, in Pennsylvania, and the latter in Louisa county. The father brought his family to Louisa county in an early day and here spent his remaining years, his death occurring in 1906. The mother still survives and yet makes her home in Louisa county on the old home place in Wapello township. Unto them were born five children: Thurman A., of this review; Sionilli, the wife of George Mellinger, of Louisa county; Bazella, the wife of William Westfall, also of this county; Etta, at home; and one who died in infancy.

         Thurman A. Dotson was reared on the home farm, early being trained in the duties and labors that fall to the farm lad as he assisted in the work of plowing, planting and harvesting in the spring and summer months, while in the winter seasons he pursued his studies in the district school. When he attained his majority he started out upon an independent business venture, choosing as his life work the occupation to which he was reared. For five years he operated rented land, and at the end of that time began the manufacture of brick and tile in Newport, which he conducted for four years. However, this did not prove congenial to him, and he disposed of his business interests and invested his money in the farm which is now his home, this tract comprising eighty acres on sections 34 and 35, Wapello township. His place, known as the Twin Willow Farm, is well improved with good buildings, while the land has been placed in good condition through the efforts of Mr. Dotson. He makes a specialty of raising seed corn and he also raises good grades of stock.

         Mr. Dotson was married November 19, 1889, to Miss Minerva Jamison, who was born in Louisa county, January 29, 1872, a daughter of J. W. and Rachel (Vaughn) Jamison, likewise natives of this county and both still living, their biographies appearing on another page of this work. Mrs. Dotson is the fourth in order of birth in a family of five children, and by her marriage has become the mother of a son and daughter: Walter Elsworth, who was born July 21, 1890, and is still with his parents; and Lois Alta, who was born May 6, 1897.

         In his political views and affiliations, Mr. Dotson is a republican and at the present time is serving as assessor of his township, and he is also filling the office of school director. He and his wife are members of the Methodist Protestant church and they enjoy the high regard of a host of friends.