Colonel William Dickson
1739 - 1820
Died at his residence on Goshen, in Duplin County, in the 82nd year of his age, Col. William Dickson, a native of Chester County, Pennsylvania, but had lived in Duplin County about 76 years. His useful public life commenced at an early period as a Surveyor throughout all the counties on the southern side of this State. He was for many years a member of the State Legislature, before the Revolution, and from its commencement was a member of all the Conventions in the State; and was one of the members who ratified the Constitution of this State at Halifax, on the 18th day of December 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 this 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. He died, as he had lived, a zealous supporter of the Christian Religion.
Source: Carolina Centinel 22 July 1820