1914 Biography - William R. Dodson

Dodson, William Rufus, dean of the College of Agriculture, and director of experiment stations Louisiana State university, was born at Belton, Tex., July 17, 1867, son of Jesse Allen and Mary Elizabeth (Scott) Dodson. Both parents were natives of Tennessee, and were of Scotch lineage. The father was a farmer by occupation, and a veteran of the Civil war, having served in a Texas company of the Confederate army. He was a "Forty-niner," going to California in 1849 in search of gold. Returning in 1852, he settled in Texas, from whence he removed in 1869 to Barry county, Mo., where he remained only 1 year, then removing to Carroll county, Ark., in which locality he remained resident until the time of his death. In Carroll county, Ark., and Barry county, Mo., William Rufus Dodson, the son, passed the days of his youth in the activities of farm life. His early education was obtained at the country schools of these localities. Later he attended Clark's academy, at Berryville, Ark., and still later the high school at Columbia, Mo. In 1890 he received his degree of Bachelor of Science from the University of Missouri. During his senior year at the university he was employed as an assistant teacher, and for 3 years following his graduation he continued as an instructor in the University of Missouri. Following this, on leave of absence, he went to Harvard University, where he specialized in botany, and in 1894 obtained the degree of bachelor of arts. He then came to Louisiana state university as professor of Botany and botanist of the experiment stations. In 1902 he was made assistant director of experiment stations, at which time he gave up the teaching of botany. In 1905 he was made director of experiment stations, and in 1910 became dean of the College of Agriculture and director of experiment stations, Louisiana state university. Prof. Dodson is a member of the Knights of Pythias and of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. He affiliates with the Christian church. In 1896 Prof. Dodson was married to Miss Minnie Pettengill, of Centralia, Mo. Prof. and Mrs. Dodson have 4 living children, namely, Rogers, Joe, Alma, and William Rufus, Jr. The family resides at Baton Rouge.

Contributed 2021 Nov 04 by Mike Miller, from Louisiana: Comprising Sketches, edited by Alcee Fortier, published in 1914, volume 3, pages 127-128.