[Pamela Dickerson] "Kansas Free Stater during Civil War. Organized possibly first company of 'colored' soldiers for the North."

1880 US Census household, Shannon, Atchison Co., KS
Luther Dickerson, head of house, b:<1824> OH, age 56, married, farming, fb: VA, mb: Atlantic
Margret Dickerson, wife, b:<1825> KY, age 55, married, keeping house, fb: IRE, mb: IRE
Joseph B. Dickerson, son, b:<1858> KS, age 22, single, studying law, fb: OH, mb: KY
Mary Dickerson, daughter, b:<1861> KS, age 19, single, seamstress, fb: OH, mb: KY
Aerilias Dickerson, son, b:<1863> KS, age 17, single, binding wheat, fb: OH, mb: KY
Luther Dickerson, son, b:<1866> KS, age 14, single, driving team, fb: OH, mb: KY
John C. Dickerson, son, b:<1868> KS, age 12, single, harvesting, fb: OH, mb: KY
Sallie Dickerson, daughter, b:<1870> KS, age 10, (no occupation), fb: OH, mb: KY
Luth Dickerson, nephew, b:<1876> KS, age 4, (no occupation), fb:IL, mb:MO

1900 US census, Kansas, Atchison Co., Shannon Twp., 9 June:
Luther Dickerson, head, Apr 1825, 75, m2, b:OH fb/mb:VA, Farmer
Amanda, wife, Sep 1863, 36, m2, 5/2 children, b/fb/mb:KY
Curtis, son, Aug 1899, 5/12, b:KS fb:OH mb:KY
George Johnson, step-son, Apr 1887, 13, b:KS fb:IN mb:KY

Source: William H. Dickerson , Aug 2003
b/m/d dates and places
Notes:
"Luther was the first white settler of Atchison, Kansas. He was very prominent in the region and served on
the Kansas territorial legislature. A staunch abolitionist he was noted for his political stances and debating ability. He served in both the Mexican and Civil Wars and was twice wounded. When he failed to gain promotion to Captain of his regiment he resigned and formed the first all black regiment west of the Mississippi. Luther began school in Tippecanoe County, Indiana but described himself as mostly self taught. He worked as a wagon maker and made the trek to Oregon only to return within a year to settle in Saline Co., Missouri. He was famous for his peach and apple orchards. He fathered his last child at the age of 74. He was truly a remarkable man."

Source: William H. Dickerson , Aug 2003:
His home was once invaded by thugs. Luther was forced to walk into town to get more supplies for them.

Source: Melissa Dickerson , Aug 2003 email:
Luther Dickerson was a "rabid abolitionist", and as a child, his grandson (my grandpa) was not allowed to play with the girl on the neighboring Kansas farm because her family had sided with the South during the Civil War.

A wagon maker and fruit farmer (William H. Dickerson).

Kansaa Territory Voter Registration Lists, 1854-56 (ancestry.com)
L. Dickerson, district 14, township Doniphan, March 30, 1855
Luther Dickerson, district 14, township Doniphan, October 9, 1855
Luther Dickerson, district 10, township Doniphan, January 15, 1856

Kansas Settlers 1854-79 (ancestry.com):
Name: Luther Dickerson
Birthplace: Washington Co., Ohio
Birthdate: April 12, 1828
Settle Place: Atchison Co.
Settle Date: June 25, 1854
Current Res (1879): Atchison Co., Kan.

• Married: 25 Dec 1845 in Saline Co., MO

1. Joseph Beattie DICKERSON b: 1858 in Atchison, KS
2. Mary DICKERSON b: 1861 in Atchison, KS
3. Aurelius DICKERSON b: 1861 in Atchison, KS
4. Luther DICKERSON b: 1866 in Atchison, KS
5. John C. DICKERSON b: abt 1868 in Atchison, KS
6. Sallie DICKERSON b: 1870 in Atchison, KS
7. Evaline DICKERSON b: 1848 in Saline Co., MO
8. David R.-or-P. DICKERSON b: 1849 in Saline Co., MO
9. Aurelia DICKERSON b: 23 Dec 1860 in Atchison, KS

• Married: 1896 in Atchison, KS

1. Curtis Harold DICKERSON b: 11 Aug 1899 in Atchison, KS