James Elias Dodson was born in Council’s Bend, Hickman County, Tennessee on May 12, 1847, the son of Elias Dodson and Frances Roland Lee. He received his medical degree from the Medical Department of Vanderbilt University in 1875 making him among the first graduates of Vanderbilt University. Following graduation, Dr. Dodson practiced medicine in Linden and later Bakerville, Tennessee. It was there he developed blood poisoning on his index finger and nearly gave up his medical career. In 1885, Dr. Dodson, his wife, and six children moved to Pawhuska, Indian Territory, Oklahoma where he had been appointed as the physician and surgeon for Osage Indian Agency. Sadly, his wife Fanny died there on July 1, 1886. Dr. Dodson continued to serve the Indian Territory until 1889 when he moved to Vernon, Texas where he practiced medicine and was very active in serving his community. He later practiced with his son Dr. J. E. Dodson, Jr. Dr. Dodson died June 25, 1923. The materials contained in this collection were compiled and donated by the grandchildren of Dr. Dodson’s eldest daughter Fannie, who married Thorton G. Lomax.