A Son’s Madness and the Murder of Dr. James Dickson

A respected doctor, Civil War veteran, and county coroner, James A. Dickson built a life of service in Dover—until a tragic turn of events in the summer of 1903 led to his shocking murder at the hands of his own son.

James A. Dickson (1837-1903) was born on July 2, 1837, in Huron County, Ohio, the son of New Jersey-born parents James (1790-?) and Vermilla Dickson (1801-?). Raised on his parents’ farm in Ripley Township, he spent his early years immersed in rural life. James married Barbara Pearch (1834-1924) in 1861 and, in 1864, he answered the call to serve in the Civil War as a sergeant in the 166th Ohio Infantry Regiment. After the war, James pursued a career in medicine, settling in Wood County by 1870, where he worked as a physician while raising a growing family that included two daughters and a son. The family relocated to Leesville in Carroll County by 1880, and James continued his medical practice there.

James established himself in Dover, Ohio, by 1883 where he advertised his services as a doctor in the local newspaper. His first office was located above a harness shop on Factory Street but he eventually moved his practice, and his family, into a home at 246 Fourth Street in Dover. After some time the Dicksons moved into a home at 434 East Fourth Street, where they lived and Dr. Dickson saw patients. Dr. Dickson was elected to the office of Tuscarawas County Coroner in the 1890s, demonstrating his status in the tight-knit community. One of the Dickson’s daughters married in 1888 and, by 1900, it was just one daughter and a son that still lived in the family home.

James Bert Dickson (1870–1955) was born while his family was living in Wood County, Ohio. There is no indication that his early life was anything but typical; he attended school and socialized with friends in both Dover and New Philadelphia. However, in his mid-twenties, Bert suffered a severe case of either typhoid or malaria—so severe, in fact, that while in a delirious state, he leapt from a second-floor window of his family’s home. His injuries were initially believed to be life-threatening, but he ultimately recovered—at least physically.

Bert Dickson worked as a horse trainer and, after his accident, was appointed as a Tuscarawas County Constable before later becoming a Dover police officer. However, during his time on the force, he began exhibiting strange behavior that alarmed both his fellow officers and superiors. At times, while in uniform, Bert would stand completely still for hours. When these episodes ended, he appeared nervous and would fire his gun at random targets, convinced he was being followed. Ultimately, his erratic actions led to his removal from the police force. James and Barbara Dickson briefly considered having Bert deemed insane so he could be sent to a state hospital, but ultimately decided against it.

During the summer of 1903, numerous cases of smallpox were reported in the community, including one affecting Dr. James Dickson. As a result, he and the rest of the Dickson family were placed under quarantine in their East 4th Street home until his illness ran its course. One afternoon in July, after what seemed like a normal supper, Dr. Dickson went upstairs to retire. At his mother’s request, Bert took his own coat and hat upstairs from the parlor. Moments later, Mrs. Dickson heard a gunshot. Rushing to the stairs, she saw James lying on the landing while Bert ran past her into the parlor—he had just shot and killed his father.

Law enforcement and doctors arrived at the Dickson home shortly after the killing, but Dr. Dickson was already dead. Due to the smallpox quarantine, Bert was not immediately taken into custody and was instead placed under house arrest. Once the quarantine was lifted, a court declared him insane, and he was committed to the Massillon State Hospital. Bert spent the remainder of his life in various mental institutions, ultimately residing at the Mt. Vernon State Hospital for the Insane, where he died in May 1955.

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© Noel B. Poirier, 2024.