There was a gentleman in Denton, Texas that I used to visit with regularly (he has since passed away) who insisted (and had documentation) that the Dodson surname was originally French and was pronounced Dodsonnay. This was about 20 years ago and I am sorry that I don't recall his correct spelling. I believe that his research was donated to the LDS Church upon his death. I have not posted before, but I am researching William G. Dodson, born Oct. 9, 1797 who died in Hardeman County, TN Sept. 6, 1849. He was married to Margaret. I am not clear of his connection to the Dodsons in the two volume book discussed often in this group (forgive me, I can't think of the name of the book right now!). He is listed in the index as "other Dodsons", so I assume his parentage is unknown. Any help would be appreciated. William G. had several sons, one of which was Pitser Miller Dodson (my 3rd great grandfather) who was born in 1833 most likely in Hardeman Co., TN and died in 1909 in Holliday, Texas. Pitser married Catherine Amanda Hows of Davidson Co., TN. I have a lot of information on William's many children, but nothing before Wiliam. Beverly Goodman Fort Worth, Texas