History of the Restoration Movement


William S. Dickinson

1832-1918

Prominent Pioneer Leader In The 
Restoration Movement In Southern Ohio

William Samuel Dickinson was born September 5, 1832 in Fleming County, Kentucky. He was the son of William Coleman Dickinson (1793-1832) and Elenor Lafayette (1808-1871). He was married to Ellen (Ella) T. Bishop (1837-1896), the daughter of the famous church leader and governor of Ohio, Richard M. Bishop (1812-1893). Ella’s sister Amanda was married to William T. Moore (1832-1926), leader and historian in the Disciples movement. The Dickinsons had one son, Addison Clarence Dickinson (1864-1944).

W. S. Dickinson was an elder in the Disciples of Christ in Cincinnati, Ohio in the years leading up to the 20th century. In 1875 he played a role in the founding of the Foreign Missionary Society in Louisville, Kentucky where he was elected Treasurer.

W. T. Moore, in his history of the Disciples movement wrote of his brother-in-law, “W. S. Dickinson of Cincinnati has been associated with the Disciple movement from his early youth, and has been closely identified with the colleges, missionary societies, and benevolent organisations of the movement, since the organization of the American Christian Missionary Society in 1849, he being one of the few men, now living, who were present on that occasion. He was for many years treasurer of the Foreign Missionary Society, and at the present time holds several official positions in Church organisations.” (William Thomas Moore, History of the Disciples of Christ, p.752).

He was a prominent businessman in Cincinnati as well as leader in his church. Mr. Dickinson died, November 7, 1918 in Columbus, Franklin County, Ohio. He was buried in the Dickinson family plot in Spring Grove Cemetery in Cincinnati, Ohio. Also buried in the plot is the English leader and missionary, Timothy Coop.

-Scott Harp, 10.30.2023

See Directions To Grave Here!

GPS Location
39°10'07.8"N 84°31'33.2"W
or D.d. 39.168820, -84.525877
Section 30 Lot 172 - Row 10


Also Buried In This Plot Is Timothy Coop

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