Dodds

(from Beers)

Peter Dodds (1832 - 1902) was for many years a prominent businessman in Watford and "one of the most popular and genial men in Western Ontario." He was born in Darlington, England, the son of Peter Dodds and Margaret Wilson. He was 12 when his father died. 

Finding himself destitute, Peter took up tinsmithing, eventually opening up a plant of his own where he employed eight to ten men. In 1866 he decided to immigrate to Ontario, to secure a wider field of operation. After spending two years in Toronto, Lloydtown and Woodstock, he settled in Watford in 1868. 

In Watford, Dodds became a general merchant, a post he held for the next 34 years. His enterprises flourished and his interests expanded. 

Peter Dodd’s Chequered Store coupon. Courtesy Lambton Heritage Museum.

Peter Dodds was married four times. First in England in 1850, he married Isabella Patterson. They had three children: George (a Watford tinsmith), Jane and Gordon. 

He then married Bridget Forester, also in England. Peter and Bridget had 6 children: Robert (an Arkona businessman), Thomas (a Watford hardware merchant), Samuel (a Watford merchant), Mary, Elizabeth and Dinah. 

The April 1, 1887 edition of the Guide-Advocate notes that "Mr. R.E. Dodds, son of Peter Dodds, has recently purchased a hardware store in Victoria, BC. Bob has plenty of 'git' in him and will no doubt build up a flourishing trade on the coast." Although Robert had been a businessman in Arkona and died there in 1890, he had married Louisa Ella of Victoria, BC. It is not known how his British Columbia business prospered. 

His third wife was Mary (White) Beedham, who died in Watford on 1896. Three children came from this union: Peter J. (a prominent Watford merchant), Joseph Garfield Roy and Rei Maud. 

Dodd's fourth marriage was to Mary McClure. There were no children of this marriage.

Dodds declined public office throughout his distinguished career, finding that the sphere of business kept him fully occupied. 

Chapter 24 of 25 - Dodds Family

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