Biographies D
James I. Dozier
James I. Dozier came to Hopkinsville from Muhlenberg County, a licensed lawyer, but it is not known now where he was originally from. He was a sprightly, active man intellectually, and a good criminal lawyer, but of no great reputation in other branches of the profession; indeed, many pronounced him rather hypocritical, at times disposed to overlook acquaintances. His corporeal rotundity was such as to render him quite noted, and like all fat men he was social, genial, lazy and good natured; he is still remembered by most of the older citizens as a man who delighted in having a few companionable spirits about him, whom he could regale by the hour with “romances” that would have totally obscured Joe Mulhatton, had he lived in that day. He was a great admirer of Judge Davidge, though upon what psychological principle it is difficult to say, unless it be that attraction that often springs up between characters diametrically opposite.
The following incident is related of an occurrence that took place in an adjoining county: Mr. Dozier and Judge Davidge were engaged in a rather important case, and were opposed by Joe Hise, of Russellville. When Mr. Hise arose to speak, he paid a very handsome tribute to Judge Davidge, spoke of him as the “father of the law,” as a man of the most “exalted wisdom,” etc., and continuing said: “And there is my friend Dozier; he, too, is a great man, a very great man! but, gentlemen of the jury, I leave it for you to say whether it is in body or mind.” He was the father-in-law of Gen. Lovell H. Rousseau, a brave and gallant officer in the United States Army in the late war.
Source: Perrin, W.H., ed. History of Christian County. Chicago: F.A. Battey, 1884. Page 100.
Updated July 6, 2018