Benjamin J. Dorsey

1878–1953. barnwell, south carolina

Benjamin J. Dorsey was a farmer in the Mingo community of Williamsburg County. He was the husband of Minda "Minnie" McGill-Dorsey and a member of the established Dorsey family network, with parents George Dorsey Sr. and Grace Ester Dorsey.

  • Father: George Dorsey‍ ‍

    Mother: Grace Ester Dorsey‍ ‍

    Wife: Minda "Minnie" McGill-Dorsey

    Children: Irrie Dorsey

    Siblings: Rev Joseph

    Hampton

    Moses

    Samuel

    Duncan

    Ozzie

    Lottie

    George Jr

    George Nichols

    Isaac

    Regina

    Moses

    Brandon

    Iray Sr

    Nettie

    Rebecca

    Wayman

    Arthur

    Ernest

  • Place of Death: County of Williamsburg, Township of Mingo

    Full Name: Ben Dorsey

    Sex: Male

    Color or Race: Negro

    Marital Status: Widowed

    Date of Birth: 1880

    Age: 72 years

    Occupation: Farmer

    Birthplace: Nesmith, SC

    Father's Name: Gorge Dorsey

    Mother's Maiden Name: Grace Dorsey

    Date of Death: April 4, 1953

    Cause of Death: Apoplexy (Duration: 2 hours)

    Informant: Irrie Dorsey (Son)

    Place of Burial or Removal: Mt. Utate (Morrisville, SC)

    Date of Burial: April 7, 1953

    Date Filed: April 10, 1953

  • His official record attributes his passing to apoplexy. In the mid-20th century, "apoplexy" was a standard medical term used to describe a sudden loss of consciousness or paralysis, which modern medicine almost always identifies as a stroke or a major cardiovascular event. Together with his historical context, this indicates that Ben suffered a sudden and severe neurological or heart event.

  • We are actively seeking documentation to complete these records. If you have access to official records, family documents, or photos that could assist in our research, please contact us at ourmahoganyheritage@gmail.com.