Major Frank W. Dickerson, son of Judge Jonathan G. Dickerson of Belfast, served during the Civil War with the Regular Army, Fifth U. S. Cavalry. Frank participated in twelve major battles, and in one engagement, had his horse shot out from under him. Pronounced unable to continue to fight because of the combined effects of a war wound compounded by a debilitating illness, he served his remaining time fulfilling behind-the-lines support responsibilities.

His enduring wish towards the end of his life was to return home. At age 24, on board a ship in Boston Harbor, with his father at his side, Frank died on February 11, 1866.