John Dodd finds copper on his farm.

In 1718, John Dodd got together with two investors to prospect for and mine copper or any other metal found on his farm. The finding of copper on John Dodd's farm was as important to the development of East Orange as the finding of gold in Sutter's Mill 150 years later was to the development of California. Prospectors began to stake their claims, and new residents began moving into the area. To quote an early history, “The Mountain area became the Mecca for the landless and the land hungry.”

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The Dodd family tree includes a great many John Dodds, Daniel Dodds, and Samuel Dodds. It is often difficult keep in mind which is which. This may help: The Dodd Family