Born on January 11, 1788,[Note 1] in Succasunna, New Jersey,[1] Dickerson pursued classical studies, received an Artium Baccalaureus degree in 1808 from the University of Pennsylvania and read law in 1813.

[2] He was appointed sergeant at law in 1834, being the last person in New Jersey to hold that title.

[2] Dickerson was nominated by President Martin Van Buren on February 22, 1841, to a seat on the United States District Court for the District of New Jersey vacated by Judge Mahlon Dickerson.

[1] He was confirmed by the United States Senate on February 27, 1841, and received his commission on March 2, 1841.

[2] Concurrent with his federal judicial service, Dickerson was President of the city council of Paterson in 1851.