I hope you have had an answer to this post before now, yes the Dodson line was and is in Pittsylvania,Va The link to John Dodd of Jamestown has not been proven without a doubt. The Dodson's were in the area very early and that is sourced.

As to slaves it depended on the family member, their wealth and occupation. Some of my line did hold slaves and did not. Some fought on the Union side and others on the South so a general sweeping statement can not be made. Keep looking, lots of info is out there for the Pitt. Dodsons.