Biographical Sketch of David Dixon, Nemaha County, KSGenWeb Digital Library

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Biographical Sketch
of
David Dixon
Nemaha County, Kansas

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The following transcription is from a 750 page book titled "Genealogical and Biographical Record of North-Eastern Kansas, dated 1900. These have been diligently transcribed and generously contributed by Penny R. Harrell, please give her a very big Thank You for her hard work!

David Dixon is one of the venerable citizens of Nemaha county, his home being on section 16, Berwick township, where for many years he has carried on agricultural pursuits. He has passed his eighty-fifth milestone on life's journey, and yet possesses the vigor of a man much younger, still maintaining an active interest in the affairs pertaining to the welfare and progress of his community. Old age is not necessarily a synonym for weakness or inactivity; for there is an old age which is a benediction to all, and which gives of its rich stores a wisdom and experience to those whose journey in life has but begun.

Mr. Dixon receives the veneration and respect which should ever be accorded to one of advanced years, and is counted one of the most highly esteemed residents of Berwick township. A native of Brown county, Ohio, he was born on the 15th of March, 1815, and was the eldest son of William and Susan (Hardester) Dixon, who were natives of Ireland. Upon an Ohio farm he spent his boyhood days, and in the district schools of the neighborhood he acquired his education. Throughout the summer months he assisted in the work of field and meadow, and continued on his father's farm until he attained his majority, at which age he started out in life for himself.

He had no capital but was not afraid of work, and his energy and enterprise stood him instead of wealth. As a companion and helpmate on life's journey, he chose Miss Ellen C. Tweed, the wedding being celebrated in Brown county, Ohio, on the 11th of February, 1837. The lady was born in that county, on the 4th of February, 1817, and with her husband she went to live upon a farm in that locality, where they made their home until 1845.

They then removed to the town of Ripley, Ohio, where Mr. Dixon engaged in general merchandising, and continued in that line of business for three years. He then sold out and removed to Illinois, where he engaged in the stock business, being one of the leaders in that line in Kane county. For nine years he purchased cattle in the south, driving them to market in Chicago; and in that way he gained his start. Being an excellent judge of stock, he managed his business interests with capability and acquired a good capital as the reward of his labors. When nine years passed he returned to Brown county, Ohio, where his family had remained in the meantime, and purchased a farm near Ripley, Ohio.

There he carried on agricultural pursuits until 1882, when he sold his property and came to Nemaha county, Kansas, purchasing the farm upon which he now resides, on section 16, Berwick township. He bought an entire section of land, which he improved with all the accessories and conveniences of a model farm, and which is stocked with a high grade of cattle. The well tilled fields now yield him a golden tribute in return for his labor, and his efforts throughout an active business career have been crowned with a high degree of prosperity, making him one of the substantial residents of Nemaha county.

He has been most generous with his family, and has built homes for his children who are now living in Kansas. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Dixon have been born the following named: Marion, who is now living in Brown county, Ohio; William, a practicing physician of Ohio; Susan, the wife of Steve Sweetland; Charlie, a resident of Nemaha county; George, who also is living in Nemaha county; Ida, the wife of Frank Gregory, of the same county; Ella, who died in Kansas in early girlhood; Johnnie and Robert, who also departed this life at an early age; and Archie, who responded to his country's call for troops and died while in the army during the civil war.

Mr. Dixon has always manifested a deep interest in political affairs, and has made a close study of the questions and issues of the day. He was a delegate to the national Republican convention at Minneapolis, and has given his support to the men and measures of that party since its organization. He was recognized as one of its prominent workers in Ohio, and was a friend of many of its leading representatives, including Garfield. He was also personally acquainted with Abraham Lincoln, and was an old time friend of President McKinley, from whom he occasionally received a letter. The cause of the party has long been dear to his heart, and he believes that is platform contains the best principles of government.

Mr. and Mrs. Dixon, after a happy married life of sixty-three years, are still living together in their pleasant home in Nemaha county, and are the oldest couple in this locality. They have shared with each other in life their joys and sorrows, and their adversity and prosperity, and their mutual love and confidence have grown with the passing years. They are held in the highest regard by all who know them, and it is the wish of their many friends that they may yet be spared for many years to come.

Last update: Friday, August 02, 2024 18:40:09

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