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Vol. 14 Dear Dix Descendants, Happy Holidays to all. No, I haven't been hiding in a cave
in Afghanistan. One of my excuses for the extended hiatus has been the
weather. Not because it's been bad, but because we've had perfect
weather for all of October, November, and so far, December, I had a chance
to catch up on some yard work and house painting. I've also been
busier than usual at work and with other commitments. Perhaps now
that it's getting dark so early, and cold out, we can get back to the business
at hand. Here's what we have for this edition of the Dix Descendants
Digest:
Alabama Baptist index http://library.samford.edu/gateway02/english/
Research notes on Alexander Franklin Dix & Family from "Alabama Baptist" Newspaper (On record at Samford University Special Collection at Davis Library. Researched and transcribed by Martha Whigham Picardy on September 26, 2001) JULY 26, 1883 pg.2 col 3 : " Rev. A.F. Dix of Stevenson, Ala. has been unanimously elected Principal of the Union Springs Institute and has bee accepted. A most fortunate selection" SEPT 4, 1884 pg 1 col 5: "From Midway we began a series of meetings at Midway on the first inst. Which closed on the third Sunday inst. The church was very generally revived and six were added to our number one by letter and five by experience and baptism. Bro. S.M. Provence, pastor of the First Baptist Church, Columbus, Georgia, did most of the preaching during the first week and Bro. AF. Dix, of Union Springs, did all the preaching during the second week, excepting one sermon. Bro. Provence completely won our hearts to himself and we believe he drew us nearer the Savior by his able preaching of the blessed truth of God. Bro. Dix had once lived here and began to preach whilst teaching at this place some 13 years ago and had the heart of the people- to himself to start with. All his sermons were carefully squared by the doctrines of grace and were very strengthening and convincing. No one can feel more grateful to these beloved brethren than the pastor W.S. Rogers, August 22, 1884" MARCH 19, 1885 pg.3 co13: ORDINATION On last Sabbath night, 8th inst., by order of the Baptist
church of Union Springs, Ala., young brother W. B. Dix ]MWP note:
AFD's son William Beach] was regularly ordained to the office of Minister
of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. The following brethren were chosen as the
presbytery, viz: Elders James H Wright, M.N. Eley , A.F. Dix and
J.O. Hixon. Bro. James H. Wright, the pastor of our church here, preached
the ordination sermon: and well did he perform his part of the work.
His sermon was concise, terse, pointed and emphatically scriptural. It
was delivered and impressive manner, indicating the influence of its truth
upon the heart of the speaker and deeply affecting his hearers. The
examination of the candidate was conducted by the writer and though brother
Dix
is but a boy, only nineteen years of age and though he has been preaching
only a few months, yet, his answers to all the questions asked him were
given with a promptness, clearness and fullness which showed unusual thought
and investigation for one of his age. The ordination prayer was given by
Elder M.N. Eley, whose advanced age and ripe piety fitted him especially
for so solemn and sacred occasion. With great unction and fatherly tenderness,
he invoked the divine blessings upon our young brother in the future labors
and trials of his chosen office. The charge was delivered by Elder A.F.
Dix. The father of the candidate: and as he briefly alluded to the
precious scenes connected with the Christian life of his loved boy, the
satisfaction with which he received him into the church and baptized him
with his own hands, the pleasure with which he had witnessed his discharge
of duty and his pious life until the present, and the joy and gladness
with which his soul was thrilled as he witnessed his present advance to
meet the demands of a more consecrated life in a higher office and as he
so earnestly told the son of the duties and obligations of the sacred office
of the Christian minister, tendering him the Bible as his only safe guide
and inviting him to look hopefully to God as his help and defense, all
felt that it was an occasion that did us good. The presbytery then gave
to the candidate the right of fellowship, in which service the church was
united. While singing "Nearer God To Thee"; after which the candidate pronounced
the benediction. Thus closed a Sabbath night's service which we hope mat
greatly improve the peace and prosperity of Zion, and advance the glory
of our Master in this world and in the world to come. Yours fraternally,
J.O. Hixon, Chairman Presbytery Union Springs March 10, 1885."
JUNE 10,1886 pg 3 co14: "CENTENNIAL ASSOCIATION The general meeting of the Centennial Association convened with Greenwood Church on Saturday, May 29, 1886 at 11 o'clock a.m. the introductory sermon was preached by Elder AF. Dix. After which Elder A.F. Dix was elected moderator... Committee on Programme reported and report adopted as follows: QUERY-What shall be done to restore the temporal and spiritual prosperity of country churches? Discussion to be opened by Elder AF. Dix, in a speech of twenty minutes followed by general discussion. Adjourned at 4 o'clock, after which Mrs. A.F. Dix, Secretary for the Women's Work in the Centennial Association, under which the Baptist State Convention, will address the ladies…… APRIL 7,1887 pg 1 co14: CARD OF THANKS FROM MIDWAY CHURCH
JUNE 27, 1889 pg ? col6: From a private letter to the senior [Alexander Franklin Dix] from sister Dix, of Pine Grove, he extracts the following: Our eldest son, Professor A.S. Dix, and his wife [Isadora Nicoles] have come home for the summer after a year at Anderson, Tennessee. On last conference day they united with our church the former by letter, and the latter by experience, and Mr. Dix had the pleasure of baptizing her, and also Mrs. Ann Huffman on the first Sunday. Truly, God is good to us . We are rejoicing that he has put it into the hearts of some of the sisters of the First Church of Montgomery to give us money enough to sell our church over head. May they realize, that the blessing of giving is as great as that of receiving. SEPT 29,1992 pg 2 co12: And now comes the information that $4000 has been subscribed for a racing course in this city in November. A sad commentary upon a city that couldn't, or wouldn't, subscribe a few thousand for a public library and yet will give thousands for the purpose of training men in betting and gambling. This means, not an uplifting but a decline in the moral condition. Surely no Christian will sell his influence for such a demoralizing schemes to make money. If any there be whose names are on our church rolls, let the work be done quickly. The churches must not be held responsible for gambling. Rev. A.F. Dix remembers that some time preceding the civil war the churches of New York, and other northern states, were little more than recruiting stations for the army. The portrait of Jefferson Davis hung in many churches as their patron saint. After political sermons came the bloody war. There is great danger ahead when the preachers, who should be the leaders in every good word and work, turn political leaders and feed their flock on hatred for others. The servants of God should beware how they deport themselves during days of political strife and bitterness. Let the Word of God be faithfully preached; let the religion of Jesus be the influence to heal the differences between, brethren, and self-seeking demagogues will work too little purpose. OCT 13,1892 pg 2 col 4: We have received an invitation from Rev. A.F. Dix, to be present at the marriage of their daughter, Dimple, to James Madison Hall, Thursday afternoon, October 20th, at their home, Pine Grove, Ala. SEPT 20, 1894 pg 2 c0l 4: A few days since as Rev. A.F. Dix and Bro. W.C. Jordan, of Bullock county, were driving along the road, each in his buggy, the horse of the one in the rear took fright and ran against the buggy in front. The horse attached to that vehicle was frightened and also ran. Both brethren were thrown out and were badly hurt, but not seriously. While our sympathies are extended, we also offer congratulations that the result was not more serious. MAY 16, 1895 pg 3 col2: MONTGOMERY CHURCHES -Bro. A.F. Dix preached for us last night. Among the other good things in his sermon, he pressed the thought that we should not forget to pray God to bless our missionary contributions. NOVEMBER 25, 1897 pg 3, col 2: FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH -" Last Sunday, also in spite of the yellow fever scares and exodus, he preached Dr. Eager preached to fine audiences morning and evening. There were additions to the church on both Sundays, among whom, by letter, were Rev. A.F. Dix and wife from Mount Zion church, Eufaula association." DECEMBER 16, 1897 pg 3 col: "Services at night were in the interest of young men. Addresses were
made by Rev. AF. Dix ……
Selected excerpts related to the Alexander Franklin Dix family found in: The First 150 Years
Baptist Young People's Union [p.139] By 1900, when records again give a glimpse of the church BYPU,
Licenses and Ordinations In the latter years of the nineteenth century several members of
Mary Belle Dix, better known as Dollie, departed in February
[1900-1917, p.159] Church Officers When Stakely came, Maxie D. Pepperman was church clerk, a
On a series of Monday evenings a Mrs.
Baptist Young People's Union Baptist Young People's Union officers in 1901 were Edward L.
First Baptist dominated the state BYPU convention in 1901. Paul
...Davant, members of the Dix family, John W. Lamar, and Mrs. John
Women's Work ...Without exception the
Charles Cousins Cousin Cousins is now 80 years old. His mother was Helen Hall Cousins;
her mother was Hattie Lillis (Dimple) Dix Hall. I called him to see
if he did, in fact, have the diary (that would have been an invaluable
resource for our research). He remembered seeing the diary, but didn't
know where it was or who had it. Here are some highlights of our
telephone conversation:
AFD and ASD Timelines I've combined the AFD and ASD timelines. I've already noticed
errors and missing entries, so please help me out here.
We're waiting to hear from the Frist Baptist Church in Reynolds to see if they have information on ASD's stint there. 1880-1889 - ASD, President of William and Emona Austin College [This
is either a typo or possibly some overlapping, depending on where the college
was located. So far, searches for "Emona" have turned up nothing]
(1) Research notes on Alexander Franklin Dix & Family from "Alabama
Baptist" Newspaper
Rusty
Frances mailed me some photocopies of some of the rarest photographs
that we've seen as well as several more recent photos that will go on the
Web pages later. Keep in mind that these are copies of copies, and
that when we get the originals to a scanner, they'll look much better.
Thanks Frances!
Lynn writes: Rusty, I guess you thought I had gotten lost, but have just had some very busy weeks at work - then just too tired to try to think when I got home. But Tom has been doing his homework with three visits to the Mercer Library, gleaning more information on our Dix ancestors. First, I want to comment on the last two volumes (12 and 13) from the Dix Descendants Digest that you sent earlier. I was hoping you'd be able to find the house at 514 Jefferson St. in Montgomery to confirm that the famous "family portrait" had been taken there! Would have loved for you to have been able to take pictures of it as it would have looked today. The information on AFD and family that Alice gleaned from her sources in Winchester and Nashville, TN are amazing! I especially enjoyed learning about his work at Mary Sharp College, as well as info on Carrick Academy and Winchester Normal School and College. Yes, I do have copies of Aunt Dot's poetry books, however, there are three!! Her first book, Lift the Wine Cup High, was published in 1969 in memory of her late husband, our Uncle Chiles Harris, and dedicated to their daughters - Dorothy, Mary Chiles, Betty, and Laura. Since we know that Aunt Dot was born in 1904 and had found that Albert S. Dix was pastor of Forsyth Baptist Church from 1903-1907, it was pretty obvious that Dot was born in Forsyth. So that confirms Alice's observation from the dust cover of Dorothy's poetry book. Also, I have a photo of Aunt Dot as an infant and the studio inscription on the bottom corner says Forsyth, Ga. "Dorothy Dix" is written on the back of the picture in a child's handwriting. Martha's findings in the Alabama State Archives of AFD's Civil War documents are treasures, as are her discoveries re: the inscription on the gravestone of two of AF and NBD's children, "Dollie" and "Allie". (The name, Will Allie, must be derived from two of their children's names, William and Allie, or Alexander.) I wonder if Uncle Bill's real name was William Alexander, or just Will Allie? Maybe cousin Bill from Florida could help us with that, unless someone already knows the answer. One thing about the dates and biography of Mary Belle (or "Dollie") Dix doesn't "jibe". The excerpt from the book of the history of First Baptist Church of Montgomery states that Dollie "departed in February, 1918 to work among the Chinese of California", but her gravestone gives her date of death as December 20, 1901! (Could her departure date have been 1898, instead?) The Dix cousins' "day in Rutherford, Alabama" sounds like quite a "walk down memory Lane"! And your trip to Midway and the cemetery there was really quite productive! After seeing the picture you attached of the James Hall family at Pine Grove, I realized this is the same house and yard depicted in the picture I have of the two children playing in the sand on which Aunt Ruth wrote - "I think , Dick Hall and Eleanor out at Pine Grove." Since Martha had reminded me that AF and NBDix had moved into Montgomery by 1899, I had decided this picture could not be of my mother, as she wasn't born until 1909 and didn't move back to Alabama until 1911. However, what if, when Dimple's parents (AF & NB) moved into Montgomery in 1899, Dimple and her growing family (the Halls) stayed on in the old "homeplace" at Pine Grove. Dick Hall is not mentioned in the listings of Dimple's children that we have found thus far - but what if he was one of their children born later and was around my mother's age? In that case, Aunt Ruth's assumption could be right and the picture taken around 1911. But now I'm confused about the caption under the photo you sent in your last e-mail of the Hall family. James Hall was Dimple's husband, and I'm assuming Dick was their child (maybe named after James' father) - however, the caption states, "James Hall's father Dick, Midway, Ala. (Pine Grove) about 1900." Which one would be James' father, Dick? And who are all these children? In an earlier edition of Dix findings, you had commented on the list of churches and years that ASDix served in Perry, Forsyth, and Macon churches as listed in the Georgia Baptist Convention Minutes for those years. You and Martha had noted that for the years 1902-1906 in Perry and Forsyth there was a small "p" after AS Dix's name, but none for his years in Macon. You wondered if the "p" stood for "pastor", indicating he was not a pastor in Macon. You are probably right, as I noticed that some of the pastors had D.D. after their name, I assume for Doctor of Divinity. It appears, from Tom's research, that our grandfather did not pastor a church while in Macon, however, was a very active, prominent member of a church here - and this is the most unbelievable part - Vineville Baptist Church, which is the church Tom and I, and our family, have been members of for 22 years! The major part of his church work while in Macon was with the Rehoboth Baptist Association of which churches in Perry, Forsyth, and Macon were all members. A.S. Dix was listed as a member of the Executive Committee each year from at least 1906 to 1910, submitting reports on "Woman's Work in the Churches" one year, a member of the Steering Committee another, as well as Chairman of the Committee on Missions, writing a "Report on Missions" for that session. The following is an excerpt from the 1907 Minutes as a tribute to the work of A.S. Dix: "We, your Committee, will call the attention of the brethren to the Georgia Industrial Home, under the strong and vigorous management of Rev. Albert S. Dix, located near the city of Macon and in the bounds of this Association. This home cares for children who are not eligible in our denominational orphanage, and yet these children are God's lambs whom we should care for. Shall we turn away from their outstretched hands and remember them in our prayers and in our contributions, remembering the words of the Lord Jesus who said "It is more blessed to give than to receive."
"Though not connected with our denomination, we cannot forbear to mention the Georgia Industrial Home, of which our brother, Rev. Albert S. Dix, is general manager, and the Hephzibah orphanage, Rev. T. W. Callaway, president, both situated near Macon, and within our Association. Both these institutions are doing noble service in behalf of children who need help as greatly as any, yet are not eligible to be received into any other Homes. May the blessings of God rest upon them in their work.
"We record in the feelings of personal bereavement the passing of Brother A.S. Dix from his labor among us to his reward with our God. He was a useful minister in the churches, a father to the helpless in the Georgia Industrial Home. He found time, and gave pains to the detail work of this Committee in a way that greatly promoted the welfare of the Association."
Personal Data was listed for each girl in the senior class. The entry for Nelle Dix gave her Height as 5 ft., 5 in., Weight - 130 lbs. Hair Color - brown, Pet Name - "Fatty", Favorite Expression - "My dear, dying congregation", Daily Occupation -Going to the P.O., Ambition - To get married, and Ultimate End - Teaching Orphans. From the "Last Will and Testament": "To Myrtice Bennett we leave Nelle Dix's extreme verbosity and loquacity, and to same Myrtice Bennett, her distinction of being a preacher's daughter." Under 1907 Superlatives was listed: "The wisest - Nell Dix". From "Class Confessions of '07" was listed: "Nell Dix - Reading letters every morning during chapel exercises." From a document entitled "Graduates of Bessie
Tift College" - 1854-1929 - listed under "Class of 1907 - A.B. Degree"
was:
Dix, Nelle - Mrs.. T. E. Rowden
I don't believe Aunt Ruth was in college in 1907, but Tom did find out that Bessie Tift Academy was a prep school for girls (equivalent to high school, I guess) and associated with the college. Rusty, I believe the transcript from Wesleyan College that you shared indicated that Ruth Dix was a student at Wesleyan Academy in 1907-08 - thus entering the college in 1908 (making her a Junior in 1910 as has already been established). Tom found information indicating that Bessie Tift
was earlier known as Monroe College (Forsyth is in Monroe County). An article
from the "Monroe College Monthly" lists A.S. Dix as being responsible for
soliciting funds from several surrounding counties for a building campaign
at Monroe College - time limit being July 1, 1904. I'm a little confused
about the dates of Monroe College vs Bessie Tift.
Rusty, I have a very exciting and unique surprise
to share with all of you (and a funny story to go with it), but I'm going
to have to mail it to you in hopes that you can scan it for the rest of
the cousins. I'll try to do this real soon.
Lyn also sent this follow-up as promised in the paragraph above: Rusty, At least two years ago, I was visiting a friend in her newly restored Victorian home when I saw a very old Victorian Autograph Book on the coffee table in her home. My friend explained that it had belonged to her grandmother and that she had lived in Perry, GA. As I thumbed through it, I came across an autograph signed by Nell Dix. I exclaimed that was my aunt's name, but decided it couldn't be Aunt Nelle because I didn't think the family had ever lived in Perry. Then, of course, during our research of the last few months, we found out that the A.S. Dix family had in fact, lived there in 1901-1902. If you'll notice the date on the autograph, you will see that it was dated Nov. 19, 1902. That would have made Aunt Nelle 13 years old at that time, and my friend's grandmother was around the same age. So, more than likely, the book was autographed by our Nelle Dix! I have enclosed a copy of the signature, as well as a copy of the cover of the autograph book which looks to be carved out of ivory. I don't know if you can scan the signature to send to the other cousins, but thought it was worth a try!
Love, Lyn
Letter from Will Allie (Billy) Dix Jr., West Palm Beach A while back I had written a letter to (the West Palm Beach Billy Dix) looking to fill some gaps in the family history. Below is his reply. He included several photographs of himself, his wife, Joyce, their sons Bert and Frank and their families, several obituary clippings and a line drawing of the Dix home in Vermont. Rather than include them here, I'll put them on the "Will Allie Dix" page when I get that far along with the project. Here's cousin's Billy's reply: 10-24-2001
Sorry it took so long to get a few pictures together. I have some of Mom and Pop. They are stuck in albums. I can’t get them out without tearing them. Will try later. Yes, Pop is Will Allie Dix, I am Will Allie Dix Jr. I am also Billy Jr., Little Bill, I also answer to “Hey You”. Pop was born in GA. I don’t know what town or county. To get his Social Security Number, Aunt Ruth and Aunt Nelle had to write and swear that he was born; when and where. We drove by the place once. All that was left was a big oak tree and a hog ????? I don’t know when Pop dropped out of school to work,. He did spend the summers with the Hall’s which ones, I don’t know. As he got older he was a soda jerk in one of the drug stores on the main street [Dexter Avenue ?] of Montgomery. He had to give this up. The water made a fungus on his fingers. Pop worked for the railroad in West Point GA. He would go to Montgomery by train at times. Pop was a ticket agent and telegrapher. I don’t know if he stayed in Montgomery or with Aunt Issalee, but while he was hunting for squirrels in the woods, he met Mom (Mable). He gave her the squirrel and they seemed to gel. What year they were married, I don’t know. They lived in West Point GA. I was born in Lagrange GA. When the farm was bought in Cusseta, I don’t know. When the recession hit, Pop lost his job with the RR and the farm. We went to Montgomery or Chisholm to stay with Mom’s folks (Yarbrough). As the times got better, Pop got a job in Macon as a ticket agent for Greyhound. From Macon to Jacksonville FL, and back to Macon. I do know we got to West Palm Beach in 1936. While I was in the Air Force, he worked and lived in Orlando FL. While I was in college, they moved and worked in Albany GA. Pop got a station of his own in Dublin GA. Pop worked and saved his money, and when they had enough, they came back to West Palm Beach and bought a house with three apartments in back. Pop worked in FT. Lauderdale off and on until he retired. Mom died first. I did what I could for Pop. I had to call Sis (Ruth) and she could take care of him for half what it cost here. Pop died in Crawfordville with Sis. For me, I was born in LaGrange [GA]. I have been everywhere Mom and Pop went. Graduated in 1942. Entered the service in the Air Force (13th Air force, 42nd bomb group, 70th Bomb Squadron), as a flight engineer (they had to call us something) on a B-25. Sixty-two missions and I was sent home. I tried college for two years. I found out I would have to make my living with my hands and back. I was a roofer for the last 19 years. I was with the School Board in West Palm Beach. Retired in1988. Joyce was born in West Palm Beach ,July 17, 1924. She went to college at FSU. She has a Masters in biology. She taught for 32 years. Sis (Ruth) was born in Cusseta in October, 1926. As I said, we went everywhere Mom and Pop went. Sis graduated in West Palm Beach (1944 or 1946?) Went to FSU and became a school teacher. Taught school here in West Palm Beach for a few years and went to Crawfordville and taught until she retired. Well, so much for us. Rusty, in reading all the material Frances sent
me, someone said granddad picked
I have never written so much in my life. No book report was ever this long. Good luck in all this, Billy And, in a separate note:
Rusty I’m putting all this in the post office tomorrow (Sunday). If you rode in my Ford “woodie” station wagon, Joyce & I lived here at 1021 Avon Rd. No, I don’t remember. I have said that a lots. As many times as we came to Montgomery, Pop never said a thing about Oakwood Cemetery. I do know about the Yarbrough plot in Prattville. Love to you , your Sis and kids, Joyce & Billy
Well, that's it for this edition. I still haven't touched the Montgomery Public Library, or the Union Springs Library, and I still want to tap our living resources further as well. Help keep me on my toes, Love and Merry Christmas, Rusty
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