William E. Dixon

 

William E. Dixon was born October 22, 1857, son of Alfred and Martha (Biggot) Dixon; the former a native of New Brunswick and the latter of Ohio. Alfred the father, was raised on a farm and went with his parents to Ohio in 1837, where he resided until 1843, when he went to Quincy, Illinois. There he began the study of law with the firm of Browning & Bushnell, remaining with them for two years, and he was there admitted to the bar. He removed to Porter County, Indiana, and engaged in the practice of law, farming as well, which he continued until 1860, when he came to California, crossing the plains. They brought horses with them, which they sold on reaching California. Their journey lasted six months, the first halt being made in Sacramento County. He soon purchased a farm in this county, northwest quarter of section 30 and southwest quarter of section 19, township 6. The farm is one of those through which the old overland road used to pass. He gave up his practice of law to a great extent and engaged in farming and stock-raising. In 1880 he went East on a visit, and while in New York city he was out in the wet, and the result was pneumonia, which resulted in his death, September 19, 1880.  His wife was with him during his last hours. He was a very ambitious man, determined and persevering in all his undertakings. He will be long remembered by his many friends in this county. William E. Dixon, the subject of this notice, was raised on a farm and came to California with his parents. He was married April 26, 1882, to Miss Julia I. Barnes, a native of New Brunswick. They have five children: Edna B., Anna M., Alfred C., Aubrey E. and Jennie H. Mr. Dixon is one of the best farmers in this county; one among the largest grain-raisers.