USA > Kentucky > Henderson County > History of Henderson County, Kentucky > Part 56
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Mr. Dixon, in his own home, at Paducah, and Frankfort, and in other portions of Kentucky, made speeches of extraordinary power and eloquence in behalf of the Union, and of the neutrality of the State of Kentucky. The writer of this sketch had the pleasure of hearing him, and although nearly a quarter of a century has passed, he remembers his words, his looks, his voice, as if it were yesterday, and language is wholly inadequate to convey an impression of his wonderful oratory. But nothing could stay the storm.
In April, South Carolina opened fire on Fort Sumpter. and the Stars and Stripes were hauled down and the flag of the Confederate States raised in its stead. Then, indeed, were " the dogs of war let loose," and the country given over for four years to tyranny and bloodshed. In the North, and in the South, the principles of liberty were forgotten. A free press and free speech were silenced. The great writ of habeas corpus was contemptuously spurned by any petty
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corporal, and prisons were filled by citizens of the highest character, who were arrested without lawful accusation and held without trial.
It was in these dark and troublesome times that Mr. Dixon's character shone most resplendent. Living on the dividing line be- tween the North and South, his county and town were the scene of many heartrending tragedies. He remained at home, the incarna- tion of peace unterrified, amid the tumult of war, doing all in his power to relieve the distressed and unfortunate of either side, and to mitigate the horrors of bloody and irregular warfare. To his influ ence and prompt intercession with Mr. Lincoln, with whom he was personally acquainted, it is pretty certain that some among the living owe their lives. No one applied to him for help that he did not re- ceive it, not grudgingly, nor for pay, but receive it free as the air of Heaven.
His farms were ravaged and his slaves forced from their homes. He was not made ungenial by wrongs or misfortune, and the slaves who had served him in bondage, looked to him as their friend and protector in freedom. His influence over them, and their reverence and affection for him, showed that he had discharged the duty of a master to them, as he had all other duties, in an unexceptionable way, and their tears fell freely when he died.
After the war he took an active interest in building up the pros- perity of the country and restoring to the South the Constitutional rights to which she was entitled as a part of the Union. He acted with the Democratic party, and opposed those military usurpations in the South, which marked the administration of Grant. Occasionally he published communications on the affairs of the country, which were read far and wide, but his health was too feeble to permit him to take an active part in political life He never entered the politi- cal arena after the war, but continued to exert the influence of a pri- vate citizen in behalf of the Constitution of the country.
He was especially hostile to the interference of the military in elections, and publicly advocated an amendment to the Federal Con- stitution prohibiting such interference in either State or Federal elections.
Notwithstanding his activity in State and National affairs, he was not unmindful of the local interests of his neighbors and friends. He originated many enterprises of great importance to Henderson, and urged them forward with energy and resolution. If the writer is cor- rectly informed, he was among the first to advocate the building of a railroad from Henderson to Nashville, and the erection of a bridge
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across the Ohio at Henderson, and was instrumental in procuring charters for these great works. His interest in the prosperity of the city, and its people, was undiminished through life.
This is an outline of the career of Governor Dixon, in those mat- ters which were of a strictly public nature, and it will be seen that he was a man to whose life any country could look with pride and grati- tude. But the private life of so distinguished a character can be no less interesting than his public career.
He was a man of the most striking appearance. He was slightly above the medium height, and stood perfectly erect There was nothing out of line in his figure. In his early and middle life he was rather spare, but in old age he became somewhat more fleshy, yet never to a degree to impair the symmetery of his proportions. His movements were full of grace and dignity. His face was no less at- tractive than his form. Every feature of it seemed full of expres- sion, and in moments of enthusiasm, when speaking, his eyes seemed to flash fire. His temperament was nervous and sanguine, and his manner excitable, and at times tempestuous, but he was always self- controlled, and his will kept in subjection the ardor of his disposition. No man possessed a higher order of courage. He was incapable of fear, and nothing could daunt him. For twenty years before his death' his hair was white as snow, his complexion clear and fair, his port majestic, and, seen among ten thousand, he would be singled out as a great man. A gentleman of Union County said that he be- lieved him the greatest man Kentucky ever produced, and mentioned that when he attended court there, if from any cause he was late en- tering the court room, as he did so, every eye was turned to gaze upon him. Another, who accompanied him to hear his friend Douglas speak at Indianapolis in 1860, in that memorable struggle for the Presidency, said that when he registered at the hotel inquiries from all parts of the office were heard as to who he was. A great soul has seldom animated a finer form.
He was genial and friendly in his intercourse with men, never failing to salute those whom he met. The ragged negro in the street was as sure of his cheery recognition as the most distinguished of his neighbors. To young men he had always words of encourage- ment and good cheer, and many now in mature life cherish him in their memories with grateful affection.
His information was extensive and his literary taste very fine. He was a lover of Shakespeare, and his conversation and writings showed that he was familiar with his masterpieces. Added to his lite-
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rary, legal and political information, he had an extensive business ex- perience, and there have been few men who were more practical and sensible in their affairs. He had an abundant share of that talent which is called common sense, the most useful of all talent.
His moral character was above suspicion. Being a distinguished and successful man he was naturally a mark for calumny, but it is doubtful if in the darkest corners, where slander lurks, there was ever a whisper against his integrity. He was just, true, public spirited, honorable and courageous, a liberal friend to all good enterprises, and a most kind hearted gentleman. His bearing toward females was as courteous and chivalric as that of the knight errant of the middle ages. In social conversation he was quite as happy as in his public addresses, and no one capable of appreciating good company could talk with him without being instructed and entertained. He was fond of out door exercise, and was daily to be seen walking along the streets, a pleased observer of any improvement that was going on, usually in company of some friend or some young man whom he wished to help along by his sympathy and fatherly counsel.
In religion he was no churchman in a sectarian sense, but he was a Christian, thoroughly imbued with the great truths taught by the Savior, and they comforted him in his last days. He was stricken down several weeks before his death, and was conscious that his end was near. No unmanly apprehension, no remorse for evil deeds, no distrust of the goodness of God, fretted his latter moments. He talked of death, and of his accountability to God, as if he, in full health, had been discussing the condition of some other person. Yet in that time, so full of sorrow to his friends and family, it should not be thought that life had lost its attractions for him. When a friend called on him a few days before he died, and said that in another county his friends had made anxious inquiries concerning his condi- tion, he said, with a feeling which wrung tears from those present, " Give them my compliments and bid them a long farewell." A few days after, on Sunday night, the twenty-sixth of April, 1876, he died, surrounded by his family, who had done all that love could suggest to prolong his life and soothe his sufferings.
He was twice married, first in March, 1834, to Mrs. Eliza B. Pol- lett, a most estimable woman, who died in 1851, leaving him six chil- dren, five of whom still live. In October, 1853, he married Miss Sue Bullitt, of Jefferson County, who survives him with three chil- dren, and upon whom compliment is exhausted in saying that she is in every way worthy the confidence and love which her distinguished husband lavished upon her.
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ARCHIBALD DIXON, M. D., Physician and Surgeon, is the second son of Hon. Archibald Dixon and Elizabeth Robertson Cabell, and was born in Henderson on the 4th day of March, 1844. He received his early education at the local schools of his town, was then sent to the Sayre Institute at Frankfort, Ky., and afterwards to the Univer- sity of Toronto, Canada.
On the - - day of December, 1864, he married Miss Maggie Herndon, of Frankfort, an intelligent, as well as beautiful woman, a good talker, and a social, interesting companion, of a bright and happy disposition.
Dr. and Mrs. Dixon have had born unto them four children, two promising sons, Wynn and Archibald, and two affectionate, loving daughters, Maggie and Julia.
Our subject followed the business of farming on his place near Henderson up to 1876, yet in earlier life he had acquired a fondness for physics, and occupied a great part of his time in reading medical works. Circumstances, however, denied him adopting his chosen life's work until 1877, when he graduated from the Louisville Medical College, one of five of the brightest of his class. Having lost his patrimony in 1877, he moved to the City of Henderson to practice ' his profession, starting life anew, with nothing but the profits arising from his profession on which to support his family.
At that time, as now, the profession had enrolled among its numbers in Henderson physicians of equal standing with any in the entire Commonwealth. These old practitioners held their score of patrons against the world, and only when one would die, or move away, could a young graduate hope to subsist on anything more than the pickings, at all times uncertain in the payment of fees. This fact, then, together with all the proverbial difficulties that are attend- ant upon a young physician's first practice, Dr. Dixon was necessarily required to encounter.
Did he hesitate ? Did he flinch ? By no means. On the contrary, no difficulties, no distresses, dampened his professional zeal. It was life and death with him, and for that reason, if for none other, he de- voted himself to the work ahead of him with an energy and intelli- gence seldom equaled. He went up, up, his evening and morning star growing brighter with each day's practice. While many others were prophesying his downfall, he was then tasting the fruits of a deserved harvest, a testimony to his worth, geniality and ability as a practicing physician. He fought a manly fight with poverty, and the frowns and scowls of an unforgiving and pursuing world, and he has won.
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Dr. Dixon is a member of the " Mississippi Valley Medical So- ciety," the second largest Association in the country. In 1885, the very distinguished honor of President was conferred upon him by the So- ciety. He served with a dignity and intelligence that made him a host of friends.
He is a member of the Kentucky State Medical Society, member, and now President of the District McDowell Society, of the local Medi- cal Club, and an extensive correspondent and contributor to various medical journals in this country.
Dr. Dixon was raised in the Presbyterian faith, and some time since connected himself with the church. He is a member of the Masonic and Knights of Pythias orders, in the former having at- tained to the rank of Knights Templar. The first Laparotomy ever performed in Henderson was done by him.
HON. HENRY C. DIXON .- Was born in Henderson on the nine- teenth day of September, 1845. He is the second living son of Archibald Dixon and Elizabeth Robertson Cabell ; of his father we have already written. His mother was a woman noted for her high charac- ter, strong intellect and great personal and social charms. She was a direct descendant of Pochahontas, and in addition, otherwise inher- ited the very best blood known to " Old Virginia." Henry C. Dixon received a fine education from the private schools of his native town, and was then sent to the Sayre Institute at Frankfort, the Capital of the State, a school noted for its educational advantages.
At this school he enlisted in the front rank, and retained that standard up to the time of his leaving it. During the years 1862, '63, he was a student of the Toronto, Canada, University, and upon leav- ing that school made a trip, in 1864, to Europe, confining his travels to England and France. Returning from this trip he studied law in the office of his father. Having access at all times to all of the standard works, as well as law reports, the benefit of an instructor profoundly versed in the practice, a quick keen mind of his own, coupled with studious application, our subject was not long in qualifying himself for the practice of his chosen profession. Soon after he was licensed, his father's health became poor, and the management of his large es- tate, in a very great measure, was assigned to our subject. His father imposed the greatest confidence in his judgment and legal learning, and therefore most, if not all of the numerous legal documents in which he was interested, were drawn by the son. From this reason, therefore, Henry C. Dixon, has never applied himself to the active practice of the law.
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In religious training. Mr. Dixon is a Presbyterian. He is also a member of the Masonic and Knights of Pythias orders. In politics he is an unflinching Democrat, and being well posted in all of the great political questions of the day, he is not only able to handle the questions of the new era in the country's history with marked ability and earnestness. but few men by natural endowments or education and training, are better able to advocate the peoples interest in the Legislative halls of the country, or in the public contests of the times. Mr. Dixon is peculiarly endowed with admirable popular traits. but like all men h's his enemies. He is skilled in the use of sarcasm and ridicule, weapons that especially serve him whenever the occasion de- mands. He is Senator-elect from this, the Third Senatorial District of Kentucky, composed of Henderson and Union Counties. he having had the distinction conferred upon him in 1853. He has served two sessions, and in each was a recognized leader. He was found at all times battling for the right as he understood it, and in no instance was the welfare of his constituents overlooked. Mr. Dixon has never married. and in his singleness of life. he takes a philisophic view of all matters, no matter how small their import. He takes life in a quiet easy way, enjoys himself, and assists many others in doing the very same thing. He is most comfortably situated. and his domicil is open at all times to his friends. This, coupled with his open, frank humor- ous, social nature. secures him visitors at all seasons.
In addition to other landed interests. Mr. Dixon is the owner of five hundred acres of river bottom alluvial land. located in Union County. four hundred of which is cleared and in a high state of culti- vation. From this he derives a handsome yearly income.
JOSEPH C. DIXON-Fourth son of Archibald Dixon. was born in the town of Henderson on the twenty-fifth day of December. 1848. At an early age he was sent to the best private schools the town afforded, and subsequently in 1863 and '64, to the Saver Institute at Frankfort. Kentucky. Being born of a bright, quick mind. he learned easily and rapidly-so much so, that he soon prepared himself to enter the University of Virginia, where he studied law and fitted himself for its practice. Returning to his home, he was licensed tc practice, but, owing to bad health and, perhaps, a taste for a life more congenial. he has never sought clients or attempted to practice a profession he had learned so well. Our subject inherited a goodly portion of his father's quick and fiery intellect, and. doubtless. would have made a leading practitioner had he fancied the life. At the death of his father, he inherited a large and very valuable landed
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estate, comprising four hundred and eighty six acres, four hundred and forty-five of which is cleared and in a high state of cultivation. Upon this land he farmed until a few years since ; finding that life incompatible to both health and comfort, he removed into the city. On the fourth day of December, 1874, Mr. Dixon was married to Miss Lucie Henderson Alves, granddaughter of James Alves and great granddaughter of Walter Alves, one of the signers of the ordinance establishing the town of Henderson. Mrs. Dixon is a lady of excellent domestic judgment, very popular and in every way fitted to adorn her husband's home. They have had five children, three of whom are living : James Alves, Susie Reeve and Maria Davis. Mr. Dixon in politics is a strong, uncompromising and unflinching Demo- crat, and in excited, hotly contested elections, primary or general, he usually makes his influence felt. He is a fine conversationalist and earnest worker. He is warm-hearted, honest and sincere in his friendship, in fact, no man will go further for a friend. He was raised a Presbyterian, but has never attached himself to the church.
LAZARUS W. POWELL was born in Henderson County on the sixth day of October, 1812. His father, Captain Lazarus W. Powell, only a few years previous to the birth of the subject of our memoir, had settled on a tract of land lying twelve miles south of Henderson, on the Morganfield road, and it may be said continued to reside thereon until April, 1869, when at the advanced age of ninety-two years he died. His mother was the daughter of Captain James McMahon, of Henderson County, a gentleman who had served in the ranks of the Kentucky vol- unteers in the War of 1812. He was a man of strong native intellect, but exceedingly eccentric in manner and habits. Though both of the late Governor's parents were possessed of average natural talents, neither had ever enjoyed the benefits of intellectual culture beyond its simplest rudiments. Lazarus was their third son. Lazarus W. Powell at a very early age began to exhibit those traits of character which, in their fuller development, caused him to be loved and respected wherever he was known. When he had arrived at an age to be able to appre- ciate the advantages of education, he used diligently the very inade- quate means that were within his reach to acquire knowledge. The school he first attended was a primary one kept by a Mr. Ewell Wilson, in the village of Henderson. Here he learned to read and write. Later he became a pupil of the late George Gayle, Esq., a gentleman of rare talents and attainments, under whose tuition he ac- quired a fair academical education.
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Young Powell was a manly youth, ingenious and truthful, and not a little ambitious. He had scarcely reached the age of eighteen years before he had marked out for himself a pathway in life and chosen the profession by which he hoped to acquire a moderate competency and possibly the other results of a reasonable ambition. He did not say-for his aspirations were all civic-
The world's mine oyster, " Which I with my sword will open;"
but with a like spirit that breathes through this immortal sentiment of the world's greatest poet, he pursued his course and allowed no obstacle to interpose between his will to do and the accomplishment of the act he so willed. Few farmers in Kentucky, at the time to which we refer (1830), were possessed of any great abundance of ready means, and thus it turned out when young Powell was preparing to carry out his design of entering upon the study of the law, that his father was only enabled to furnish him with a sum of money that was quite insufficient to cover the expenses incident to the position he expected to occupy. Early in the month of June, 1830, the young man rode over to the 'town of Owensboro, the county seat of the adjoining county of Da- viess, for the purpose of consulting with an old legal friend of his father, the Hon. Philip Thompson. This gentleman was then engaged in a large practice in the circuit presided over by the Hon. Alney McLean. Mr. Thompson readily assented to Powell's wish to enter his office as a student. He soon discovered, however, that the insufficiency of his young friend's educational attainments would be a great drawback to his hoped for success in the undertaking upon which he had entered, and he urged upon him the necessity of sus- pending his legal studies until he could avail himself of the advan- tages of a classical education.
This was a great blow to Powell's hopes. He had the good sense, however, to see that the advice that had been given him was the result of a kindly interest in his affairs. Returning home, he set about revolving in his mind the unlooked for difficulty and the means at his disposal for overcoming it. The result of his self-communing was a determination to visit Bardstown, then the seat of one of the best literary institutions in the State. Having obtained from Mr. Thompson a letter of introduction to the Hon. John Rowan, an old friend of the writer, he set out for Bardstown, at which place he arrived in the first week of September, 1830. His entire riches consisted of the horse he rode and less than one hundred dollars in money. He took early occasion to present his friend's letter to Judge Rowan, and was by
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that true gentleman treated with a degree of kindness and interest which he ever afterward remembered and spoke of in terms of the deepest gratitude. Judge Rowan was perhaps the most learned man of his profession in the State. In order to test the qualifications of the young man for the profession he had chosen, he introduced into their conversation certain literary, scientific and historical questions which he deemed it important that every one should be acquainted with who had any thought of entering upon the study of the law. The result was as unsatisfactory in regard to young Powell's scholastic attainments as had been his former trial before Mr. Thompson. His natural good sense, however, and his evident candor made a most favorable impression on the erudite statesman, and again he was strongly advised to apply himself to the acquisition of a thorough collegiate education.
With becoming modesty the young man acknowledged to Judge Rowan that he had not sufficient means to defray the necessary expenses of a college course of studies. Having arrived at the details of his present means and future prospects, Judge Rowan gave him hopes that the particular difficulty might be overcome. He told him that he was well acquainted with the Faculty and Professors of St. Joseph's College, and that. having some influence with them, he thought it highly probable that he would be able to arrange with them for his immediate matriculation and subsequent tuition.
Early the following morning Judge Rowan accompanied the young man to the college where he was formally introduced to the President, the late Rev. George A. M. Elder. Mr. Elder was a man of the kindest impulses. He was also an excellent judge of character. The manly appearance of young Powell, his candor in stating his wishes and the inadequate means he possessed toward their realiza- tion, together with his evident disinclination to accept of unusual terms or such as would compromise his own independence, all deeply interested the good ecclesiastic. Other members of the Faculty were called to the consultation, and, before they separated, the name of Lazarus W. Powell was duly entered on the college register. It is scarcely necessary to state that every obligation entered into by Mr. Powell was afterwards fully redeemed.
To say that young Powell was what is termed popular with both his Professors and his fellow-students, would inadequately express the general sentiment with which he was regarded in college. By the former he was beloved to a degree that can only be fully understood
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