Guide to the

Scope / Content: Correspondence (1856-60) to Dixon from friends; correspondence (1864-65) from Dixon to his mother and to his fiancee, Mattie Kelley; letters of condolence (1902) to Mattie Dixon upon Dixon's death; obituaries (1902) of Dixon; two photographs; and memorabilia

Biographical Sketch: Dixon, from Talladega County, Alabama, enlisted in Hilliard's Legion, later the 59th Alabama Infantry, and served as regimental surgeon. After the war, he practiced medicine in Fayetteville, Alabama

SERIES 1: Clippings

5 obituaries and/or memorials

3 family clippings, ca 1930

March 27, 1856 -- John B. Kelley, Southwood, Tal[ladega], Ala. to "Professor Dixon" -- relates activities while in Talladega teaching, news of friends, family, etc.

December 25, 1859 -- Jno Mck Bride (?), Richmond, Va. to _____ Dixon -- relates "Nashville crowd leaves here tomorrow;" 40 or 50 "matriculated here;" advises his friend to go South, New Orleans or some other point; requests Philadelphia newspapers

April 10, 1860 -- Jno. S. McC Bride (?), Maryville, Tennessee, to "Dear Dixon" -- Author has read of John Dixon's graduation from Jefferson Medical College, Philadelphia; relates own study attempts and aspirations

June 1, 1864 -- John Dixon, Head Qurs (Quarters), Gracie's Brigade, Chaffins Bluff, [Va.] to "Dear Mattie [Mathilda Kelley] -- complains of irregular and infrequent mail; comments on rumors from news from home; describes place he is situated two miles from Drewry's Bluff and reports Lee trying to prevent Grant's forming juncture with Butler and attack Petersburg; reports casualties; expresses hope for peace and desire to return home

June 26, 1865 -- [John Dixon] Petersburg, to "Dear Mattie" -- reports activities of army and Grant's heavy concentration around Petersburg trying to break through; describes: continuous and heavy fighting going on, wounded and dying, division chaplain's conducting services, condition of men, some news of people from home [letter incomplete]

September 17, 1865 -- John Dixon, Fayetteville, Talladega County, to "Dear Mattie," [Kellyton] -- written about a month prior to their marriage. Relates activities as doctors, social affairs, and expresses love and wish to see her, discusses marriage plans

Correspondence received by Mathilda Kelley Dixon, 1902, following Dr. John Dixon's death. [Arranged alphabetically by author of letters.] Among the writers are friends and relatives, including: Kate Dixon Minge, James Kelly Parsons [later Major General], Rack [Erastus Parsons], L.E. Parson [Jr.], Madge [Parsons Saffold], Janie B. Tutwiler, and others (14 letters)

Two photographs [one of Dr. Kelley]

Programs and cards

Map -- Plat, Township 23, Range 20 (n.d.)

Deed -- November 19, 1867 -- Redemption of lot in Fayetteville, Ala. for $15.00

Mortgage -- June 12, 1894, Henrietta and D.E. Bracken to Dr. John Dixon

Eulogy in memory of Drs. Tool, Steadham, and Pettsford [handwritten by f Dr. Dixon, n.d. Seemingly written to be read before county medical association] -- 10 pages

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