Dixon (Isaac) Papers, 1865-1908

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Summary

Title:
Isaac Dixon Papers
Dates:
1865-1908
Creators:
Dixon, Isaac
Abstract:
Extent:
.25 linear feet
Language:
Preferred citation:

Isaac Dixon Papers. History San Jose Research Library

Background

Scope and content:

Small number of papers and early portraits from the Isaac Dixon family of Santa Clara County. Of primary interest are two small accounting books (1858-1908) related to the Dixon household and farm, and a letter from friends Fred and H. Erle written from San Francisco in April 1865, detailing Erle's new life in the city and the recent memorial procession for Abraham Lincoln. Included are five gem tintypes and one carte-de-visite of family members, only one of which is identified.

Biographical / historical:

Isaac Dixon is one of the biographical entries in J. M. Guinn's 1904 "History of the State of California and Biographical Record of Coast Counties, California" and several articles on the Dixons are found in the San Jose Mercury News (1904-1908). Dixon was born to parents John and Mary Dixon in Ontario, Canada, in 1826, and left with his father in 1847 to travel west through Texas to California, arriving in Los Angeles in 1849, and Santa Clara in 1850. He married German native Catherine Messing in Santa Clara in 1854. Initially they lived on a farm in Santa Clara; in 1859 they purchased a ranch seven miles east of San Jose towards Mt. Hamilton where they specialized in grain, hay and stock-raising. After 43 years, the Dixons moved into San Jose, renting out their land. Catherine Dixon passed away in 1906, and Isaac followed her in 1908.

Acquisition information:
Donated to the San Jose Historical Museum circa 1979 (or earlier) by an unknown donor.

About this collection guide

Collection Guide Author:
Finding aid created by History San Jose Research Library staff.
Date Prepared:
1865-1908
Date Encoded:
This finding aid was produced using Record Express for OAC5 on July 14, 2025, 2:54 p.m.

Access and use

Restrictions:

Open to researchers by appointment.

Terms of access:

Available for reproduction and publication by request

Preferred citation:

Isaac Dixon Papers. History San Jose Research Library

Location of this collection:
1661 Senter Road
San Jose, CA 95112, US
Contact:
(408) 287-2290
research@historysanjose.org
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