Corpus Christi in Nueces County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)

John Dix

Photographed By James Hulse, September 1, 2021

1. John Dix Marker

Inscription. Click to hear the inscription.

Born in Littleton, Massachusetts, in 1796, John Dix played a significant role in American and state history. As a teenager, he served aboard a privateer during the War of 1812. He was engaged in capturing the English brig Don Dossack, which had left a California port. He soon became a sea captain and was shipwrecked on the island of New Zealand. In 1825 Dix married Mary Eliza Hayes of Gloucester, Massachusetts, and he founded a settlement in Washtenaw County, Michigan, which bears his name. Once his family migrated to Texas, Dix served as a soldier in the Texas Revolution. In October of 1835 he enlisted in the Texian Army as a private in the company of Captain James Swisher and served one month at San Antonio de Bexar before being discharged on November 4.

In 1849, after fifteen years of farming in the town of Independence, the Dix family moved to Nueces County and settled in Corpus Christi where Dix purchased six city lots from the city's founder, Henry L. Kinney. He was a successful sheep rancher, winning prizes at the Lone Star Fair. Dix was appointed as "surveyor and inspector of the revenue for the port of Corpus Christi"

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by President Franklin Pierce in 1854 and was later reappointed by President James Buchanan in 1858. The Civil War split the Dix family when members took opposite sides. Dix, a pro-union activist, was indicted in 1864 for treason against the Confederate States of America along with eight others. The war ended before any action could be taken against the men. After the war, Dix was appointed Chief Justice of Nueces County, a position he held until 1869, the year before his death.

Erected 2013 by Texas Historical Commission. (Marker Number 17624.)

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Settlements & Settlers • War of 1812 • War, US Civil • Waterways & Vessels. A significant historical month for this entry is October 1835.

Location. 27° 48.077′ N, 97° 23.996′ W. Marker is in Corpus Christi, Texas, in Nueces County. Marker can be reached from the intersection of Ramirez Street and Padre Street. The marker is located in the northwest section of the Old Bayview Cemetery. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1150 Ramirez Street, Corpus Christi TX 78401, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Eli Todd Merriman (a few steps from this marker); Louis de Planque (within shouting distance of this marker); William DeRyee (within shouting distance of this

John Dix Marker and gravestone with his wife, Mary’s gravestone on the left image. Click for full size.

Photographed By James Hulse, September 1, 2021

2. John Dix Marker and gravestone with his wife, Mary’s gravestone on the left

marker); William Henderson Maltby (within shouting distance of this marker); Matthew Nolan (within shouting distance of this marker); James Downing (within shouting distance of this marker); Old Bayview Mesquite (within shouting distance of this marker); Thomas S. Parker (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Corpus Christi.

Also see . . . Dix, John James, Sr. .

During the 1850s and 1860s his wife taught both Black and White children regularly in the second-story meetingroom of the Dix House. As a strong Unionist, he opposed secession with vigor and reason. The last Confederate grand jury in Nueces County indicted him and several other prominent Unionists for treason but did not remain to prosecute the charge when the United States Army occupied the town. Source: The Handbook of Texas

(Submitted on October 2, 2021, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.)

The view of the John Dix Marker from the cemetery image. Click for full size.

Photographed By James Hulse, September 1, 2021

3. The view of the John Dix Marker from the cemetery

Credits. This page was last revised on October 2, 2021. It was originally submitted on October 2, 2021, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas. This page has been viewed 184 times since then and 70 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on October 2, 2021, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.