DIXON FAMILY.

BEN H. DIXON WAS LISTED AS A CATTLEMAN. SEE PAGE 6. AT THE TIME, NOTHING WAS SAID ABOUT THE POSSIBILITY THAT HE HAD A SILENT PARTNER, DR. J. T. SHEPARD OF ARKANSAS CITY...

The following items cover connection between Mrs. Sarah Dixon Shepard, wife of Dr. J. T. Shepard of Arkansas City, and Dixon relatives. . . .

There is a separate file on Dr. J. T. Shepard, Arkansas City leader.

Creswell Township 1874:

Shepard, J. T., 42; spouse, S. B., 37.

Kansas 1875 Census Creswell Township, Cowley County, March 1, 1875.

Name                     age sex color   Place/birth        Where from

J. T. Shepard          48   m    w       Missouri                   Missouri

S. B. Shepard         33    f     w

Arkansas City 1893:

J. T. Shepard, 59; spouse, Sarah, 45.

                                  [Maiden Name of Sarah Shepard was Dixon.]

Arkansas City Traveler, November 7, 1877.

                                                   A DOUBLE WEDDING.

On Thursday evening of last week, MR. WILL. J. STEWART and MISS DORA DIXON, both of this county, were united in the holy bonds of matrimony at Caldwell, by Rev. S. B. Fleming, at the residence of the bride’s brother. Also Mr. Davidson, of Wellington, and Miss Carrie Dixon, of this place. Both young ladies are sisters of Mrs. J. T. Shepard. We have not had the pleasure of Mr. Davidson’s acquaintance, but learn that he is a gentleman of considerable reputation, and a prosperous hardware merchant.

Will Stewart is well known throughout this county and is exceedingly popular. Since leaving railroading for an occupa­tion, he has quietly retired on one of the best farms in Cowley County and has it well under cultivation. No young man in this vicinity has stronger and warmer friends than Will J. Stewart.

Arkansas City Traveler, October 22, 1879.

DIED. Oct. 20th, 1879, in Arkansas City, at the residence of Dr. J. T. Shepard, Harry Dixon, aged two years. The circum­stances attending the death of this little child are peculiarly sad. Three weeks ago the father of this little boy was taken ill at Caldwell, and in a few days was a corpse. A week followed and the mother was carried to the grave, leaving four little orphans. Last week little Harry was taken sick, and on Monday passed from earth.

The remaining members of this once happy family are three little children, the youngest a babe, in poor health, in the care of their aunt, Mrs. Shepard, who will continue to do all for them that the deepest affection can bestow. Verily, these little ones will have the sympathy of every heart.

Arkansas City Traveler, June 16, 1880.


DIED. In this city, at noon on Friday last, Julia A. Dixon, a niece of Dr. J. T. Shepard, aged fifteen months. The funeral sermon was preached at the house of Dr. Shepard on Saturday noon, after which the body was taken to Wellington for interment, accompanied by friends and relatives. The funeral services, conducted by Rev. Fleming, were conducted that evening, the little sleeper being laid to rest in the same lot with her parents and brother, who died last year.

Arkansas City Traveler, July 20, 1881.

One of the most brilliant affairs of the season was the party given, on Monday evening, by Alma Dixon, in honor of the tenth Anniversary of Dr. and Mrs. J. T. Shepard’s nuptials.

Some twenty-five couples of young ladies and gentlemen were present, to do honor to the occasion. The Dr. has one of the pleasantest homes in our city, and the beautiful lawn in front at their residence was illuminated by torches and Chinese lanterns, making altogether a most brilliant appearance. The nuptial ceremonies were performed by Rev. S. B. Fleming, in a character­istic way, contributing to the mirth and enjoyment of the occa­sion. The Glee Club added to the pleasure of the gathering by rendering several characteristic songs. The tables fairly groaned under the abundance and variety of the refreshments provided by the host and hostess, and were enjoyed by all. Altogether it was a pleasant and enjoyable affair. The Dr. and his estimable lady, together with Miss Alma, have the sincere thanks of all present for the pleasure afforded. May their shadow never grow less.

Arkansas City Traveler, July 27, 1881.

Mrs. J. T. Shepard and Miss Alma Dixon are absent, visiting friends at Bentonville, and elsewhere in the State of Arkansas.

Arkansas City Traveler, August 10, 1881.

Mrs. Dr. Shepard, her two nephews, and Miss Alma Dixon returned from their trip to Eureka Springs and other parts of Arkansas, yesterday.

Dixon, father and brother of Mrs. Shepard, visit from Caldwell...

Arkansas City Traveler, September 28, 1881.

The Messrs. Dixon, of Caldwell, father and brother of Mrs. Dr. Shepard, spent Saturday, Sunday, and Monday last in our town. They returned to their home yesterday morning.

Dixon, father and brother of Mrs. Shepard, visit from Caldwell...

Arkansas City Traveler, September 28, 1881.

The Messrs. Dixon, of Caldwell, father and brother of Mrs. Dr. Shepard, spent Saturday, Sunday, and Monday last in our town. They returned to their home yesterday morning.

Arkansas City Traveler, June 21, 1882.

MARRIED. Dr. M. B. Vawter and Miss Alma Dixon will be married in this city, at 9:30 o’clock this evening, at the residence of Dr. J. T. Shepard. So readeth the cards.

[BIG WEDDING HELD AT RESIDENCE OF DR. J. T. SHEPARD.]

Arkansas City Traveler, June 28, 1882.

                                                                 Married.

Wednesday evening, June 21st, at the residence of Dr. J. T. Shepard, by the Rev. S. B. Fleming, Mr. M. B. Vawter and Miss Alma Dixon.


The wedding was decidedly a grand success. The pleasant and orderly manner in which everything was conducted was the subject of general remark. The spacious parlors of Dr. Shepard were filled to overflowing with the admiring friends of the young couple. Great credit is due Messrs. Maxwell and Kroenert for the gentlemanly and gallant manner with which they waited upon the invited guests. Acknowledgments are due Mrs. Bonsall, Mrs. Searing, Mrs. Chapel, Mrs. Ingersoll, Mrs. Bishop, Mrs. Alexan­der, and Mrs. Wilson for flowers. The decorations were beauti­fully and tastefully arranged. On the south wall of the parlor was a large festoon of evergreen, with the letters V. and D. skillfully worked in the center. From the ceiling hung a large marriage bell made of evergreen, sprinkled with white flowers, with a large white calla lily suspended from the center. Shortly before 10 o’clock a grand wedding march pealed forth from the organ so ably presided over by Miss Bell Cassell. At a given signal the attendants, Miss Clara Finley and J. O. Campbell, Miss Maggie Gardiner and Mr. J. C. Topliff, followed by the Bride and Groom, marched to the music down the broad stairway and into the parlor. When the last notes died away from the organ, Rev. Fleming performed the ceremony in solemn, touching simplicity, and pronounced them man and wife. After the usual hearty saluta­tions and good wishes, a sumptuous feast was served in fine style; Mrs. Dr. Shepard presiding with her usual grace and affability. Quite an enjoyable time was had in cutting and serving the very handsome bride’s cake, to see who would be fortunate enough to secure the ring it contained. Mr. E. O. Stevenson proved to be the lucky fellow. After an hour or so spent in social enjoyment, everyone departed, wishing the happy pair as happy and cheerful a life as their wedding seemed to promise.

The presents were numerous and handsome.

Marble Top Center Table. The Father and Brother of the bride.

Silver Coffee Pot. Dr. and Mrs. Shepard.

Silver Tea Service. H. H. Davidson and wife.

Handsome Center Table. Mr. W. J. Stewart and wife.

A beautiful Horseshoe made of Colorado Minerals. Ben Dixon.

Elegant Silver Water Service. A. A. Newman and wife, W. E. Gooch and wife, T. Mantor and wife, Jerry Adams, and Sam Reed.

A Lovely Basket with artistic design of sea weed and sea shell in the center. Mrs. L. McLaughlin.

A Lady’s elegant Dressing Case. J. C. Topliff.

Lace Scarf. Miss Etta Maxwell, Council Bluffs, Iowa.

Silver Butter Knife. Willie and Jamie Fleming.

Silver Call Bell. Freddie McLaughlin.

A very handsome Sofa upholstered in raw silk, with Patent Rockers to match, together with a large Rattan Easy Chair. By the many young friends of the Bride and Groom.

Arkansas City Traveler, Wednesday, January 30, 1884.

                                                          Dissolution Notice.

Notice is hereby given that we, the undersigned, recently doing business under the firm name of Shepard & Maxwell, have this day dissolved partnership by mutual consent. The business will be continued at the old stand by B. H. Dixon & Co. The books of the late firm will remain at the Central Drug Store, where all owing accounts will please call.

                                            J. T. SHEPARD, R. J. MAXWELL.

Arkansas City, January 26, 1884.

Arkansas City Traveler, April 30, 1884.


In calling attention to the change in the firm at the Central Drug Store, which will be seen by the notice in another column, we have to say that really no change in the management but only in the ownership of the establishment takes place; consequently, the Central Drug Store will continue to be as heretofore one of the most popular of our business houses.

Dissolution Notice. Notice is hereby given that the undersigned, heretofore doing business in this city under the firm name of B. H. Dixon & Co., have this day dissolved partnership, Dr. J. T. Shepard retiring. The business will in the future be conducted by Mr. Ben H. Dixon. BEN H. DIXON, J. T. SHEPARD.

                                                                      -0-

                                                          BEN H. DIXON.

Arkansas City Traveler, January 23, 1884.

As will be seen by a reference to the new “ad” of Messrs. Maxwell and Dixon, a change in the personnel of the proprietors of the Central Drug Store has taken place.

AD. THE CENTRAL DRUG STORE, Maxwell & Dixon, Proprietors, is the place to buy your Pure Drugs and Medicines, Paints, Oils and Varnishes, Perfumery, Toilet Articles, Fancy Goods, etc.

Arkansas City Traveler, Wednesday, January 30, 1884.

                                                          Dissolution Notice.

Notice is hereby given that we, the undersigned, recently doing business under the firm name of Shepard & Maxwell, have this day dissolved partnership by mutual consent. The business will be continued at the old stand by B. H. Dixon & Co. The books of the late firm will remain at the Central Drug Store, where all owing accounts will please call.

                                            J. T. SHEPARD, R. J. MAXWELL.

[REQUEST SENT TO A. J. PYBURN TO RUN FOR MAYOR.]

Arkansas City Republican, April 5, 1884.

Hon. A. J. Pyburn: Though aware of your repeated refusal to become a candidate for any office; and the determination to devote your time to your profession, and although cognizant of the fact that an election and acceptance would involve to a certain extent the sacrifice of personal interests, yet we request and urge that you permit your name to be used in nomination for the position of mayor of Arkansas City, feeling as we do, that in your election, you will represent the whole people regardless of politics, issues, or business, and have only at heart the best interests of the place, and welfare of the citizens.

                                  B. H. Dixon was one of those who signed request.

Arkansas City Traveler, Wednesday, April 9, 1884.

AD. THE CENTRAL DRUG STORE, B. H. DIXON & CO., Proprietors, is the place to buy your Pure Drugs and Medicines, Paints, Oils, and Varnishes. Perfumery, Toilet Articles, Fancy Goods, Etc.

Arkansas City Republican, April 26, 1884.

Dr. J. T. Shepard has sold his interest in the drug store of B. H. Dixon & Co., to Mr. Dixon, and the business will be continued in the future in the name of B. H. Dixon at the old stand. Mr. Burge, from Bowling Green, Kentucky, a druggist of much experience, has been employed to superintend the prescription department, and we feel justified in saying that the former good reputation of this house will be maintained.

Arkansas City Traveler, April 30, 1884.


In calling attention to the change in the firm at the Central Drug Store, which will be seen by the notice in another column, we have to say that really no change in the management but only in the ownership of the establishment takes place; consequently, the Central Drug Store will continue to be as heretofore one of the most popular of our business houses.

Dissolution Notice. Notice is hereby given that the undersigned, heretofore doing business in this city under the firm name of B. H. Dixon & Co., have this day dissolved partnership, Dr. J. T. Shepard retiring. The business will in the future be conducted by Mr. Ben H. Dixon. BEN H. DIXON, J. T. SHEPARD.

Arkansas City, Kansas, April 30, 1884.

Arkansas City Republican, June 7, 1884.

Mr. B. H. Dixon, is invoicing his stock of drugs at the Central Drug Store, and will probably transfer it today to E. F. Shindel, lately from Pennsylvania. Mr. Shindel is a druggist of about fifteen years’ experience, and if he takes charge of the stock, the business will be properly conducted. Mr. Dixon, we are glad to say, will remain in the city. Arkansas City cannot afford to lose as enterprising a young businessman as Mr. Dixon.

Arkansas City Traveler, May 14, 1884.

E. D. Eddy and Ben Dixon have their soda fountains up and in running order.

Arkansas City Traveler, June 18, 1884.

                                                        Council Proceedings.

The council held an adjourned meeting last Monday night, Mayor Schiffbauer in the chair, and Councilmen Thompson, Fairclo, and Davis present.

Council decided that license of B. H. Dixon was not transferable.

Arkansas City Traveler, June 25, 1884.

Ad. Notice. The accounts of Shepard & Maxwell, and those of B. H. Dixon & Co., and B. H. Dixon are all left with J. T. Shepard for collection. Please call and settle at once.

                                                           J. T. SHEPARD.

Arkansas City Republican, August 9, 1884.

B. H. Dixon and Hayes Love have rented the building formerly occupied by G. W. Childers, and will open a billiard room and lunch stand.

Arkansas City Traveler, August 13, 1884.

Last Saturday night Sheriff McIntire arrested E. C. Mason and one Barcaw, his partner, for selling liquor in the billiard room at the north end of Summit Street, and Hayes Love and Ben Dixon for running what is known as a “blind tiger” in the old Childers building. The parties were taken to Winfield, but gave bond and were released. On Monday Barcaw plead guilty and was fined $100 and costs. The trial of the others comes off today.

[BLIND TIGER.]

Winfield Courier, August 14, 1884.

                                                    A “Blind Tiger” Captured.


Sheriff McIntire dropped down on Arkansas City last Saturday evening in a very unexpected and summary manner. He went down in the afternoon for the purpose of visiting  with relatives on Sunday. On his arrival he learned that there was one of the contrivances for selling whiskey known as a “Blind Tiger,” running, so he set to work investigating. He searched out the tiger’s cage and found a sort of slide in a door over which was a printed card, “Call for what you want and put your change in the box.” George read the notice and promptly ordered the wall to send out “two beers.” The slide slid round, then slid back, and there appeared two glasses of beer. The sheriff drank one of them and passed on. After further search he discovered a subterranean resort where a lot of the faithful had gathered to imbibe poor liquor at a high price. He managed to get a large enough snort of this to make him a competent witness under the recent decision of the Supreme Court; when he got out a team, came to Winfield, and with the County Attorney, got out warrants for “John Doe,” “Henry Ree,” and others, swearing to them positively himself. Armed with these he returned to Arkansas City, raided the places, and arrested Hays Love and Ben Dixon, the tiger men, and Mason and another in the cellar business. They were brought up and gave bail. On Monday Mason and his partner plead guilty and were fined two hundred dollars and costs each. The “blind tiger” fellows have not yet been put on the rack, but will get a lively dose when it comes. Sheriff McIntire’s action in the matter has created great consternation among the pocket saloon crowd. The recent decision requiring a warrant to be sworn to positively by someone competent to be a witness seemed to be a bulwark against prosecution, as those who did the drinking were not the persons who would inform on the seller. The fact that the sheriff would go after them in this way was a bombshell of no small magnitude. Arkansas City will be a very dry town for some time to come. Sheriff McIntire proposes to enforce this law even if he has to drink all the whiskey in the county to comply with the views of the Supreme Court in making an arrest. When the COURIER said during the campaign that George McIntire would do his duty come what might, it knew what it was talking about. He is the first officer in Kansas to overcome the effect of the Supreme Court’s late decision. The firm and determined manner in which he did it commands the respect of every lover of law and order in the county.

Arkansas City Republican, September 6, 1884.

A picnic party composed of Misses Ella Love, Mary Love, Maggie Sample, Albertine Maxwell, and Miss Steel accompanied by Drs. Mitchell, Westfall, and Love, B. Dixon, and Frank Hutchison went to the Nation one day last week. We suppose the attendance of the numerous medical advisers was due to so much malaria existing in the Territory.

B. H. Dixon, cattleman...

Arkansas City Traveler, May 20, 1885.

We have this week added to the TRAVELER herd, the brand of B. H. Dixon, which will be found in another column. The gentleman’s post office address is Arkansas City, with ranch and range on Bodoc Creek, south of the city, in the Indian Territory.

AD. B. H. DIXON, ARKANSAS CITY, KANSAS.

[TWO ILLUSTRATIONS: STEER WITH P...BAR STARTING AT BOTTOM OF P AND RUNNING TO THE RIGHT. STEER WITH DIAMOND ON REAR QUARTER OF SIDE SHOWN.]

Range: Bodoc Creek, Indian Territory.

[Dr. J. T. Shepard and Ben H. Dixon sell their cattle to J. F. Henderson and D. R. Beatty.]...

Arkansas City Republican, Saturday, October 10, 1885.


J. F. Henderson and D. R. Beatty made a big cattle purchase Wednesday. They bought 206 head of fat cattle and the brand of Shepard & Dixon. The consideration was $4,500; 135 head were fat three year old steers, and will be slaughtered by Beatty & Henderson for their meat market. This is the largest cattle transaction that has occurred for some time.

Arkansas City Traveler, September 22, 1886.

B. H. Dixon, who has been getting his hand in as a dental operator in M. B. Vawter’s rooms, left a few days ago for Kansas City, to attend a course of lectures there.

[Bunnell’s record of November 1996 shows the following for Riverview Cemetery.]

Benjamin H. Dixon, born 1863, space 8, Lot 73, Block K, OLD ADDITION.