Union Private. Served in Company H, 35th Wisconsin Infantry.

Alton Evening Telegraph
December 18, 1918

S.E. Dixon, Civil War Veteran Dies
Was 80 Years of Age
Father of Big Family And Old-Time Upper Alton Resident Succumbs to Long Illness – First Break in Family of 12

Taps sounded about 3 o'clock this morning for Samuel Emery Dixon at his home, 2708 Bostwick street. Mr. Dixon served four years through the Civil War and was for many years an active member of the G.A.R. His illness started from the infirmities of age several months ago and his decline was gradual. During the post week the members of his family who have been at the home with him became aware of the fact that the father was nearing the end and a few days ago it was decided to call the members, who were at a distance, home. Of the ten children, nine arrived before the end came this morning.

Mr. Dixon was born in Plattsburg, Wis. in August 1836, and was 80 years old last August. Up to a few weeks ago he was still able to get about and walked around town somewhat. He came to Upper Alton in 1868 and had been a resident of Alton more than fifty years. He was a carpenter by trade and he worked in that line many years. There are many old houses in Upper Alton which Mr. Dixon either had a hand in building or worked upon them at some time. He was married to Miss Mary Wright, a daughter of the late Jesse Wright, who survives him and to the couple were born ten children, all of whom survive. In the big family the father's death today is the first break.

The children are Jesse Dixon and Mrs. E.J. McPhillips of Alton; Amos of Chicago; Mrs. William Todd and Mrs. James McPherson of Alton; Shelby of Omaha, Neb.; Frank Dixon and Mrs. Ernest Hull of Rock Island; A.M. Dixon of Camp Quantico, Va.; and Mrs. Carl Welch of Alton.

Mr. Dixon joined the Grand Army of the Republic after the Civil War and through all the years since he has been an active member of the post. He joined the Presbyterian Church during the Biederwolf meetings in Alton and was a regular attendant at church until he was physically disabled. He was a member of the Brotherhood of the church and took much interest in the affairs of the organization and of the church in general.

The funeral will be held Friday afternoon at 2:30 o'clock at the home and the services will be conducted by Rev. W.T. Hanzche. Burial will be in Oakwood Cemetery.