Newspaper clippings, relics and photos from our family archives offer clues about their lives and friendships during the Civil War years.
Dixon Cane
In 1865 this wooden cane was given to Sen. James Dixon. Engraved on the gold handle; Hon. James Dixon from N. D. G. Esq. & J. D. M. 1865.
Dixon was given this cane in 1865, the year the Civil War ended. The gift of a cane, sometimes called a presentation cane, was a gesture of respect, admiration or appreciation.
Who gave the cane to Sen Dixon? All we know are their initials. Who was NDG Esq. and JDM? Can you can identify these mysterious friends? If you can pose a guess, please let us know.
NOTES
The bottom envelope addressed to Mrs. Dixon written during the Civil War was from Mrs. Lincoln. Note the address was 305 Corcoran’s Row.
President Lincoln crossed that address out and changed the address to Presidents Square.
Because revisions to the numbering systems before and after the Civil War, I have had a difficult time confirming where these addresses are in present day Washington, DC. City directories retrace the Dixons back to a home at 28 Presidents Square.
The District of Columbia directory notes in: 1863 Sen. J. Dixon 28 Presidents Square PA Avenue, 1864 Sen. J. Dixon 28 PA Avenue
Turns out this is 28 Presidents Sq. next to Riggs Bank on Penn Ave.
Newspapers:
May 1861
“Mrs. Lincoln visited tbe Spingler Institute, New York, on Friday last, where a meeting of ladies engaged in the work of supplying hospital stores for the army was being held. She was there introduced to a number of the wives and daughters of the most prominent citizens of that city, and remained some time.”
Coincidentally, the daughter of Elizabeth Dixon attended Spingler Institute, around the corner from Fifth Avenue Hotel.
In a letter to her nephew O. C. Marsh, E. L. Dixon jested about the school as “Spinster Institute”.
Photo album of Elizabeth Dixon:
1864 Mar 29 Mrs. Dixon and ladies visit officers and Gen.Tyler in Virginia
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