Death of General Dix

Pacific Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Oakland, Cal. · May 1, 1879

Death of General Dix.

General John A. Dix, of New York died on the night of April 21. He was born in New Hampshire in 1798. He served as ensign and adjutant in the war with England, though quite young. He was successful and prominent as a politician, filling the offices of Adjutant General, Secretary of State, Superintendent of schools, and member of Assembly, in New York State. In 1845 he was elected to the United States Senate; in 1853 was Assistant U. S. Treasurer in New York; and when Howell Cobb vacated his office to join the rebellion, Gen. Dix succeeded him as Secretary of the Treasury. He espoused the cause of the Union with great earnestness, and was the author of the well-known order, "If any one attempts to haul down the American flag, shoot him on the spot." He was appointed Major-General, and was placed in command of different Departments. In 1866 he was appointed Minister to France, and in 1872 was elected Governor of New York.

He served in the vestry of Trinity church for a long time, of which his son, Dr. Morgan Dix, is now rector.