My Genealogy Hound

HON. ROSCOE D. DIX, President of Berrien Springs and senior member of the firm of Dix & Wilkinson, proprietors of the Exchange Bank and also dealers in real estate, was born in Jefferson County, N. Y., on the 11th of June, 1839. He is the grandson of Leonard Dix, who was of English stock, and of Nathan Rudd, a pioneer of Connecticut. His father, Dexter O., was born in Vermont, and in 1852 moved to Berrien County, Mich., locating in Bainbridge and engaging in farming pursuits there until his death, which occurred in 1880. His wife, whose maiden name was Mary E. Rudd, and who was a native of Connecticut, survived him for a number of years, passing away in 1889.

The second in a family of four children, the subject of this notice passed his early childhood years in Jefferson County, N. Y., where he laid the foundation of his education in the common schools. After coming to Michigan he entered Albion College, where he was conducting his studies at the time the Civil War broke out. With characteristic enthusiasm and ardor, he enlisted as a member of Company K, Second Michigan Infantry, Col. I. B. Richardson commanding. In April, 1861, his regiment was assigned to the Army of the Potomac, and was in the Third Army Corps, but later became a part of the Ninth Army Corps. At the battle of Knoxville, Tenn., on the 24th of November, 1863, he was wounded in the hip and taken prisoner, but was exchanged. He was taken to Knoxville Hospital, and transferred later to St. Mary’s Hospital, at Detroit, Mich. On the 25th of May, 1864, he was honorably discharged on account of injuries received in the service, which incapacitated him for further action.

Returning to his home, Mr. Dix was in November, 1864, elected Register of Deeds of Berrien County, and served in that position for three successive terms, or for six years. He was again elected in 1874 for a two-year term, serving altogether eight years. He was elected Commissioner of State Lands in 1886, and filled that position for two terms of two years each. For four successive terms he served as President of the village. A Republican in politics, he is less a partisan than a public-spirited citizen, and it is his aim not to labor solely for party aggrandizement, but rather to give his best efforts to the promotion of the welfare of the people and the community, irrespective of politics.

January 2, 1867, Mr. Dix married Miss Virginia M., daughter of the late Dr. Philip Kephart, of Berrien Springs. They have had the following children: Roscoe A., who died October 26, 1892, aged twenty-three years; Winfred K., aged twenty-one years; Kittie M., a school girl of eleven years; and Philip, who died in infancy. Winfred K. and Kittie M. are both at home. Fraternally, Mr. Dix is a member of Western Star Lodge No. 39, A. F. & A. M.; and Niles Chapter and Commandery No. 12, K. T. He is also identified with the Ancient Order of United Workmen and Kilpatrick Post No. 39, G. A. R., being at present the Commander of the post.