Biographical Sketch of Ben F. Dixon

SKETCH:  Ben F. Dixon authored OUR BOOK:  OUR ANCESTORS, OURSELVES, AND OUR CHILDREN in 1932.  He is the main source for much of the information on the Kinkades in this Kinkade tree.  This book included the statement:  "This manuscript edition of "Our Book" is published privately by the Author at his quarters at Great Lakes, Ill.  This edition of "Our Book" contains an Author's Copy, and 94 additional copies."  Although the main copy was donated to the Minnesota Historical Society, one copy is now in Fort Wayne, Indiana.

Ben began college at Culver-Stockton and dropped out to serve in the Navy in World War I.  He was called back to serve during WWII in Washington, D.C., and retained a connection to the Navy for the rest of his life.

In addition to OUR BOOK, his other publications included "Contributions of Haiti to the Independence of the United States, 1776-1826" (1950), which won an award from the Haitian Government; "Diario, The Journal of Padre Serra " (editor; 2nd edition, 1967), and with Mrs Dixon, "Five Generations of American Dwelles" (1960).

His consummate interest in history and genealogy can also be witnessed in this letter written by his son John in 1972:   "When you come to San Diego you'd like to see Ben's historical research library for graduate students at U.S.I.U [submitter's note:  went from West. Cal. Univ. to USIU now AIU, Elliott Campus] near Miramar Naval Air Station.  Ask at the Library desk to be shown this research room, it's not open to the public, the backing of this room is about 120 ft. - 7 shelves tall.  This is Ben's gift to San Diego - not connected with any fund."

Provided by Betty Latta Kitchen -- e-mail: Betty Kitchen

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