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Welcome To My Home Page.
My name is Curtis Dixon I am an electrician. I started to research our family genealogy in 1997, and have been hooked on this pursuit ever since. So a word to the wise becareful it is an addictive hobby.

This site was assembled to help trace our family tree, and to share some old stories. The name Dixon is very old and numerous so it makes the name hard to trace. Please look the site over and if any of your family names show up, or you have any questions feel free to contact me.

On the about page I have listed our family line.
AtDixon of Yorkshire
there is a list of this family in chronological order, and some family history.
03/30/02

Have you ever wondered where your name came from? Who you are? Why you do the things you do? Why you do some things that you can not explain?I for one think that if you can find your roots so to speak you can open a door to your true self. Not to say that It is who you are or what you will be, but why you might do some things one way and not know why. Some people experience things in life that they think they have experience before. Maybe so, or it could be the experience past down from ancestors. Some of us can dream of things that come true and things that may happen. This could be a gift or a curse. Who knows what the mind is capable of maybe it was past down to you from your ancestors. The comforting words, a healing touch,all things we remember in our life.Where you came from can open doors to new interest and hobbies. To know about great grand parents what they did where they live, who they married, their children. Most of us are lucky to know about our grand and great grand parents, But how many of us know about the third, fifth, ninth grand parents and so on. I for one would like to save all the stories that where told to me and hand them down to our children and grand children. So many stories have been lost because we never ask or listened to our family.

Never again well I not record the stories, be it true or not because it is a part of us all, and the only way to see through the eyes of our past. The games they played, the left turns the right turns, ups and downs, good and the bad times. Maybe we can learn from it all even if the story told is ten or hundred years old. Not all people are lucky enough to be able to find their past so why do the lucky ones not care about the past? We must live forthe future and make it the best we can for our children and our selves. The future holdsso many unexplored areas in our lives, but hopefully some ones future from the past canhelp our future.The name of a family can change over the years do to many different reasons. for some they change it them selves and others marry in to it. The surname detective classifies surnames based on a mans Christian name as patronymic. Perhaps if we look at the name Dixon, Dickson it can be broken down into two components Dick and son, that logically can be reformed as Dicks son or son of Dick. If it is indeed the origin of the name one should then look at the origin of the name Dick.The Collins English Dictionary gives two useful entries for the name Dick. In the sixteenth century the word meaning was fellow, and further explains the name Dick is the familiar form of Richard, applied generally to any fellow or lad etc. Anotherderivative of Dick, that of Dix may have originated in the English County of Norfolk,and from this the surname Dixson was derived, with S being dropped overtime to form Dixon. The Oxford Dictionary of English Surnames, go on to provide some additional historical context, grouping Dickson, Dixon and Dixson as follows: ThomDicson 1307 of Black Castle Douglas, John Diksson, Dikson 1332, Nicholas Dyxon 1425, and Robert Dixson all being variations of Dick son.Dickson in its various forms started to appear around the 14th century in Scotland, andEngland. The spelling that eventually evolved into the poplar formats we know today.

In North riding Yorkshire in 1821 there are fourDixons in one town George, Thomas, John, and William from the town of Guisbrough.This is the town that Thomas Dixon was born our great grand father X 3. William was Thomas Dixons brother. David Hey cites a particular case of 19th century Dixons and goes on to give examples of how the name Dixon moved, through marriage, from being a surname to a forename. So now we have an indication that the name Dixon has good solid origins in Yorkshire.

But no mater what the reason we can not change who and where we came from. When you sleep have you ever tried to imagine what your ancestors looked like, what they did for fun, maybe it might surprise you to find out that some of what you do now could be the same things they did.The white rose was and is one of my favorite flowers, I never thought much about it,until I learned about where our name might have come from. Back in Scotland there is what is called family clans and the name Dixon is part of whatis the Keith clan. The clan flower is the white rose. I have given my wife a white rose for every year that I have known her, and a red rose for ever year that we have been married This was before I started to search our family history. My family holds loyalty, honor and truth high on our list of personnel characteristics. The Keith motto is truth conquers. The Keith badge is the stag, and the Keiths hold the deer of Abby. Any way this is just the start of a long list of our family and I hope that the motto truth conquers will last for many a generations to come. because in truth is trust, religion, understanding, togetherness, honor. I hope Veritas Vincit (truth conquers) will prevail throughout our lives.

Sorry about the long babbling I just though you would like to see what I was up to in the Dixon mystery novel. Only 500,000.00 or so Dixons to go in the search. Maybe in about 20 to 30 years I might have the mystery figured out. So far I think I am on the right track if not I will have learned allot about some one elses life.
Curtis Dixon

The Keiths and Dixons
Dixon and Keith Motto: Veritas Vincit - (Truth Conquers.)Dixon Motto: Fortes Fortuna Juvat- (Fortune help the brave.)This part of the story of the Dixon or as the names of the past Dicson, Dickson starts with the Latin name for Dixon; Filius Ricardi meaning Son of Richard. The Dixons started out not as Dixon but as keith or keth. This sounds confusing but I hope that what I have found in historical records will clear up the confusion.

First the Keiths were among one of the oldest and most powerful historical families of Scotland. For five centuries they took part in important public events - political and ecclesiastical - in their own country and obtained great renown. They were known for their diplomatic ability as well as for their war - like achievements, and avid patrons oflearning. The Keith ultimately forfeited their titles and estates by adherence to the causeof the ill-fated Stewart dynasty. Keiths where not only patriots but stauch supporters ofcivil and religious liberty.

All that is known with certainty is that David I, when Norman, Saxon, Flemish and Scandinavian settlers in great numbers took up their residence in Scotland a part of the district of Keith, in (East Lothian) was possessed by a baron named Herveius, who witnessed the charter by which King David granted Annandale to Robert De Brus. His estate received from him the designation of Keith Hervei, and afterwards of Keith Marischal. This is the start of the Dixon name. It is a confusing line of events from Hervei to Keith to Dixon. By all that is known Keith Hervei is the Grand Father of the Dixon name. Remember back then your name would come from the land or event in your life or was given to you by nobility.

Herveus De Keith was the son of Herveius the Baron. Herveus De Keith held the office of Kings Marischal under Malcolm IV and William I, which from this time became Hereditary in the family. Herveus De Keith son of Malcolm De Keith which not much is known had a son Philip De Keith who died before 1220, succeeded him in his estate andoffice, by his marriage to Eda grand daughter and heiress of Simon Fraser, obtained Keith Hundeby (now Humbie), the other half of the barony of Keith. The family soon became numerous and powerful, and spread their branches far and wide in the low lands of Scotland. Sir William De Keith of Galston the son of Hervey De Keith and grandson ofPhilip De Keith. Not much is known of Hervey De Keith.

John De Keith born 1212 died 1270 the son of Hervey De Keith was the father of Sir William De Keith. born 1236 Sir William De Keith in Ayrshire, fought on the patriotic side in the war for independence, and distinguished himself by his signal bravery and energy at the capture if berwick, in 1318. He was one of the Knights who, in 1330 accompanied Sir James Douglas in his expedition of the holy land, with the heart of KingRobert Bruce, In 1333 he was appointed Governor of Berwick, and two years later was ambassador to England. He was killed at the siege of Stirling in 1336.

Sir William De Keith had five children. Robert Keith born 1262, Richard Keith born 1264 (the father of Thomas Keith (Dixon), Phillip Keith born 1268, Female Keith born 1270, and Edward De Keith born 1280. Sir Robert De Keith son of William De Keith, was one of the most celebrated Knights ofhis time. Thomas De Keith (Dicson, Dixon) the son of Richard De Keith was a follower of the Douglas Clan, and associated with William Wallace. He was held by Robert De Bruce as a close friend and allay. Thomas Dixon helped William Wallace in battles for independence. Thomas Dickson (Dicson)(Dickson) (Dixon) himself has quite a history. He was killed by the English in 1307 on March 19th, Palm Sunday in battle. Tradition states that he wasslashed across the abdomen but continued to fight holding the abdominal wound closed with one hand until he finely doped dead. He is buried in the church yard of ST. Bride of Douglas, and his marker shows him with a sword in one hand and the other holding his belly. The Douglas Castle use to have a statue of Thomas portrayed on this manner.Robert De Bruce had made Thomas Castiellan of Douglas Castle the year before he waskilled.

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Thom Dicson
Douglas Larder 1307 March 19th Palm Sunday.From the History of the Houses of Douglas and Angus.

And here indeed the course of the Kings misfortunes begins to take some halt and stayby thus much prosperous success in his own person, but more in the person of Sir James,by the conquests of his own castles and countries. From hence he went.

Thomas Dicson (Dixon) the friend of James Douglas was the AppointedGovernor of the Douglas castle and over seen the day to day workings. In the 1300ths theDouglas Castle was over took by the English. Thomas worked in the Castle and tried tosabotage the English and their plans the best he could in the position he was in. Thinkingthat it would be one less strong hold for the enemy. Thomas fled the castle for alone hecould not fight the English with out help. Thomas made himself obscure in the town nearST. Brides.

Sir James heard of this and thought Thomas tactics were well founded. Sir Jameswent to find Thomas whom he received with tears, after Thomas had revealed himself toJames, for Thomas was dressed in mean and homely apparel. Thomas kept Sir Jamessecretly in a quiet chamber. Thomas brought unto Sir James trusted servants. Not all atonce, but one by one for fear of discovery. Thomas, Sir James and the trusted men set aplan to attack the castle on palm Sunday when the English would come forth to thechurch, being a solemn holiday.

Thomas and two servants would go to douglas dressed in apparell like country tasker, and with mantles to cover their armor, and when he should perceive that the English were with in the church. Thomas and his men should cry out the Douglas slogan and presently set upon the castle and take it easly. As soon as the English were entering the church with palms in their hands, little suspecting or fearing any attack. Sir James , according to the plan cried to soon (A Douglas! A Douglas!), which was heard in the church of St. Brides of Douglas, Thomas supposing he had been hard at work around the church grounds drew out his sword and ran upon them, Thomas held off the English as he fought to keep the English from leaving the church yard. This was no easy task with only three men. Thomas was slashed across the abdomen opening a great wound, he welded his sword with one hand and held his abdomen with the other, in doing this he oppressed a multitude of his enemies until he was beaten down and slain. It is said to have taken three men even with his wound to take him down.

In the mean time Sir James fought the English that were in the chancel and having the advantage of the strait, defended themselves manfully, but Sir James encouraging his men not so much by words but by deeds and good example, and having slain the boldest resisters prevailed at last. Upon entering the enemies strong hold slew some twenty six of their number, and took the rest of about twelve, intending to use them to enter the gates of the castle. When the gates of the castle opened for the twelve, English Sir James and his men would enter and take the castle for themselves.

Sir James and his men were in for a surprise for the castle was so secure that the English never thought to leave any of the soldiers behind to protect the castle. Sir James and his men found the gate open and only the porter and the cook, who knowing nothing of what happen at the church, which stood a quarter of a mile away had left the gate open. Sir James entered without resistance, and meat being ready by the cook, and the cloth laid on the tables shut the gates, and took their refection at good leisure.

Now that he had the castle in his possession, considering himself lucky for he was a man no less advised than valiant that it was hard for him to keep the castle. The English being as yet the stronger in the country, for if they should besiege him, he knew of on relief at hand. He thought better to carry away as much as could be transported easily, such as gold, silver, apparell, ammunition, and armor, and use it where he had the greatest use and need. So he set out to destroy the rest of the provisions, together with the castle itself. To diminish the number of his followers for a garrison to protect the castle would be unwise. Sir James had meal, malt, corn, and other grains carried to the cellar, and pilled in a heap and lard on top of that. Then he took the prisoners and slew them in revenge of the death of his trusted friend and valiant servant Thomas Dixon. Mingling the victuals with their blood, and burying their carcasses in the heap of corn. He then struck the heads of the barrels of drink and let it run throughout all. Then he cast the carcasses of dead horses and other carrion among it, Throwing salt on it all so to make it all together unusable to the enemy, and this cellar is jet called the Douglas Larder.

Last of all he set the house on fire, and burnt all the timber, and what else the fire could overcome leaving nothing but the scorched walls behind him. This seems to be the first taking of Douglas castle, for it is supposed that he took it twice. For his service, and others done to Lord William his father, Sir James gave unto Thomas Dixon the lands of Hisleside, which hath been given him before the castle was taken. Sir James wisely gave to his men lands upon the completion of his crusades. Sir James had Thomas buried in the church yard of ST. Brides. The castle being burnt Sir James retired and divide his men into companies, so as they might be most secret. He took care of the wounded in the fight, and himself kept as close as he could to the castle waiting for any occasion to enterprise something against the enemy.

As soon as Sir James was gone the lord Clifford being advised of what had happened came himself to Douglas, and had the castle rebuilt in short time. Clifford had a tower built and called it Harries tower, after which he returned to England leaving one Thruswall to be captain of the castle.

Sir James still intent on Douglas castle did use strategic tactics against Thruswall under the lord Clifford. He had some of his men drive away the cattle that feed near the castle, and when the captain of the garrison followed to retrieve the cattle the men of Sir James where to flee and leave the cattle. Sir James did this often to make the captain thank that it was just thieves and robbers. Because of this the men of the castle became brave and could see no great danger if chasing the thieves. Sir James men fled as fast as they could to the place of ambush, the captain perceived the rising quickly and set fiercely upon him and company.

Sir James men fought back the captains men and chase them back to the castle some of which where overtaken and saline, others made it the castle safely. Sir James was not able to take the castle with force so he took what he could in the fields, and departed. By this means and other exploits he frighten the enemy, to him that is what counted. Sir James Douglas would continue to use this tactics for a long time. Sir James kept the English guessing about what to expect.

The castle apparently was taken back at some point for there was a statue by the gates of Douglas castle of Thomas Dickson (Dixon) (Dicson) (Keith) holding a sword in one hand and the other a abdominal wound. The statue and the castle where torn down in the 1850s.
There is more on Thomas Dicson on the about page.
curtisd4@juno.com

Dixon family
For more information on the Dixon's go to.

dixonsofyorkshire

Looking back
The wonder of life the wonder of you.
Who am I and what is done in the past and in the new.
The life of old the life of new my past their past if I only knew.
We look back to see our life and what we see is only strife.
But can it be that we can see the happy life it use to be.
For hundreds of years they have fought
To make the life for us that theyhave bought With blood and sweat and cries ofhope.
For with their lives they have wrote Ourfamily history that can't be broke.

Curtis Dixon2001
curtisd4@juno.com