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GAR Records
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John A. Dix Post #9
Hesperia, Newaygo County, Michigan

Organized September 8, 1879

This post was organized as Nathaniel Lyon Post 9 to honor the regular army Brigadier General who was born in Ashford, Connecticut on July 14, 1818. A graduate of the Military Academy in 1841 he served in Florida during the Seminole war and in the Mexican war. A Captain at the start of the Civil War, he was promoted to Brig, Gen of Missouri Troops and later served as commander of the Department of the West. He was killed in action at Wilson’s Creek on August 9, 1861.

The first Post Commander was W. C. Simmons who enlisted September 21, 1861 as a Private in Company B, 5th Iowa Cavalry. He was discharged as a 1st Lieutenant of Company B, 5th Iowa Cavalry on August 15, 1865.

In a letter to the Department Headquarters, dated Oct. 17, 1881, Post Commander W. C. Simmons indicates that the Post has not met during the past quarter, the membership is scattered and it appears the Post will disband. He suggests that he and several others plan to transfer to another Post.

It appears that the difficulties were resolved and he continued to serve as Post Commander in 1882. The name of the Post was changed that year to John A. Dix. There is no paperwork indicating which John A. Dix was thus honored, nor why the change of name was made. Commander Simmons was frequently called upon to lead the Post over the years.

The Post meeting place was indicated to be several named buildings on either Division or Main Street. They included IOOF Hall on Division, Weavers Hall on Main Street and variously the G.A.R., Post or Grange Hall on one or the other of these streets.

The last Post Commander was Henry E. Waterman who served as a Private in Company I, 186th New York Infantry. He enlisted on August 4, 1864 and was discharged June 2, 1865.

The Post was disbanded in 1936 when only one member was reported. There were no Reports in 1937.


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Last updated on June 18, 2007 8:43 PM - webmaster