John DIXON

DIXON, JOHN (b. Durham, England, 1842; d. Merewether, NSW, March 1899). Primitive Methodist local preacher and coalminer.

John Dixon began working in Haswell colliery in 1853, and spent 47 years in pit life. He emigrated with his parents in 1857, settled at Merewether, NSW, and commenced boring for coal near Upper Hexham on the Hunter River. In 1862 he advocated the passing of the Coal Mining Regulation bill, and assisted in the formation of the Miners Union in Newcastle of which he became chairman in 1876. In 1882 he was appointed the first Inspector of Collieries in the colony. Later he was appointed Fellow of the Royal Geological Society. He played an active part in rescue operations where there were mining disasters at Bulli, Stockton, Dudley and Hamilton. He was friend and counsellor to many in their difficulties, including families who had lost bread-winners in such disasters. Dixon was one of the first group of aldermen in the Merewether Municipal Council. In 1871 he married Miss Lingard, a teacher at the Junction School.

In 1862 Dixon joined the Burwood (Newcastle) Primitive Methodist Church, and the following year his name was placed on the Local Preachers Plan. Thereafter he occupied many pulpits in the Newcastle District, including those of other denominations. He was in demand as preacher on special occasions, such as the opening of a new church. His preaching was evangelistic and effective. His deeply religious nature and natural ability made him a greatly appreciated preacher. When the Primitive Methodist Church in the colony was divided into two districts, John was elected president of the Northern District in 1893, the only layman to occupy this office. After his death the Burwood Primitive Methodist Quarterly Meeting in a memorial minute referred to 'his devoted life, sincere earnestness and liberal service'.

Encyclopaedia of New South Wales (Sydney, 1907); J Dixon, History of Merewether (Newcastle 1935)

ERIC G CLANCY