John James Dix

Not many have experienced so much of Texas history, first hand, like John James Dix. At the age of seven he had gone to Texas with his family, arriving in Stephen F. Austin's colony, and listened to the stories of his father who fought in the early battles of the Texas Revolution under heroes of the Republic-Austin and Travis. He drove steers, worked under General Zachary Taylor in the Mexican-American War, and after he married, he was a neighbor to Richard King on the Santa Gertrudis Ranch. He became a Texas Ranger and rode with John Salmon Old Rip Ford. These were only a few of Dix's many adventures, and in this detailed biography, Dan R. Manning brings to light the great history of a man who was part of that legendary foundation that became the Lone Star State.

Dan R. Manning Dan R. Manning has written several scholarly works which have appeared in SouthwesternHistorical Quarterly, and Military History of the West. Other articles have appeared in Texas Ranger Dispatch, Missouri Life, Ozarks Mountaineer, American West, Old Mill News, and Farm Collector magazines. Through research and personal experience, Dan has gained knowledge about 19th century grist milling techniques, early agricultural machinery and methods, including the raising and training of draft horses and mules. Dan's most heart-felt project, which he has spent three decades researching and writing, is the biography of John James Dix, his wife's great, great grandfather. Dan was raised in a Central Kansas farming community, and now resides with his wife, Betty, in the Missouri Ozarks.