This fonds consists of three main groups of records: the correspondence, memoirs and business records of Charles Dixon (1731-1817); the legal records and correspondence of Edward and James Dixon, with genealogical notes about the family, compiled by James in the 1880s and 1890s; and the records of several local organizations assembled by James while he was an officer of these organizations.

Charles Dixon's records contain a detailed memoir describing his arrival in Sackville with his family in 1772. Correspondence and legal records of Dixon's personal and family business are included, as are records created in his roles as justice of the peace, overseer of the poor, and other public positions. The records give insight into many of the political and religious issues of the time. They include three agreements to buy and sell negro or black slaves, 1792-1795. Also included is the petition of Moses Delesdernier (dated 1780) claiming for expenses incurred in settling and dividing the township of Hopewell from 1774 to 1776. This petition listed expenses incurred for aboriginal women who assisted him in his travels and expenses for housing a Negro in sickness. Dixon corresponded and did business with many of the important political and social figures of the day including Jonathan Odell, Governor Haldimand, Amos Botsford and Isaac Allen.

Edward and James' records consist largely of legal and land documents and family correspondence. James' genealogical notes and correspondence are also included.

There are accounts for the Sackville and Westmorland Agricultural Society, 1871-1872. Records of the Sackville Methodist Chapel, 1816-1890, consist of deeds and financial records about building the chapel and include a history of Methodism in Sackville, handwritten by James Dixon about 1890. There are also accounts of the Sackville Rural Cemetery, 1875-1935.

Item is the family bible which was published in 1841 belonging to the Boultenhouse family. On the first page is written “John E. Boultenhouse” … “From his Mother, who died Jan 5 1868”. In the middle of the volume are four pages labeled “Family Record” with subheadings, “marriages”, “births”, and “deaths”.

Transcription available at Boultenhouse Heritage Centre

Collection contains six photographs pertaining to the Dixon family including commercial buildings, school portraits, and one photograph of an unidentified group.

Item is a framed oil on canvas painting of the seaman Thomas Rheese Anderson [b. 1840, d. 1918]

Item is an oval-framed photograph of Bessie Mabel Bickerton, the second wife of Thomas Rheese Anderson