Previous Challenge Entry (Level 2 – Intermediate)
Topic: Achievement (03/08/12)
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TITLE: Before His Time | Previous Challenge Entry
By darlene thompson
03/15/12 -
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unconventional that a white woman and
a black man would marry but that is
exactly what Elizabeth Peeler, a white
woman, and John Dickson, a black man
did. They had one son, Isaac. With
the end of the Civil War, Isaac was
set free from slavery. Although the
war was over, another uprising began.
The family was terrorized by the Ku
Klux Klan of Cleveland County, North
Carolina. Elizabeth knew Isaac needed
hope.
Along with his newly coveted
freedom, Elizabeth shoved a letter into
her son's hand. It was signed by the
county clerk with seven other
signatures. The letter read, "We the
undersigned citizens have bin {sic}
acquainted {sic} with Isaac Dixon for
years past and found him to be an
honest and upright man." This letter
was Isaac's passport to a new life.
In 1868, Isaac left Cleveland
County and moved to Morganton, North
Carolina. He met Cordelia Reed. In
1870, they married. Isaac and his new
bride moved to Asheville. Shortly
after their arrival, they had their
first child, Mary Jane.
Isaac met Reverend Jarvis Buxton,
the Episcopal priest for Western North
Carolina. Buxton founded Freedman's
Chapel, a mission for newly freed
slaves. The Dicksons found a spiritual
home.
Through the church, Dickson met
Reverend David Buel. Buel hired him as
a butler. Dickson worked hard and
saved his money. In 1886, he purchased
the former slave quarters of Thomas
Patton.
As Dickson accumulated money, he
purchased a number of homes near his
own residence. He rented these houses
to others that had been slaves. Soon
the area became known as "Dicksontown."
As an experienced entrepreneur,
Dickson sold coal, kindling and
groceries. Although he and his wife
had 10 children, Isaac found time to
serve his community. On August 31,
1890, he hosted the first public
meeting for the Young Men's Institute.
The organization promoted social and
economic opportunities for African-
Americans. In addition to the YMI,
Dickson donated money regularly to
black colleges in North Carolina.
He helped found Venus Lodge No.
62, the first Masonic Lodge for
blacks in Asheville. He facilitated
the purchase of buildings on Market
Street and acted as their treasurer
for 25 years.
One of Dickson's greatest legacies
was his development of Asheville's
public-school system. Wealthy
residents sent their children to
private schools and didn't want to pay
taxes to support public education.
Former republican congressman
Richmond Pearson campaigned for public
schools. He urged black residents to
support the proposal. He promised a
black representative on the school
board and no sharp rise in taxes.
In July 1887, the black
community supported and passed the
proposal by a mere four votes.
Pearson kept his promise and appointed
Dickson to the school board.
In addition to his own
enterprises, Dickson worked as a
janitor for Frederick Rutledge &
Company,an insurance firm, until his
death in 1919 at age 78. He and his
family are buried in Riverside
Cemetery in Asheville.
Today, few Ashevillians know the
name Isaac Dickson. The YMI remains a
vital asset for blacks in Asheville.
Just outside the downtown area is Isaac
Dickson Elementary School, a living
tribute to him. It has been a leader
among elementary schools in the nation.
From slave to entrepreneur to educator,
Dickson was a man before his time. His
accomplishments helped Asheville rise
from pioneer days to a modern city in
the "Land of the Sky."
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Nice job. I loved the way you set it up too! Thank you.
God Bless~
God Bless you~