Alexander Dixon

Alexander Dixon was born in Kingston in 1852, and attended Mico College. He was a member of the Coke Methodist Church, where he taught in the Sunday School. He moved to Santa Cruz and set up business there.

He was elected to the St Elizabeth Parochial Board, and in 1899 was elected to represent the parish in the Legislative Council. He was supported in his political campaign by Dr Robert Love and the Jamaica Advocate. He was the first Black member of the national legislature, where he was a “fearless and out spoken” legislator.

After 1904 he moved to Kingston, but his business affairs did not go well. Nevertheless he continued to be involved in public affairs. He was a member of the City Council up to the time of his death. He was a much-valued supporter of the political campaigns of men such as H A L Simpson in Kingston, S A G Cox in St Thomas and F R Evans in Westmoreland. His support was an almost certain guarantee of electoral success.

He was a founder of the National Club and a driving force of the organisation for much of its existence. He was always a determined fighter for the rights of his fellow citizens and frequently used the steps of Coke Chapel to make his popular speeches on such issues.

During World War One he was active in the efforts to recruit men for the West India Regiment.

Alexander Dixon died in October 1917, at his home, “York House” on East Street. He had suffered a stroke, after being involved in a motor car accident on King Street.

At the time of his death the Daily Gleaner commented “ With the passing of Mr Dixon, the Colony’s public life has lost a well known figure, and his race a shining light.”