The morning call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1878-1895, 1891-09-06

Is one of San Franchises leading citizens
and man who has always taken prom
inent part in the affairs of the National
Guard. He is a General of high degree
and wears his cooked hat and gold lace
with becoming dignity, and seldom carries
his sword in its scabbard-laid across his
arm as if il were very young infant. This
style of sword exercise is much affected by
certain members of the militia when they
pose for their pictures. But the General
sword that he feels perfectly safe in wearing
it at his side, and in walking while
it swings in rhythmic tune to his manly
stride. The Colonel is the pride of his
brigade, and makes very effective pic
ture at the head of his column. He is
man of fine physique. tall, well-developed.
and carries himself with military precision.
he was born at Parkersburg, Va, on the
Sth of ADril, 1S49, at time when many OF
the men with whom he has since associated
were starting from their homes for the
Golden Gate. He came to California in De-
cember, 1854. consequently he has grown up
to all intents and purposes California;
He taught school in his early youth, while
he was preparing himself for the profession
of the law.
He married the daughter of Mrs. Osgood
Putnam by former marriage, and he re-
sides with his family at his beautiful and
picturesque home in old Sausslito. 1t is
built upon the cliff, and must appear from
the water as most inaccessible and inse-
cure spot, which greatly enhances the
picturesque appearance of the place. The
building abOuHds in wide porches with un-
expected turns and comfortable chairs
and siesta suggesting hammocks. The
sides of the house are covered
with shingles, which guiltless OF paint
have been weather-stained by time into a
unique pattern of their own. On the Dick
insOn place stands stable and tank-house,
which from the distance looks like cam
panile, or a medieval clock tower. This
attractive residence has been the scene OF
many festvity during the season, for
both the gallant General and his charming
wife are fond of society, and entertain most
delightfully."-. When the General starts for
this city he does not walk the long and
crcuitous route past the Pacific Yacht Club
house, and through Hurricane Gulch, to
take the ferry-boat. Not so. The General
is rowed across from his own boat-house
and private wharf to the ferry and
there embarks. When about II the future
lawyer entered the Ohio Military Academy
at Cincinnati, where he studied about
year. He then returned to Oregon, his
nome at that time. In 1868 he entered st.
Augustine's College at Benicia as military
instructor, with the rank of Major, at the
same time continuing his study of the law.
He was admitted to practice by the Su-
preme Court in April, 1873, and soon after
ward opened law office in this city.
General Dickinson served with distinction
in the State Senate in 1SS0-S1, representing
the old Tenth Senatorial District. lie was
elected Captain of Company Il of the First
Infantry Regiment in 1879, and was re-
elected two years later, and in 1880, though
the Junior Captain, was elected Colonel OF
the regiment, which he commanded with
great ability, and recently was appointed
Brigadier-G General of the Second Brigade,