My Genealogy Hound

GEORGE W. HADDIX, proprietor of the Haddix Lime Kiln, is one of the oldest settlers of Mad River Township, Clark County, and in all respects a representative citizen. He came to this region during the early days and had a full experience of life on what was then the frontier. By the exercise of unflagging industry and perseverance, he accumulated a competence and is now independent, financially, solely through his own exertions. Besides the industry mentioned, he is the owner of one hundred and ninety-nine and one-half acres of choice land, occupying a portion of sections 23 and 29.

In noting the parental history of the subject of this sketch we find that he is the offspring of a substantial old family and the son of John Haddix, a native of Greenbrier County, in what is now West Virginia. The latter was born in 1791. The paternal grandfather, Nimrod Haddix, likewise a native of the Old Dominion, emigrated to the Territory of Ohio, in 1801, and located in Mad River Township. He, however, spent the most of his time with his son, John, on the farm which the latter entered from the Government. He enlisted in the War of 1812, but was compelled to return home on account of illness. He met his death accidentally in 1816. While pitching a load of hay the horses started and he fell backward to the ground, breaking his neck, from which death ensued at once.

The father and paternal grandfather of our subject traveled mostly on foot from Virginia to Ohio, having two pack horses to carry their cooking utensils and goods. John Haddix took up a tract of Government land comprising a farm, now occupied by his son George. He constructed a rude log house and commenced life in true pioneer stymie, tilling the soil with rude implements and persevering through every difficulty until at last he found himself on the high road to prosperity. He subsequently served in the War of 1812 and fought the Indians under Capt. Shingledecker. In the early days the nearest trading point and depot for supplies was the unimportant hamlet of Cincinnati. Mr. Haddix, in addition to farming, gave considerable attention to stock-raising. He was a skilled hunter, and when first coming to this section kept the family supplied with choice wild meats.

The father of our subject was successful in the accumulation of property and became the owner of four farms in Mad River Township, these aggregating in all four hundred and forty-four acres, besides eight hundred acres in Jasper County, Ind. As a result of a temperate life and correct habits, he was healthy and vigorous, with an iron constitution. His industry and energy scarcely forsook him until his death, in the spring of 1888, at the age of ninety-seven years. Until three months before this event he maintained his usual place with the family. He was a Whig until the abandonment of the old party and then identified himself with the Republicans.

The mother of our subject bore the maiden name of Sarah Cox. She was born in New Jersey and was the daughter of Judge John Cox, further mention of whom is made in the sketch of Mrs. E. S. Wallace on another page in this volume. Grandfather Cox spent his last years in Osborn. Mrs. Sarah (Cox) Haddix departed this life at her home in this township in 1869. She performed all her duties in life faithfully as wife, mother and friend, and died in the faith of the Methodist Episcopal Church. The seven children of the parental family were named respectively: Malinda, now Mrs. McCullough, and residing with her sons in Texas; William, John R., Nimrod, Sarah Mona and Maria, all deceased.

George Haddix, the subject of this notice, was next to the youngest of his parents’ children, and was born at the homestead where he now resides, September 16, 1828. He obtained such education as the primitive schools afforded, and at an early age was taught to make himself useful around the farm. He drove an ox-team, assisted in clearing the land and remained a member of the parental household until a young man of twenty-three years. He then began doing for himself, renting a portion of his father’s land, which he farmed on shares. He was taught by his father the art of hunting and brought down many a fine deer in his boyhood days, besides running foxes and treeing coons, he admits that he would rather hunt than eat any time.

Young Haddix, in 1854, leaving his native haunts, emigrated to Jasper County, Ind., and purchased two hundred acres of wild land. He operated upon it until 1861, making various improvements and bringing the soil to a good state of cultivation. Then selling out, he returned to Clark County, and locating upon one of his father’s farm, sojourned there for seven years. Then he removed to the old homestead, which fell to his share in the division of his father’s estate. Here likewise he has effected many improvements and has now three tenement houses, besides his own dwelling. The land is very fertile and Mr. Haddix has constructed a levee along Mad River, which at times was inclined to overflow its banks. This river is a never-failing stream, watered by three springs, which have been never known to run dry. The farm is located within one quarter of a mile of Osborn, being thus convenient to market, and Mr. Haddix makes a specialty of grain and stock, the latter comprising mostly graded cattle and swine. He utilizes four teams in the operations of the farm, and is now the father of four sturdy boys, who relieve him of much care and labor, by looking after the farm. In 1882 Mr. Haddix contracted with the Dayton Gas Company to furnish lime and has in operation a good kiln with a capacity of four hundred bushels.

One of the most interesting and important events in the life of our subject was his marriage, which was celebrated July 18, 1853, with Miss Harriet Casad, at the bride’s home, in Fairfield. Mrs. Haddix was born in Fairfield, and is the daughter of Reuben Casad and wife, who were natives of New Jersey and early settlers of Clark County. Mr. Casad was a blacksmith by trade, which he followed during his younger years, but later he turned his attention to farming. The nine children born of this union are recorded as follows: Clara B. became the wife of Frederick Thayers, who is now deceased, and she resides in Omaha, Neb.; Martin lives at the homestead and works a part of the farm; Lillie married Joseph Naden, and lives in Columbus, Ohio; Charles, Emma, Frank and George remain on the home farm; Jennie died when fourteen years old, and John died at the age of one year.

Mr. Haddix, politically, like his honored father, is a sound Republican. He takes an active interest in local affairs and frequently officiates as a delegate to the various conventions. He cares very little for office, although serving as Road Supervisor two years. Religiously, he belongs to the Lutheran Church.