John T. Maddix

MADDIX, GUINN, HALL

Posted By: Fran Hunt, Volunteer
Date: 10/6/2001 at 09:13:14

From the Portrait and Biographical Album of Jefferson and Van Buren Counties – 1890
JOHN T. MADDIX
John T. Maddix has been engaged in the grocery business in Birmingham since 1887. He is a native of Holmes County Ohio, born October 13, 1843, his parents being Samuel and Harriet Guinn Maddix. When he was but three years old, the family came to the Territory of Iowa, settling in the forks of the Coon River, near Des Moines, where some two years later the death of the father occurred. Mrs. Maddix then removed with her family to Libertyville, Jefferson County, where she yet makes her home, having now reached the ripe old age of seventy-two years. She has been twice married since. By the first union there were seven children, four sons and three daughters, and by her second marriage a son was born.
John T. Maddix was the fourth in order of birth and like the other members of the family the only educational advantages which he received was such as the district schools of that day afforded. As soon as he was old enough he had to begin work that he might provide for his own maintenance. A lad of thirteen years, he started out in life to fight the battle with the world. He entered a mill in Birmingham, where he was employed until the breaking out of the war. Prompted by patriotism and a desire to show his loyalty by service in the field, though only seventeen years of age, he enrolled his name with the members of Company H, Third Iowa Cavalry, enlisting on August 9, 1861. Having served in southern Missouri until 1862, with his command he marched with the Union troops to Arkansas and participated in the capture of Little Rock. There having veteranized he came home on a furlough, at the expiration of thirty days again joined his command at Memphis Tennessee, following which he participated in the battles of Guntown and Tupelo Mississippi. Returning to St. Louis, the troops were then sent out after Price and on returning Mr. Maddix embarked on the ill-fated boat, “Maria” which was blown up at Carondelet. After some delay he went to Louisville Kentucky, where for a time he was detained by sore eyes. He was then sent to Keokuk, where he remained until the close of the war. He received his discharge at Davenport, August 9, 1865, after four years service.
Returning to his home, Mr. Maddix and an uncle soon afterwards purchased a sawmill at Unionton, Scotland County Missouri, but a year later he sold out and was employed as a salesman at that place. It was during his residence there that on August 28, 1866, he wedded Elizabeth Hall, a native of Scotland County. He then embarked in merchandising but giving credit too freely caused his failure. Again he returned to his old pursuit of milling, purchasing a mill, which he operated two years. In 1871, he returned to Iowa and for the succeeding two years engaged in milling in Selma after which he came to Birmingham where he was employed as sawyer for three years. In company with a gentleman he then purchased a mill and sawed ties for the railroad. Their partnership was at length dissolved, Mr. Maddix receiving as his share of the business the mill, which he afterwards sold for $1,800. In 1887, he opened the grocery store in Birmingham, which now takes rank among the leading establishments of its kind. He is the owner of the building and stock and has a good trade among the best class of people. Politically, Mr. Maddix is a Democrat and has served as city Alderman and in other local positions. Socially he is a member of the Grand Army of the Republic.
Three children have been born of the union of John T. Maddix and Elizabeth Hall, the eldest of whom, Alva L. is a barber of Birmingham; Minnie L. is the next younger and Endymion C. completes the family.
I am not related, and am only copying this for the information of those who might find this person in their family.