John D Haddox By Jahan Aman

In the mid 1800’s the United states’ Union was struggling to remain united. The North and South had disagreements about the tariffs, the expansion of slavery into the western territories, and debates of the state’s rights. The Northern states were called the Union, while the states south of Virginia called themselves the confederacy. The Southern States were afraid that President Lincoln would abolish slavery, so they seceded from the union, and became a new nation formally called the, Confederate States of America. Trying to prevent the division of the United States, President Lincoln promised that if the south would not comply, then force would be used. This struggle sparked the Civil War, the first battle of the Civil War occurred in Fort Sumter North carolina which officially set the beginning of the Civil War.

According to the 1850 census, John D haddox was young man, who lived in Rappahannock, Virginia. He was born In Virginia and lived a simple life on his family farm with his mother, Lenna, brother, Clinton, sister, Julia and their family friend William Dowden. Their father doesn't show up on any document so there was either a divorce among the parents or he past away. The family had to live under their single mother’s care. This shows that John’s childhood would have been more difficult considering this absence of the moral and physical support from their father. William was not part of the family, but lived with the Haddox family in their house, his job was to be the overseer of their farm. William’s role as the overseer was to watch over everyone working in the family farm. This means they could of had slaves working on the farm for William to watch. John along with his older brother, clinton were farmers. According to the 1850 census, by 1860 his siblings moved out, as well as the overseer, William. Living in the house only remained the 22 year old farmer, John D Haddox with his single mother.

The civil war began in 1861 and at this time John D Haddox was at the age of 23. Although he had absolutely no experience in combat or any type of military training, John accepted his duties as an american citizen and fought for his and his family’s beliefs in the civil war. John was called for the draft as soon as the civil war broke out, and called to fight for the south on the confederate’s side for Virginia. John D Haddox was enlisted on april 22 1861 at the age of 23. When he was enlisted he was entered at the rank of a private. He was enlisted in the Company B, Virginia 6th cavalry regiment. John fought furiously alongside his fellow confederates, but sadly was murdered on May 23, 1862 at the Battle of Front Royal. In the Battle of Front Royal general Stonewall Jackson led the confederate troops, including John D. Haddox, to successfully drive out the Union troops.

Although John D Haddox died in battle his contribution still hold throughout history. He was part of a famous war that brings fame to his name, for it shows the dedication and the drive United States citizens have to fight for what they believe in no matter what. He fought knowing the risks which is why he's a well respected soldier. But he didn't fight for fame nor respect, he fought for his home.

BIBLIOGRAPHY

1850 and 1860 Census from ancestry.com

https://secure.ancestry.com/Home/InstitutionLogin?clsrm=True

Overview and history section of www.Civilwar.org

Haddox family http://Familysearch.org

John Haddox