Nix, Hosea Abit, 1888-1959

Abit Nix (1888-1959), attorney, born in Jackson County, Georgia.

Hosea Abit Nix was born in Jackson County, Georgia on July 7, 1888 to John and Dora Nix. After graduating from the University of Georgia in 1911 with first honors, he went on to receive his LL.B. in 1912 and was admitted to the Georgia bar that same year. Nix then continued his graduate study at both the University of Chicago and Harvard from 1912 to 1913. On December 23, 1913, Nix married Eunice Little and over the course of their marriage the couple had two children. From 1913 to 1918, Nix was an associate professor of law and secretary at the University of Georgia Law School. Later, he served as a Regent for the University of Georgia system. After practicing law with Thomas J. Shackleford in Athens, Nix became associated wit the firm Erwin and Erwin, later to be renamed, Erwin, Erwin and Nix. He also went on to receive his LL.D. from Atlanta Law School in 1938. Nix was active politically as well. He ran unsuccessfully for governor against Eugene Talmadge in both 1932 and 1940. In 1940 he participated as a delegate to the Democratic National Convention in Chicago. In 1940 and 1948, he served as a member of the Electoral College. While Abit Nix's political career was short-lived, his collection provides insight into political campaigns in Georgia during this era. During the 1940 campaign, Nix focused primarily on issues rather than personalities. Although, Talmadge was known for his race-baiting tactics, Nix does not seem to have addressed the issue. He was oftern angered by Talmadge's maneuvers, however. On one such occasion, a fight erupted during a speech by Nix. Talmadge's presence amongst the crowd had apparently incited his supporters to such a level that Nix was drowned out by the noise. The two sides clashed and violence ensued. After his attempts for the governor's office were denied, Nix returned to his law practice where he remained until his death in 1958.