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Table of Contents
| Descriptive Summary |
| Collection Description |
| Administrative Information |
| Related Materials and Subjects |
| Series Descriptions and Folder Listing |
| I. Campaign 1940 |
| II. Personal 1907-1984 |
| A. University |
| B. Medical |
| C. General |
| III. Photographs 1980, undated |
| IV. Memorabilia 1911-1937 |
| V. Audiovisual Materials 1958 February 11 |
| VI. Additions: Margaret Ledbetter Nix |
Abit Nix Papers
Descriptive Summary | |
| Title: Abit Nix Papers | |
| Creator: Nix, H. Abit (Hosea Abit), 1888-1959 | |
| Inclusive Dates: 1907-1984 | |
| Language(s): English | |
| Extent: 11 box(es) (6.25 linear feet) including 1 audiovisual item | |
| Collection Number: RBRL105HAN | |
| Repository: Richard B. Russell Library for Political Research and Studies | |
| Abstract: The collection consists of papers of Hosea Abit Nix, a Georgia attorney (1888-1959), from 1907 to 1984 with the bulk from 1940 to 1956. Includes correspondence, clippings, written notes, and printed materials, the bulk of which document Nix's 1940 gubernatorial campaign against Eugene Talmadge. | |
Collection Description
Biographical Note
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 was a Regent for the University of Georgia system. After practicing law with Thomas J. Shackleford in Athens, Nix became associated with 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. That same year and again in 1948, he also 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 often 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, therefore, 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 1959.
Scope and Content
The Hosea Abit Nix Papers consist of files from Nix's life and political career, focusing on his unsuccessful bid for Governor of Georgia. The collection represents the years 1907 to 1984 and documents Nix's 1940 campaign as well as his days at the University of Georgia, his stay at Duke University Hospital, and his civic activities. The types of materials found in the collection include correspondence, printed materials, certificates and diplomas, clippings, photographs, and one audiotape.
Organization and Arrangement
The papers are divided into six series: I. 1940 Campaign, II. Personal, III. Photographs, and IV. Memorabilia, V. Audiovisual Materials and VI. Additions. The series are arranged chronologically and/or alphabetically by subject.
Administrative Information
Preferred Citation
Abit Nix Papers, Richard B. Russell Library for Political Research and Studies, University of Georgia Libraries, Athens, Georgia, 30602-1641.
Processing Notes
Clippings and thermofax papers have been copied onto bond paper for protection of content. Artifacts have been grouped separately by series for preservation.
User Restrictions
Library acts as "fair use" reproduction agent.
Copyright Information
Before material from collections at the Richard B. Russell Library may be quoted in print, or otherwise reproduced, in whole or in part, in any publication, permission must be obtained from (1) the owner of the physical property, and (2) the holder of the copyright. It is the particular responsibility of the researcher to obtain both sets of permissions. Persons wishing to quote from materials in the Russell Library collection should consult the Director. Reproduction of any item must contain a complete citation to the original.
Finding Aid Publication
Finding Aid prepared by Emily Thomasen, Anna Harris, & Jessica Wylie, 2000.
Addition of Series VI: Additions, 2023-12-11.
Related Materials and Subjects
Subject Terms
Related Collections in this Repository
Richard B. Russell, Jr. Collection